By Margaret Schell

F our Georgia College & State University students ventured to San Salvador Bahamas - a remote island located southeast of Nassau - for 12 days this summer. They engaged in an immersive study abroad program: Exploring Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Educational Contexts in the Bahamas.

"This program offers a culture different from their own," said Dr. Miriam Jordan, Middle Grades lecturer and program coordinator of the Lounsbury College of Education Teacher Education Department. "Our students practiced integrating local culture and surroundings into their curriculum."

The transformative goal is for students to apply these skills and practices in their future classrooms.

Brooke Kersey, a junior special education major from Lawrenceville, Georgia, enjoyed how Bahamian students greeted GCSU students with songs, dances and asked many questions about them.

"It was refreshing to see a group of curious students who were eager to learn," she said. "I am inspired. It gives me hope for future generations."

The Bahamas Study Abroad program boosted Kersey's confidence for the classroom.

"Some of the greatest learning experiences happen when you step outside of your comfort zone," she said. "I've also learned to adapt my teaching to meet the needs of every student."

At United Estates Elementary School, Georgia College students led recess activities and prepared students for year-end exams. They also led a service project for the elementary students at Gerace Research Center.

"We created an interactive and fun event for the children that reinforces concepts from their school's curriculum and celebrates their island's history and the unique environment," Jordan said.

"Through authentic experiences, Georgia College students developed and practiced skills for respectful, productive and informed interactions with the community and environment," Jordan said. "They related their experiences to their investigation of the Bahamian curriculum to understand how it was developed to be relevant and culturally responsive."

Addison Rathbun, a junior elementary education major from McDonough, Georgia, feels this experience will prepare her for GCSU's education cohort.

"I learned how geographical, economic, political, historical and religious influence shapes them," she said. "These perspectives are important for educators who interact with students impacted by elements outside the classroom that we may not see."

"We learned how often we overlook important connections and miss opportunities to create change because we don't look deep enough," Rathbun said. "I want to be a teacher who cares deeply for my students and teaches them to think deeply about issues and care deeply for others."

Since water defines the island, Georgia College students studied marine life and geology through snorkeling and observing the docks. They also visited the Village at Cockburn Town, ruins of colonial plantations and lighthouse. They even celebrated Bahamian Labor Day at Columbus Beach where Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Western Hemisphere.

Although Rathbun enjoyed the course content, experiences and excursions, the people made the greatest impact on her.

"From my fellow students to our faculty leader to the Bahamian students and others we encountered," she said, "I wouldn't trade getting to know and learning from them for the entire world."

Header Images: Gerace Research Centre - From left: Kersey, Eli Sitz, Lil' Thunder, Aria Christopher and Rathbun at the place they called "home" for 12 days; GCSU students with Bahamian elementary students in San Salvador; Psychology major Eli Sitz leads recess games; From left: Sitz, Kersey, Rathbun, Aria Christopher and Grady Jordan rest after snorkeling at Graham's Harbour; Rathbun finds a sea star while snorkeling; Lil' Thunder meets Blu, mascot of the University of the Bahamas in Nassau, at a conference with UB's Department of Education's dean and faculty and GCSU students, Study Abroad Program Director Dr. Miriam Jordan and Grady Jordan. (Photos: Miriam Jordan, Brooke Kersey and Addison Rathbun)