Academic Travel 2025

We are thrilled to be bringing back Academic Travel in Summer 2025 to offer a variety of learning experiences for Middle and Upper School students. Waterford’s Academic Travel offers an exciting array of opportunities to learn in the context of diverse cultures and historically significant places. Information about these trips is given below. Please note the following important items:

  • Grade levels are the grade in which your child is currently enrolled for the 2024-25 school year.
  • To enroll, fill out the relevant application form linked below. A separate application is required for each course.
  • Completing the application form represents a firm commitment to participate in that course. Before applying, please check your summer schedule for conflicts.
  • Tuition for Academic Travel trips will be billed in two parts: 1) A deposit (50% of total cost). 2) The balance due in a later billing period. Please see the payment schedule in the description of each trip. Note that tuition is given as a range of costs, and is dependent on the number of participants, airfare costs, exchange rates, etc. Once tuition is firmly established, the information will be promptly conveyed to participating families.

Life and Adventure on the French Riviera (French Language Trip)

  • Trip Leaders: Ms. Willardson
  • Cost: $7800-8700
    50% non-refundable deposit due in December and the balance due in March.
  • Dates: June 16-29, 2025
  • Current Classes: X-XII
  • Group size: 10-20 students
  • Description: Join us on a French language (FR2 to AP French) trip to Southern France! Immerse yourself in the French language and practice speaking daily. See lavender fields, vineyards, almond and olive groves, charming villages and historic towns with colorful architecture reflecting the Mediterranean spirit. Enjoy vistas that inspired Van Gogh and historical treasures like the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Experience local markets and culinary delights during warm sunny days and mild evenings. Overall, the beauty of Provence lies in its harmonious blend of nature, history, and culture, creating an atmosphere that captivates all who visit.
Application Form

Greece: A Modern Odyssey

  • Trip Leaders: Dr. Anderson
  • Cost: $8400-9000
    50% non-refundable deposit due in October and the balance due in January.
  • Dates: June 16-27, 2025
  • Current Classes: VIII – IX
  • Group Size: 10-18 students
  • Description: This year we will be exploring the Peloponnese, tracing the history of some of Greece’s most well known historical periods in our own modern Odyssey. We will start in Nafplio, home of the first capital of modern Greece and the location of the rebirth of Greek democracy during the Greek revolution. We will tour the adjacent archaeological sites of Epidaurus, an ancient theater complex where visitors came for both entertainment and healing, and the ruins of Mycenae, known for its role in the Odyssey and architecture that was said to be built by the Cyclops. From there we will travel down the fingers of the Morea, stopping in the Byzantine castle city of Monemvasia and exploring the caves of Diros in Gytheio. We will then turn to Sparta, ancient rival of Athens, and Olympia, the original home of the Olympic games, to explore the role of competition in the founding of Greek civilization. Our trip will end in Athens, where we will explore both ancient and modern sites, including the Acropolis and the Houses of Parliament. We will cap our trip with a catamaran cruise to the island of Aegina before heading home. Along the way we will have plenty of opportunity to try local food, make our own olive oil, and learn about a culture and country that has contributed so much to the Liberal Arts that are the foundation of Waterford.
Application Form

Perú: Exploring the Culture of the Sun (Spanish Language Trip)

  • Trip Leaders: Ms. Sheets
  • Cost: $5500-6400
    50% non-refundable deposit due in November and the balance due in January.
  • Dates: June 13-26, 2025
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group size: 11-15 students
  • Description: Come study abroad in Perú to gain an understanding of the history, culture, and diverse habitats of the Inca empire. Come with us to explore the rugged Andes Mountains, the picturesque Pacific Ocean coastline in Lima, and the stunning shapes of the Nazca lines. As you walk among the cobblestone streets of Cusco or the colonial streets in Lima you will have the opportunity to interact with locals in Spanish and hear the Incas dialect “Quechua”, listen to pan-flute music and observe traditional clothing too. You will try new foods, experience traditional songs, dances and be a participant of one of the most important cultural events: the “Inti Raimy festival, known as the Festival of the Sun. Join us to visit Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and Discover Peru’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.
Application Form

Swiss Alps Hut-to-Hut Adventure

  • Trip Leader: Ms. Siegel, Mr. Joslin, Mr. Watkins
  • Cost: $6800-8700
  • Dates: July 14-23, 2025
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group size: 8-12
  • Description: The Waterford Outdoor Program is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join your classmates for an unforgettable adventure in Switzerland! Our journey will begin in Interlaken, a town rightfully known as the adventure capital of Europe. Nestled between two bright blue glacial lakes, Interlaken is also a gateway to the Jungfrau region of the Swiss Alps. After a couple days spent biking, swimming, and learning more about the area we will head into Lauterbrunnen Valley to begin a four day, hut-to-hut backpacking trip. We’ll hike through green hillsides filled with wildflowers and mountain passes covered in glaciers, with swiss cheese and chocolate to fuel us. Come experience the Swiss approach to environmental management, build leadership and teamwork skills, and deepen your connections with classmates, all in this stunning landscape.
Application Form

MS Outdoor Uinta Backpacking Experience

  • Trip Leader: Ms. Sheffield, Ms. Stewart
  • Cost: $500-700
  • Dates: Aug. 4-8, 2025
  • Current Classes: VII-VIII
  • Group size: 8-12
  • Description: The Waterford Outdoor Program is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join your classmates in the amazing Uinta Mountains next summer! Join Ms. Sheffield and Ms. Stewart as we travel to the high-elevation lakes and valleys of the Uinta Mountains for a true wilderness adventure. We will begin the trip by rock climbing on quartzite off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. We will then camp nearby and prepare for the 4 day backpacking portion of the trip. With packs packed, we’ll head into Naturalist Basin, learning wilderness backpacking and leadership skills along the way. We’ll spend time exploring the lakes and mountains nearby, and students will have the chance to learn and practice navigation using a map and compass. We will enjoy dark skies for stargazing, wildflowers, swimming, and amazing views. Join your fellow students for an adventure-filled week!
Application Form

Anticipated Travel 2026

  • Coming Soon

Questions About
Waterford Travel Programs

If you have questions about a specific trip, please contact the Trip Leader.

Travel 2023

  • Greece: Theater, Philosophy, and Culture
  • Japan: History, Culture, Core Values

Travel 2022

  • Upper School Shakespeare and Hiking in Southern Utah – 2022
  • France: Language Immersion and Culture in Provence
  • Singapore: Culture and History 2022
  • Italy: Ancient Rome and the Renaissance – 2022
  • US/MS Outdoor: Canoeing in the Boundary Waters

Travel 2020

  • Culture and Community Service in Guatemala

Travel 2018-19

Travel with Summer Term in 2019 gave students memorable, even life-changing experiences. We express thanks to Faculty who designed and led these trips and to the families whose support made these trips possible.

  • Spring Break Humanitarian Service in Kolkata, India
  • Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
  • Choir Tour to South Africa
  • A History of Scotland: Vikings, Wallace, and the Bonnie Prince
  • Art and Culture in England, Denmark and Sweden
  • Outdoor Program: Escalante Expedition
  • Outdoor Program: Alaska: Majestic McCarthy
  • Outdoor Program: Ouray Ice Climbing