Study Abroad Programs

A look back at the international learning experiences that have enriched students’ studies through research, collaboration, and cultural immersion.

Cuba

As part of an annual academic exchange to Cuba housed by the International Education Program, students participate in Búsquedas Investigativas, an international education research practicum, with scholars and practitioners throughout the U.S. and Cuba. The exchange facilitates individual student research projects on topics such as values education, citizenship education, teacher training, international higher education, and critical perspectives of race, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender in education. While pursuing research, students will work directly with scholarly networks through collaborative workshops, site visits, panels and lectures with Cuban educators. For more information on previous research projects or participation requirements, please contact the International Education Program at iepgwu [dot] edu (iep[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Dr. Laura Engel and adjunct professor Dr. Taylor Woodman, along with master's and doctoral students from GW-GSEHD and University of Maryland, took part in a 10-day international research practicum, International Investigations in Cuban Education . The group worked with the Association of Cuban Educators under the name, "Búsquedas Investigativas". Students conducted research through site visits to schools and universities in Havana and Mayabeque provinces, engagement with Cuban educators, and a visit to the UNESCO office in Havana.

This is an annual opportunity and students from GSEHD have participated in this experience for over 20 years.

Germany

GSEHD study tours to Germany in 2016 and 2019, led by Dr. Bernhard Streitwieser, offered students an in-depth look at the country’s higher education landscape and its role in addressing major societal issues. In these past programs, students traveled to cities such as Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg, Chemnitz, and Dresden to meet with leaders at universities, ministries, foundations, think tanks, research institutes and more. These visits provided firsthand insight into Germany’s approaches to internationalization, tuition-free education, global competitiveness, and the integration of migrants and refugees into higher education. Academic meetings were complemented by cultural excursions to historic sites—including memorials, museums, and government institutions—as well as opportunities to engage with local communities and experience contemporary German culture.

Ireland

Dr. Maria Cseh and GW-GSEHD students traveled to Ireland to explore the impact of culture and globalization on the lives of individuals, organizations, and societies. Through cultural and organizational visits and participation in the 16th International Conference on Human Resource Development Across Europe, students examined models and conceptual frameworks of culture to understand the nature of learning, change, and leadership across cultures with a focus on Ireland and the United States.

Dr. Colin Green directed a 7-day study abroad trip to Northern Ireland over spring break with GW students from the International Education Program and Curriculum and Instruction Program. The visit was the culmination of their academic work in Dr. Green's course, Identity, Pluralism and Schooling in Conflict-Affected Societies . The group visited The Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security, and Justice at Queen's University Belfast; Lagan College, N. Ireland's 1st religiously-integrated school; and Community Relations in Schools, an NGO focused on peace-education initiatives; and Corrymeela, the country's longest-serving peace and reconciliation center.

Israel

Dr. Michael Feuer led two GSEHD delegations to Israel to explore collaborations and partnerships with researchers, policy makers, and higher education administrators, and for discussions regarding the rising economic inequality and educational attainment and achievement in Israel and internationally. The first delegation (2012) included meetings at Western Galilee College, Mandel Leadership Institute, and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. The second delegation (2014) included meetings at the above locations, as well as visits to the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Gordon College of Education and the Initiative for Applied Education Research.

Japan

From 2015-2017, GW GSEHD was invited to participate in the Kakehashi program with faculty and students traveling to Japan for a week-long study tour organized and funded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The trip included visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sophia University where students were able to dialogue with other graduate students, a public high school that focused on foreign language development, and to the Nagasaki Peace Park. The group also participated in a one-night homestay in rural Kyushu (southern Japan). 

Portugal

Dr. Maria Cseh and GSEHD doctoral student Oliver Crocco (human and organizational learning) led a group of 12 students to Lisbon, Portugal as part of HOL 6747: International and Multicultural Issues in Organizations. The group visited local and international businesses, learned from important cultural sites, and attended the 18th International Conference on Human Resource Development Across Europe hosted by Universidade Europeia. Dr. Cseh and Mr. Crocco presented on "Global stewardship: The role of human resource development in fostering openness to the other."

Senegal

Dr. Laura Engel and a GW-GSEHD students traveled to Dakar, Senegal for a study abroad course entitled Managing Education for All (EFA): Education as Transformation. Using the Education for All global policy initiative as a backdrop, the course focused on a multi-leveled analysis of education in Senegal, providing students with perspectives on the intersection of different local, national, and global education strategies. Prior to travel, students studied trends in global education policy reform, and critically examined different education policy issues in Senegal, including Koranic education, talibé children (street children forced into begging), HIV/AIDS and sex education, and the education of girls and women.

GSEHD faculty interested in leading a trip abroad, please contact iepgwu [dot] edu (iep[at]gwu[dot]edu).