What do we do on our Spring Break at The Abbey and why is it called Vision Quest?
Abbey springbreak is called Vision Quest. You travel where you want, with whom you want, and according to our own interests and budgets. What we do to help you lift your trip to something higher than a vacation is to invoke the native American concept of travel as a fundamental growth experience. Thus you will meet with our professors and director starting the first week in France, to build for yourself a trip that will be deeply meaningful to your personal goals for change, experience and growth. When you dive into your Vision Quest—which starts right after ParisWEEEK ends—you will be ready to make Europe your own. After your VQ is completed, you will return to The Abbey and tell the story of what you did and how you changed to a small group of students and professors.
What is a visa and do I need one to study on The Abbey?
A visa is a government document that allows you to live, study and sometimes work over seas for an extended period of time. Because The Abbey is a program that does not exceed 90 days in Europe, you do not need a visa.
How hard is it to learn how to do my Abbey weekend trips in Europe, if I haven’t been there before?
Travel in Europe is easy to figure out and affordable to execute. Take a look at these sites to get a sense of the possible train destinations you can choose with Paris as your starting point: www.raileurope.com and if you’re feeling brave enough to test your French skills visit: www.voyages-sncf.com.
Are there any opportunities for group travel coordinated by Abbey staff?
Yes. Each winter The Abbey does at least one awesome weekend trip for about $300 beyond the program fee. Last winter, the whole group went to Chamonix in the heart of the French Alps and had two days skiing and boarding where the Olympics have been held three times. The weekend included door to door transportation, 2 nights in a hotel, ski lessons, ski rental, ski passes for two days and a group meal of fondue and raclette.
What about flying around Europe? Do people do that a lot or do they mostly use trains?
Students used to all buy Eur Rail passes and travel that way. But Europe is now linked all over with low-cost air service, so now most students travel both by trains and by planes when they go for the weekend or on their springbreak/Vision Quest. The following sites can help you get an idea of the options and prices available for air travel: Ryan Air – www.ryanair.com, Easy Jet – www.easyjet.com, and Aerlingus – www.aerlingus.com.
Where will I stay when I travel on my own? Are there hotels or what?
Hostels are all over the place in Europe, and students can stay in them for usually not much more than about $25 a night, sometimes less and sometimes a bit more. The Abbey will help you learn how to book hostels and figure out the most inexpensive ways to use them well. Start with some of these helpful websites to scout out accommodation while you’re away from the Abbey.
Find a hostel with: