Rowan University History Professor Curates Impactful & Transformative Experiences for Students
History professor and Associate Director for the Rowan Center for the Study of Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Movements, Professor Jody Manning has crafted study abroad programs that promise an education far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.
His study abroad trips embody the key component of experiential learning, which is central to his teaching philosophy. Professor Manning’s programs explore critical historical events and cultural experiences and take students on life-changing journeys across Europe. The itineraries include two main focuses: “Nazi Germany and the Holocaust” and “The Heart of Europe: Memory and Culture.”
Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
As Abigail Morris, a graduate student in Social Studies Education, shared, “Being able to walk the ground of the former ghettos, read the primary sources from their original letters, and be inside the barracks of concentration camps expanded my understanding of the historical events.”
These programs are not just about observing history; they’re about immersing in it. For instance, the Holocaust program includes visits to key historical sites such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, where students spend a lot of time exploring and learning on-site. In addition, students visit several countries, including Germany, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. There they gain firsthand knowledge about the histories of these regions.
Olivia Hayden, a senior in Elementary Education, expressed, “Seeing different concentration camps and communities Jewish people lived in made what happened so much more real to me. It taught me how much a society and community can persevere throughout history.” Meanwhile, Bobby Powers, a sophomore studying Political Science and History, elaborated, “Seeing things in person is so much more memorable than reading it in a textbook.”
The Heart of Europe
His second program, “The Heart of Europe”, invites students to delve into the region’s memory, culture, and culinary delights, exploring cities like Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Vienna. This itinerary not only highlights historical narratives but also encourages students to question and examine what truly constitutes the heart of Europe. Furthermore, the program provides a foundation for understanding how migration and cultural confrontation have shaped Europe.
Student Impact
Professor Manning’s inspiration for these programs comes from his own study abroad experiences as an undergraduate. He believes that such programs can greatly enhance a student’s perspective and understanding of the world, offering invaluable insights into different cultures and histories.
Both programs offer a comprehensive educational journey that combine structured coursework with on-the-ground learning. The intensive nature of these courses requires active participation and engagement, while also providing students with free time to independently discover and connect with local cultures. Throughout the program, students have the freedom to explore cities in the evening, encouraging them to engage fully with their surroundings. This freedom is essential as it adds to the holistic learning experience, pushing students beyond their comfort zones and into real-world applications of their classroom studies.
Program Specifics
Each program typically spans 13 to 14 days and supports interdisciplinary learning, welcoming students from all majors. This diversity enriches the experience, as students from fields as varied as engineering, psychology, and education share perspectives and learn from one another.
Group sizes range from 20 to 30 students every year, ensuring an intimate, community-focused environment that enhances shared learning and personal growth.
For many students, funding can be a barrier to engaging in study abroad programs, but Professor Manning emphasizes the availability of scholarships and financial planning advice to make these opportunities accessible. He encourages students to plan ahead of time and explore available financial resources as part of their preparation for these trips. Abigail emphasized, “If the price seems too daunting, there are scholarships available to make the trip more affordable.”
Professor Manning’s study abroad programs offer students a great opportunity to experience history and different cultures firsthand. These programs transcend traditional education by enhancing critical thinking, cultural awareness, and personal growth. The experience of studying abroad becomes more than just a course requirement, it becomes a pivotal chapter in student’s academic and personal lives, providing them with the tools needed to navigate their future. As Abigail succinctly put it, “Do whatever you can to secure a seat.”
Written by: Valentina Giannattasio, senior double major in marketing & dance