Senegal: Global Studies Case Study

In January 2025, following completion of the introductory course,  students were invited to participate in this week-long visit to Senegal led by Carina Yervasi.  Themes for the study trip included:  changing urban landscapes, women and the economy, climate change, immigration, as well as the role of Dakar in Senegalese cinema.  
Read an article about this Global Studies Trip

Indonesia: Balinese Gamelan

In January 2024,  Swarthmore students embarked on a 12-day immersive experience engaging with the performing arts and cultural traditions of Bali, Indonesia.  This built on instruction students received through their performance ensemble on-campus, where which students learn to play traditional instruments and perform classical repertoire.  This study trip was co-led by Tom Whitman and Jon Kochavi from the music faculty.
Read a Student's Reflection on their Experience in Bali

Japan: Environment, Cultural Memory, and Social Change

In May 2023, following a semester of study, 10 Swarthmore students embarked on a two week practicum in Japan.  The course was co-taught by Professors Will Gardner and (who taught about environmental and cultural memory) and Denise Crossan. Gardner (who taught the theory and practice of social entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change).  See the Story Map. 

Spain: Memory and Identity

In May 2018, following a semester of analyzing literary texts, 7 students traveled to Spain to see first-hand how memory and identity can be used to counteract official historical discourse.  The course was co-taught by Professors Maria Luisa Guardiola and Eli Cohen.  On-site visits were designed to explore sites  expose the complexity and contradictions of memory - with specific themes including the role of women, political incarceration, grave exhumation practices, and art as propaganda.

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