In March 2027, sophomores will travel internationally as part of Ursinus’s new APEX program, Go Global. All costs for this program are included in students’ tuition.
As emphasized by Associate Dean of Experience Learning Dr. Johannes Karreth, Go Global is not just a study abroad opportunity, but career exploration “where students gather first experiences communicating with a global audience and getting a sense [of] how communities elsewhere tackle important problems.” Students will be able to show global experience on their resumés, bring back creative ideas for project-based learning courses, and possibly lead future hub and center activities.
Karreth explained that this year’s locations — Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico — were picked by “a group of faculty and staff leaders with expertise in career exploration, global travel experiences, and in their specific domains.” This group solicited proposals from student travel organizations and narrowed them down based on faculty expertise, fit with APEX hubs and centers, and input from the class of 2029. Students then made a ranking of interest for each available location, and were recently offered their final trip destination.
Trips to Europe will tentatively take place from March 7 to March 13, and students should expect fluctuating weather conditions. Latin American trips will tentatively take place from March 6 to March 13, and students should expect warm and possibly humid weather. Students must have a valid U.S. passport, are encouraged to pack lightly, and should expect to share a room with a fellow student.
“Equitable Approaches to Climate Action” in Dublin, Ireland is associated with the Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good and the Hub for Civic and Global Leadership. Students will explore the politics, community, and culture behind Ireland’s climate and environmental action. Sample activities include panels with government officials, tours of prominent Irish landmarks, and museum visits or cooking classes.
Co-leader Dr. Aubrey Paris explained how this trip is based on her work in gender-responsive climate action in the U.S. Department of State, and she hopes for “students to gain a better understanding of how climate change impacts different people in different ways and how this necessitates tailored climate policies, programs, and interventions.” Meanwhile, co-leader Dr. Mark Ellison is hopeful to “learn strategies that have been successful in Ireland that we can bring back to the United States.”
“Stories that Travel” in Dublin is associated with the Center for Humanities in Action and the Hub for Civic and Global Leadership. Students will discover how marginalized cultural traditions evolve through the arts and community, and they may attend exploration of city street art or art galleries, a workshop on vernacular music and dance, and a historical walking tour.
Dr. Lori Daggar, co-leader of the Dublin trip alongside Dr. Holly Hubbs, shared her excitement about the trip’s “fusion of art, storytelling, and social justice.” She felt a connection to her undergraduate study abroad experience in Sicily. “It was an experience that, in many ways, led me to where I am now—teaching college students in hands-on, out-of-the-box ways,” she explained. “Go Global is an opportunity to keep pushing myself to learn new things and take on new experiences, just as I did in undergrad. I have no doubt my thinking and teaching will change because of it, and I can’t wait.”
The Sport and Humanity Hub will be facilitating the trip to Manchester, United Kingdom, where students will examine the impact of sports on communities. Sample activities include tours of Etihad Stadium, the Manchester City Football Academy, the National Football Museum, and MediaCityUK. The trip will be led by Dr. Andrew Jones, Coach Janelle Benner, Dr. Lisa Grossbauer, and Dr. Molly O’Rourke-Friel.
“Salud y Bienestar” in Santiago, Dominican Republic will be led by the Parlee Center and the Hub for Civic and Global Leadership. Students will explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Health and Well-Being, and how the Dominican Republic is pursuing that goal. Students may learn about healthcare, grassroots health efforts, herbal medicine, and coral reef restoration. Dr. Denise Finney and Dr. Leslie New will be leading the trip.
“Quisqueya” in Santiago will also be led by the Parlee Center and the Hub for Civic and Global Leadership. Students will explore the country’s nature, culture, identity, and history. Sample activities include volunteering at a Haitian-Dominican school, meeting with human rights activists, and visiting the beach and a national park.
Dr. Jose Eduardo Cornelio, co-leader with Dr. Nicole Fadellin, expressed interest in many of the trip’s activities. This includes Santo Domingo, where a “decolonial” tour will explore Dominican indigenous resistance to colonialism. His first professional experience involved cultural preservation in significant urban areas. “History should not simply confirm what we already believe or provide comfortable narratives about the past,” Dr. Cornelio explained. “Rather, it should encourage us to examine the past critically so that we can better understand the present and, ideally, learn how to live together.”
“Colonial Pasts, Sustainable Futures” in Puerto Rico is associated with all APEX hubs and centers. Here students will explore Puerto Ricans’ pride and frustration caused by a vibrant yet prejudiced history, and see how they are facing those challenges. Students will learn about the energy crisis, environmental exploitation, Puerto Rican artists, and may participate in a kayaking trip.
The four trip leaders will be Karreth, Dr. Rebecca Evans, Dr. Meghan Tierney, and Dr. Jay Shelat. Dr. Evans is excited to return to Puerto Rico after five previous volunteer trips with the Melrose Fellows. “Every time I’ve been able to spend time in Puerto Rico, I learn new things and meet wonderful people,” she stated. “I’m especially looking forward to making new connections, including a visit to a community-based organization that works to improve access to health care, reduce violence, and promote economic development.”
