Simpson College students are counting down the days until their upcoming May Term travel classes and preparing to visit new places to learn more beyond the classroom. 

For students, the travel courses mean a fun new experience; however, the behind the scenes of these trips involves more technicalities than most students realize. 

The May Term travel courses for this semester include Italy, Czechia, Croatia, Germany, Greece, India, Mexico and Peru. 

The work to determine these locations and trip details starts far in advance, as it begins one and a half to two years beforehand. 

International studies plan by considering academic focus, feasibility of student interest, fiscal sustainability and affordability for students. 

Director of International Education and Study Abroad, John Cardamone, shared the hopes for students with the abroad programs. 

“I would like students to go to less traveled places,” Cardamone said. “The student body from Simpson is a relatively risk averse population … Students don’t really want to go to Africa or Southeast Asia or certain parts of Latin America like other student populations I’ve worked with.”

Cardamone explained this is something they must consider when planning future travel courses, as it helps them understand what kinds of travel arrangements and academic approaches will work in each destination. 

One of these academic angles for this semester is the “Greece, Gods, and Government” class led by associate professor of political science, Adrienne Gathman and history professor Rebecca Livingstone.

The class is headed to Athens, Kalamata and Nafplio in Greece, and will focus on the historical and political perspectives of the country and culture.

Sophomore history and education studies major, Tristan Blair, spoke about his excitement for the upcoming trip. 

“This is my first time ever going outside of the United States,” Blair said. “I’m going to be a history teacher … And I can tell a first-hand account of my time on this trip … I saw it as an opportunity to maybe make it an interesting story for my future students.” 

However, concerns about travel and other uncertainties often follow this excitement. Many students worry about travel costs, safety, the impact of geopolitical events, flight routes and contingency plans in case an arrangement falls through.

Blair expressed some of these concerns.

“I do kind of worry about rising conflict with Iran in the area … You just never know what could happen with the world we’re living in today,” Blair said.

Blair was able to receive some scholarship assistance, but shared that costs had predominantly come out of pocket; monetary concerns are often what held students back from choosing a traveling May Term course.

Cardamone acknowledged these fears but shared that his experiences within this field have sharpened his perspectives on issues such as governmental shutdowns, TSA difficulties, rising fuel prices and international conflict and war. 

“Sadly, I’ve been doing this long enough to become accustomed to this copy paste ‘B.S.’” Cardamone said. “We go through this every few years.” 

He explained that part of his job is to determine and stay updated on flight patterns, backup plans and safety procedures, so these complications are something he monitors regularly.

“Flights as far as the Iranian war – not a concern. That has already been addressed. I look at it daily just to make sure that I can keep up on all of that,” Cardamone said.   

Cardamone also said all fees, contingency plans and safety protocols are taken into account for students. There are no surprises for students following their registration and trip beyond potential travel events or student endeavors beyond their control. 

Cardamone shared an update on a new deposit process that the program will be moving to once accepted by the college. 

Previously, students were required to make a $200 deposit by December before the spring semester to encourage student buy-in and reduce drop rates. Now, the program is looking at the same $200 deposit once accepted into the trip, plus another $300 deposit in December. 

This way, Cardamone explained, students have already put in $500 before the spring semester starts. 

The goal for this update is to maintain student commitment and avoid last-minute withdrawals, where a refund is often limited depending on the drop time. 

Cardamone emphasized that the $500 is part of the trip costs, and that the $300 is not an additional fee, but a larger initial portion of the cost required sooner. 

Beyond the concerns and worries of May Term travel courses, Cardamone highlighted the value of these experiences. 

“I want you to go abroad to push yourself outside your comfort zone,” Cardamone said. “Fail and fail immensely so that you can realize that failing isn’t a bad thing. It’s an opportunity for growth and to learn. That can be the greatest thing for you as you become an adult and a professional in the field.”