Experiential Equity: Bringing Effective Experiential Learning to All

• In Event: Exploring Questions of Diversity & Inclusion

Abstract

Study abroad and other experiential pedagogies have been demonstrated to be powerful tools for conveying the content and form of human rights norms. However, these are available to students on a very unequal basis, with less affluent educational institutions offering not only fewer programs but also less financial support for students interested in enrolling in these programs. In this paper, I explore approaches that have been taken to overcoming these inequalities by smaller or more under-resourced universities.

Having grown one such program from conception, I have had the opportunity to iteratively re-envision its mission and role as it has developed in response to several stimuli, described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. These include: 1) the evolving political climate 2) student priorities, 3) potential for synergies with work being done both on and 4) off campus, and 5) growth in capacity – all in ways deeply embedded in the university's social justice mission.

Author

• Bethany Barratt, Roosevelt University