Global Reflections-Greg

Early in our journey I was asked about the value of study abroad.  Why invest so much time and money into an experience that can, in part be replicated by local museums, books, 3D Internet simulations and faculty expertise?  I was struck by the question but felt confident that study abroad was valuable and was indeed the “high impact practice” that was so strongly supported by the college and validated through credible research.  My answer in that moment was based mostly on my experience teaching chemistry.  I can explain a chemical reaction on the board and a student can understand the notation but it is not until we go into the laboratory does the true learning take place.  No until the powders are weighed out, the liquids measured and solutions brought to volume in specially designed flasks does the solution become part of long-term memory.  Only then do I feel absolutely confident that learning has been given the best opportunity to blossom.

            Study abroad can also be a powerful experiential and transformative learning opportunity.  You can look at pictures of the pyramids or the treasures of King Tut’s tomb but it is not until you climb inside the pyramid and feel the weight of centuries above you or smell the must of the Cairo Museum does the depth of the meaning of these artifacts seep into and become part of your lexicon.  But experience alone is only one component of my teaching philosophy.  Pairing experience with reflection, social constructivism and dissemination is necessary for the whole package to come together in full.

            When we began our journey I felt that everything was in place for an extremely powerful learning opportunity.  We were about to embark on a journey that would take us into the heart of world treasures, the places richest in culture and all done under the flag of academia.  What could go wrong?  I had a group of college students committed to fun, learning, respect, responsibility and communication all embracing the challenges of international experience.  My course had intentional exercises to promote deep and meaningful reflection, discussion of the day’s events and assignments in place too allow students to share their observations and questions.  And so we began with eyes wide open and hearts ready to receive what the entire world had to offer.

            While in the thick of it you force yourself awake, you grit through discomfort and you encourage the best out of people while fighting tooth and nail with yourself not to blow your stack every other moment.  Then, in the blink of an eye, it is over and you are sinking into the depths of your own bed.  What just happened? Did we really just go all the way around the world? Did learning take place?  What role did I play in the learning and or lack of learning?  Was all of the stress and anxiety worth it?  I am reminded of a reflection a student shared.  He talked about visiting an art installation in Berlin and how deeply the experience moved him.  He couldn’t quite put a finger on why it was so moving or what the meaning was to him at this point in time.  I assured him that was OK and that it might take years to fully embrace the experience and put it into context.  I also said the context and meaning might change over time.  It was easy to be a coach in the manner of being excited for his potential and smile at his impatience knowing that fro him, if he keeps working at it, it will all come together some day.

            Will I too have an epiphany someday where the light goes on and I realize the true meaning of the past five months?  Was the hard work, the stress on the family and battles with the students worth it?  Today I know deep down that yes, it was amazing; important life-long learning took place but I am having a hard time articulating and compartmentalizing the experience into concrete pieces.  I know I love to teach, I know I love to travel and I know I have a lot to offer those who join me on journeys.  I know that the kids grew and Janet added to her repertoire of international experiences.  But now as I sift through pictures, assign final grades and write the last report I am still processing my answer to the question, “So, how was your trip?”

This volume of the Muth Family Adventures comes to a close with lots of neat passport stamps, thousands of pictures and most importantly a boatload of frequent flier miles that will be cashed in soon enough to take us yet again on another journey of discovery.  Woohoo!