Welcome to GEL!
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, we have adapted our programming to a virtual webinar series that consists of topics related to community, culture, and international connections in the Tucson community and beyond. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority, we are ready and eager to reinstate travel opportunities as part of our programming when it is safe to do so. Bear Down and Mask Up.
Below is a link to the GEL Webinar Series Recap, which features our 25 webinars from the 2020-2021 school year for your review.
About GEL
The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) under the Diversity & Inclusion department, integrates travel, education, and service learning to empower students with knowledge and skill-sets to utilize as they continue their careers at UA and beyond. GEL actively seeks to provide a valuable holistic student experience in the form of short term trips both domestic and abroad. Themes of interdisciplinary learning through civic engagement, cultural immersion, environmental justice, and social equity are explored through GEL programming.
The GEL Model
GEL programs seeks to target multiple student populations by addressing issues which may hinder student involvement in traditional study abroad programs. Although all interested students are encouraged to apply, these programs are especially designed to accommodate underrepresented student populations and those navigating first time travel abroad. GEL aims to:
- Provide short term domestic and international programs aligning with university holidays as not to interfere with student degree completion.
- Keep costs low by providing short trips, scholarships, and additional funding.
- Award up to 1 credit as a result of program participation.
- Present robust resources and support with preparing for travel abroad.
Here is a small recap of what Global Experiential Learning students experienced during our winter study abroad program Southeast Asia 2019-2020