Academic Travel 2027

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We are thrilled to be bringing back Academic Travel in Summer 2027 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 2026-27 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.
  • Application Deadline is October 20, 2026.
  • 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.

China (and South Korea) – Language and Culture

  • Trip Leaders: Angelica Murphy, Betty Bienert
  • Cost: $7800-$9200 depending on airfare and enrollment
  • Dates: June 11-27, 2027
  • Current Classes: VIII-XII
  • Group size: 10-21 students
  • Description: Immerse yourself in East Asian culture and language! In the spirit of this year’s theme, “Explore,” the China-Korea trip gives students a hands-on immersion in East Asia through language, history, political dynamics, technology, and the arts. Students will build their communication skills through 10 hours of level-tailored Mandarin Chinese classes, along with a real-world look at history and modern geopolitics as we visit Shanghai, Xi’an, Beijing, and Seoul. Our landmark highlights include going up to the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the DMZ. Local cultural experiences include cooking regional dishes, dressing in traditional attire, attending live art performances, and exploring K-pop. Our goal is to give students an incredible opportunity to explore new perspectives, practice their language skills, and experience the world firsthand.
Application Form

Art/Photo in Northern Scotland

  • Trip Leaders: Nathan Florence, Andrew Patteson, Heidi Somsen, Other faculty members depending on enrollment
  • Cost:  $5000-$6500 depending on airfare and enrollment
  • Dates: June 19-29, 2027
  • Current Classes: VIII-XII
  • Group Size: 8-12 students
  • Description: Create art “off the grid” in a remote Scottish lodge nestled in a glen – next to a loch! Make daily excursions to scenic locations and historical sites where your artmaking – whether it is painting, drawing, sculpture, or photography – will be inspired by white sand beaches, mountains, small fishing villages, abandoned castles, and sheep farms. Visit local art studios and meet other artists. We will make art each day with guidance from trip leaders and meet each evening in the lodge to share supportive feedback about the work of the day. We’ll also travel to the outer islands by ferry and visit the ancient Calainish Standing Stones, traditional tweed weavers and historic sites.
Application Form

England – Football Culture

  • Trip Leaders: Jeannie Cramer, Stuart Owens, Maddie Seamans, Other faculty members depending on enrollment
  • Cost: $7300-$8300 depending on airfare and enrollment
  • Dates: June 18-29, 2027
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group size: 9-18 students
  • Description: Experience football culture in England! Visit iconic stadiums and professional facilities and participate in soccer training sessions with the “goal“ of understanding the sport and its connection to the people of England. Students will also experience the broader culture and history of London, Manchester, and Brighton. This is not a competitive soccer team trip – no previous experience is required. Anyone interested in understanding the sport better is invited to experience English football firsthand!
Application Form

Nepal – Service, Culture and Connections

  • Trip Leaders: Amy Dolbin, Tim Dolbin, Other faculty members depending on enrollment
  • Cost: $6200-$7600 depending on airfare and enrollment
  • Dates: June 12-23, 2027
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group size: 9-18 students
  • Description: Discover Nepal through a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines meaningful service, cultural immersion, adventure, and exploration. Work alongside a local school on a sustainable campus improvement project, connect with Nepali students and teachers, and lead interactive lessons on environmental conservation, global warming, plastic pollution, and personal hygiene. Beyond the classroom, experience everyday Nepali culture through language lessons, traditional cooking, yoga, dance, local markets, and cultural performances. Then adventure into Nepal’s natural and historic treasures—from a wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park to visits with the Indigenous Tharu community and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, Bhaktapur, and Changu Narayan. This unforgettable experience gives students the opportunity to make a difference, step outside their comfort zone, build global connections, and see a remarkable part of the world in a way few travelers ever do. More information here.

    We will hold information sessions for anyone who may be interested on these dates:
    Thurs 08 October: 12pm MST
    Wed 14 October: 6pm MST
Application Form

US Outdoor Summer Term 2027: Catalina Island Quest

  • Trip Leaders: Ally Siegel, Will Eberle, additional Outdoor Program faculty
  • Cost: $4,000-5,000 depending on enrollment
  • Dates: June 9th-19th
  • Current Classes: IX-XII
  • Group Size: 8-12 students
  • Description: The Waterford Outdoor Program is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join your classmates for an unforgettable adventure! After spending three days learning introductory scuba skills locally, we will catch a scenic ferry from Long Beach, California, across the blue Pacific to Avalon on Catalina Island. Upon arrival, we’ll dive right into a thrilling, multi-day PADI scuba certification course while camping under the stars at Hermit Gulch Campground. Once we’ve mastered the underwater world, a boat shuttle will take us to Two Harbors, where we’ll embark on an epic 3-day, 2-night backpacking trek along the iconic Trans-Catalina Trail. Come experience Catalina’s unique island ecology, build leadership and teamwork skills, and deepen your connections with classmates—all within this stunning coastal landscape.
Application Form

MS Outdoor Summer Term 2027: Catalina Island Adventure!

  • Trip Leaders: Linden Jones, Andy Gill, additional Outdoor Program faculty
  • Cost: $4,000-5,000 depending on enrollment
  • Dates: June 15th-26th
  • Current Classes: VII-VIII
  • Group Size: 8-12 students
  • Description: The Waterford Outdoor Program is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join your classmates for an unforgettable adventure! After spending three days learning introductory scuba skills locally, we will catch a scenic ferry from Long Beach, California, across the blue Pacific to Avalon on Catalina Island. Upon arrival, we’ll dive right into a thrilling, multi-day PADI scuba certification course while camping under the stars at Hermit Gulch Campground. Once we’ve mastered the underwater world, a boat shuttle will take us to Two Harbors, where we’ll embark on an epic 3-day, 2-night backpacking trek along the iconic Trans-Catalina Trail. Come experience Catalina’s unique island ecology, build leadership and teamwork skills, and deepen your connections with classmates—all within this stunning coastal landscape.
Application Form

Questions About
Waterford Travel Programs

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