Experiential Learning

Learning Beyond the Classroom

 

The Academy’s learn, do, learn philosophy promotes learning outside the classroom. Experiential learning courses and co-ops allow cadets to gain practical knowledge in their fields in the United States and abroad.

Cadets see tangible results in the communities and organizations where they work. Skills they have learned at the Academy allow them to be successful as a part of diverse teams in global settings.

Experiential learning courses serve as introductions to hands-on professional training in public service or private organizations. 

 

Our Emergency Management experiential learning courses have included:

The Guatemala Experiential Learning Trip is designed for Emergency Management students interested in humanitarian relief and exploring a new culture. The immersive 25-day experience engages students in community service projects and learning Spanish. Students experience this amazing country, culture while exploring Antigua and the local areas. This past year, a group of ten 1/C and 2/C Emergency Management students participated in the trip from January 8th to February 1st, with the Emergency Management Department Chair, Professor Lennon, who led the excursion. While in Guatemala, students visited the US Embassy, USAID, and sit down with the US MILGROUP. While in Antigua, students lodged at the Purpose Hostel and attended classes in the Ixchel Spanish School. This trip created memories of a lifetime, new friends, and a rewarding experience of helping people less fortunate.

 

First Year EM students will participate in our Habitat for Humanity Experiential Learning  Trip. Participation is required for all EM cadets who are First Year or who transfer to Maritime in the Spring. Students will stay at the HFH facility (known as the “Domestic Global Village”) in Eustis, Florida, which is a well maintained, clean, safe, and climate controlled building complex that has an established track record of successfully hosting collegiate volunteer groups.

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The New Orleans Experiential Learning Trip takes place over a two-week period at the conclusion of the spring semester. Students will spend time volunteering with multiple nonprofits in the New Orleans area. Past trips have volunteered with St. Bernard Project rebuilding homes affected by Hurricane Ida, restoring coastal wetlands with Common Ground, and preparing disaster relief supplies with the Louisiana Just Recovery Network.

In addition to volunteer work, students will engage in a number of educational opportunities throughout the region. This will include touring parts of the city affected by Hurricane Katrina (i.e., location of levee breaks, differing impacts neighborhood to neighborhood, and the state of recovery). Students will have opportunities to hear guest speakers from local nonprofits, disaster researchers, and other experts local to Louisiana on various topics related to emergency management. Students will complete various emergency management-related site visits. Past trips have included a tour of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, a pumping station run by the Sewage & Water Board, Oschner Hospital, and the Audubon Zoo. Students will also do a day trip to Grand Isle, Louisiana where students will learn about the impacts of the 2010 BP Oil Disaster in the region and to the disappearing community of Isle de Jean Charles.

Students will be given free time throughout the week to experience the various cultural opportunities the city has to offer.

Experiential Learning New Orleans
Rebuilding homes with St. Bernard Project
Experiential Learning New Orleans
Tour of pumping station
Experiential Learning New Orleans
Tour of Oschner Hospital
Experiential Learning New Orleans
Preparing disaster relief supplies

 


 

The Emergency Management Department is expanding Experiential Learning opportunities for our cadets to include expeditions with the National Outdoor Leadership School  (NOLS). The mission of NOLS is to teach leadership and wilderness skills that serve people and the environment and to instill and share the commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence.

 

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy currently maintains an exchange program with the University College, Copenhagen. Eligible cadets may apply in the fall semester of their junior year. Up to three selectees will study abroad and complete an internship during the spring semester of their junior year. The study aboard program satisfies 15 credits. University College Copenhagen located in central Copenhagen. This offers students rich opportunities to study abroad and explore not only Copenhagen, but the rest of Denmark, and other European countries. The course in Denmark is approximately 8 weeks long. The previous course work was focused on Refugees and Mass Migration.

Denmark Frequently Asked Questions