Winterim

This course is focused on creating and cultivating transformative leadership development experiences for OES student-athletes. In partnership with the internationally recognized program Beyond Sports, OES student-athletes will embark on a nine-day adventure to Costa Rica. This is a custom Beyond Sports program that combines sports, service learning, and global engagement. The group will travel to three different regions of Costa Rica, exposing students to the rich cultural and ecosystem diversity within the country. Multiple sports clinics with local youth in partnership with local athletes will allow students to immerse in local sports culture while furthering and enhancing their understanding of and experiences in the power of sports. There will also be time to explore some of the beautiful beaches and jungles with a surfing and ziplining excursion. Overall, a large component of the course will be focused on leadership development and reflection sessions, along with service learning events designed to encourage students to think critically about their role as global citizens.
Faculty Leaders: Melissa Smith, Nick Slenning, Paige Witte
Student Leaders: Cayton S., Sam S.
Cost: $3900
Dates: March 16–24
Number of Students: 15–18
Additional Information

Greece 2023 is a go! In partnership with WorldStrides, a global leader in student experiential education and immersive learning, this course is focused on all things Greece. Your OES years have prepared you for this course… The Iliad, Odysseus, the Trial and Death of Socrates, The Song of Achilles… you’ve heard about the bluest of blue waters, studied images of some of the oldest buildings in the world, you’ve read the tales of the Greek gods’ quarrels. We start in one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens, Greece, where we will walk and shop where the ancient Greeks walked 3500 years ago. We will visit the world-famous Acropolis Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, and many more temple architectural sites. We will eat traditional Greek cuisine, including delicious Moussaka, and will engage in a Greek dance lesson. From there we will sail on the Aegean sea visiting some of the beautiful islands in the Cyclades. Our trip winds down back on the mainland with a trip to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and finally, we will have the amazing opportunity to interact with the local community in Athens by engaging in a math class! 
Faculty Leaders: Liz Weiler, Asha Appel
Student Leaders: Mia F., Sophia M.
Cost: $4500
Dates: March 17–26
Number of Students: 14
Additional Information

In this course, students' learning outcomes will be built around constructing a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding of geothermal power. Iceland is heralded as being the only country that runs on 100% geothermal power. By exploring environmental regenerative practices, students will broaden and deepen their understanding of how geothermal energy is processed and used in innovative ways to maximize energy output. How will students do this?  
Part of the course will be exploring and learning about the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), a growing network of regenerative communities and initiatives that bridge cultures, countries, and continents. Students will seek to understand and learn from perspectives beyond their own by spending time working with GEN, which catalyzes communities for a regenerative world. Just outside Reykjavik the group will visit a power plant and get an in-depth look at how geothermal energy is processed. This power plant is located at Hengill, an active volcanic ridge in southwest Iceland. Additionally, this course explores how natural hot springs help grow tomatoes all year long and hear a brief history of the Icelandic horses! Come and join us as we listen, collaborate and learn from an inspirational community committed to regenerative practices!
Faculty Leaders: Carmen Boyle and Maria McIvor
Student Leaders: Christine Z., Sean M.
Cost: $4500
Dates: March 16–23
Number of Students: 10–12
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Pourquoi Martinique? As a focused French language learning and immersion course, we will dive in and experience a dynamic island culture while practicing our everyday French. In partnership with Vamonos, a leader in regional immersive student experience, we will be afforded the opportunity to explore how Martinique stands at the intersection of French colonialism, independence, and Caribbean culture. On this eight day course, we’ll use our French language skills in new and practical ways as we visit historic museums, participate in a Marintique cuisine cooking class, or even check out how a local organic banana farm operates. These adventures, led and facilitated by our local guides, will give us an insider's look at this island’s art and food scene, as well as explore its unique natural landscape that includes volcano hikes, coral reef snorkeling, waterfall hikes, and a sunset paddle. Every day also affords us some time to enjoy the island’s famous beaches and local cafes, all of which invite us to practice our real world French. This course is open to students with a background in French or who have taken year two or above. Viens avec nous! 
Faculty Leaders: Katrina Perry, Autumn Apperson
Student Leaders: Kaitlyn O.
Cost: $4300–$4500 Depending on final enrollment numbers
Dates: March 16–24  +/- 1 day for travel flexibility
Number of Students: 12–16
Additional Information

From K-pop to the Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ and the Oscar success of the film Parasite, South Korea's pop culture is conquering the world. Winterim in South Korea gives students an opportunity to visit South Korea with an emphasis on exploring its unique history and its current position in global culture. By partnering with WorldStrides, a global leader in student experiential education and immersive learning, students will learn about and visit a variety of South Korean museums and monuments including the Gyeongbok Palace, National Folk Museum visit, Insadong Cultural Street, and Namdaemun open-air market. Another highlight of the course is spending the day in Busan, which is known for its stellar beaches, Buddhist Temples and hiking trails. Students will also travel to the Korean Demilitarized Zone where they will see firsthand the barrier that separates North and South Korea. This historic and contemporary landmark includes an observatory that allows them to get as close to North Korea as possible. In addition to visiting key sites in South Korea, students will learn about aspects of Korean culture such as food, fashion and popular culture. Elements of the trip may be customized to take advantage of a unique list of OES contacts that afford our group special access and insights into Korean historic and cultural locations and experiences.
Faculty Leaders: Ed Cecere, Gowri Meda, Stephanie Portman
Student Leaders: Serena S., Lydia C., Jun L.
Cost: $4500 
Dates: March 17–26
Number of Students: 18
Additional Information