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Experiential Learning

Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Drexel Cartonera: Memorias al carton – students in Celeste Mann's Spanish 410 course create 'cardboard memory' books

Drexel Cartonera: Memorias al cartón – This Drexel Libraries exhibit features handmade books created by students enrolled in Performing Spanish: Language Proficiency through the Arts (Spanish 410). These original creations are inspired by the Cartoneras street publishing movement in Latin America.


Drexel students develop new strengths, extend their knowledge and acquire life-long skills through experiential and applied learning opportunities. From community-based learning courses to dozens of international partnerships, students can explore global classrooms, intensive courses abroad, international cooperative education, plus study and research abroad.

To help students learn about potential careers, peer networking and paths to advanced education, the Global Studies and Modern Languages department emphasize professional development through specially curated events. The department also hosts the popular Drexel Global Passport Series featuring guest panels and student-led research forums that bring diverse voices and perspectives together to address issues within the context of human rights.




Experiential Learning

Drexel students who participate in experiential learning –such as study abroad and global classrooms– can show employers that they have the cross-cultural skills to get the job done. As the world grows more connected, an international co-op experience gives students a distinct advantage in the global economy, making them more attractive to prospective employers. Candidates with international experience also have the potential to command higher starting salaries upon graduation. The Global Studies and Modern Languages department offers professional development events that help students to choose a career, pursue advanced education or other types of adventures.

Drexel University alumna Nicole Kalitsi, BA '20, concentrated her undergraduate studies in Global Justice and Human Rights.

Careers and Co-op

Graduates of our Global Studies program are well equipped to address local, national and international concerns related to climate change and sustainable development, communications and media, government and legal affairs, public health, and emerging social movements. Our exceptional courses and distinctive hands-on approach prepares students to pursue in-demand careers including: academics, business administration, communications, environmental sustainability, global policy, human rights advocacy, law, media planning, public health and social justice. Drexel's international co-op gives our students a distinct advantage in the world economy and makes them more attractive to prospective employers.

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Nicole Kalitsi's co-op as the diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance reinforced her calling to work on community issues.


Drexel University alumna Caitlin Walczyk, BA '18, combined pursued a dual major in Global Studies and Political Science.

Study Abroad

Spending time immersed in another culture puts students outside of their "comfort zone" so they can develop new strengths, knowledge, and skills. With a bit of planning and flexibility, an education abroad experience affords students the opportunity to widen their horizons, provides them with a solid foundation for advanced study, and makes them more marketable in the workplace. Employers are looking for students who are resourceful, independent thinkers, able to take risks, and can work with people from all over the world.

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Caitlin Walczyk’s experiences in Kazakhstan sparked an interest in researching the link between national identity and language.


Drexel Global Studies major Serena Hermitt discovered her passion for community work

Community-based Learning

Because Global Studies is interdisciplinary by nature, it aligns well with Drexel's Community-based and Community-engaged learning courses which motivate students to build upon the foundations established in CIVC 101, think deeply about social issues and apply their scholarship to addressing real-world challenges in partnership with civic engagement organizations.

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Global Studies major Serena Hermitt discovered her passion for community work with community-based learning courses.


Applied Learning

The department provides applied learning opportunities such as the Washington Model Organization of American States. We also host a wide variety of events designed to expand our students' horizons and foster their networks across different disciplines.

The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890.

Washington Model Organization of American States

The Washington Model Organization of American Statesis an applied learning conference held annually in Washington D.C. where student teams are invited to conduct simulated debates around major OAS issues, and then prepare, propose, and pass resolutions to address them. The purpose of this applied learning method is to educate students about foreign policy, negotiation, and diplomacy, and to empower them to consider internationally focused opportunities. Students learn about parliamentary procedures, prepare and debate resolutions and review diplomatic documents. Global Studies majors gain hands-on experience in lobbying and political negotiation, and learn how to critically examine difficulties in resolving international problems.

Established in 1948, today the Organization of American States (OAS) brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 70 states, as well as to the European Union (EU). The Organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development.

Questions? Email Kate Hughes, khughes@drexel.edu.


Events

Events curated by the Global Studies and Modern Languages department bring together the expertise and diverse perspectives of Drexel’s faculty, students, staff and community members across many disciplines. Our department events foster dialogue around international issues within the broader context of human rights, as well as offer students opportunities to learn about career choices and opportunities for advanced education.

Drexel University alumnus Anthony Perez, concentrated his undergraduate studies in Global Justice and Human Rights.

Professional Development

Professional development is a strategic priority of Drexel’s Global Studies Program. Your educational experience is about learning, growing as a person and developing critical thinking skills. But students also need to prepare to find a career, pursue an advanced degree or another type of adventure. Your Global Studies degree will prepare you for a vast range of professional careers and graduate study programs. Choosing the best fit for you is much easier when you are familiar with local, national and international job markets and when you learn how apply to graduate programs.

Our department hosts a series of career-related events to help students learn more about career options, networking skills, job searches and how to explore advanced education.

Anthony Perez worked as a human rights intern in Argentina and disaster relief advocate in Puerto Rico.


Events may include:

  • Visits with a State Department recruiter
  • Panel discussions on top professions and résumé clinics
  • Build mock NGOs with oversight from development experts
  • Network with Drexel Global Studies alumni

The Drexel Global Passport Series of panel discussions and research forums fosters dialogue around issues of international concern.

Drexel Global Passport Series

From hip-hop as a soundtrack for liberation, to climate and the environment, and the rise of global extremism –plus every topic in between– the Drexel Global Passport Series (GPS) inspires participants to better communicate, collaborate and forge connections with one another. For years, our popular GPS panel discussions and student-led research forums have convened members of our university and the Philadelphia community to encourage critical dialogue around international issues within the broader context of human rights.

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