What do you think is most inspiring to students?

The mythology of ancient Egypt plays a huge part in the unfolding narrative of our program, especially as we visit many temples dedicated to ancient Egyptian deities. The hieroglyphics carved into the walls, marked with remnants of color that suggest their former splendor, are undoubtedly a vast source of artistic inspiration. Farrin gives a special lecture on reading hieroglyphs so students can recognize and even interpret some of the writing on the walls of tombs and temples, making our visits more meaningful and memorable.

The other mainstay of our program is a cruise up the Nile, which provides some much-needed relaxation in the middle of a jam-packed program. The Nile River is the foundation of civilization in Egypt, without which a society could not have taken root in the harsh desert. By taking the time to sail upstream, we're following the ancient routes used to transport building materials and regarding the natural beauty of Aswan, Luxor and all the cities in between.

As instructors, you’ve done this trip several times now. Are there wonders that just never get old?

Yes! I am especially fond of the Royal Mummies Gallery at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which displays over 20 royal mummies in a stunning maze of glass coffins. Knowing that Pharaohs mummified themselves to prepare for an eternal afterlife, it’s ironic and incredible to visit their remains thousands of years later, still glorified as ancient rulers. It isn’t the afterlife they had intended for themselves, but in a way, they found the immortality they wanted.

For more on the SVA Destinations: The Art of Ancient Egypt trip, visit this travel blog by student Tim Powers to see his photos and read his recollections of the inspiring excursion.

SVA Destinations coordinator and academic advisor Nada Mohammed discusses the College’s recent travel-based program in the Land of the Pharaohs.