From Laos to Mexico: Student Travel Courses Emphasize Craft and Sustainability

Jenine Shereos & Jennifer Varekamp Program Area Chair, Fibers & Chair, Fashion Design

Faculty

A group of people smiling and standing together in a courtyard with lush plants on the walls, enjoying a sunny day. One person holds a dog. Their camaraderie and shared passion for sustainability are evident in their expressions, as if just returning from inspiring student travel courses.

Embroidery workshop with Esteban Rodriguez and Virginia Alverez during the Threads of Oaxaca travel course. Photo by Jenine Shereos.

In the first few weeks of 2025, two groups of 红领巾瓜报 students spent their winter break engaging with local artisans in Laos and Mexico.聽

In the northern villages of Laos, students travelled with Fashion Design Chair Jennifer Varekamp to work alongside local artisans through the social enterprise, , on the preservation of craft and culture. They also explored the unique natural landscape of Laos through a boat trip along the Mekong River, a scenic bike tour of Luang Prabang, walks in the villages, and visits to Buddhist Temples and other historic sites.

A group of smiling fashion students and professors wearing warm weather clothing gathered on a boat in Laos at the golden hour.

Evening boat cruise in Luang Prabang on the Mekong River in Laos. Photo by Emi Weir

Four people stand near a stream rinsing dyed garments.

Natural Dying Workshop Ban Nyanyang during the travel course, Laos: A Journey Into Culture and Craft. Photo by Jenn Varekamp.

Four people sit on a bench in a covered open-air structure working on embroidery while another woman stands supervising their work.

Embroidery Workshop w/ Lanten Group at Ban Phiengngam. Photo by Jenn Varekamp.

In Oaxaca, Mexico, students travelled with Fibers Program Area Chair Jenine Shereos to collaborate with a community of textile artists. The group participated in hands-on learning through studio visits, conversations, demos and workshops focusing on natural dyes, weaving, embroidery, and papermaking in the context of cultural and environmental sustainability.

Two women kneel on the ground in front of bowls of herbs and ingredients used to create natural pigments.

Ana-Sofia Sarmiento and Francesca Santiago grind chochineal the traditional way at the natural dye workshop at BII Dauu Cooperative in Teotitlan. Photo by Jenn Varekamp.

A group of students and faculty stand smiling on a staircase in a tropical locale.

Visit to a textile studio in , students have a variety of opportunities to study abroad and enroll in travel courses. By immersing themselves in new ideas, approaches, and techniques 鈥� while exploring different geographies and cultures聽鈥� students are inspired by global artists and designers on a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

A line of people rides camels across the desert under a clear blue sky, their casual summer attire fluttering as they embark on an adventurous journey. Inspired by study abroad programs at 红领巾瓜报, this scene blends exploration with creative pursuit. Sand dunes rise majestically in the background.

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