2025 Global Education Trek to Scandinavia -- March 15-22, 2025

The 2025 Global Education Trek offers Amherst College sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to explore teacher preparation, curriculum design, instructional leadership, and education policy through site visits to schools, museums, community learning organizations, and universities. We will also investigate innovative Scandinavian pedagogies for early childhood learning, math and science instruction, mental health and environmental education, and how the Nordic Model of Education has gained international recognition for its excellence in student-centered learning and innovative teaching practices.
 

As part of a small, select group of students, you will join our Global Ed Trek: Scandinavia from March 15-22, 2025, 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 Scandinavian education systems and curricula followed by Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
• explore why targeted policy directives are improving student learning of critical thinking, the arts & sciences, history, innovation, and health.
• learn how the Nordic Model of Education has promoted “edu-tourism” for those seeking to revolutionize education systems, celebrate teachers, and foster excellence among students.
• 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 multiple 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 PDF or 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 or place you consider home when not in Amherst
5. List any teaching, tutoring, coaching, or counseling roles you play on campus or in the community 
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. What are 2 issues related to teaching and learning that have gained attention since the pandemic?
9. Cultures can vary greatly and one size (of education reform) never fits all, so what’s the value in comparatively exploring the educational approaches and systems in Scandinavian countries?
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