Tutoring at-risk middle school students,
Studying abroad in Portugal,
Interning at Google or the Baltimore Zoo
Participating in summer research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology…
These are all examples of learning by doing, or as it’s often called in higher education, experiential learning.
Experiential learning is more than just “getting involved.” There’s a stickiness to it, meaning this type of learning tends to stay with you- impacting and influencing you beyond simply having the experience.
With experiential learning, you’re given the opportunity to reflect on what you learned and how you’ll use that knowledge in the future.
Now, you may be thinking, “this sounds great, but I have some concerns…”
● I don’t have enough time- I’m already juggling a lot on my plate
● I don’t have a lot of extra money
● I really just need to focus on my academics right now
Our response? Not a problem!
Experiential learning opportunities vary in time, cost (some are actually free and many internships are paid!), and could possibly be a component of one of your courses.
Students receive academic credit for some but not all types of experiential learning; there are many additional long-lasting benefits to participating:
✓Breaks up the monotony of your routine (i.e. res hall/home, class,dining hall, back to res hall/home. Repeat).
✓You gain skills and experience in line with your academic and/or career interests
✓You make real-world connections who can become mentors orpotentially future hiring managers
✓Shows you how your perspectives and values differ from others
✓Adds to your collective knowledge of the world
✓Helps you demonstrate reliability and independence
There are a variety of experiential learning opportunities at UMBC.
To name a few:
Alternative Spring Break Trip (via UMBC Serves): here
Civic Agency & Social Entrepreneurship course:
AMST 205/POLI 205/SOCY 205
This course focuses on strategies for initiating/bringing about social change. As part of the course, students develop a project aimed at creating change on campus or in the community.
Undergraduate Research: here
Study Abroad: here
Study Abroad 101 Sessions (in 218 Administration Building):
Mondays: 12:00-1:00pm
Thursdays: 3:00-4:00pm
**You must attend a session prior to meeting with a Study Abroad Advisor**
The Shriver Center: here
Internships, Co-Ops, & Research: here
Breaking Ground: here
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From a UMBC student perspective, Kaylesh Ramu, Class of 2013, volunteered with the College Gardens Community Center and completed the Governor’s Summer Internship. During the internship, Kaylesh was placed with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, which provided her the opportunity to present a policy proposal to the Governor.
Kaylesh states,
“All of my service learning experiences provided me with the confidence to take on challenges and allowed me to grow in ways a traditional class environment could not. These experiences prepared me to take on my current commitment with the Teach for America Corps in New York City, and have given me the courage to work through problems within my school community.”
So what are you waiting for? Get out there, get your hands dirty, your feet wet, and start experiencing!
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EXTRA CREDIT DISCUSSION QUESTION:
What forms of experiential learning are you hoping to take part in at UMBC? Do you have questions about any opportunities you are interested in?
