Interim Experiences

Faculty Leaders: Kris Climer, Jen Archie
Cost: $4,850
Dates: Saturday, March 1 - Sunday, March 9 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

During this experience we will explore Paris, Versailles, Chartres, les Châteaux de Chambord, Amboise et Chenonceau, Mont St. Michel, Caen, and more. In this language and cultural immersion, you’ll taste the cuisine that is famous the world over. From the Champs-Elysées to the Louvre, from St. Malo to Normandy and the D-Day Memorial, un voyage incroyable! Open to all, but preference given to current and former French students. Venez nombreux!

Faculty Leaders: Stacey Banks-Houston, Brodrick Thomas
Cost: $4,000
Dates: Friday, February 28 – Friday, March 7 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

Ready to experience something unforgettable? Discover Ghana's vibrant culture and transformative business landscape on this immersive trip! A historical and entrepreneurial service trip to Accra, Ghana, offers participants the chance to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, including visits to historical landmarks such as the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, where they will gain a profound understanding of African and American history. The trip fosters entrepreneurial skills by engaging with local artisans, business leaders, and communities to exchange ideas and collaborate on sustainable business practices. Through service initiatives, students will contribute to local development projects, promoting social responsibility and cultural exchange, including visits to volunteer at the Gloria Pointer Memorial School, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and the Kakum National Park.

Faculty Leaders: Cassie Bates, David Gallagher, Jared Mendiola
Cost: $5,100
Dates: Saturday, March 1–Friday, March 7 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

Get ready for an unforgettable 7-day adventure in Iceland! Picture yourself standing between tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, feeling the power of Gullfoss Waterfall, and exploring the geothermal wonders of Geysir. You’ll soak in the Blue Lagoon, walk on glaciers, and even see how tomatoes are grown near the Arctic at Fridheimar Farm! Along the way, you'll learn about renewable energy, Icelandic biodiversity, and Iceland’s Viking past. This tour isn't just fun—it's an amazing educational opportunity that aligns with science and geography standards, giving you hands-on experiences with the environment, culture, and history that shape this unique island.

Faculty Leaders: Cecilia Moix, Bill Zepeda
Cost: $5,425.00
Dates: Friday, February 28 – Saturday, March 08 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

This exciting tour gives you an inside look at some of the greatest treasures of Mexican history. We start in Mexico City, walking through a massive complex of Aztec pyramids before seeing the National Palace. We will visit the official house of Frida Kahlo, the Soumaya museum, and other iconic places. Students will also participate in three LEAP activities and receive college credit. The visit will be rounded out by tours through Mexico’s expansive anthropological museums along with archaeological sites, including Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oaxaca is the home of the most vibrant crafts and art scene in the Americas, boasting outstandingly colorful and exuberant festivities, uniquely delicious cuisine, and diverse natural riches. Come travel with Mrs. Moix and Mr. Zepeda to experience a part of México that you have not seen!

Faculty Leaders: Andrew Stacy, Betsey Bachert
Cost: $4,400
Dates: Thursday, February 27--Saturday, March 8 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

As JRR Tolkien reminds us, “Not all those who wander are lost.” To visit the United Kingdom is to go back in time and live once more the dramatic events of history that have influenced us in remarkable ways. Explore the lands that produced chivalry, trial by jury, and our own magnificent language. Experience iconic geography through the eyes of poets. Understand our own country’s freedoms more deeply after walking through the halls where their foundations were formed. You’ll have so much fun that you will hardly notice all you are learning and how broad your horizons become! This unforgettable journey includes time in London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews.

Faculty Leaders: Brandon Albright, Kaylee Shackleford
Cost: $2,700
Dates: Saturday, March 1—Saturday, March 8 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

The Jamaica Mission Trip will work with American Caribbean Experience to serve the people and communities of the parish of St. Mary. Our team, consisting of 27 students, will be taking part in a number of ACE’s partnerships with the community and will be serving in a variety of ways, from construction and farming to tutoring and playing with students at the local schools. The trip cost includes airfare, housing, ministry expenses, transportation, and meals in Jamaica. We will be staying at ACE’s Galina Breeze Hotel, a wonderful, gated facility where we can relax after a hard day of work, chatting by the pool and soaking in the ocean views. We will also spend a day at the end of the trip visiting the beach and have some down time after a long week. Come serve with us on this life-changing trip!

Faculty Leaders: Ryan McDonald & Shelton Wicks
Cost: $2,850
Dates: Saturday, March 1-Thursday, March 6 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

Mission work by day, fútbol by night! This trip will consist of going out and serving the communities and local churches in Honduras through soccer camps, food distributions, and helping with local children during the mornings. At night we will be playing and training soccer on the different field styles seen throughout Honduras against local teams.

*This experience is designed to enhance the learning and team building of the FRA Boys' Soccer Team.

Faculty Leaders: Laura Davis, John Harris
Cost: $2,000
March: 2-6 (Please note that this experience falls outside of the 4-day Interim window)

Explore your independence on this interim trip to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of our country’s independence but also the home of many of the country’s top research universities and liberal arts colleges. As Sophomores and Juniors think about their own launch toward adulthood and personal independence, consider spending your interim trip touring colleges in the greater Philadelphia area, while also taking in the culture and history of one of America’s largest cities. Tour highlights will include college tours of Ivy League & Patriot League colleges. Additionally, the trip will include stops at national landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross’s house, and Ben Franklin’s many notable invention sites (including but not limited to, the first US Post Office and first ice creamery). Taste an authentic Philly cheesesteak, visit a Wawa, walk down colorful South Street, and take pictures of the iconic LOVE statue.

Faculty Leaders: Ross Bolen, Thomas Carlton, Sonia Higdon
Cost: $3,000
March 2-7 (Please note that this experience falls outside of the 4-day Interim window)

From the highest point to the lowest point in the “Lower 48” and everywhere in between, this interim trip will study photography and ecology in many different environments: the famous Las Vegas strip, illuminated in all of its neon glory, vistas overlooking Red Rock Canyon, Joshua Tree, a tram ride with amazing views of the mountains and desert, Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48 states, Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the Lower 48 states, the majestic Sequoia National Forrest, and beautiful Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California. We will utilize various techniques of photography to capture scenes and wildlife and will be able to study the wide variety of ecosystems in these amazing areas

Faculty Leaders: David Dawson, TBA
Cost: $995
Dates: Monday, March 3--Thursday, March 6

Students will explore the art of fly fishing in Middle and Eastern Tennessee. All levels of fishermen and fisherwomen are welcome. This experience will provide a great chance to experience the great outdoors, enjoy fun and fellowship, and learn fly-fishing on some of Tennessee's great rivers.

Faculty Leaders: Hayden Copeland, Meaghan Williams
Cost: 3,000
Dates: Saturday, March 1--Thursday, March 6 (Please note that this experience extends beyond the 4-day Interim window)

Calling all recreationalists! Hilton Head Island is known for its tourism, beaches, restaurants, golf, and so much more. From learning how to play pickleball to learning how to run a business, you’ll leave places such as Palmetto Dunes Pickleball and Tennis Center with more knowledge and skills than you thought possible. Check out the dolphins while discovering the unique ecosystem of the Lowcountry Salt Marsh. Sample incredible foods while hearing entrepreneurial insights from trend-setting restauranteurs. If you are on the FRA varsity golf team, this trip could include trips to world famous golf courses and possibly even a match with a local high school. When it comes to mixing fun and learning, Hilton Head has it all!

Faculty Leaders: Natalie Scruggs, Alana Hilkin, Sarah Moore
Cost: $1,750
Dates: March 3-6

Follow us to sunny, southern Florida as we explore the surf and sand with numerous adaptive water activities. This trip is designed to ensure that every participant, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy activities such as adaptive kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. Not only will we explore the world of adaptive watersports, but students will also get the opportunity to swim with dolphins as we partner with a local non-profit that provides aquatic animal-assisted therapy! In addition to these water activities, we will explore the area by boat in a guided tour of the Everglades, one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. This trip is designed to be accessible to all students providing activities that foster inclusion, fellowship, and teamwork.

**Please note that this experience is designed to enhance the learning of students in the Heart 2 Heart program or those enrolled in the FRA Exceptional Learners course. Only peer mentors, students enrolled in Exceptional Learners I, II, III, and students in the Heart 2 Heart program should list this experience on their registration form as priority will be given to student mentors as a continuation of what they are discussing and learning within the classroom.

Faculty Leaders: Carly Schneider and Kyle Strazzeri
Cost: $40 plus lunch money for four days
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

In this "All Things Bookish" Interim, students will embark on a literary exploration across Nashville, shopping, reading, and serving in some of the city's most beloved book-centered locations. Our journey begins at the historic main library downtown, where students will delve into the world of books and learn about the library's role in the community. We'll continue our adventure with visits to renowned independent bookstores like Parnassus Books and Novelette Booksellers, discovering the magic of curated book collections, and learning from staff what it’s like bookselling beyond Bezos. A potential stop at McKay's will allow us to wander through a vast selection of used books, including graphic novels and manga. Students will also get a chance to serve others by helping out a local book-centered nonprofit and learning about the importance of literacy initiatives and support. Each day’s schedule will include reading time in various settings and casual lunchtime discussions at book-themed local spots so students can share what they are reading with one another. Also, we’re hoping to connect with a publishing insider from The Southern Festival of Books for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of publishing and literary events. The goal of this Interim experience is to learn about, enjoy, and serve others with books, all while getting to know the best spots in Nashville for book lovers.

Faculty Leader: Kelli Wisthoff
Cost: $175
Dates: March 3-6

Students will learn the basics of interior design, identify their personal design style, and work on hands-on design projects and mood boards. We’ll partner with Amanda Montgomery of Maggie Clarke Interiors to learn about her design process and career trajectory, visit FRA alumni-owned business Design in House to see their sample library and learn about the operations side of design, and tour Belmont’s interior design studios and meet with current students to get a glimpse into the life of an interior design major.

Faculty Leaders: Lisa Zenner, Stephanie Feyes
Cost: $50 + daily lunches
Dates: March 3-6

Faculty Leader: Ben Suitt
Cost: $60
Dates: Monday, March 3—Thursday, March 6

Sequential art has been part of the human experience since cave paintings thousands of years ago. From clay pots in ancient Greece, to tapestries through the Renaissance, to today’s comic books and graphic novels, sequential art is a uniquely persistent and contemporary medium of human creativity and expression. During this interim experience, students will investigate the genre's origins while creating a comic book from scratch. We will discuss how to write a comic script and draw a comic successfully, leaving you with a deepened appreciation of the skills involved and with your own creation to work on and show off!

Faculty Leaders: Christina Theodoru and Michael Bartha
Cost: $40
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

This experience will introduce students to the diverse network of non-profit organizations in Nashville. Students will spend their days partnering with the same non-profit groups as our Turner Fellows. By completing this experience, students will gain service hours and delve into important areas of Nashville where they can continue to serve and learn. Students will discover the joys of living out FRA’s mission in the Nashville community.

Faculty Leaders: Josephine Kelso and Shawn Allen
Cost: $300
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

Take this interim to feed your body and spirit. We will study the Bible, do three kinds of cardio, learn about body mechanics, and eat tasty, protein-rich meals around town. If you like to talk things over with God while you go long distances and fuel your body for optimal performance, this interim is for you. We will combine two sports per day (road biking, swimming, and running) to simulate training for an Olympic triathlon. This is your life!

Faculty Leaders: Tom Gilroy, Keith Gray
Cost: $300
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

“Sports is life with the volume turned up.” In this local interim experience, participants will attend morning sessions covering Sports Leadership topics through guest speakers, article studies, and culture lessons that tie sports leadership to life. Each day, participants will also help lead a basketball clinic for our lower school students at FRA: running fundamental drills, coaching small teams in competition, and sharing devotions or life experiences/lessons with our younger students on campus. Participants will run basketball clinics at other local locations in the afternoon/evenings while enjoying fun bonding activities on and off campus together throughout the week. The takeaway from this experience will be impactful relationships formed with younger students who share a passion for basketball, an appreciation for how life lessons can be taught through sports, and increased knowledge and experience in the field of Sports Leadership.

Faculty Leaders: Jodi Troutt, Amanda Kellum
Cost: $175
Dates: Monday, March 3—Thursday, March 6

Founded on the principles of Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this course will teach students reality-based self-defense along with situational awareness and social media safety. The goal is to foster a sense of community among students while equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves. This experience will include de-escalation and prevention techniques along with Krav Maga and grappling training. Cost includes training by nationally certified self-defense instructors, t-shirt, and hand wraps.

Faculty Leaders: TBA
Cost: $200
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

Faculty Leaders: Allison Hammat and Jacqui Gardner
Cost: $200
Dates: Monday, March 3-Thursday, March 6

Escape the everyday grind and discover the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with our Food, Flex, Flow interim. Join us for this incredible experience to find your balance through yoga, mindfulness and gentle hikes through the wilderness. We will check out delicious, life-giving foods, restore our bodies with gentle movement, and explore different strategies to reconnect and renew our souls.

Faculty Organizers: Maddi Devey, Rod Jones
Cost: None - students must transport themselves to their host job site each day
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

Students will shadow a professional in the local community or work on an approved mentor-guided entrepreneurial venture. Students may choose to job shadow almost any profession, provided that the professional does not work at FRA and is not a family member. Students will fill out paperwork, and FRA faculty members will check in on each shadow placement throughout the week. Students will begin the week all together with a sponsored breakfast at FRA and a welcome speech on how to maximize your job shadow experience by a community professional.

FRA Faculty Contact: Rod Jones, Maddi Devey
Cost: $600
Dates: Monday, March 3—Thursday, March 6

Students will expedite the process of getting a learner’s permit and/or driver’s license during this four-day intensive on campus. Brentwood Driver Training (BDT) offers a convenient, affordable option for students of all ages to receive classroom training, driving simulation, and insurance benefits. BDT will also help schedule on-the-road driving and make sure students are prepared for their driving tests

Faculty Leaders: Justin Geisinger, Kris Palmerton, Jay Salato
Cost: $200
Dates: Monday, March 3 - Thursday, March 6

In this local Interim experience, students will explore the wide world of sports business in Nashville and see its impact on the local economy. Each day, they will have the opportunity to meet with different leaders around the Nashville community, ask questions, and learn from their experiences in their roles. Depending on availability, organizations may include Tennessee Titans, Nashville Sounds, Nashville Predators, and Vanderbilt University. Students will see the inner workings of these sports businesses from unique perspectives, tour facilities, and shadow potential job interests.