The session recording will be archived on the site until June 25th, 2023

This session was streamed but not recorded

Curated Track: 

Description:

The opportunity to study in a location away from one’s home institution–most often through study abroad–is widely recognized as a way for students to have meaningful place-based learning experiences and build cultural competency, both key elements of geography students’ success. However, many students cannot afford the time and financial demands of term-length or even short-term study abroad. Domestic study away courses are a more accessible way for students to have the invaluable experiences of learning about other cultures, traveling away from home with peers, and also learning more about the country where they currently live. In addition to typically being shorter duration and a lower cost than study abroad, study away courses run by students’ home institutions can also more easily and flexibly meet degree requirements and eligibility for use of financial aid.

Panelists will discuss their experiences with study away courses at colleges and universities in the United States. They bring perspectives from different roles in the study away experience and include faculty who have organized and led study away and field courses, faculty who have hosted visiting study away courses, and students who have participated in study away courses. Many of the panelists have experience with rail-based study away. As a result, the discussion will touch on the potential of rail-based programs and those with multiple destinations. We will explore together the benefits and challenges of organizing these domestic programs and partnering with local institutions, as well as the impacts for student learning and engagement.

Non-Presenting Participants