https://linktr.ee/rcpublicaffairs

Roanoke College Department of Public Affairs, 301 E Main Street, Salem, VA (2026)

05/24/2025

Officially wrapping up our may term trip to the Azores and Lisbon, Portugal. It is safe to say we experienced every aspect of traveling on this trip. Along with that, we took what we learned each day and applied it to how we show up as tourists and found ways to appreciate the new environment in a way that was beneficial to everyone.

From beautiful hikes and views to tea and pineapple plantations, milking cows and eating local food daily, we have all grown so much respect and love for the culture on the islands.

Thank you all for coming along for the journey and learning about sustainable tourism with us :)

A special thank you to our lovely host family once again for everything they did for us. We can all say they elevated our experiences beyond expectations.

05/21/2025

Yesterday we focused more on being observers of the environment around us rather than changing it for our own benefit.

The morning began with the whole group going on a scenic walk through Miradouro do Salto da Farinha to get in our last day of views. While it was still a foggy and grey day, we were able to look out at the ocean, beautiful landscape, and towering waterfall.

In the afternoon our group split up. The first group went on a glass bottom boat tour to observe and snorkel with the under water wildlife. On this tour we learned about how the small island we visited has recently become a reserve so that people are no longer allowed to hike or take anything from the island. This is just one more example of the Azores finding new ways to maintain their sustainable and enironmentally friendly home for everyone and everything that calls it home.

In the mean time, the second group went on a whale watching expedition. While the group was on the tour they saw 3 groups of dolphins and a blue whale. They first witnessed a small group of bottle nose dolphins before finding a group of 500 common dolphins. The tour guide had never seen so many dolphins at once! This was an incredible experience because common dolphins are rarely kept in captivity unlike the bottlenose. This gave us an opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat rather than in an aquarium. After visiting three groups of dolphins, we got to witness the largest mammal on earth as it came near the surface off the east coast of the island.

Both of these water excursions showed us another way the islands work in tourism naturally, by having the people come to the animals rather than the other way around.

Next time you want to go see some animals, we encourage you to think about exploring and observing nature where they are free to live as they please before going to watch the aniamls in captivity.

05/19/2025

Today we learned to take what is given to us and roll with it!

We started the day expecting to hike but due to weather ☔️🌧️ we had to change our plans a few times.

We toured the factory of Queijada de Vila de Franca and had samples of pastries, strolled through Villa Franca, picnicked for lunch, tried out traditional pottery making, and ended our day by hanging near the beach.

One of the highlights today was throwing our own pottery on a traditional hand-spun wheel. The shop we visited is the first and original of the island, with a beautiful location right along the water. They work with a local museum to preserve the traditional methods. They use original wheels and don’t do any fancy glazing, embracing the traditional clay look. It was so great to get our hands dirty and try it out ourselves!🏺We are thankful to see they still preserve the traditional ways.

We saw even more preservation of traditions at the Quiejada de Vila de Franca factory. They still use the original secret recipe to make their delicious treats.

Whether it was hiding from the rain, jumping from cliffs, or relaxing with classmates, today was another great day exploring the Azores.

We encourage you to continue to explore, support local, and try new things. Even if the weather alters your original plans, there is always adventures to be had!

05/18/2025

Today was one of those “go with the flow” kind of days in the Azores—and the flow was very chill. We all slept in (much needed), then split up: one group went full adventurer hiking to a waterfall, the other channeled their inner Ronaldo playing soccer with locals on an actual stadium field (no big deal). ⚽️💪

We reunited for an outdoor lunch featuring fresh island fruit and some serious host family cooking magic. Then it was back to exploring—some hit up the stunning Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Ribeira dos Caldeirões, while the rest caught some surf vibes in Ribeira Grande. 🌊🍍

Today reminded us that sustainable travel isn’t all composting and cold showers—it can be as simple as sharing a meal, playing a game, or appreciating a landscape without leaving a footprint (except for muddy hiking boots). And yeah, cooking with volcanic heat is cool... but playing pickup soccer with locals? That’s next-level connection.

05/17/2025

Today was another great day on Sao Miguel island. We went to Cha Porto Formoso, a tea factory, Ponta de Ferraria, a volcanic hot pool by the ocean, had lunch lunch by the water, Gorrena tea plantation and ended the day at Exploracao Rego, a local dairy and beef farm.

Both tea plantations are the only ones in Europe used for industrial purposes, making their work very impactful for consumers. 🫖☕️

From fresh cow milk, tea, multiple types of cheese, and rocky volcanic pools, today was about adventure and stepping out of our comfort zones. Our mid day nap in the van was greatly earned! 😴

These experiences further expanded our knowledge of rural tourism, agrotourism, and ecotourism. One of the highlights of our experiences was milking cows, tasting cheese and learning about the farm’s Happy Cow certification. A private company certifies the treatment of their cows and state of the facility. These farmers emphasized their gratefulness for the volcanic land that their farm is on and the mineral water that is used to make their cheese. This special water makes their cheese the only one in the world made this way. 🐄 🧀 🥛

After a day full of adventure, we encourage you to reflect on an area of your life that you could step out of your comfort zone. Try something new! Imagine the growth that occur and the lessons you can learn. 🥳It may be the best decision you’ve ever made.

We are looking forward to the rest of our time here on the island!

05/16/2025

Today was epic, we explored the stunning Furnas volcano crater, and relaxed in the iron rich hot springs at Terra Nostra, we even played soccer with local kids at a professional stadium.

While our traditional Azorean stew, cozido, slow cooked underground in volcanic vents for 7 hours, we soaked in the scenery and reflected on the balance between nature, culture, and tourism here in the Azores.

One of the highlights of the day, was getting the chance to interview one of the owners of our Airbnb we are staying in Paul Torres, who was a farmer who transitioned into tourism. He and his family run their business with heart, grit, and a deep respect for the land.

He explained the snowball effect of tourism, how it can uplift communities through local business support, but also create challenges like traffic and sustainability tensions.

Some advice that he shared with us was to love what you do, work as a team, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

From volcanic meals to meaningful conversations, today was a reminder that travel is more than sightseeing, it’s about connection, growth, and perspective.

A question I’d like to leave you with is, how can we, as travelers, support the places we visit in ways that leave them better than we found them?

05/15/2025

DAY FOUR RECAP✨

Today, we visited Licores Mulher de Capote, Ceramica Vieire Lagoa, Plantacao de Ananas dos Azores, and had a walking tour of Ponta Delgada. We learned how liquor is made and produced on the island and how local Azorean pottery is made and painted. Students also learned how pineapples grow on the island, despite not being native to the island. During their walking tour, the history of Ponta Delgada was explained to them and allowed students to understand the historical context of the island. These businesses are a part of local life and economy but also a part of tourism.

Reflecting on our day, we now have a more broad perspective on how tourism influences the economy of the Azores. Tourist effect the economies of places they are visiting through purchasing items, raising awareness, and learning more about the practices of the locals. When visiting these places like licores mulher de capote, ceramica vieire lagoa, and plantacao de ananas dos acores we are not only learning about the production of goods but also buying them and interacting with the economy. When visiting the pineapple plantation we were informed of first hand evidence of the effects of climate change regarding how they now harvest more sweet pineapples during winter months which is due to warmer temperatures. We must continue to educate ourselves when we visit new places and be more sustainable tourists to help protect our planet from further warming.

We were also able to explore more beautiful green spaces within Ponta Delgada and spotted many birds like the adorable European Robin!

From our day, we challenge you to think about the important products and history in your town, state, or country. How do they impact your economy? Do you have a product that your area is known for?

05/14/2025

Today, we visited the Quinta do Bom Despacho and the farmers market to celebrate the National Day of Agriculture. We learned more about sustainable and regenerative practices used on the island my locals and business owners. We also learned more about the impact of tourist groups on businesses and farming. It is clear that farming and agricultural practices are believed and taught to be very important on the island.
After reflecting on our day, we know that sustainability and regeneration is a choice that can be made in small decisions every day, and does not have to be overwhelming. Also, “slow tourism” is a lot more beneficial. Engaging in the community you are visiting for a longer period of time by becoming acquainted with residents or understanding their agricultural economy and natural resources is a much more positive contribution as opposed to visiting the destination by staying at a large hotel corporation and keeping to yourself, and then leaving. Finally, we noticed the different perspectives on sustainability and how land should be used and valued from farmers to people like who we met at the quinta. Farming is seen by some as harmful to the environment and not sustainable, yet is considered very important among the local community.
From our trips today, we all want to think more about what everyone can practice in their everyday life to positively contribute to regeneration. We also want to remain mindful about out approach to tourism to make it more sustainable or favorable to the locals. Finally, we want to ask: If you live or lived in a tourist destination, how would you want tourists to interact with your homeland?

05/13/2025

✨FOLLOW ALONG✨This May term, Dr. O’keef, her sister, and a group of students, are spending time observing the sustainable tourism and agriculture of the Azores and Lisbon, Portugal!

Each day we will post takeovers following the day and then a highlight of what we have been learning and observing! 🏝️📸

05/02/2025

We are so proud of this year’s valedictorians but especially of Rhianna Gleason, a Public Affairs student! You can find the link to the entire article about Rhianna and the other valedictorians in our Bio!

Congrats Class of 2025!

04/29/2025

❕Intern Highlight❕

Rhianna Gleason’s internship experience this semester with Amaryllis Law!

Roanoke College Department of Public Affairs

05/24/2025

05/21/2025

05/19/2025

05/18/2025

05/17/2025

05/16/2025

05/15/2025

05/14/2025

05/13/2025

05/02/2025

04/29/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The School

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request