INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
Graphic by Evelyn Kim ’25/The Choate News
Photo courtesy of Odie Adelson-Grodberg ’26
Seville, Spain
Several Choate students taking Spanish traveled abroad to Seville, Spain during the fall term. The city offered immersive cultural opportunities such as visits to Moorish palaces, Renaissance gardens, world-famous ceramic tiles, and operas like Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro. Students connected with locals, improved their Spanish language skills, and participated in traditional festivals and events.
Photo courtesy of Camila Granda ’25
Toulouse, France
Choate students studying the French language had the opportunity to spend the fall term abroad in Toulouse, France. The immersive experience of living with a local family, exploring the city’s narrow streets, admiring water views of the Garonne River, and experiencing traditional Occitan dances left a lasting impression. Students broadened their cultural horizons, earned credits for a variety of subjects, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Graphic by Evelyn Kim ’25/The Choate News
Photo courtesy of Andrew van Dyke ’25
Madaba, Jordan
Choate students taking Arabic had the opportunity to spend their fall term at King’s Academy, a coeducational boarding and day school in Madaba, Jordan. The term-long program aimed to immerse students in intensive Arabic conversation, expose them to Middle Eastern values and lifestyles, and integrate classroom learning with cultural experience.
Photo courtesy of Reagan Colton ’24
Rome, Italy
During the fall term, several Choate students embarked on a term abroad at St. Stephen’s School in Rome, Italy. Passionate teachers contributed to the enriching experience by providing individualized attention to students. Outside the classroom, students explored the city’s many landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods, gaining a deeper understanding of Italian culture and society.
Graphic by Evelyn Kim ’25/The Choate News
Photo courtesy of @gochoate on Instagram
Cape Town, South Africa
Accompanied by Science teacher Dr. Selena Gell and Director of Counseling Ms. Raynetta Gibbs, several Choate students traveled to Cape Town, South Africa, from March 1-10. They learned about the country’s history of Apartheid and its impacts on wealth inequality and public health disparities in the region. Students also collaborated with the environmental organization Greenpop by planting indigenous plants and learning about native ecosystems.
Photo courtesy of @gochoate on Instagram
Old Havana, Cuba
From March 1-9, a cohort of Choate students traveled to Cuba alongside Director of Faculty Development and Arts teacher Dr. Jessica Cuni, Sixth-form Dean and History Teacher Dr. Yaser Robles, and History teacher Ms. Abby Kandel. They explored Cuban art, culture, and history through salsa dancing, cooking workshops, and tours of historic sites like Old Havana and the José Martí Memorial.
SPEAKERS
Photo courtesy of Ms. Ellen Devine
Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza
On September 26, Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza, a transgender and Latine public scholar, spoke to students about how they can bridge the radical difference between separated communities with the power of storytelling, diversity, and individuality. A theologian, he also shared insights on the intersections between spirituality and activism.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Ms. Aimee Nezhukumatathil
University of Mississippi’s English and Creative Writing professor Ms. Aimee Nezhukumatathil, author of Choate’s 2023 summer reading book, World of Wonders, discussed her fascination with the unique plants and animals in the natural world, as well as her Filipino and Malayali Indian background.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Mr. Chris George
Mr. Chris George, Executive Director of New Haven’s Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), spoke to the Choate community about the organization’s work on November 14. Mr. George explained the struggles refugees face transitioning to their new communities and encouraged students to volunteer with IRIS.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Dr. Todd Boyd
On January 15, Mr. James “Maestro J” Racine’s opening performance and Dr. Todd Boyd’s keynote address introduced this year’s Diversity Day theme, “For The Culture.” Dr. Boyd shared how hip-hop culture and its history influenced American society in ways we might not recognize, and expounded on the nuance between cultural appropriation and appreciation.
Photo by Emily Ma ’25/The Choate News
Dr. Ethan Kross
On January 30, Choate welcomed this year’s E. Phillips Speaker and acclaimed psychologist, neuroscientist, and writer Dr. Ethan Kross. Dr. Kross discussed several strategies to harness “chatter,” the inner monologue inside peoples’ minds, and how to instead use it to reduce chronic stress and improve mental health.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Mr. Thomas Viertel
Mr. Thomas Viertel ’59, a renowned Broadway producer, visited Choate on April 9 to receive the annual Alumni Award and speak to the Choate community. He shared some of his favorite memories from his time at Choate and discussed how the School shaped his values and experience in the theater industry.
Photo courtesy of Choate Flickr
Mr. Nicholas Kristof, Ms. Robin Wright, Dr. Aaron David Miller
Opinion columnist for The New York Times Mr. Nicholas Kristof, foreign affairs analyst for The New Yorker Ms. Robin Wright, and analyst of Middle Eastern affairs Mr. Aaron David Miller drew from their experiences in journalism and discussed the importance of open-mindedness in addressing global conflicts.
