About Exploration Seminars

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HISTORY
Exploration Seminars began at the University of Washington in 2003, designed to provide UW students with a unique new global learning opportunity. The idea was simple:

• create programs that get students out of the classroom and into their world to delve into timely, cutting edge topics
• explore issues in the places where - and with the people for whom - they are most relevant
• provide opportunities to study intensively, and in small cohorts, with world-class educators
• make the programs widely available by offering them during the "early fall start," and with minimal prerequisites
• offer programs from diverse departments and disciplines to a diverse array of destinations

This successful approach to study abroad and higher education began with 5 programs to Rome, Belfast, Cape Town, Cuba and Cyprus. Since then, this innovative study series has grown to over 40 current programs on 6 continents.

MISSION
The Exploration Seminars program firmly believes that international study makes invaluable contributions to the university experience and to students' lives.   Exploration Seminars are designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills and sensitivities that help them become effective contributors to our global community.   Exploration Seminars endeavor to support and enhance the University of Washington's vision of educating "a diverse student body to become responsible global citizens and future leaders through a challenging learning environment informed by cutting-edge scholarship."

The Exploration Seminar mission is:

• To provide students with unique international opportunities to study in small, intensive learning communities where participants enjoy rich and relevant learning.
• To create opportunities for UW students to enhance their global perspective, knowledge and curiosity, as well as their cross-cultural sensitivity.
• To encourage the development of students' self-confidence, tolerance, flexibility and adaptability through challenging and academically rigorous opportunities for experiential learning, self-discovery, critical analysis, and value-reflective thinking.
• To provide students with study abroad opportunities that inform and inspire their future academic, professional and personal decisions and pursuits.
• To support study abroad opportunities that represent the widest possible range of students, academic disciplines, and international destinations, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in study abroad.

Take it from students themselves: read a few of the hundreds of student testimonials for a taste of the inspiration, growth and change that happens when students take learning into their hands and out into the world.