Faculty-Led Opportunities

Doane University offers the chance to see the world through faculty-led, experiential learning courses utilizing the world as a classroom. Students complete pre-departure content and discover academic activities during their travels and experiences. Students can offset costs by using their Travel Scholarship.

Guatemala

During this trip, you will analyze Dr. Kent M. Keith's definition and outline of student leadership. You will enhance your cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competency skills as well as examine current and historical perspectives that inform the servant-leader model. Students will use self-evaluation exercises and discussions, to assess their leadership skills and potential, as well as understand the basic concepts and practices of positive leadership within a non-governmental organization.

• Cost: $2,000
• Dates: January 5-12, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: Jennifer Kennedy-Croft

Norwegian Adventure

During this adventure, students will learn about the role of government in wealth creation and distribution. You'll also discuss the differences between collectivist and individualistic societies, explore the part of inequity as it relates to the collective well-being, and understand social policies within specific contexts.

Students will compare Norwegian and U.S. policies, learn of the pressures Norway is under to maintain their national identity while diversifying their culture, and discuss whether social systems should or could apply beyond Northern Europe. Lastly, experience how nature and fitness integrate into the Norwegian lifestyle.

• Cost: $3,040
• Dates: May 10-25, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: Nathan Erickson and Alex Engebretson

Panama

Students who complete this course will be able to recognize, reflect, and make connections on cultural differences between Panama and the United States. Students will make connections between social practices and the local environment, including economics and ecology. They will learn and use Spanish outside of the classroom, apply ecotourism to their trip decisions, and consider the impact of travel experience on one's identity and education. Lastly, students will be able to identify and explain how Panama's resources are used to produce goods and services, and how that impacts the people of Panama.

• Cost: $2,950
• Dates: May 12-22, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: Jennifer Bossard and Joshua Pope.

Washington D.C. Band Trip

This band trip will consist of students selected from the class MUS 190 Concert Band. During this course, students will analyze practical and ethical connections between individuals and artistic/aesthetic expression to foster an appreciation for American culture and history. They will prepare and perform music en route to D.C. and take part in an outdoor concert on the National Mall during Memorial Day weekend.

• Cost: $1,950
• Dates: May 12-25, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: Jay Gilbert and Kerry Beezley

European Road Trip: London, Paris & Italy

Students will have the chance to visit the Louvre, the Sistine Chapel, the Duomo, and more to analyze and interpret artistic/aesthetic expression. Through a group research project and presentations, as well as hands-on experiences, students will understand the evolution and development of cultural frameworks in historical, political, societal, religious, economic, and legal structures. By visiting multiple countries in a short amount of time, students will be able to compare and contrast different cultures to one another and relate their unique experiences with those of their classmates.

• Cost: $4,000
• Dates: May 18-27, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: JL Vertin and Dr. Amy Vertin

Learning to Lead: Baja, Mexico; Spring Break Sea Kayaking.

Doane University partners with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) for a week of employing NOLS' 4/7/1 leadership education model. As students explore Baja's ecology and history, they will explore four leadership roles, seven leadership styles, and a signature style. Students will experience challenges that will test communication and risk management as they learn skills like paddling, coastal rescue camping, and fulfill leadership roles to develop a personal style.

• Cost: $3,400
• Dates: March 7-15, 2020
• Faculty/Staff: Jake Hoy-Elswick, NOLS Instructors as Trip Leader