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
Through the Lens: A Photographic Journey in Mexico
Instructor: Abigail Gomez (agomez@su.edu)
Travel dates: Jan. 10-17, 2024
This GEL trip will take SU learners to the metropolis of Mexico City, the magical town of Oaxtepec, and the natural wonder of Tolantongo, Mexico.
Throughout our travels, the trip will focus on the art of photography, as learners explore the juxtaposition of ancient and modern, natural and man-made elements from the most populous city in North America to the state of Hidalgo, and the state of Morelos.
While discovering the elements and principles of art and design through the medium of photography, learners will also have the opportunity to visit ancient cultural sites and museums, participate in the culinary arts, visual arts and traditional craft, and dance during a variety of workshops, among other exciting experiences.
Jazz & Commercial Music Studies Peru Tour
Instructor: Matthew Niess (mniess@su.edu)
Travel dates: Jan. 14-23, 2024
Travel to Peru for performances, cultural exchange and visits to Lima and other ventures to Huaca Pucllana, Larco Museum, Plaza San Miguel, Afroperuvian Museum, Paracas, Huacachina, Barranco District, Ancon or San Juan for Sol y Deo Experience. Perform for and interact with young students who live in a very challenging area but play string instruments through the life-changing work of volunteer teachers. Perform and work with Peruvian musicians learning the Afro-Peruvian Jazz style.
Exploring Cuba: Havana y Las Terrazas
Instructor:Abigail Gómez (agomez@su.edu)
Travel dates: March 9-16, 2024
Join art professor Abigail Gómez on an exciting adventure to the vibrant Cuban capital of Havana, where you’ll learn about Cuban art, dance, music, and culture. Enriching conversations about economics, foreign policy, environmental conservation, and tourism will give learners a unique and enlightened understanding about this storied (and often forbidden) island nation.
Interdisciplinary Health Care in Nicaragua
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: March 9-16, 2024
This is a one-week interprofessional medical mission trip to Leon, Nicaragua.
We will provide medical services and there is 1.5 days of cultural excursions. The group will be hosted by a local NGO called El Auydante.
Big Bend National Park
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: March 10-16, 2024
At Big Bend National Park you will experience big skies, big canyons and the big Rio Grande River! Adventure and learn along the way via horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and camping. There is plenty to discover in this beautiful area that has geological structures dating back millions of years! This GEL program also includes First Aid and CPR training.
Wilderness First Responder Training
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: March 11-18, 2024
You will learn online from January through March on wilderness injury management and then for one week in March you will travel to the Landmark Learning Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a 50-hour live training course where you will have outdoor wilderness injury simulation training, The course ends with a written and practical exam for WFR certification. You will learn from and with a myriad of health professionals. There will also be time for team building and collaboration as students.
Southeastern Theatre Conference
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: March 12-17, 2024
Attend the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Mobile, Alabama! This conference helps the students connect with theatres around the country. The conference offers educational workshops, and expo floor for the latest in theatre technology, access to grad schools, design competitions, and one of the largest Theatre job fairs in the country.
USITT National Conference
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: March 19-24, 2024
This GEL trip is centered on attending the national conference for the United States Institute for Theatre Technologies – a unique opportunity to establish and continue industry relationships.
This conference includes more than 250 educational workshops in costuming, lighting, scenery, technical production, sound, theatrical architecture, and stage management; 10 hands on labs; and over 250 exhibitors displaying the latest in theatrical technology. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and manufacturers; go to portfolio reviews; design competitions, the tech Olympics, the tech expo, and possibly display their work in the design expo.
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.
Theatre in London and Dance in Barcelona
Instructor: TBA
Travel dates: June 14-28, 2024
Embarking on a cultural experience trip to London promises an enriching journey that goes far beyond the typical tourist itinerary. This immersive adventure is designed to allow you to witness the iconic sights of London and deeply engage with its vibrant culture while navigating the city’s unique tapestry of history, arts, and entertainment.
Excursions include sightseeing in London’s treasures, cultural activities and exploration, theatre performances, retail therapy, and diving into the arts with an acting and dance class.
Barcelona promises to be a cultural odyssey that transcends traditional travel experiences. Enjoy the breathtaking beaches, engage with the vibrant local community in plazas, and delve into the artistry of Flamenco dance.
This journey is not just an adventure; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Faculty GEL Program Proposal
Do you have a GEL course that you would like to create? Propose it now!