July 16: Airport Hotel
If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, one of your leaders will meet you at the hotel and stay overnight with the group. We will send you an email one week prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation and instructions on how to meet your leader.
July 17: Arrival Day, New York, NY
Former Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin will join the group for this day to share insight and participate in pre-trip discussions. After your arrival, transfer from the hotel to a nearby campus to meet with Governor Shumlin and hear about his experiences creating policies to address climate change, attending the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Paris, and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the U.S. and the world. With the help of policymakers, activists, and experts, learn about various grassroots initiatives and discuss the effects of climate change on a local and global level before we transfer back to the hotel to collect our luggage and fly to Morocco.
July 17: Travel Day, New York to Marrakesh
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
July 18 – 20: Marrakech
Your program begins in Marrakech, where you will have orientation and get to know your group. Visit the night market of Djemaa-El-Fna—Marrakech’s central square, known as the “greatest spectacle on earth”—to witness snake charmers, fortune-tellers, and street performers. Sample local flavors such as tagine, couscous, kebabs, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, and sweet mint tea. Lay a foundation for the rest of your trip as you learn about initiatives in Morocco supporting clean energy and local agriculture. Take a break from the chaotic city center and retreat to the botanical garden of Jardin Majorelle, which has a mix of Art Deco and Moorish features as well as an incredible Berber museum.
July 21 – August 2: Zawiya Ahansal
Work together with the local community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects. Evenings are spent bonding as a group and immersing ourselves in the local culture through activities and events, such as interviewing the village sheikh over mint tea, learning Tamazight and Arabic from our local friends, or playing soccer with students from the elementary school. Go on a 3-night camping trek in the mountains with your group and local guides. Throughout your time in the village, talk with locals about how climate change has affected their livelihoods, observe different villages approaches to adapt to the shifting environment, and gain an understanding of community members’ relationship to the land and how it compares to your own.
August 3 – 5: Essaouira
Travel west by private bus to the small fishing port of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Walk through argan groves to learn about these endemic trees and their impact on Morocco’s cultural history. Cap off your journey by perusing the vibrant souks of this ancient walled town.
August 6: Return Day, Marrakesh to New York
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
August 6: Airport Hotel
One of your leaders will stay overnight with the group. If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, we will send you an email one week prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation.