The goal of the field study component of the program is to move students from intellectual comprehension to experiential understanding of a people and a culture different from their own. During this four-week immersion into another culture, students will see the common humanity of people amidst cultural diversities in the world. Likewise, they will put what they have learned in their advisor classes into action as they grow to trust one another and to bond as a group.

Our 8th grade students spend the year immersed in the economics, history, current events, arts, literatures and culture of the chosen non-Western country. Through readings, class discussions, guest speakers, and field trips, students examine the nuances of a culture and begin to understand their own culture more fully. Assignments are tailored to have direct application to the trip as students learn the country's native language and compile individual research reports into a guidebook.

While experiencing the sights and culture during their travels, students receive lessons from local artisans, meet pen pals, and participate in community service activities. Upon their return, they share their experiences with the entire Evergreen community through a compilation journal, narrated slide show and exhibits.