Experiential Education
What is Experiential Education?
Experiential education is a process in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop people's capacity to contribute to their communities.
Why is it important?
In experiential education, students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills by making connections to the real world. It entails active experimentation with a hands-on approach to learning. As a result, students develop leadership skills, which can also enhance student motivation and confidence. The experiential education mindset changes the way the teachers and students view knowledge. Knowledge is no longer just some letters on a page. It becomes active, something that is transacted with in life or lifelike situations.
Internships
Internships engage students in planned, educationally related work and learning experiences that integrate knowledge and theory with practical application and skill development in a professional setting. Often times internships are paid experiences that turn into full-time job offers upon graduation. According to the 2014 Internship & Co-op Survey administered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers make full-time offers to 64.8 percent of their interns. This is not surprising as employers report that the main focus of their experiential education programs such as internships is to recruit entry-level college hires.
Service Learning
Service learning is designed to enhance student learning through meaningful, relevant service in the community. Service learning is an activity that is linked to specific courses and is integrated in the learning outcomes by the course faculty. There are three main components of service learning: academic goals, community need and student reflection. Where the three overlap create an experience that is significant to the student’s growth, his/her academic progress and the community.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad will enhance your professional potential and personal growth, and gain a better understanding of other cultures. With a study abroad experience, you will be prepared to work and live in today's global society. Hilbert's study abroad program, which includes a field-related internship option, is offered in collaboration with the nationally regarded Arcadia University Center for Study Abroad, based in suburban Philadelphia. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia's program as the top study abroad program in the country.
Study Away
Hilbert College’s study away program seeks to deepen the cross-cultural experiences of students while challenging them academically and professionally through domestic and international expeditions. These learning experiences are integrated into academic courses and can last several days to a full semester.
Leadership Development
Leadership development happens in many ways at Hilbert College, most importantly, in the classroom. Every major has incorporated leadership development into the curriculum to develop and enhance the leadership skills which will be so important in a student’s professional life. In addition, leadership programs at Hilbert College seek to prepare students for leadership roles in service to their communities and professions. Students have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills through education, development, and training both in and out of the classroom, as well as service learning, volunteer work, and active engagement in college and community life.