Earning Academic Credit with GIVE
Written by: Alexa Timo, SUNY Cortland Student & Past Traveler
I was a sophomore at SUNY Cortland when my good friend, Victoria, returned home from her trip to Hawai’i with GIVE. She came back with a newfound lust for life that radiated everywhere she went, and she was determined to make change not only in herself but the world around her. At the time, I was unfamiliar with GIVE, but witnessing the remarkable impact it had on her was more than enough to spark my interest. Therefore, that semester, I started looking into trips for myself.
“Applying for scholarships took me only a few hours. Those few hours spent applying wound up covering the entire cost of my trip – the only thing I was responsible for was my flights.”
My fall semester of sophomore year is when I began the application process. GIVE offers an academic course that allows college students to add the trip to their tuition bill. With the trip being billed that way it opened the doors for scholarship opportunities. Applying for scholarships took me only a few hours. Those few hours spent applying wound up covering the entire cost of my trip, the only thing I was responsible for was my flights. For the application process, all I did was look up SUNY Cortland scholarships and submit the required documents. Those documents include a short essay about yourself, a study statement about why you would like to travel to your host destination, a resume, and any extra curriculars you participate in.
The English language could not adequately describe how intellectually enriching the course was. It serves to educate individuals on their host land before they get there and the discussions during the trip push boundaries to make you think more deeply about yourself and the world around you. The course does not give unnecessary busy work, everything you are asked to do has substance to it. It allowed me to connect so deeply with the people around me; strangers became family in just a few short days.
GIVE has changed my life, and I encourage anyone who is contemplating a trip to allow it to change yours too. I connected with the most authentic version of myself and was able to see my life’s path more clearly while I was in Hawai’i. Upon my return, I added a major in international studies with a concentration in global development. I found a new lust for life; I am determined to make a change within myself and my local community. GIVE lit a match and set my soul ablaze, I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the experience I had.
“The English language could not adequately describe how intellectually enriching the course was. It serves to educate individuals on their host land before they get there and the discussions during the trip push boundaries to make you think more deeply about yourself and the world around you.”
“I cannot put it words to it, you just have to go; I promise it will change your life.”
My advice to my peers would be to jump headfirst into new adventures and leave fear behind. There are opportunities to grow all around us, so apply for scholarships and take advantage of your student status. The world is waiting for you.