Imagine. Explore. Prepare.
Interim Studies empowers students to discover and deepen new and existing passions; become critical, collaborative, and flexible thinkers; lean into the unexplored and unfamiliar; and tackle the most pressing challenges of the contemporary moment through the co-design of transformative, dedicated learning experiences that expand intellectual and cultural horizons, ignite ongoing curiosities, build civic fellowship, and galvanize purposeful, sustainable action.
About Interim Studies
What is Interim Studies
Interim Studies is a weeklong experiential learning period where students engage in a diverse array of authentic learning opportunities that spark their creativity; allow them to explore interests and passions; and help them grow towards the skills, knowledge, and dispositions they need to thrive in and shape a changing world. Honoring the stakes of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, it’s learning at its best—learning by experimenting, doing, and reflecting. Our Interim Studies offerings each year align with a number of curated thematics inspired by Brewster’s Portrait of a Graduate and Immersive Programs architecture.
We strongly encourage students to vary their participation each year, so they can explore new, rich experiences that continuously challenge them and broaden their perspectives. Interim Studies is an annual academic requirement for graduation. As part of the pass/fail assessment, students complete a structured reflection to help them derive meaning from their experience, articulating the degree to which the immersion has deepened their understanding and contributed to their personal and academic growth.
When Does Interim Studies Take Place?
This weeklong learning period takes place in the Winter Trimester, just before March break each year. Specific dates vary from year to year and can be found in the Interim Studies Viewbook and on the school calendar.
How do Students sign up for Interim Studies?
First, students and parents should review the lineup of experiences in the current year Interim Studies Viewbook. After discussing the options, parents submit their student’s top three choices via the Parent Portal by a selected date in the fall. We strongly encourage submitting selections as early as possible, as some experiences may fill up quickly. Most on-campus experiences will be capped at 14 students to maximize conditions for learning. While we aim to offer every student one of their top choices, experiences with limited space will be filled based on class seniority, followed by a lottery if needed.
Why is Interim Studies Important?
At Brewster, we understand the essential role of place-based and world-facing learning experiences in fully activating and amplifying the impact of our broader academic program. During our Interim Studies period, we aim to curate and design immersive contexts and conditions that strike an intentional balance of joy, challenge, and growth to inspire those in our care to carry forward their learning and actively situate themselves at the intersection of what they love and how they can be useful to others. We’re excited to offer a diverse and relevant slate of experiences—there’s truly something for everyone!
The World Is Our Classroom
Immerse yourself in another culture for Interim Studies! Travel to Cádiz, Spain or Arles, France for learning opportunities where you will explore global and local issues, embrace human interconnectedness, and cultivate ethical citizenship.
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