2024 Education Trek to the United Kingdom (UK), March 16-23, 2024

The 2024 Education Trek offers Amherst College sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to explore curriculum design, instruction, leadership, and education policy through site visits to schools, museums, think tanks, and universities. We will also investigate innovative pedagogies for early childhood learning, math and science instruction, as well as how some of Britain’s top universities (Cambridge, Oxford, University College London) adaptively maintain their international reputation for rigorous academics, renowned research facilities, and quality teaching standards. 
 

As part of a small, select group of students, you will join our Global Ed Trek: UK from March 16-23, 2024, for an immersive week of site visits and conversations with professionals and Amherst alumni who teach, research, and lead school and community change. 
 

Students selected for this trek will: 

• compare the varied UK education systems and curricula followed by England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
• explore the how targeted policy directives are improving student learning of critical thinking, the arts, innovation, and health.
• learn about the Education Act of 1496 and how universal education was provided to both boys and girls as early as the 17th century. 
• make connections with employers, alumni, and friends of the College. 
• hone effective internship and job search skills, including networking and interviewing. 
• gain exposure to the key trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. 

Because of the generosity of Chris Dorrance ’68 and Loeb Center sponsorship, we are able to offer this program at no cost to students. 
 

Program Expectations: 
• Mandatory participation in pre-departure orientation session 
• Completion of all pre-departure passport-related tasks and research assignments 
• Full participation in all group discussions, conversations with alumni, and site visits 
• Participation in a post-trip debrief session(s) 
• Those accepted into the program will sign a contract committing to the program. 
 

Application Process: 
This is a competitive application process that has 3 steps. 
Step 1: Apply online via Handshake. Applications include: 
1. Resume
2. Unofficial transcript 
3. Responses to Application Questions listed below (PDF or Word attachment in Handshake) 
Step 2: Applications are screened, and selected applicants will participate in a group interview in early November. Participants will be notified prior to Thanksgiving Break, if they are selected to participate in the Trek.

Application Questions: 
Please answer all of the following questions in a Word document and submit with your application in Handshake. 

1. Name 
2. Class year 
3. Major (may be a prospective major if you have not yet declared) 
4. Hometown 
5. List any activities or clubs you participate in at Amherst College 
6. Have you traveled out of the country? If so, where and why? 
7. Why might a career in an education profession appeal to you? 
8. Briefly, what are two education issues that have been brought to light during and/or following the global pandemic?
9. What might intrigue you about educational approaches and systems in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland?
10. Characterize your "typical" role and contributions in groups or teams, and provide a specific example of a time you made a positive impact in a team environment. 

Questions? Contact Robert Siudzinski, Director of Amherst Careers in Education Professions - rsiudzinski@amherst.edu