Sponsored by

The Branch for the Study of the United States, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, within the U.S. State Department.

Program OVerview

Study Tours

We have scheduled excursions during each week of the program with preparatory briefings prior to departure. These excursions will be to Seattle and the University of Washington, to  the Microsoft headquarters and to the renowned Museum of Flight and their Aviation Center.  We will also visit Native American Tillicum Village and social service providers in Tacoma.

The Study Tour from July 25-29 integrates a number of important aspects of Northwest history, society and culture covered in the academic program. This schedule includes visits to one of the first settlements in Washington State, the Olympic National Park and concludes with a visit to the Governor's Office in the State Capitol in Olympia.

Field Trip to the Olympic Peninsula

July 25-July 29

At the heart of the Olympic Peninsula is the Olympic National Park, featuring Pacific Ocean beaches, rainforest valleys, glacier-capped peaks and a stunning variety of plants, animals and ecosystems. Roads provide access to the outer edges of the park, but the heart of Olympic is wilderness; a primeval sanctuary for humans and wild creatures alike.
 
We will explore the natural beauty of this area and learn of its history and cultural diversity.  We will see it up close during a float trip on the beautiful Hoh River, which flows through the rainforest to the ocean.  We will also come to understand the unique economic and social challenges faced by the communities in this area.

Also included in the program is a visit to a local Native American village where you will experience traditional ways first hand and also understand how the imperatives of modern American life have led to the need for new ways of earning an income. In addition, you will appreciate how the decline of the lumber industry has led to the social and economic transformation of local communities in the Olympic Peninsula region. It is also planned to spend time experiencing the natural attractions of this part of Washington State, to visit a local college for expert commentaries on historical, social and cultural issues affecting this unique part of the United States.

The plan for the Field Trip is as follows:

Day 1 - Saturday, July 25

Seattle - Port Townsend - Port Angeles
Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and through Poulsbo, a Norwegian fishing village to Port Townsend, a historical and well-preserved small harbor city on the Puget Sound with fine examples of Victorian architecture.

  • Guided city tour – Discussion on history of the Port Townsend area
  • Historical Fort Warden Tour

Visit Jamestown S'Klallam Native American Tribe

  • Native American Carving Demonstration
  • Tribal History and visit with Tribal Elders

Dinner and Overnight Port Angeles
Hotel Accommodations at Red Lion Inn

Day 2 - Sunday, July 26

Port Angeles - Ruby Beach - Pacific Ocean

  • Visit to Hurricane Ridge – Olympic National Park
  • Picnic in the Park.  Fabulous vistas of snowy peaks inland and overlooking the San Juan Islands and Canada on the other.
  • Learn about the Salmon Fishing Industry and preservation methods to improve salmon spawning habitat. Visit Salmon Hatchery and Elwha Dam Project. 
  • On to the Quileute Indian Reservation and Ruby Beach on the Pacific Ocean.

Dinner and Overnight at Forks
Hotel Accommodations at Olympic Suite Inn

Day 3 - Monday, July 27

Hoh River – Lake Quinault
Morning departure for the Olympic National Park

  • Guided rafting float of the Hoh River, through dense rainforest wilderness
  • Picnic lunch
  • Discussion on ecosystems in riparian zones
  • Lake Quinault afternoon walk through the rainforest – Park Ranger presentation

Dinner and Overnight at Lake Quinault
Accommodations at Lake Quinault Lodge

Day 4 - Tuesday, July 28

Aberdeen – Olympia – Tacoma – SeaTac

  • Discussion about declining Logging Industry and Economic Redevelopment Efforts
  • Topic:  Leadership in land preservation
  • Olympia State Capitol City
  • Lunch in Olympia - Indian Buffet
  • Nisqually River Wildlife Preserve

Overnight in Airport Hotel – SeaTac
Hotel Accommodations at SeaTac Hotel - TBA

Day 5 - Wednesday, July 29

Departure
Shuttle transfer to Airport
AM Departure flight to Washington DC

Washington DC: July 29-August 2, 2009

Field Trip Links