Global Cultures & Travel   

Tea holds a special place in Japanese culture, with centuries-old traditions shaping its cultivation, preparation, and enjoyment. While modern practices have evolved to include various schools of tea, contemporary cafés, and casual tea experiences, the cultural significance of tea remains deeply rooted in daily life. In Japan, sharing tea is more than just drinking a beverage – it is a way to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. It offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of everyday life, inviting both host and guest to connect through simplicity and mindfulness. We invite you to experience this timeless tradition at the Japanese Friendship Garden through our program: Tea Tasting. Join us in embracing the tranquility and cultural richness of Japanese tea.

In October 2026, OLLI travels to Central Europe in the footsteps of Mozart. In preparation, this class explores Mozart’s music through the lens of locations significant to his career: Munich (where his opera Idomeneo premiered), Salzburg (his birthplace), Vienna (where he spent his final decade), and Prague (where he enjoyed extraordinary popularity). Open to both travelers and non-travelers alike, the class offers unique insight into the composer’s music and the four cities that inspired and sustained him.

Join Jim Turner to explore Arizona’s history from its admission as the 48th state in 1912 through the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. We will trace the legacies of frontier mining and cattle ranching alongside the rise of early Progressive politics, Native American reservations, boarding schools, and the trading posts that connected diverse communities. The class will examine Arizona’s role in national and international events, including General Pershing’s punitive expedition along the border, the arrival of health seekers and tourists drawn to dude ranches and ranch schools, and the emergence of auto tourism and early motion-picture production. By connecting Arizona’s frontier past with its modern identity, participants will gain insight into how cultural diversity, economic opportunity, and environmental limits have shaped one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.

The ancient Kingdom of Morocco has a fascinating history, beautiful and historic cities, a mix of cultures, remarkable artistic and architectural achievements, fantastic food, friendly people, and an incredible natural setting of mountains, deserts, and Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches. It is an easy and enjoyable place to visit and explore. This session will include an overview of the Kingdom of Morocco and a travelogue showcasing its wonders. Morocco is well worth the time and energy. Scottsdale even has a long-standing sister city relationship with Marrakech, with regular cultural and community activities. Come and explore!

Looking for a cool summer getaway? Perhaps you’ve already cruised to Alaska but want a more authentic, less crowded experience. Expedition cruising takes you to places the big ships can’t reach – small villages inhabited by Indigenous people, tidewater glaciers, remote fjords, and Alaska’s abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. Instructor Dan Fellner, a veteran travel journalist and photographer, has written extensively about Alaska and cruise destinations around the world. Join him for an insider’s look at exploring Alaska the expedition way.

This class examines the ideology and practice of slavery in late medieval Italian cities such as Venice and Genoa. ASU professor Dr. Hannah Barker will discuss the laws that defined slave status, the demographics of the enslaved population, the types of labor associated with slavery, and some of the consequences of this practice for medieval Italian society.

From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Buddy Holly, and uncover a British pop star’s surprising connection to the Alamo.

From the top of Mt. Denali to the Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska is a place of raw natural beauty and power, home to glaciers, tundra, caribou, and both polar and grizzly bears. Alaska also has a colorful political history that began as Seward’s Folly, progressed to a front line of the 20th-century Cold War, and today serves as a stage where the entire climate change debate plays out on a landscape rapidly experiencing the warming effects of fossil fuel combustion – while also being developed for the extraction of those same fuels. This class will explore both the marvels of nature and the foibles of our own species as they have shaped the largest and northernmost state in the union.

Italy's most populous and economically powerful regions, with a legacy rooted in a long history of independence, trade, and industry, tell a story of division and unification, shaped by Roman roads and papal influence. These regions are now powerhouses of culture, learning, and culinary excellence. The cuisine of Northern Italy is distinctly different from that of the South, often emphasizing butter, cream, rice, and polenta rather than the South’s olive oil- and tomato-based fare. Heartier flavors reflect the cooler climate and influences from neighboring countries. Northern Italy is considered the country’s “culinary capital” – home to balsamic vinegar, focaccia, pesto, Parmigiano–Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, truffles, and many of Italy’s finest wines.

Arizona-based artist Jana Peterson creates striking images that range from earthy abstractions and portraiture to futuristic galactic visions. Coming from a family of artists and teachers, she holds an M.A. in Art Education from A.S.U. and has been teaching and painting for over 30 years. Jana is a professional painter with the soul of Matisse – her work is dramatic, vivid, and bold, merging art and technology. Peterson is joining us to celebrate her works on display – and to have a little fun making art with us! We’ll be painting "Bryggen" (the dock), a historic harbor district in Bergen, one of Norway’s oldest port cities on the west coast and a center for Hanseatic trade. Bryggen has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Join us on a delightful culinary journey designed for members ready to step outside their food “comfort zone.” Together, we’ll explore diverse cultures through cuisine, meeting for lunch at a variety of ethnic restaurants—from central Phoenix to the West Valley. These unique gatherings will take place in our informal classroom settings, where you’ll savor authentic flavors, make new friends, and deepen your appreciation for global traditions. Perfect for food lovers seeking adventure and connection! This SIG will meet once a month on Thursdays through December. The restaurant for the first meet-up will be shared after registration. Future Thursday lunch dates will be chosen collectively by the group.

Fees for this SIG will vary based on restaurant prices.