"International News"
Winter Edition 2003
Contact: ccid.kirkwood.cc.ia.us 

Kirkwood Faculty Learns From Semester at Sea Joyce Daniels

A school of dolphins emerged from beneath the surface of the sea as economics, history, and business classes energized the minds and hearts of the travelers. Classroom discussions of literature and art history framed in the blues, whites and grays of the sky and sea enlivened the arts. Daily, young writers recorded and reported on their diverse cultural experiences. Was this merely a dedicated lifetime learner’s fantasy? No, these were daily occurrences as the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester at Sea’s ship cut through the waters heading toward their international destinations.

Last year, I joined the summer faculty in Athens, Greece. After two days of orientation, I boarded the ship with over four-hundred eager community college and university students, faculty members and staff from all over the United States and the world and traveled to Spain, Norway, Russia, Italy, Morocco, Belgium, Egypt and Turkey. Is this the program’s only itinerary? No. Each semester they travel and study different countries and cultures of the world.

I look back on this opportunity and realize that it was truly an amazing educational, cultural eye-opening experience. My only regret was that I did not know about this when my children were in college so that I could have encouraged them to apply. There is no doubt when you return, whether you are a teacher or a student, that understanding and knowledge of the world has been enhanced. As a person who appreciates the importance of hands-on global experience, I urge you to apply.