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:
Guatemala
The Guatemala Experiential Learning Trip offers Emergency Management students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in humanitarian relief efforts while discovering a new culture. This 25-day adventure combines hands-on community service projects with Spanish language instruction, providing a deep dive into both the rich history and modern challenges of Guatemala. Students explore Antigua and surrounding areas, experiencing the country’s vibrant culture firsthand.
While in Guatemala, students engaged with key organizations such as the US Embassy, USAID, and the US MILGROUP. They stayed at the Purpose Hostel in Antigua, where they attended Spanish classes at the Ixchel Spanish School.
This unforgettable experience not only fostered lasting friendships but also gave students the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping those in need, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Team Rubicon
In 2024, the Mass Maritime Emergency Management freshmen embarked on a journey to Somerset, California, collaborating with the disaster relief organization, Team Rubicon. Led by veterans, Team Rubicon specializes in community response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Under the guidance of Team Rubicon's experienced "Greyshirts," the EM cadets participated in wildfire recovery and mitigation activities, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in post-disaster ground operations. This hands-on experience allowed the cadets to put their classroom knowledge of nonprofits, natural hazards, and community outreach into practical use.
New Orleans
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.
Copenhagen
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
