GUEST COLUMNISTS: Taking learning beyond Penn's walls

Political Science 198, American Foreign Policy, does not rely only on traditional lectures. Instead, the 16-student seminar opts for an innovative, hands-on approach to learning -- including a nine-day tip to Caracas, Venezuela over Fall Break. In Venezuela, we were on assignment -- charged with exploring the foreign policy and culture of a developing country. The highlights of the trip, which helped us gain insight into a culture far different from America's, included a reception with the Venezuelan president, a conference on American foreign policy at a prestigious Venezuelan university and an adventure in the northern tip of the Amazon rain forest. We knew about the trip when we signed up for PSCI 198 last spring. Still, nothing could have prepared us for the cultural shock we experienced. It began on the plane, when the pilot announced we were flying over Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At that moment, we and other members of the class realized we were about to embark on an expenence like no other. And though we arrived in Caracas late at night, the heat that hit us was a tangible reminder of the Equator's close proximity. Our first glimpse of Venezuela was of brightly lit houses atop mountainsides, decorating the night sky. We were awed by the breathtaking view -- but our journey had just begun. The next day we met with our host, professor Mauricio Baez, one of our professor Karl Von Vorys's former students. Baez teaches at Universidad de Simon Bolivar, a school located directly outside of Caracas and modeled on Stanford. We had the opportunity to meet with Simon Bolivar's graduate Political Science Department, to share our perspectives on American foreign policy toward South America. During our meeting, we and members of the Simon Bolivar community came to consensus that the U.S. plays an integral role in the future of South America, South America is increasingly becoming a major player in the American business and political community, too. Next, we were honored to be welcomed as guests at Venezuela's presidential palace. We were met in the conference room where President Kennedy signed the Alliance for Progress Treaty in the 1960s, and after a tour of the diplontatic reception rooms, we met with President Caldera. We were surprised to find Caldera eager to learn our perceptions of Venezuela, and we could only utter praise for a country so beautiful and rich in culture different from ours. Caldera also discussed America's recent presidential election and the difficulties Venezuela, like the U.S., has patroling its extensive borders and keeping out illegal immigrants. It was engagong to speak with a foreign leader, some of whose domestic concerns mirror our government's, and to exchange policy viewpoints and possible remedies. We also spent three days "roughing it" in the rainforest region of Canaima. We explored some of the most spectacular natural wonders in South America -- including Salto Angel (Angel Falls), the world's largest waterfall. And we met several members of the indigenous population and discussed their mounting environmental and political concerns. While PSCI 198 specifically may not interest you, take advantage of all you can during your four years here. Even if you don't fly off to a foreign land, realize that there are educational opportunities beyond the confines of West Philadelphia -- and that knowledge can be acquired from unique life experiences, not just books.