College of DuPage Global Education Program launches new video series highlighting travel experiences around the globe
The Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad and Global Education program at College of DuPage recently launched "Going Places," a new video series highlighting travelers in locations throughout the world.
Maren McKellin, Manager of Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad and Global Education at the College, said "Going Places" came about as a contrast to the program's Global Chats series, which features COD experts addressing COVID-19's impact. She said the new series provides a way for the program to stay connected to students and faculty.
"Not being able to travel has given us the chance to reflect on what we have done in the program in the past and what we're looking forward to doing again as soon as possible," she said. "Reflection and a shift in perspective are huge parts of experiential education and this pandemic has allowed time for a lot of reflection, both for us as well as our students. This series is another way to demonstrate that what we do is more than just a trip."
"Going Places" features travelers sharing photos and discussing their experiences at a variety of locations in the continental United States, including Aspen, Colo.; Grinnell Glacier in Montana; Palm Springs, Calif.; and the Freedom Trail in Boston, Mass.
In addition, the series features discussions of locations around the world such as Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland; the Milford Track in New Zealand; Urnes Stave Church in Norway; and the Chilkoot Trail, which runs from Dyea, Alaska, to Bennett, British Columbia, Canada.
McKellin said participation in the video series is open to anyone who has a travel experience to share.
"We just ask that participants choose a place that has had an impact on them," she said. "They should tell us a little bit about why the location made an impact, share photos or a memento of the place and send us a video of their story. We also can offer help with the production aspect of the videos, if necessary."
McKellin said that while the Experiential Learning/Study Abroad and Global Education program connects the College community to the world at large through the expertise of COD faculty, "Going Places" provides a channel for feedback on the program.
"'Going Places' is the voice of the community," she said. "It's our community, our students, telling us what they got from that connection. With most travel suspended right now, we thought about how it is equally meaningful to adopt a more micro perspective, closer to the ground. Exposure to new and different things has an impact on us whether we are experts or not. That is what this series tries to convey."
For more information and to participate, contact McKellin at mckellin@cod.edu.
Learn more about Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education at cod.edu.