Over Fall Break, a World Civilizations II class from Central Piedmont traveled to SΓ£o Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, for an unforgettable study abroad experience. βοΈπ
π What They Learned
Students explored the 225-year relationship between the United States and the Azores, delving into:
- The impact of U.S. industrialization, whaling, and trade on Azorean livelihoods
- How immigration and diplomacy shaped the economic development of the islands
- The Azoresβ transformation into a hub for ecotourism and sustainable development
πΏ Connecting with Nature
The itinerary highlighted the Azoreansβ deep connection to nature and their commitment to sustainability. Students participated in activities like:
- Whale and dolphin watching π
- Touring a milk factory, pineapple farm, and Europeβs only tea plantation ππ΅
- Visiting volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs, and waterfall-filled mountains πποΈ
- Snorkeling in the crater of an ancient volcano π€Ώ
- Experiencing an historic farm day π
ποΈ Hands-On Cultural Experiences
The group also enjoyed:
- A pottery workshop πΊ
- A traditional Azorean cooking class π³
- Plenty of delicious meals featuring local flavors π₯
π§ Mindfulness Meets Global Learning
Fittingly, the many immersive nature experiences paired perfectly with the groupβs introductory mindfulness practices. Later this semester, students will complete projects analyzing how their travels align with a Sustainable Development Goal through an historical lens.
This trip was a powerful blend of history, culture, and sustainability, giving students a global perspective that will last a lifetime! πβ¨