Excursion: More than Just a Learning Event
Every year, Galloway holds an experiential learning event called Excursion. During these two weeks, students get the opportunity to engage in intensive, hands-on learning experiences. Students can take a single course that is purposefully designed to dive deep into a specific topic without the typical restraints of the classroom. Through the excursion program, students and teachers engage with coursework in ways that a textbook or notes can’t provide. The structure gives participants the time, space, and freedom to explore new ideas and conduct real-life skills that will set them up for success. Whether students travel to one of the many international excursions or stay local in Georgia, Excursion offers an amazing chance to learn and have a great time.
An excursion is more than just an academic event—it’s a chance for Galloway faculty and students to form deep and lasting connections with their peers. These courses foster a sense of community, camaraderie, immersiveness, and collaboration. We see this, especially in foreign excursions where students all room, eat, and travel together. This year, these excursions include destinations such as Japan, Spain, London, Ireland, Paris, and Morocco.
The travel excursions offer something that others don’t which is a chance at true immersion. For example, I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico last year for my excursion. During that time, I was able to explore Mexican culture and learn more about places I had wanted to visit my whole life. During the trip, I created great friendships that made the trip exciting and full of surprises.
While traveling excursions are amazing, domestic excursions can bring just as much as their counterparts. Staying in the country can offer a deeper dive into more familiar topics that students have an interest in. A great example of that is the “Yes, We are Everywhere”: Queer Culture, History, and Fight for Selfhood in the Deep South Excursion. This excursion spends time in both Atlanta and Birmingham and dives deep into the history of Queer culture. This is a choice that could be best explored in the US and does a great job of going in-depth on a topic that many would find interesting. Other domestic excursions include traveling to New York to explore jazz and taking a trip to Florida to study marine biology. Excursions like these are what make this experience special and unique to any other program at other schools.
In summary, Galloway’s Excursion program is a dynamic blend of academic growth, cultural exploration, and total immersion. It gives students a rare opportunity to step out of a traditional learning environment, out of the classroom, and instead engage in hands-on experiences, collaboration, and discovery. Whether students venture to entirely different countries or stay in Atlanta, Excursion encourages them to explore topics they are passionate about. From studying marine biology to diving into the cultural wonders of Japan, the range of topics Excursion has means there is something for everyone. The Excursion event is not just a learning event but an opportunity to build character and give students who are eager to learn about the world an opportunity to do so.
By Daniel Meza