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Study Trip to New Orleans: A Transformative Learning Journey

An iconic New Orleans building with hanging plants along a large balcony


I’m excited to invite Holy Family students and alumni to join me for a weeklong educational trip to The Big Easy – New Orleans – running May 19–26, 2026. This immersive travel experience explores the intersection of culture, environment, civil rights, and the arts—all in a city that has deeply shaped my own academic and personal journey. I had the privilege of living in New Orleans, and I can say without hesitation: it’s a place that teaches you in ways no classroom can.

Our itinerary brings together vibrant history and living culture. We’ll visit the Whitney Plantation, the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, walk the iconic French Quarter, and interact with local folk artists. We’ll explore the Garden District, take a haunting night tour, and experience live jazz on Frenchmen Street. Whether your interests lie in the arts, history, social justice, or science, this city has something to say to you.

An iconic New Orleans building with lights and decorations set up for Mardi Gras

This is a fully guided experience through ETA Educational Tours, including hotel accommodations, breakfast daily, two group dinners, and a 7-day Jazzy Pass for streetcars and buses. And yes—course credit is available for interested students.

Join us in exploring the deep soul of the South—its beauty, its complexity, and its call to think deeply and live purposefully.

To register, visit etadventures.com and enter trip code holyfamily26, or reach out to me directly with questions at rficociello@holyfamily.edu.

Let’s learn together—in New Orleans.

Robert Ficociello
Associate Professor of English

Literature | School of Arts & Sciences

Headshot of Robert Ficocoiello

Dr. Fic is professor of English and teaches literature, journalism, writing, and pop culture. He was born and raised in Massachusetts, and has lived in New Hampshire, New York, Florida, Nebraska, Colorado, and Lousiana. He lives in Bucks County with his family and wrote a children's book about his kids exploring Jupiter. "Lucia and Marcus Go to Space: Jupiter!" is due out January of 2026.