Applications are available on EngageU for students interested in Gannon University’s TRAVEL (Transforming Residents Abroad Via Engaged Learning) Program. 

These trips occur in countries pre-determined by the university and are planned out and enjoyed by eight to 14 Gannon students and led by two faculty trip advisers. 

The program offers international trips that take place immediately after graduation in May and last approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on what the groups decide. 

The TRAVEL trips serve as a chance for students to “develop their intercultural competence, and to study topics about an international destination prior to traveling to that destination,” according to their EngageU page.   

The description also says, “During the yearlong small group experience and the international trip, students explore their identity, increase self-awareness, engage diverse perspectives, learn about and build confidence traveling, and cultivate meaningful relationships with students, faculty and staff outside the traditional classroom setting.” 

The program is offering 15 different trips for the 2019-2020 academic year, including Italy, Australia, Brazil and more.  

The possibilities of traveling abroad excite many students who have investigated the adventures that potentially await.  

David Thompson, a freshman criminal justice major, said he may want to travel abroad, and the TRAVEL program may be a financially feasible way to accomplish it.   

“Traveling has always been on my bucket list, and this is a cheap and fun way to do it,” Thompson said.  

“The idea that I could travel to some country in Europe for $1,000 with my friends,” he said, “sounds like a dream waiting to happen.” 

Nathan Manion, a freshman political science major, said traveling is a way to experience the world and learn about different cultures.   

“Being politically minded, it’s important to know about other cultures and perhaps how they view Americans and our way of life,” Manion said.  

“Aside from the educational possibility, you get the chance to do something special and unique that you may never get a chance to do again, so taking advantage of that and making memories, what could be better?”  

Claudia Herrero, a freshman public service and global affairs major, said that being from Puerto Rico, she has a different perspective on traveling.  

“Being someone from outside the mainland U.S., I’m used to traveling and I find it to be a very rewarding and exciting experience,” Herrero said.   

“I hope a lot of students choose to follow the TRAVEL program and take advantage of what it offers.”  

Overall, feedback on the TRAVEL program has been favorable, and students who have traveled before have said nothing but positive things.  

Ryan Hamilton, a junior finance and economics major who participated in the Italy TRAVEL trip last year and is participating in the Iceland trip this spring, said that he enjoyed his adventure and is excited to be able to travel again.  

“My TRAVEL trip to Italy was an experience of a lifetime,” Hamilton said.  

“The connections I strengthened with my group were wonderful to foster, and we were able to do so while widening our world views throughout our journey.   

“The TRAVEL program changed my life for the better,” he said.  

The deadline for students to apply to go on a TRAVEL trip on EngageU is Friday, March 15. 

For more information about the application process or the trips, contact Rebecca Perry at [email protected]. 

MICHAEL GUIDO 

[email protected]