Academy for Global Studies at Austin High School
What is the Academy for Global Studies?
The Academy for Global Studies is a program through Austin High School that engages students in an educational experience that builds on international understanding and many new ways of thinking, while preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Students take part in travel involving local, in-state, out-of-state and even international trips. Through the Academy of Global Studies students conduct independent research, experience authentic living conditions, interact with local people, and engage in service learning. Read more about the Academy for Global Studies here.
Our Assignment: the boston adventure
On Saturday, February 15th, a group of nearly one hundred high school students from Austin, Texas embarked on a five-day journey to Boston, Massachusetts to research various immigrant groups. Our particular sub-section spent its time in Boston investigating Jewish immigration to the Boston area.
Although we were in Boston for five days, our primary research days occurred on Monday, Feb. 17th and Tuesday, Feb 18th. Monday morning we began by visiting the New England Holocaust Memorial on Congress Street. After taking in the breathtaking structure and reading powerful quotations, we took the subway to the historic Vilna Shul in Beacon Hill. We were given a fascinating tour by Program Manager Jessica Antoline, who taught us the basics about the Jewish culture before she answered our questions about the Jewish immigration to Boston. After our intriguing meeting we ate lunch at a charming deli-style restaurant, then took a break and went to explore the Museum of Science, a great learning experience for all ages. We ended the day with a fantastic kosher dinner from Café Eilat on Harvard street in North Brookline.
We began Tuesday by heading over to the Harvard Semitic museum, where we learned how the ancient Mesopotamians used to live. We then took a detour to the Harvard Hillel, which is a place where Jewish Harvard students can hang out, eat, and learn with other Jewish students. We learned about the culture of the average Jewish college student. Afterwards, we went to The Co-op at Harvard to pick up some souvenirs. We then trudged through heavy snow to the Chabad House of Greater Boston, where we spoke to a well-versed rabbi who helped us learn more about Jewish culture. After a full day of learning, we attended a tour of Fenway Park. To conclude our busy day, we ate dinner at a healthy fast-food restaurant and attended a master's performance given by a music major.