Once again I’m on the eve of departure for another VT Graduate School’s Global Perspectives Program (GPP) experience. This year marks the 12th year of the Future Professoriate: Switzerland (GPP’17) program. It is hard to believe that 12 years have passed since we started the program in 2005. Many miles have been traveled, universities visited, meals consumed and most importantly, many wonderful memories and connections have been made that have changed lives and will last a life time.
The program in Switzerland (with visits to nearby Italy, France and Germany) has continued to evolve over the years. New university visit were added and new partnerships were developed (University of Basel, University of Zurich). The global higher education seminar at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington DC has become an annual event. Although each year has similar elements as well as new additions, the dynamics of the group make each experience unique.
The success of the Switzerland program led me to develop some additional opportunities and the +4 refers to these programs. Two additional programs were offered in 2012 – Future Professoriate Program in Chile (GPP Chile) and the Global Perspectives: Graduate Deans program. In 2015, we developed and offered a modified version of GPP offered in partnership with University San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador which has been held for the last two years. While each of the GPP programs serves a difference purpose, the foundation for all 12 + 4 was the development of a program through which participants could expand and enhance their understanding of higher education in a global context.
I remember the first “eve of departure” in 2005 and recall a sense of uncertainty and unknown along with the excitement about the initial program. Thankfully the program was a success and was the inauguration of programs to come. The positive experiences and the change each of us felt only fueled my commitment to global higher education and continuation of the program. Having personally known the value and importance of international travel and benefited from a “study abroad” program (attending the University of Copenhagen during my sophomore year), I could only hope that I could develop and lead a program that offered others a life-changing experience as mine had been.
Each program brings excitement and yet some uncertainty as well. And most of the uncertainty is around the group dynamics and interpersonal relationships. And there’s the intention that each participant will grow professionally and personally. Although others might view international experiences more along the lines of “vacation” and fun, GPP is anything but a vacation. Yes, having fun and enjoying the experiences are goals but more importantly are the knowledge and understanding of global higher education, cultural experiences, group dynamic and formation of community, and personal development.
The details and logistics of the trip are set and will guide us from place to place. So on this eve of departure, I once again wonder more about and ponder the journey that each of us will travel. I’m looking forward to this 12th year of GPP.
GPP’17 will meet at Hotel St. Josef in Zurich, Switzerland at 15.00 (3pm) on May 21, 2017. Follow us to learn about our individual and collective journeys (blogs, twitter @gppvt, #gppch17, tripvis, and more.