Following speaker presentations in Marrakesh.
Ocean view in Morocco.
Lunch discussion to learn about various models of transitional justice around the globe.
Read the third and final part of our series on the new 鶹ý faculty-led study away program (FLP). Students have returned to complete their post-travel coursework and share their thoughts and observations after exploring Belgium and Morocco through the lens of diplomacy and human rights. Additional FLPs are planned for 2025, thanks to the generosity of Sagehen donors.
Students made their way back home after a 19-day journey through Belgium and Morocco on the inaugural faculty-led study away program (FLP), with politics professor and former U.S. diplomat Mietek Boduszyński leading the way.
For nearly three weeks, these worldly travelers explored five cities on two continents; met 42 individual speakers; listened to six hours of academic lectures; engaged with eight NGOs, one think-tank, five diplomatic missions, 12 individual diplomats and nine individual human rights activists; and visited four EU institutions, as well as the headquarters of what many consider the greatest military alliance in the history of the world, NATO. Whether they were in the formality of an embassy or experiencing the confines of a small human rights NGO, students were able to fully envelope themselves in these spaces, gaining knowledge and first-hand experience that they would not have had otherwise.
“I think they walk away from this with more open hearts and minds, greater cultural awareness and a more nuanced understanding of how the challenges inherent in striving for a world in which more people can live in freedom and dignity,” Prof. Boduszyński said.
Now finishing their post-travel online coursework, students will conclude by delivering presentations to the class. Their talks will detail how they see outside contributors, such as the United States and the EU, working with Moroccan civil society. Furthermore, they will share their perspectives that were gained through this unique experience.
“I do not feel like I have ever learned so much in such a short time. It was academically challenging and pushed all of us to try new things. Understanding the lives and reality behind the theory, as several of us are interested in going into international law or human rights advocacy, gave us a wide perspective of how institutions, NGOs and civil society can be better and work together. This program gave me the opportunity to investigate the course material in person and tap into the wealth of knowledge from everyone we met,” said Allie Wong ’25.
This FLP is the first of many domestic and international programs that will take place thanks to the help of Pomona alumni, families and community partners. Marilyn Gaddis ’50 and George Carruthers have set the trail ablaze as the College's first donors to give to this new program, an expansion of Pomona's global learning initiative. It is generosity like theirs and the spirit of Sagehen philanthropy that will make this a viable program for generations of Sagehens to come. In this pilot phase of the program, the College is exploring program models, with programs currently offered over the summer or attached to a spring semester course. Students who participate will pay a program fee to cover travel and associated program costs . The College is already hard at work to expand funding and establish endowments to support student costs and academic and logistical program needs.
Looking ahead, 鶹ý will continue to expand its global learning and engagement opportunities as well as ensure the longevity of current programs. The College is grateful for recent contributions toward the pursuit of this endeavor. The H. Russell Smith Foundation, Stewart R. Smith ’68, P’00 ’09, Robin A. Ferracone and MacKenzie C. Teymouri ’09 made a transformational investment to create new interdisciplinary experiences and programming that address both global challenges and humanitarian crises. Trustee Emerita Meg Lodise ’85 endowed funding to support student participation in Pomona’s flagship international and domestic study away programs. Robert D. '68 and Diane Piety have already committed to supporting the next Faculty-Led Program.
“I think this experience helped me reignite my passion for learning, and I would highly recommend it to any Pomona student who was interested. Since we were so immersed in one subject for three weeks, we all left with both newfound expertise and interests. I know life on campus can become repetitive and it’s easy to lose sight of what you’re passionate about, so I am grateful for the experience to bring Pomona to another side of the world, and bring all that we learned back home,” said Camille Green ’26.
2025 FLPs will be announced this fall by the International and Domestic Program Office.
If you would like to learn more about the many philanthropic opportunities that support the Faculty-Led Programs, please reach out to Senior Director of Development Kyle Davis.
Additional information on upcoming FLPs is available by contacting Annie Lam, assistant director, Pomona programs and domestic programs.