AVÀÇÂÛ̳

December 2 - December 20, 2025

We invite you to discover the depth of Vietnam's beauty while traversing the country from north to south on this comprehensive adventure. Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping en route to cruise along Halong Bay, explore ancient Hué, witness the idyllic seaside retreat of Nha Trang, experience French-flavored Dalat, and much more. Thanks to our small group size and regional Trip Experience Leader, you'll enjoy many personal interactions with the people of Vietnam, from meeting the women and children of a local shelter to spending A Day in the Life of Tho Ha village. Plus, throughout your adventure, you'll meet with locals to discuss controversial topics, such as land reform, the country's high abortion rate, post-war re-education camps, life for Vietnam War veterans, as well as the oppression of various ethnic groups. You’ll even enjoy an overnight cruise on a traditional Vietnamese sailboat in Halong Bay—an intimate experience that’s only possible in a small group like ours. From the bustling cities to the serene seaside to the lush highlands, let Vietnam’s warmth and beauty amaze you - in all its diversity.

Program Tuition:
(per person) Double Occupancy	$5,900
Single Supplement	+$750

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due August 15, 2025.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

 If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

April 21 - May 7, 2026 (Waitlist Only)

Welcome to a remarkable journey through the heart of Central Europe– where the cultural crossroads of East and North meet the legacy of empires, trade routes, and shifting borders. On this immersive journey through Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, we invite you to look beyond the familiar and delve into the deeper stories that have shaped these countries. Though they share some common threads, each offers its own unique character, rhythm, and perspective – something we’ll experience with open eyes and curious minds. Together, we’ll explore how industrialization, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and decades of communism have left lasting imprints on cities, communities, and daily life. Along the way, you’ll encounter authentic traditions, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes – from alpine peaks to forested hills and fertile plains – that have long influenced the lives of local people. We look forward to sharing this rich and rewarding adventure with you.

Program Tuition:
(per person) Double Occupancy	$7,900
Single Supplement	+$1,400

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due February 2, 2026.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

May 28 - June 1, 2026

Are you a birding aficionado? If so, a trip to Nome during the spring bird migration may be on your bucket list. Summer Sessions is offering their annual four-day trip to Nome for a small group of eight to witness this amazing phenomenon. Participants stay at the Aurora Inn and travel out one of Nome's three roads each day. Often, birders have seen up to 99 different species!

Program Tuition:
Double Occupancy	$1,800

Tuition includes a room at the Aurora Inn (double occupancy) and transportation within Nome. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Nome as well as meals.

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due by March 1, 2026.

Important note: 
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably.

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021. 

June 4 - June 11, 2026

Description: Toolik Field Station, located on the northern side of the Brooks Range at Milepost 284 of the Dalton Highway, offers unique birding opportunities not available at other locations along AVÀÇÂÛ̳’s road system. Specialties include Bluethroat, Yellow-billed Loon, Smith’s Longspur, and Eastern Yellow Wagtail. The first half of June, when breeding birds are in full song, can be especially productive. This week-long trip will give participants the chance to stay at Toolik and learn about the research and science that occurs here. It will also provide an opportunity to look for and study birds not only at Toolik, but also at a variety of habitats along the Dalton, both north and south of the station.

For participants who use eBird, we will keep track of the species and, if you wish, share our eBird lists with you each day. You can download the eBird and Merlin (bird identification) apps before you arrive, although WiFi is available at Toolik as well.

Physical Requirements & Weather: Our daily activities will depend on the weather and road conditions. While a sample itinerary is included below, please note that it may shift as conditions change. Participants will need to comfortably climb in and out of a truck or 12-passenger van throughout the trip. At Toolik, we will frequently walk on uneven gravel roads and narrow wooden boardwalks, and most buildings and outhouses require using outdoor stairs. Participants should be able to walk up to 3 miles a day on uneven terrain and navigate stairs. Weather in early June can be extremely unpredictable—some years bring 70-degree sunshine, while others bring near-blizzard conditions (as happened in early June 2025!). Please be prepared for spending time in the sun, rain, snow, wind, and everything in between. A recommended gear list will be provided in March, and we’ll go over gear, weather considerations, and answer questions at a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks/ Zoom (date TBD).

We also encourage participants to explore the Toolik website () and the Toolik Naturalist Journal. Browsing entries from early June is a great way to get a sense of the birds we’re likely to see.

***If you have questions concerning the physical requirements, please contact Summer Sessions.

The Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks (UAF) with cooperative agreement support from the Office of Polar Programs, Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). TFS provides housing, meals, laboratories, and science support to researchers and students from across the world. Research support includes GIS and mapping services, technical and IT assistance, shared commonly used equipment, and a collection of standardized environmental data. TFS is located at mile 284.5 of the Dalton Highway, 370 miles north of Fairbanks. Driving to the station takes 9-12 hours and requires travel on a largely unpaved industrial artery that serves operations at Prudhoe Bay.

Program tuition: $2,500, includes roundtrip transportation with Northern AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Tour Company from Fairbanks to Toolik Field Station, ground transportation while at TFS, lodging, meals, and birding with Jeff Walters. Accommodations at the station are comfortable but rustic. Lodging is provided in hard-sided structures and WeatherPort tents. All are outfitted with bed frames and mattresses, as well as simple furniture to store clothes. Depending on the camp population, you may share a room with one or more classmates. Outhouse facilities require walking and stair climbing. Showers are limited to two (very short showers) per person per week. A common shower house serves all of camp, though shower rooms are private. Please explore the TFS website for more information about meals, lodging, and camp life!

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at registration.
Full tuition is due by March 6, 2026.

About your instructor: 

Registration opens December 12, at 10 am

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

June 19 - June 26, 2026

Description: This non-credit field and lecture course, based at UAF’s Toolik Field Station (TFS), offers an immersive introduction to the natural history of Arctic AVÀÇÂÛ̳. Participants will hike across tundra landscapes to learn about the lives of Arctic plants and animals, their remarkable winter survival strategies, and the ongoing experiments Toolik scientists are conducting to understand the local and global impacts of environmental change.

Our journey begins with a 370-mile drive along the Steese and Dalton Highways from Fairbanks to Toolik, where we’ll observe transitions in roadside geology and in boreal to Arctic plant and animal communities. At the TFS, we will actively explore local environments, including a visit to ANWR, engage in lecture-led discussions, and interact with the community of TFS-based staff, students, and scientists, including those pursuing the goals of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Arctic site. Operations and research at TFS and NEON are fundamentally supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF).

Physical Requirements & Weather: Our daily activities will depend on the weather and road conditions. While a sample itinerary is included below, please note that it may shift as conditions change.

Participants will need to comfortably climb in and out of a truck or 12-passenger van throughout the trip. At Toolik, we will frequently walk on uneven gravel roads and narrow wooden boardwalks, and most buildings and outhouses require using outdoor stairs. Participants should be able to walk up to 3 miles a day on uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs.

The weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable. Please be prepared for mosquitoes, sun, rain, snow, wind, and everything in between. A recommended gear list will be provided in March, and we’ll go over gear, weather considerations, and answer questions at a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks/ Zoom (date TBD).

We also encourage participants to explore the Toolik website (uaf.edu/toolik/) and the Toolik Naturalist Journal. Browsing entries is a great way to get a sense of what to expect in terms of weather and wildlife.

***If you have questions concerning the physical requirements, please contact Summer Sessions.

The Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks (UAF) with cooperative agreement support from the Office of Polar Programs, Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). TFS provides housing, meals, laboratories, and science support to researchers and students from across the world. Research support includes GIS and mapping services, technical and IT assistance, shared commonly used equipment, and a collection of standardized environmental data. TFS is located at mile 284.5 of the Dalton Highway, 370 miles north of Fairbanks. Driving to the station takes 9-12 hours and requires travel on a largely unpaved industrial artery that serves operations at Prudhoe Bay.

Program tuition: $2,500, includes roundtrip transportation with Northern AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Tour Company from Fairbanks to Toolik Field Station, ground transportation while at TFS, lodging, meals, and instruction with Brian Barnes. Accommodations at the station are comfortable but rustic. Lodging is provided in hard-sided structures and WeatherPort tents. All are outfitted with bed frames and mattresses, as well as simple furniture to store clothes. Depending on the camp population, you may share a room with one or more classmates. Outhouse facilities require walking and stair climbing. Showers are limited to two (very short showers) per person per week. A common shower house serves all of camp, though shower rooms are private. Please explore the TFS website for more information about meals, lodging, and camp life!

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at registration.
Full tuition is due by March 19, 2026.

Registration opens December 12, at 10 am

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

June 21 - June 26, 2026

Description: The geologic evolution of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ created a unique framework for landform development, glaciation, mineral resources, and biologic diversity. This field and lecture course will explore the geology and tectonics of northern AVÀÇÂÛ̳ from Fairbanks to the Brooks Range and North Slope through the concept of ‘tectonic terranes’ – distinct fault-bounded sequences of rocks – that form AVÀÇÂÛ̳ and shape the landscape. We will bus along the Steese and Dalton Highways from Fairbanks to Toolik (370 miles), conducting short hikes and discussions at key sites and outcrops, observing the transitions in roadside geology and boreal to Arctic plant and animal communities. At the Toolik Field Station, we will actively explore local environments, including ANWR and the North Slope, participate in lecture-led discussions, and interact with the community of TFS-based staff, students, and scientists.

Physical Requirements & Weather: Our daily activities will depend on the weather and road conditions. While a sample itinerary is included below, please note that it may shift as conditions change. Participants will need to comfortably climb in and out of a large SUV, truck, or 12-passenger van throughout the trip. At Toolik, we will frequently walk on uneven gravel roads and narrow wooden boardwalks, and most buildings and outhouses require using outdoor stairs. Participants should be able to walk up to 3 miles a day on uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs. The weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable. Please be prepared for mosquitoes, sun, rain, snow, wind, and everything in between. A recommended gear list will be provided in March, and we’ll go over gear, weather considerations, and answer questions at a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks/ Zoom (date TBD).

We also encourage participants to explore the Toolik website (uaf.edu/toolik/) and the Toolik Naturalist Journal. Browsing entries is a great way to get a sense of what to expect in terms of weather and wildlife.

***If you have questions concerning the physical requirements, please contact Summer Sessions.

The Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks (UAF) with cooperative agreement support from the Office of Polar Programs, Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). TFS provides housing, meals, laboratories, and science support to researchers and students from across the world. Research support includes GIS and mapping services, technical and IT assistance, shared commonly used equipment, and a collection of standardized environmental data. TFS is located is located at mile 284.5 of the Dalton Highway, 370 miles north of Fairbanks. Driving to the station takes 9-12 hours and requires travel on a largely unpaved industrial artery that serves operations at Prudhoe Bay.

Program tuition: $1,950, includes roundtrip transportation from Fairbanks to Toolik Field Station, ground transportation around Fairbanks on day 1 and while at TFS, lodging at TFS and Cold Foot Camp, meals, and instruction with Paul Layer. Accommodations at the station are comfortable but rustic. Lodging is provided in hard-sided structures and WeatherPort tents. All are outfitted with bed frames and mattresses, as well as simple furniture to store clothes. Depending on the camp population, you may share a room with one or more classmates. Outhouse facilities require walking and stair climbing. Showers are limited to two (very short showers) per person per week. A common shower house serves all of camp, though shower rooms are private. Please explore the TFS website for more information about meals, lodging, and camp life!

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at registration.
Full tuition is due by March 21, 2026.

Registration opens December 12, at 10 am

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

August 20 - 27, 2026

Description: With six full days at Toolik Field Station, we will spend most of our time outside engaged in creative projects, hiking, and learning about some of the research happening at the station. Instruction will cover a variety of art materials and techniques with a focus on tundra plants during the fall color transition. Participants will be guided through texture studies, botanical cyanotypes, and watercolor paintings depicting the fall tundra. This class is open to all, regardless of prior experiences with art, science, or time spent in the outdoors.

Art Adventure: This class is intended to help us connect with our surroundings through curiosity and creative experimentation. This is not a scientific illustration or traditional watercolor class, though we will be carefully studying plants and using watercolor paints in many different ways. There will be daily art demonstrations, ample time to play and create, and indoor space to work independently if desired. An art materials list and recommended gear packing list are provided. 

Hiking and Field Trips: One full day will be dedicated to a longer (optional) hike without art instruction. Movement is integral to my art practice, and it’s an important source of inspiration, connection, and flow. The goal of this day hike will be to move through the land (5-8 miles) while also stopping to notice, play, and immerse in the experience of being in the Arctic in August. There will also be two shorter outings (1-2 miles) along the road corridor, one to the North, and one to walk/hike near Galbraith Lake.

Physical Requirements & Weather: Participants should be prepared to work on creative projects outside while sitting in the tundra,  on rocks, or on narrow boardwalks. We also have the option to work indoors, and we will move inside depending on the weather. While at Toolik, you can expect to regularly walk 1-3 miles a day on rough gravel roads, narrow wooden boardwalks, and up and down stairs to access most buildings and outhouses. All outings are entirely optional. Participants will need to comfortably climb in and out of a truck or 12-passenger van throughout the trip, be able to walk up to 3 miles a day (more if you choose to go on the longer hike!) on uneven terrain, and be able to navigate stairs.

The weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable. Please be prepared for mosquitoes, sun, rain, snow, wind, and everything in between. A recommended gear list will be provided in March, and we’ll go over gear, art supplies, and weather considerations, and answer questions at a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks/Zoom (date TBD).

We also encourage participants to explore the Toolik website (uaf.edu/toolik/) and the Toolik Naturalist Journal. Browsing entries is a great way to get a sense of what to expect in terms of weather and wildlife.

***If you have questions concerning the physical requirements, please contact Summer Sessions.

The Toolik Field Station (TFS) is a research station operated and managed by the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Fairbanks (UAF) with cooperative agreement support from the Office of Polar Programs, Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). TFS provides housing, meals, laboratories, and science support to researchers and students from across the world. Research support includes GIS and mapping services, technical and IT assistance, shared commonly used equipment, and a collection of standardized environmental data. TFS is located at mile 284.5 of the Dalton Highway, 370 miles north of Fairbanks. Driving to the station takes 9-12 hours and requires travel on a largely unpaved industrial artery that serves operations at Prudhoe Bay.

Program tuition: $2,500, includes roundtrip transportation with Northern AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Tour Company from Fairbanks to Toolik Field Station, ground transportation while at TFS, lodging, meals, and instruction with Klara Maisch. Accommodations at the station are comfortable but rustic. Lodging is provided in hard-sided structures and WeatherPort tents. All are outfitted with bed frames and mattresses, as well as simple furniture to store clothes. Depending on the camp population, you may share a room with one or more classmates. Outhouse facilities require walking and stair climbing. Showers are limited to two (very short showers) per person per week. A common shower house serves all of camp, though shower rooms are private. Please explore the TFS website for more information about meals, lodging, and camp life!

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at registration.
Full tuition is due by May 20, 2026.

Registration opens December 12, at 10 am

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

September 19 - October 4, 2026 (Waitlist Only)

Join us on an incredible journey through the French countryside to admire the landscape, explore the culture, and delve into the rich history of this western European nation. After flying into Nantes, our program begins in Angers, where you will immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Loire Valley. Explore fairytale-like châteaux, stroll medieval hilltop towns, and visit the site of a World War II tragedy. You’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, including a medieval, fortified city, meeting with locals along the way, who will share their culture and cuisine. And you’ll do - and dine - as the French do: Venturing to the French countryside and eating your way through Lyon, France’s culinary epicenter. Then, cap it all off with two nights in chic Paris where you will enjoy the iconic sites of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine.

Program Tuition:
(per person) Double Occupancy	$8,950
Single Supplement	+$950

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due May 1, 2026.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.

October 31 - November 13, 2026 (Waitlist Only)

We invite you to discover the culture, beauty, and natural history of Japan while traversing the country from Tokyo to Kyoto on this 14-day adventure. We will witness the art of Sumo wrestling, visit famous Shinto Shrines, and immerse ourselves in the musical experience of Taiko drumming. We'll enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone, where we will discover the world of geisha. The famous bullet train will take us to Kanazawa, where we will learn about the tea ceremony, visit the forested mountain village of Gokayama, and enjoy a home hosted meal. Then, we journey onto Kyoto, where the visit includes the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, where we will take a step back into Japan’s feudal past. We travel to Nara, Japan’s capital city in the 8th century, to learn about samurai and experience sushi making with a professional chef. All of this and more, is part of our magical journey to this ancient land.

Program Tuition:
(per person) Double Occupancy	$8,995
Single Supplement	+$1,100

There is a non-refundable $500 deposit due at registration.
Full tuition is due May 15, 2026.

Inclusions: 24/7 tour director/guide, accommodations, ground transportation, in-country air transfers, entry fees, three meals per day, transfer to and from the airport, and gratuities.

Important note:
- Guests must have the ability to walk comfortably for up to 3 miles a day

If you have traveled with us in recent years, you may already have a CampDoc account. 
If this is your first tour with Summer Sessions, take a look at this "How-To" Document on how to register.

If you have any questions about registration, please reach out to us at summer@alaska.edu or by phone at (907) 474-7021.