CU-Lock Haven students participate in immersive global affairs visit to Washington, D.C.

On April 24, Drs. Tulare Park and Steven Granich from the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, Criminal Justice and Social Work at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, visited Washington with 16 undergraduate students.

For the students in the Eileen G. Jones Honors College, the trip was part of their course, Honors Critical Reasoning Seminar Topic: Global Knowledge. The purpose of the trip was to expand their knowledge of global affairs and to provide a culminating learning experience for the semester.  

The students visited the European Union Delegation to the United States, House Foreign Affairs Committee and the U.S. Capitol Building. At the European Union Delegation the students met with Dr. Vassilis Coutifaris, a senior officer, who provided a talk in the main conference room used by delegates from all 27 countries in the European Union. Topics discussed included defense spending, Ukraine, European Union membership, global issues, international development, communication among countries and others. Students had an opportunity to pose questions, as well as to learn about future fellowship opportunities.

At the Rayburn House Office building near the U.S. Capitol, students interacted with eight staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including two student interns. The students were able to sit in the gallery of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting Room and ask questions about the role of the United States in Foreign Affairs. There was discussion of numerous global affairs topics, as well as the workings of the committee and internship opportunities.

The final stop was the U.S. Capitol building, where the students toured the historic Capitol Rotunda and viewed centuries-old paintings, sculptures, statues and the famous basketball court-sized painting in the rotunda’s dome.

The immersive global affairs experience in allowed Commonwealth University students to learn about the daily workings of diplomatic relations, which deepened their understanding of foreign affairs.