This June and July, students embarked on far-flung journeys to Bhutan and the Netherlands as part of their Senior Capstone courses.
The Himalayan Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan was the destination for one group, who took part in environmental-based service projects and learned about Buddhism’s role in daily life and education. The trip included visiting the giant Dordenma Buddha, planting trees, exploring temples, archery, school visits, home stays and a visit to Chelela Pass, the highest drivable point in Bhutan.
Another group traveled to the Netherlands for their Senior Capstone, experiencing Amsterdam and Rotterdam like natives by biking around town, visiting farmers markets and enjoying transportation via canal. New this year, the trip centered on sustainable and livable cities in partnership with the Netherlands’ Aspire Institute. Students visited sustainable housing developments, participated in gardening and took part in a trash cleanup. The trip highlighted the Netherlands as one of the most well-designed and sustainable countries per capita. Originally, the trip was intended to include Iceland, but due to volcanic activity during the planning phase, travel to Iceland was canceled.
