GEL trips are here for 2023-2024!
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. Since the program’s inception in 2000, students have traveled to approximately 30 nations, including Argentina, China, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, and Thailand. The GEL program aims to make the world a learning laboratory for students, providing deep exploration into individual fields of study, the opportunity to understand where the United States fits in terms of the world viewpoint, and the ability to enhance skills in cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and capability to adjust and adapt.
Students apply for these short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If the course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.
Global Experiential Learning Trips for the 2023-24 Academic Year
Exploring the PA Profession: AAPA Houston 2024
Instructor: Camilla Hollen
Travel dates: May 15-22, 2024
Explore aspects of the PA profession by attending the American Academy of Physician Associates conference!
This course builds on foundational knowledge of the PA profession. Experiential learning opportunities are concentrated on engaging in a professional conference with a focus on programmatic core values and their connection to the PA profession.
Mental Health and Happiness in Fiji
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: May 19-June 3, 2024
We will travel throughout Fiji, learning about Fijian perspectives on happiness and mental health. The trip will include short stays in several locations, including island villages, small towns, tourist destinations, and urban universities, and feature culturally immersive experiences whenever possible.
Exploration of the Scottish Education System
Instructor: Vicky Spencer
Travel dates: May 19-May 25, 2024
In Glasgow, we will meet with faculty and students affiliated with the University of Glasgow’s School of Education, and visit schools and related education organizations. We will explore teacher and leadership roles and preparation, curriculum and assessment, inclusive practices, and education policy impacts. We will collaborate with Scottish peers to explore topics of shared interest as a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project. We will also leave time for sightseeing in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Global Health Programming in Belize
Instructor: Audra Gollenberg (agollenb@su.edu)
Travel dates: May 20-28, 2024
Come explore the health experience of Belizeans and global health programming through guided tours, speaking engagements from healthcare/government officials and hands-on workshops!
Learn how ancient medicine is still practiced by natural healers in the Mayan community as well how vector-borne disease is controlled, dietary modification to manage diabetes mellitus, and how community health workers are changing the health experience for rural Belizeans! Complete the experience with an excursion to Blue Hole National Park!
Dance and Theatre Exploration in Greece
Instructor: Maurice Fraga (mfraga@su.edu)
Travel dates: June 13-July 4, 2024
Anchored by a week long contact improvisation workshop on the island of Ikaria, students will spend the 3 week trip in Greece exploring aspects of ancient and modern Greek culture, participating in dance and theatre workshops with local artists, and engaging in dance and theatre performances in conjunction with the non-profit organization, Philotimo Now.
The trip will include travel to Athens, Aidipsos, Kalo Nero, Diavolitsi, Pilos, as well as to the islands of Ikaria and Spetses. We will visit some of the major sights in Athens, the ancient city Messene, and the seaside town of Corinth.
Faculty GEL Program Proposal
Do you have a GEL course that you would like to create? Propose it now!
