GIP hosts Reflections and Take-aways event

By Global Scholar Alexa Schlaerth '19
Photos by Global Scholar Diego Jaime '19

Last month, the travel groups from Poly’s 2018 Global Initiatives Program international trips came together in Founders Hall to share about their experiences, reflections, and takeaways from their spring and summer trips. Hosted by GIP and emceed by Global Scholars Taylor S.'19 and me, the event was a memorable one, with photo slideshows, humor, and the sharing of impactful experiences.

First among the trips was Nicaragua, the spring break service trip in conjunction with Outreach360, where students have the opportunity to teach English in schools with children from varying age groups. The group, all dressed in Outreach360 shirts, discussed the values promoted by their organization, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and teamwork.

Up next were the students from Poly’s first-ever immersion trip to Argentina. Students shared reflective poems and historical concepts from Argentina’s “Dirty War” while a video in the background showed photos and short clips from the two-week experience, ranging from museum visits to walking tours and homestay anecdotes.

Next on the agenda was the Italy trip, whose students shared about homestay experiences, featuring one with the Poly-AFS student from the 2016-17 school year, Caterina. Students also discussed their exploration of Rome, visit to the Vatican, and public speaking in the Forum.

Last but not least was the group of students from Poly’s second trip to Iceland. With a student-made video, students took turns sharing highlights from the trip, many choosing to focus on their experience of Iceland’s unique and beautiful geological makeup. The trip’s focus on environmentalism also excited the students, who met with leading authorities on climate change and familiarized themselves with Icelandic sustainable living practices.

All in all, the GIP trip presentations were met by a captivated audience, who enjoyed learning about the shared experiences and memories from each trip.
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