For Students
The Nantucket Project Center is not a physical location. Rather, it is one of many ‘virtual’ centers around the world that comprise IGSD’s Global Projects Program. The Nantucket Project Center began in 2008 and 129 students have conducted 40 projects to date. We typically have 6 projects with 3 or 4 students in each project team. Students conduct their background research on their chosen project in ID2050 in A term and spend B term implementing their projects on island. You can find out more about the application process here.
The Island of Nantucket is a located approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Nantucket was once a booming whaling center, but is now primarily a summer resort and tourist destination and the population swells from 10,000 in the winter to 50,000 in the summer. The entire island (14 miles long by 3.5 miles wide) is a National Historic District and retains many cobblestone streets, beautiful historic homes and other historic buildings. It has several excellent museums, a thriving arts community, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Fifty percent of the island is protected conservation land and there are miles of biking and hiking trails and many wonderful public beaches.
We go to Nantucket in the ‘shoulder’ season in order to provide students an off-campus project experience that is affordable and yet really makes you feel like you have been ‘away.’ Indeed, when Islanders take the ferry to the mainland they say they are ‘going to America.’
You will be living in a brand new, purpose built, two-story dormitory that is owned and operated by the Nantucket Yacht Club. The dormitory is located in the heart of downtown at the corner of Beach Street and Whaler’s Lane. The dormitory has large, double-occupancy bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and all linens and towels are provided. Shared laundry facilities, fully-equipped kitchens, and living areas are available on each floor. Wifi is provided and the entire building is handicap accessible. Your advisors will consult with you during the prep term about rooming assignments.
Students are not allowed to take cars to Nantucket since the dormitory has no parking spaces and parking on the street is extremely limited. Fortunately, Harvey Young of Young’s Bicycles generously provides bicycles to all students and faculty free of charge for the duration of term. Bicycling is a marvelous way to get around and see the island and stay in shape at the same time. The island is flat, there are numerous paved bicycle paths, and there is very little traffic on island during B term, so bicycling is safe and free of hassles. The most distant sponsoring agencies are no more than 3 miles from downtown. Also, a limited bus service runs on the major routes during the off-season.