Algoma U Students Participate in Experiential Learning Trip to Virginia for Reading Week
(SAULT STE MARIE, ON- February 9, 2020): A group of six Algoma University students is embarking on an exciting educational trip to its newest US partner school, Emory & Henry College, located in the highlands of Virginia from February 14th – 20th, 2020.
The students will attend course lectures on the Appalachian people, the historic struggles of the African American people, and Public Movements & Social Change. Students will also participate in a civic engagement project during the day and will enjoy various social events in the evening, sponsored by the host institution’s faculty, students, staff, and community partners. Elizabeth Edgar-Webkamigad, Director of Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) and Dawn White, Director of Experiential Learning & International Affairs will co-present on Algoma University’s Special Mission and its current work in the SRSC during the host University’s signature cultural program, Lyceum Presentation.
Several field trips are also scheduled for the students; the first stop will be Mt.Pleasant Historical Society, founded in 1871, by a group of ex-slaves and free Blacks, and established to promote an understanding of the lives, culture, and contributions of Africans to the region. The second stop will be the International Civil Rights Centre & Museum in Greensboro, NC, made famous by the non-violent Greensboro sit-ins movement by the four North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) students.
“Travelling abroad for a long period of time can be very scary and overwhelming,” said Eunjung Riauka, Coordinator of Global Engagement & Mobility; Internationalization Lead, Algoma University. “A short educational program is a great avenue to prepare for a semester abroad. This pilot program provides opportunities for underrepresented students who wouldn’t have had an opportunity to participate in a traditional exchange program. In addition, with February being Black History Month, all our learning and experiences will give us a greater understanding and appreciation for the many contributions of the African American community.” Eunjung developed this pilot program and will be leading the trip with Elizabeth Edgar-Webgamigad and Dawn White.
“I am interested in participating in this short term study abroad opportunity because I want to learn more about other tribes of Indigenous peoples, especially the Native Americans in the States,” said Mallory Solomon, a third-year Anishinabe student who studies Psychology at Algoma University. “I believe this opportunity would be beneficial for me to learn more about my culture and see how we are connected as people, as I want to learn how I can help my people in the field of Psychology.”
“We are very excited to welcome Algoma U students and staff to our campus in February,” said Dr. Celeste Gaia, Director of International Education & Chair Department of Psychology, Emory & Henry College. “Our students will learn more about other cultures, particularly the Anishinaabe people and the history of Algoma University. Our partnership aligns well with the mission of E&H, the Office of International Education and our current diversity and inclusion initiates”
This Reading Week International Experiential Learning Program was organized and co-sponsored by both the Experiential Learning Hub & International Affairs at Algoma University and International Education Department at Emory & Henry College, VA, US.
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