Studyaway in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Cross Cultural Awareness in the U.S. Virgin Islands

UGA Studyaway in North Ireland

Students in this summer program travel to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to examine the intersections of history, politics, culture, and community well-being in the Caribbean basin. This program explores how colonial legacies, contemporary politics, and local cultural traditions shape the social, cultural, and economic development of the region, with a focus on environmental social justice. Students engage in both conceptual study and hands-on experiences that connect the past and future of the Virgin Islands.

This program will take place during Summer semester- From Late May thru Mid July- with virtual learning activities before and after the trip to St Croix. Students will register for both summer courses with 10 travel days to St Croix during the summer.

Course Offerings

Examining the Impact of Neocolonialism in the Caribbean (SOWK 7911) and Study Abroad in Social Work (SOWK 7353)- you must enroll in BOTH classes.

Pre-Trip Activities

During Mid-May to the end of June students will prepare to engage with the historical and cultural legacy of Caribbean Carnivals via attending the annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival (Memorial Day Weekend in Atlanta) as well as researching the historical and contemporary challenges unique to the U.S. Territories (the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico).

Travel Itinerary

10 Travel Days to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Exact dates TBD (Late June – Early July).
Activities in the Virgin Islands will include:

Co-learning activities with University of the Virgin Islands students
Community Engagement work with the St. Croix Foundation
Visits to the National Park Service Christiansted National Historic Site
Meeting with the staff of the Florence Williams Public Library- impact of the story of the three black female leaders in the 1878 protest on contemporary self-determination activities in the Virgin Islands as well as the limit of “territorial governance”
Historical archives at the Whim Estate Museum
Annual Emancipation Day Activities in St. Croix
And more!

The time in St. Croix will conclude with the completion of a community relevance service-learning activity.
Virtual post-trip activities will focus on the social work education integration and synthesis of the learning experience.

Contact

Dr. Llewellyn Cornelius (Gwinnett/Online students)
Email: [email protected]
(706) 542-0244

Dr. Donnetta Washington (Athens students)
Email: [email protected]

UGA Studyaway in North Ireland
More information to come! We plan to host on each campus a meet and great session during the fall semester (Late October).