Who:
Mara Alvarez-Delgado, Melissa Brown, Rebekah Chojnacki, Chrishawn Finister, Joslyn Krismer, and Richard Valencia, PhD students in educational leadership and policy studies.
Part of the students’ trip included a visit to the Helsinki University Library (above), the largest multidisciplinary library in Finland.
How:
Through a spring 2017 study abroad course.
Why:
"I had never traveled outside the country before. Having a university-planned trip with peers I trusted made it an easy first leap into the world of travels beyond the borders of the United States!" – M.B.
"Study abroad has been on my bucket list as a student. Additionally, I was curious to see if the educational system in Finland was as great as everything I had heard that it was. Having some Scandinavian heritage also made the trip very special for me." – R.C.
"I was really interested in learning about how other countries serve children with disabilities. I was hoping to learn about any new programs or interventions used for students with disabilities that could be used in our American schools." – C.F.
Lessons they took back home:
"When you give students more choices, and you differentiate lessons and focus on actual education and overall student health, the students will perform well in school and have a better attitude and sense of well-being." – R.V.
"Support from society is crucial when making major changes in the educational system. The trust placed on teachers is paramount to student success, along with exceptional teacher preparation." – M.A.D.
"I gained a better understanding of the possibilities for change in our educational system. I came home inspired and hopeful." – J.K.
