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Are you interested in
designing a new water supply system in a Honduran Village?
How about working with a Wall Street broker, writing for a
major newspaper or conducting laboratory research on cancer
fighting drugs?
How about doing all this
as a college student?
If this sounds exciting
then you should consider attending an institution that
specializes in experiential learning where real world
experiences such as research, study abroad and cooperative
(co-op) education are integrated with traditional classroom
learning. The opportunity to practice what you learn is
truly a more powerful way to learn.
There are several colleges
and universities, including Northeastern University, which
specialize in experiential education. These institutions do
more than just encourage students to gain experience – they
insist. In the best models, students alternate periods of
full-time study with periods of full-time experience. This
time is about exploration and understanding.
More importantly and most
unique is how student’s experiences are integrated into the
classroom. Faulty members draw on student’s experiences to
reinforce ideas and theories presented in lectures. Students
develop journals, blogs and presentations on their
experiences.
Students can still benefit
from a traditional campus life by participating in clubs and
organizations while taking classes, studying abroad or out
on co-op. Students who take part in experiential education
find technology allows them to maintain their involvements
and stay connected to friends.
As you begin to research
colleges consider institutions that specialize in
experiential education. In our experience graduates are well
educated and prepared to face the challenges of graduate
school or the work world with focus, motivation and
confidence.
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