Adventure trips aren’t something you usually expect to find at a community college, but they’re just one of many aspects that set Northwest College apart, giving students the gift of travel experiences that stay with them forever.
“Over our 75-year history, Northwest College students have traveled the world,” says Carey Miller, NWC communications and marketing director. “Our faculty and staff have taken students to destinations in North, Central and South America, including many islands in the Caribbean. We’ve journeyed to Europe (Britain, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy) as well as locations in Africa (Morocco and Egypt). We’ve been to Iceland; we’ve been to Cambodia; we’ve been to Japan; we’ve been to Hawaii and the south Pacific. If you’re a student with a soul for travel, NWC is the college for you.”
Through his Connecticut-based travel company, Diego Kraidelman has helped to organize international trips for NWC students once or twice a year since 2004. The goal? To deepen their understanding of and appreciation for other cultures through immersive tours and activities. Group rates help to keep the trip prices affordable, Kraidelman’s knowledge guarantees an authentic and meaningful experience, and students can even earn field study credits while abroad.
The first trip Kraidelman ever planned for Northwest College started with an idea from Helena De Fina, the late wife of NWC professor Anthony Polvere. Helena wanted to share with students the experience of a gaucho (South American cowboy) festival in her native country of Uruguay.
“She found me, and I’ve been working with the school since then,” Kraidelman, also originally from Uruguay, recalls.
Kraidelman personally leads all of the excursions, guiding groups through international destinations for 10 days or so at a time. The trips are open to all Northwest College students, but tend to appeal most to those who are studying photography or archaeology. Attendance varies by journey, usually averaging 25 travelers including faculty.
“Student travel opportunities afforded to our students far surpass what is typical of your average community college,” Miller adds. “At Northwest College, learning outside the classroom is just as important as learning inside the classroom, which is just one part of a full student experience that NWC is renowned for. Our students can gain many college experiences in their two years here that are normally reserved for upperclassmen at four-year schools.”
After organizing somewhere around 25 trips for NWC through the years, Kraidelman has established a meaningful bond with the school. He’s proud to have created not just memories, but also lasting relationships with the people he travels with.
“Northwest College is in my heart,” he says. “I love the community; it’s my favorite school to work with. I’ve done trips with many colleges, and the students of Northwest are so special to me. I’ve been able to keep in touch with students who took my trips 14, 15 and 16 years ago. We stay connected on social media. Some have invited me to their weddings and other personal events.”
Most recently, Kraidelman led a 10-day NWC adventure to Egypt. He remains excited to see where the road might take him next and looks forward to bringing others along for the ride.
“I want every student to remember these trips forever,” he says. “And they do! Many never get the chance to travel like this again. Many have never even been on an airplane before. I want to give them the best experience I possibly can.”
For more information about Northwest College student trips and field study opportunities, call 1.800.560.4692 or visit nwc.edu.
