Literary Landmarks of the Northeast

NYC - Boston

Duration 10 days

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

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience New England Writers

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Words and Wanderlust: A Journey Through the Literary Landmarks of the Northeast

NYC - Boston I

In this study abroad experience, students embark on a literary journey through New England and New York City, exploring the homes, haunts, and inspirations of renowned American writers. They engage with literary history, attend events, and delve into the modern writing scene. An opportunity to investigate the connections between literature, history, and culture, while participating in writing workshops and interacting with editors and writers from literary publications.

“NYC's skyline to Boston's historic streets, the Northeast's energy pulses a dynamic blend of modernity and colonial echoes.“

“City lights dance, alleys whisper dreams, tales etched in asphalt.“

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.

Day 1

We arrive in Memphis in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel for a program welcome and to create key agreements we will rely on as a group throughout the course of our program. From there, we dive in to all that Memphis has to offer as we get more and more curious about our program themes.

Day 2

The Mississippi River is integral to our learning journey. We begin at Mud Island River Park, featuring a scale model of the river to grasp the physical geography shaping the American South's development. Subsequently, we delve into the roots of Blues through museum visits and interactive sessions.

Day 3

After a New York bagel breakfast, we explore Lower Manhattan, discovering urban design and architecture at key landmarks like the Oculus, 9/11 Memorial, and Wall Street. After lunch, we head uptown to MoMa for an art exploration, followed by a visit to Central Park to learn about its design.

Day 4

We use the subway to visit the Tenement Museum, exploring the immigrant experience. A food walking tour in Little Italy and Chinatown follows, reflecting on what makes a city great, considering the hardships faced by immigrant communities. The day concludes at the Statue of Liberty.

Day 5

After check-in, we subway to Penn Station for a four-hour Amtrak ride to Boston. Upon arrival, we walk to the hotel, check-in, and take some downtime. Later, we explore Boston Common and gardens, appreciating Olmstead's landscape architecture. Dinner at Fire and Ice precedes a restful night.

Day 6

Depending on the season, we enjoy the iconic Boston Duck Boat tour. Afterward, lunch in Beacon Hill is followed by a walk to the North End, where a guided tour explores colonial architecture and urban planning. The day concludes with a delightful Italian dinner in a cozy North End spot.

Day 7

A visit TO the Isabel Stewart Gardner Museum. Later, we visit Harvard Square for lunch and engage in a workshop with students from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, exploring "What makes a city great?" The day ends with, a program debrief, and reflection to share experiences with our community.

Day 8

In the morning, students have some free time to explore the esplanade and relax before heading to the airport for flights home.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

What makes a city great?

A city’s greatness involves trates such as fostering community, providing opportunities, ensuring a high quality of life, and achieving a balance between economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social equity. It also includes infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public services.

Urban Design, Architecture, Futurism

How do our spaces reflect society? What entitlements do citizens have from the built environment, and how can we contribute to its utility and beauty? This program examines the urban design and architecture of New York and Boston, exploring how these historically rich cities have evolved over time.

Art, Urban Identity and Culture

As we seek to understand New York and Boston, we consider what art-both public and private-can teach us about urban identities and culture. A city's cultural vibrancy, including its arts and music scene, festivals, and culinary offerings, contributes to its greatness.