Liberal Studies students and faculty cohort in Paris
Experiencing History and Culture Abroad
Seeing the sunrise between the looming boulders at Stonehenge. Learning about the ancient Druids. Standing atop the Eiffel Tower and witnessing the Mona Lisa’s smirk. Paying homage to the resilience and perseverance of the persecuted at the Anne Frank House. Absorbing the beauty of brilliant colors and epic landscapes at the Van Gogh Museum. These are just some of the many activities the Liberal Studies students experienced while studying abroad this year.
Christina Bailey sharing her Indigenous heritage at Stonehenge
APU student Christina Bailey shares her excitement about visiting Stonehenge:
As the days grew closer and it came time to go to Stonehenge, my heart was filled with joy. When we got there, it was magical for me. I wanted to rub my eyes, slap my face, or pinch myself that I was actually there—a Native village girl like me, thinking for the longest time that I would never leave the comfort of my own surroundings in the village to ever have this opportunity to be at Stonehenge. As I love history and old historic districts, and anything ancient, I realized that I was standing in a place where people gathered thousands of years ago for rituals and celebrations. I felt an overwhelming sense of the passage of time. Generations upon generations have come and gone. It really is a truly magical place.
The Unique APU Block Course Experience
Alaska Pacific University offers Block Courses, month-long immersive courses that take place at the start of the fall and spring semesters. This year, Liberal Studies students traveled to Paris, London, and Amsterdam. While the group explored key historical and cultural sites together, students also had the freedom to explore independently with a friend.
APU student Sarah Miles smiles in a square in Amsterdam
David Onofrychuk, an APU associate professor and director of the Master’s in Fine Arts, reflects on the experience, “I think that the students experienced a greater sense of independence and really embraced the trip as their opportunity to engage other cultures. They took that very seriously and have gone home with memories that will last the rest of their life.”
Independent Adventures and Cultural Connections
The reliquary of the Crown of Thorns, designed by French Artist Sylvain Dubuisson, in Notre-Dame
Beyond scheduled excursions, students had the opportunity to explore on their own. Some visited the Palace of Versailles, the Catacombs, and Notre Dame. Others took canal tours in Amsterdam or explored the Rijksmuseum, marveling at masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt.
APU student Crystal Cooper reflects on the transformative nature of traveling:
I strongly believe that leaving the comfort of home for the uncertainties abroad brings growth. You learn new things, you learn how other people in the world operate. You learn about different cultures and the history about the grounds you walk on. Your mind’s intelligence grows, but so do you as a person. You have more stories to tell and you learn more about yourself.
The Joy of Shared Meals
While the cultural excursions were the main focus of the trip, students and faculty alike found joy in the simple moments—particularly at dinner, where they gathered to share stories and reflect on their experiences.
APU student Cadence Cedars shares, “The highlight of the trip for me was the dinners we shared. I enjoyed watching everyone become more familiar with each other, and those evening conversations gave the day a sense of closure.”
Preparing for the Journey
The London Eye, the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000.
Before departure, students spent a week engaging with literature and media related to the destinations. During their eleven days abroad, they immersed themselves in history, culture, and art, closing the Block Course with a few days of reflection stateside.
They watched films like Midnight in Paris, Loving Vincent, and The Queen, and read Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation along with The Uncommon Reader, a novel imagining Queen Elizabeth II’s discovery of a deep love for books.
A Journey to Remember
Through history, art, and personal exploration, APU’s Liberal Studies students walked away with a deeper understanding of the world and themselves—carrying stories, lessons, and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
