Scholar Trips

One of the privileges of being a Garfield Scholar is the opportunity to travel to local and international destinations to engage in public policy research and activity. Each year students are able to participate in one international trip, typically taken over Hiram College’s spring break. These trips have a focus on the topic discussed throughout the year in the Garfield Center for Public Leadership course. On these international trips, students meet with leaders of that country, and have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in political conversations. Not only are students able to immerse themselves in the political realm of the country, but there is also time to experience the cultural elements of each country as well. Some examples of past trips that the Garfield Center has traveled to include Cuba, Panama, Mexico City, London, Paris, South Korea, and Iceland.

Reflections from Students – Prague Trip

“Seeing and learning about the Czech Republic’s government, healthcare, and educational systems firsthand was a unique experience. Hearing about the plans and services offered to the refugees directly from the leaders of the country is not something people typically get to experience. I am beyond grateful to have learned what I did in the Czech Republic with the Garfield Center for Public Leadership. I will take this information and the Czech way of living with me through life to become a better person, scholar, and leader.”

Jaiden Proctor

“An aspect in the Czech Republic that is quite different from the United States is the topic of paternal leave. The Czech goes as far as separating maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. The Czechs are very invested in the fact that both parents should be involved in the care of their children while also prompting more father/child interaction. Their system focuses on the aspect of splitting parental responsibilities and not placing it all on the mothers . . . After diving deeper into both healthcare systems the real question is which system would you prefer and would the Czech system be beneficial to the United States?”

Julia Brooks

“The thing that has stuck with me the most since the end of the trip to Prague and the seminar is the call to action. Secretary Card talked about how the most important word in the United States Constitution is the word “we.” That word is an invitation for everyone to get involved in politics and to get involved in making America a better place to live. If American citizens like myself can get involved, than we can truly make a great America that is an example to the rest of the world of a free state where people want to live. American citizens can make the United States an inspiration to other countries and set the standard of what a democracy can and should look like. But it takes all of us and everyone has to get involved. It is our duty as Americans to want and embrace that challenge and make the world a better place one day at a time.”

Jacob Kowal