Mediterranean Multiculturalism

France

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Spirituality
Agriculture & Cultural Preservation

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Mediterranean Multiculturalism

Marseille

On this program, students explore how Marseille’s residents each weave a thread into the tapestry of the city, building on layers throughout the long arc of human history. They engage with historical experts, activists and organizers who fight for housing, social, racial and environmental justice and explore institutions educating the Marseillais, getting inspired by people who are taking action, making the cart an inspiration for the rest of Europe.

“The Mediterranean sun kisses ancient port city streets: a cultural melting pot where flavors, sounds, and colors converge in a celebration of diversity.“

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“Cultures converge like the meeting of seas, Marseille's heartbeat is a symphony of diversity and immigrant dreams.“

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Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

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Day 1

Envoys program leaders meet the group in Marseille and accompany them to the hotel. After a program briefing and lenses of inquiry deep dive, we conduct a quick safety and security briefing, and then head out into the city for an evening walk and a festive first dinner of local specialties.

Day 2

We begin with a guided tour illuminating the history of the city. Then, we visit the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, with a workshop on our first impressions on the museum’s waterfront rooftop garden. We spend the evening exploring and people-watching in the Vieux Port.

Day 3

We conduct a scavenger hunt in Le Panier and then walk back down the port to visit Cosquer Méditerranée's cave replica containing paleolithic drawings. Later, we meet Euromediterranée representatives for urban renewal insights and conclude with reflections at Notre Dame de la Garde.

Day 4

Students are challenged to shop for a picnic lunch at a farmers’ market in town. We take a boat out to Ile de Frioul, where we conduct a citizen science project. Back in Marseille, we tour a traditional soap factory, and then attend a performance of live music.

Day 5

We take a train to Aix-en-Provence, where students conduct interviews with locals to learn more about the city’s specific culture and histories. Then we enjoy a Provençal lunch and take a historical tour of the city center before returning to Marseille by train.

Day 6

A morning visit to MAMO Arts Center on Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse rooftop. Later, we explore Ancrages Association promoting migration stories in French history. Evening features a pétanque competition, followed by a relaxed dinner and mid-trip reflection session.

Day 7

We meet Hotel du Nord Cooperative representative, supporting low-income housing residents. In the afternoon, we visit Wildprojects environmental book publishing house and create zines on personal interests to later distribute to other tourists.

Day 8

We take public transit outside of the city to Calenques national park. Students assist a trail restoration project, and then enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood in the nearby harbor town of Cassis. We return to Marseille to rest before dinner.

Day 9

In the morning, we engage with members of the Coco Velten organization, which provides support in housing and employment. Later, we tour the street art in Cours Julien, and spend the afternoon visiting the many organizations in the art complex and enterprise incubator Friche La Belle De Mai.

Day 10

On our last day, we conduct a program closing ceremony, and then Envoys educators accompany the group to the airport for their flights home.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

IMMIGRATION

The program explores Marseille’s rich immigration history through museums, historical sites, and local guides, aiming for a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and social factors driving immigration and the challenges faced by migrants.

MULTICULTURALISM

Marseille, among France's most multicultural cities, attracts a diverse population. Immigrant communities greatly contribute to its culture, cuisine, and arts, creating a vibrant mix of traditions. The city celebrates multiculturalism through festivals and events, fostering intercultural dialogue.

SUSTAINABILITY

Marseille embraces sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly transportation, waste management, and green spaces. The program engages students in multiple sustainability perspectives and fosters an understanding of diverse issues, stakeholders, and viewpoints in major cities globally.

FAQS

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At Envoys, we work to unite and educators from around the world to explore issues of global significance.

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Do I need a visa to travel this destination?

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Envoys is not a licensed insurance broker. However, families can easily request a quote and purchase insurance through our partner, Trawick International. Click here to get a quote. For assistance or any questions that may arise regarding insurance, you can contact Trawick international at 1-888-301-9289 or by email at info@TrawickInternational.com Non-US citizens are only legally allowed to purchase Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or Safe Travels International Cost Saver insurance plans from Trawick International.

What currency is used, and how can I exchange money?

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The program maintains multiple lines of communication with the school, families, and Envoys main offices. The expedition will be equipped with local and international cell phones, a GPS transponder, and two-way radios. Program leaders will follow strict protocols to maintain a consistent flow of information. To ensure families are able to follow our trip, Envoys has custom-built a proprietary online platform to facilitate mobile uploading of information. Staff upload photos, videos, and postings feeds to the platform multiple times each day.

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

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No one can guarantee freedom from harm, including accident, injury, illness, or death. A degree of risk is inherent in this program, as well as in all travel and outdoor activities. Potential hazards include severe weather, public disorder, interactions with non-program participants, lack of medical facilities, exposure to disease, and transportation accidents. Mental health issues may also be exacerbated through the stresses of a new experience.

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