The Gerald H. Read Center has reactivated a more rigorous travel program. As in the past, the legacy of Gerald Read's travels to Soviet Union during the Cold War or to China before the Cultural Revolution, this year’s offerings feature unique parts of the world touched by CIIE's work and experience globally. Whether you want to travel during spring break or the summer, we have scheduled our travels with educators in mind. This introductory description provides you with the highlights of our trips.

If this information tweaks your interest, contact us via e-mail (lfrobert@kent.edu) or telephone (330-672-0563) for more information.

Join us in 2008 for educational travel opportunities both for graduate credit and for sure pleasure at the opportunity to explore globally.  “There is no other time in human history has it been more essential that individuals develop a global or intercultural perspective and reach a certain level of comfort in their intercultural interactions” states KSU’s Dr. Kenneth Cushner in his book, Beyond Tourism:  A Practice Guide to Meaningful Educational Travel.

Next year’s educational travel program will visit three continents, dip into oceans and rivers, soar into spirituality and high elevations, and always focus on the importance of learning about today’s culture and people in the countries visited. 

PANAMA:  In March 2008, celebrate spring break with us in Panama and marvel at the Miraflora Locks of the Panama Canal, examine the Gamboa Rainforest, visit the Embera village school or be amazed or amused at the bright lights and skyscrapers of the financial hub of Latin America. 

SAXONY AND THE ELBE RIVER:  Have you been to Paris, Rome and London?  You probably will say yes.  But have you seen the treasures of Europe hidden for so long behind the Iron Curtain in Dresden, Meissen, and Prague?  Come with us in Summer 2008 to see Saxony with its Baroque City of Dresden, explore the treasures of the Green Vault, shop in the wonderful porcelain  factories of the area, have coffee with a Saxon couple in their home and learn how life is different in a unified Germany.  Cruise with us on the  Elbe River. 

BHUTAN, NEW DELHI, DUBAI:  Or, are you more adventurous in your travel?  If yes, then travel with us first to  then on to views of into Paro, Bhutan.  Join us as houseguests of our Bhutanese hosts for dinner and conversation with family including local Buddhist monks.  After a leisurely visit to this high elevation country where spiritual happiness is treasured more than the GNP, travel back to the US with a stop over in the new world hot spot, Dubai! 

Years ago, Gerald H. Read, for whom CIIE is named, was a pioneer in educational travel for teachers.  A deeply rooted conviction that travel is an invaluable way to expose educators to international trends led Dr. Read, in 1964, to invite an Ohio superintendent of schools “to get a firsthand look at a socialist educational system,” says Marion Korllos, a longtime assistant and personal friend.  “Subsequent visits to schools in the Soviet Union drew large, enthusiastic groups of U.S. educators, despite the prevalence of Cold War sentiment,” she recalls.

The Read Center’s legacy is to travel with educators.  Join us for one of our three offerings—graduate credit is available on an individualized basis.  Email Rose Onders, ronders@kent.edu to learn more about these upcoming trips.