Over Spring Interim 2025, English professor Scott Olsen and Journalism professor Erin Hemme Froslie will be conducting a trip to London and Paris. In the informational meeting, Olsen and Hemme-Froslie covered all the need-to-knows.
Often referred to as “A Tale of Two Cities,” the week-long trip to the two famous cities of London and Paris over the spring interim, Saturday, Mar. 1 to Sunday, Mar. 9.
Students will participate in group activities and individual exploration while immersed in European culture. Olsen refers to this style of trip as a combination of structure and freedom.
This experience will be offered as a one-credit (PEAK optional) class, which opens the opportunity for financial aid towards the trip.
“This trip is an exploration seminar. It is based on the idea of urban travel writing,” Olsen said.
He explained that the class has anexpertation for students to write about their travels and have a few meetings. Hemme-Froslie and Olsen will support student writing with their English and Multimedia Journalism specialties. Hemme-Froslie will bring keys to Storytelling throughout the experience as well.
“These things you’ll experience will give you keys into the culture, keys to yourself, and keys to the world that are worth their weight in gold,” Olsen said.
For the first half of the week, students will spend time in London. In the middle of the week, they will take a bullet train underneath the English Channel and arrive in Paris. In both cities, students will be able to enjoy local food, museums, and historical sites.
Many of the experiences will be group activities. However, students are encouraged to explore on their own as well.
“We are going to two of the most story-filled cities in all of eternity. The whole idea is to make your own unique experience,” Olsen said.
The cost of this trip rings in at $3300. The dues cover transportation, meals, hospitality, insurance and everything travel. Students will also receive cash back for spending before the trip.Olsen insists that no matter what a student’s range of interests is, this is a trip for them.
“If you are a foodie this is a trip for you, if you like walking, shopping, art, baking, astronomy or anything between this is a trip for you. There will be many opportunities to take part in your genuine interests while traveling,” Olsen said.
Olsen also believes that the sheer act of traveling will serve students well.
“The trip is built around storytelling, and you’ll leave with a lifetime of stories to tell,” he said.
Senior Mykell Richardson is a second-time veteran of this trip who certainly has some stories to tell from her experience with this trip. Richardson expresses that she loved it so much that she has to come back to do it again this year.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff that I like, but I want to see more this time. There’s more I want to explore,” she said.
Richardson said she is also fond of the European lifestyle she experienced.
“I liked that it was more walkable so you could see more. I also loved the museums everywhere, they’re gorgeous,” Richardson said.
Richardson recommends this trip because she finds it fun to travel with other students.
“I knew some people, and there were some people I didn’t know, but we all became close by the end of the trip. It was nice to bond with other people and actually become friends,” she said. “I would say it’s nice to take a leap and just try it out, if you’re scared to go out of the country by
yourself it’s nice to do it with other people.”
The deadline to sign up for this trip is Nov. 30. Olsen or Hemme Froslie will help students with questions and concerns. Bon Voyage!
