War and Empire: Island Hopping In the Pacific [REGISTRATION FULL]
Dates: 4/5 – 4/13
Location: Domestic
Price Range: $5570-7000
Theme: History & Culture
Faculty Contact: Wen Yu Ho
This EBC experience across the vast Pacific intertwines historical memory and contemporary belonging in four American islands, O’ahu (Hawaii), Guam, Saipan and Tinian. All these locations experienced bloody fighting during the Second World War, and more than eight decades removed from the war, the legacy of this conflict is still felt keenly across the memorials, museums, cemeteries and other remnants of fighting there. At the same time, as global geopolitical tensions rise, these locations are now being spoken about, and in some cases, actively refurbished as frontlines for the next conflict in the Pacific. Students will evaluate narratives about the war that are presented at the various sites they visit, with a keen eye on those voices which have been ignored.
At the same time, all these locations, despite their rich indigenous cultures, remain firmly part of the United States. Students will learn about how the peoples on these islands have adapted and assimilated to becoming American, and what contemporary challenges they continue to face. This EBC experience will conclude with a brief stop in Tokyo, Japan, where students will get a brief peek at an alternative historical narrative of the Second World War, one crafted by those who were defeated. Note: Though this EBC experience is ostensibly a domestic one, the nature of travel routes means that we will have to fly internationally to reach some locations, hence students will need to have a valid, unexpired passport to participate in this EBC experience.
Clarification on Rigor
This EBC experience involves being on the go and on one’s feet for nearly the entire duration as we are travelling vast distances in a short amount of time. As such, students should ideally have some experience navigating airport security and adjusting to time zone changes. Additionally, they should be comfortable with the mental notion that they will be very far away from family and friends, literally on a remote island in the Pacific. That said, there will likely be opportunities for open water swimming to get close to some WW2 relics. Most importantly, students should come equipped with an open mind for a potentially life-changing experience!
- Students and families should be aware that this experience includes:
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- Extensive air travel across multiple time zones, including international flights and layovers
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- Hot, humid climates and significant time spent outdoors at memorials, museums, and cultural sites
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- Exposure to emotionally powerful historical narratives and memorial spaces related to war and loss
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- Engagement with complex political and cultural topics, including Indigenous identity, American expansion, and contemporary geopolitical issues
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- The need for cultural sensitivity and respect when visiting sites of remembrance and local communities
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- Requirement of a valid, unexpired passport due to international routing
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- Adaptability to varying accommodations and schedules across four island destinations and Japan
Daily Itinerary (subject to change)
Sunday 4/5
Fly Seattle to Honolulu
Walking Tour of Honolulu Chinatown
Visit Bishop Museum
Mon 4/6
NPS Programming at Pearl Harbor National Museum
Visit National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
(To Be Confirmed) Exchange Program with Local Honolulu School
Breath of Life Show at Polynesian Cultural Center
Tue 4/7
Guided Tour of ‘Iolani Palace
Fly Honolulu to Guam
Wed 4/8
Arrive Guam
Visit Chamorro Village Wednesday Night Market
Thu 4/9
Fly Guam to Saipan
NPS Programming at American Memorial Park
Guided Tour of WW2 Sites in Saipan
Visit NMI Museum of History and Culture
Fri 4/10
Day Trip to Tinian
Guided Tour of WW2 Sites in Tinian
Sat 4/11
Fly Saipan to Guam
Visit Guam Museum
NPS Programming at War in the Pacific National Historic Park
Sun 4/12
Adventure River Cruise at Valley of the Latte Adventure Park
Fly Guam to Tokyo
Mon 4/13
Visit Yushukan Museum
Fly Tokyo to Seattle