The Globalization Travel Series

The SPC Globalization Series is a collection of short-term travel courses that allow students to learn about globalization and the impact it has on everyday life in other parts of the world. We read some, pack our bags and travel to conduct first-hand research wherever the globe is shrinking.

The Series began in 2005 at Saint Xavier University of Chicago (SXU), with a nine day trip to southern Mexico. With the help of the SXU Center for International Education, the University's Semester in Oaxaca Program and a Department of Education grant, we organized a trip for students that wanted to travel and learn about other cultures, but could not dedicate an entire semester abroad. Since 2005, there have been a total of six courses to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, with additional courses planned for Cuba, Ecuador and Spain. Initially, the idea was to design a service-learning venture. But, over time and for pedagogical reasons, the courses took on a more research oriented approach.

This page is dedicated to sharing what we have seen in the global field. It is a mix of student essays, or excerpts of them, and a narrative trying to convey their observations and insights. You dont have to read about every detail of every trip to enjoy it. However, it is useful to read Oaxaca 2005, which captures the evolution of the Series.

Note: The challenge of having 8-15 students travel for nine days, collect as much information as possible and then write a paper while still managing full courseloads was not an easy one. Each one of the works here requested students spend time above and beyond those nine days and 6 meetings. In some cases, the works are incomplete, raw and perhaps waiting to be taken to the next level. But at the very least, they all point toward interesting ideas that are worth sharing.