Everyday Adventures: What Students Are Experiencing Outside of Class

Not every lesson takes place in a classroom. For international students adjusting to life in a new country, simple outings can become valuable opportunities to connect with their surroundings, with one another, and with themselves. Two recent trips on May 23rd and 24th —one to Annapolis and another to Patapsco Valley—offered those kinds of experiences.

A Day in Annapolis

The visit to Annapolis was intentionally unstructured. A group of students joined a local friend for a casual walk through Maryland’s capital. Without a set schedule, the day moved at its own pace. Students wandered through historic streets, browsed small shops, and took in the quiet rhythm of a town that blends history with everyday life.

Annapolis, founded in 1649 by English settlers, is one of the oldest cities in the United States and has served as Maryland’s capital since 1694. Known as the “Athens of America” during the colonial period, it played a central role in early American politics and education. In 1783–1784, Annapolis briefly served as the nation's capital and was the site where George Washington famously resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Today, it's home to the U.S. Naval Academy and is celebrated for its preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and maritime heritage.

Because the tour guide is studying architecture, the trip gradually shifted into something more reflective. Conversations turned to the design of buildings, how different styles reflect different periods, and what it means for a city to preserve its history. It wasn’t planned as a learning experience, but by the end, that’s exactly what it had become.

Into the Woods at Patapsco

Another group headed to Patapsco Valley for a short hike. The trail wasn’t challenging, which allowed space for students to talk, laugh, and notice details along the way. They passed small waterfalls, settled into a shaded area for a picnic, and spotted signs of wildlife—some more welcome than others. (A tiny snake and some deer became topics of animated discussion.)

The walk back included a stretch near an airport runway, where planes flew low enough to be seen clearly. Students joked about whether the passengers could see them too. Back in the ACEE office, no one was ready for the day to end, so it continued with a movie and shared snacks.

No Pressure, Just Presence

There was nothing flashy or performative about either of these outings. That was the point. For students navigating life far from home, days like these offer something simple but important: a chance to feel present, grounded, and in good company. Whether wandering through a historic town or hiking under the trees, it’s these ordinary moments that often leave the deepest impression.