The Global Explorers experience is a holistic educational program designed to inspire students to become responsible, tolerant global citizens. Our four core academic areas—science, culture, service, and leadership—work together to help students understand that they are part of a much larger, interconnected world, and that their actions have an impact on that world. Global Explorers helps to instill the knowledge and skills necessary to inspire responsible and effective action.
Science
Students explore conservation biology, a cross-disciplinary science that applies principles from such areas as ecology, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. The field of conservation biology emphasizes the importance of using rigorous scientific techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to understand and protect the biological diversity of our planet.
Some learning objectives in this core area include:
Students will…
- Be able to explain conservation biology and why it is important
- Learn and practice field research techniques that are crucial to conservation biology
- Understand the unique ecology of the area they visit and why its protection is critical
- Understand that the state of the environment affects life everywhere, regardless of national boundaries
- Appreciate the importance of environmental stewardship
Culture
Students learn about cultures from multiple perspectives. Lessons and activities draw on disciplines as diverse as anthropology, history, economics, development studies, and geography. This core area helps students better understand and appreciate different cultures and helps to develop critically minded, reflective, and responsible global citizens.
Some learning objectives in this core area include:
Students will…
- Be able to describe some characteristics of the culture they visit and how it differs from their own culture
- Understand and experience some of the field strategies used to study cultures
- Build their respect and tolerance for different ways of life
- Appreciate the complexity of culture and the tendency to misunderstand others
- Improve their understanding of the causes and effects of poverty and inequality
- Experience our connectedness with people around the world
Leadership
Students explore, individually and as a team, their personal leadership skills and styles.
Some learning objectives in this core area include:
Students will…
- Be able to explain some of their own leadership strengths and weaknesses
- Practice and exhibit strong leadership skills through the International Field Workshop and the Service Leadership Project
- Increase their self-awareness and confidence
- Feel empowered to make a difference through education
- Learn to listen and look at different viewpoints
Service
Students explore the value of community service, the challenge of working with communities to identify their service needs, and the students’ roles in being strong community leaders who make a positive difference in their communities.
Some learning objectives in this core area include:
Students will…
- Learn to evaluate service projects
- Understand that successful implementation of a service project will require strong leadership skills from every participant as they work together as a team
- Successfully implement several service projects Understand the importance of giving back Appreciate their ability and potential to make a difference
Earn Credit for Your Participation
Global Explorers is excited to announce a new opportunity for students and teachers who want to gain credit for their participation in the Global Explorers Program. We are able to offer two undergraduate non-majors science credits for students 16 and over for their participation while teachers can earn three graduate credits in education if they complete the entire Global Explorers Program with their students. Contact us for details on cost and process.