In the summer blockbuster movie Angels & Demons, fictional Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon explored the history of Rome to unravel a sinister plot from a secret society. In March, many of Cottey’s second-year class explored the history of Rome as well, but not to uncover a mystery. Instead they went to Florence and Rome to learn about the history, culture, art, and cuisine of Italy.

The spring break trip to a European city has been a Cottey tradition for ten years, but for the first time ever, students had an option between the European trip and an alternate destination. Ten students chose to go on a two-week trip to New Zealand. This alternate trip was led by Cottey professors Karen Polon and Kathy Taylor.

Ciao, Italia
This was the second year Cottey traveled to Italy and split the week between the two cities. The first three days were spent in Florence exploring the Renaissance art and history of this beautiful city. Faculty-led educational modules included trips to the Galleria Accademia, the Pitti Palace, the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, and one group took a bike tour through the Tuscan countryside. All Cottey participants took a tour of the Ufizzi Gallery and had the opportunity to see some of the world’s most renowned art work.

One of the highlights for many students was discovering the joy of Italian gelato and, of course, Italian pizza! Within the first 24 hours, many students were sporting Italia jackets they had purchased from street vendors as they walked along enjoying their gelato.

A special treat was a visit from Cottey alumna Nan McElroy ‘74, who is a resident of Venice. McElroy is the author of two travel guides, one on Italy in particular, and she agreed to take the train from Venice to Florence to meet with current students, faculty, and staff. She spent over an hour in the hotel lobby with students answering several questions about traveling and living in Italy before joining faculty and staff members for dinner that evening. (Look for a feature on McElroy in the next issue of the Viewpoint.)

In Rome, modules covered the gamut from the artwork of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (especially pertinent with so many of his works featured in Angels & Demons) to the Coliseum and Palatine Hill. All participants also took a tour of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

G’day New Zealand The first alternative trip was also a two elective credit course. IDS 201 Step Into the World: New Zealand met every week through March and involved course work, research, and a visit to New Zealanders in the Nevada, Missouri, area who operate a dairy farm. Following the trip, students had to complete a writing assignment, photo exhibit, or other presentation to the campus community.

Students on this trip visited both the North and South Islands and the cities of Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington, as well as Tongariro National Park. In addition to visiting sites and enjoying free time, students also attended lectures at local universities on environment and current events in New Zealand.

This trip was a bit different from the European trip in scope, length, and expense. The College pays for the expenses of second-year students to attend the European excursion. The trip to New Zealand exceeded that per capita expense. Cottey provided the same level of financial support
to those students who chose to visit New Zealand, but they were responsible for making up the difference between the subsidized amount and the actual cost.

Despite that, the trip was so successful and popular that approximately 20 students expressed interest in the New Zealand trip for 2010. Additional alternative trips may be planned in the near future as well to address the interests of students and faculty members.

The Cottey New Zealand trip was a fantastic experience for me. Not only did we get to spend two full weeks in one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it gave us a chance to have closer friendships with our fellow Cottey students. This trip was incredible. In two short weeks I bungee jumped off a bridge, went base jumping off the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, rappelled down waterfalls at night, took a snorkeling tour of the Goat Island Marine Reserve, experienced traditional Maori culture, went hiking in breathtaking national parks, went on a seal adventure, and even saw live Kiwi birds! (Whew!) Our group also had the privilege to listen to several different lectures at universities across the North Island about the current issues facing today’s New Zealanders. We even got to meet up with a recent Cottey graduate! I am very grateful for this opportunity that Cottey has given me, and after this experience, I hope to someday not only return to New Zealand, but live there!
Chelsea Jones