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Learning in Retirement scholars found the center of the famous hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace.
In May 2007, Bradley University's Office of Continuing Education partnered with the International Programs Office to create an innovative educational travel opportunity for lifelong learners. Led by Sue Manley, Janet Lange, and Jon Neidy, a group of 18 Bradley alumni, friends of the university, and members of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) traveled to London for a one-of-a-kind educational venture.
Continuing Education staff at most institutions use educational travel companies to plan and execute international programs, particularly because the logistics involved can be complex. Collaboration solved this problem at Bradley. Christine Blouch, director of the International Programs Office (IPO), shared the IPO's expertise in planning the trip, and provided logistical support while the group was in London. Academic teamwork was also key. Bradley professors Dan Getz (Religious Studies) and James Ludwig (Theater), veteran teachers in Bradley's undergraduate study abroad programs in London, teamed up to teach an ILR seminar titled "Sacred and Cultural Spaces” in the months preceding the trip. Many of the trip participants, as well as other learners, attended the seminar, building the knowledge base (and group identity!) that they subsequently took to London.
Faculty, lifelong learners, and undergraduate students enjoyed high tea together while they were in London.
Getz and Ludwig accompanied the group to London and to the magnificent "spaces” they had studied. These carefully selected sites ranged from the magnificent Swaminarayan Hindu Temple to St. Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. The group also toured the Royal National Theatre and then attended two productions during their stay. Using London's public transportation system was just a part of the adventure.
Undergraduate students from the Bradley program who were was housed just a few blocks away (in slightly less magnificent accommodations) joined the lifelong learner group for the group's grand tea-and-theatre event. The program began with high tea at the Bloomsbury hotel where the Continuing Education group stayed. (Bradley's undergraduates even dressed for the event.) Along with wonderful scones and Asian fusion tea food, participants heard a discussion of the history of the high tea from Martha Craig of Bradley's English Department and Jim Ludwig's comments on West End theater. This interdisciplinary, intergenerational mixer was a great success, with 67 people attending. That evening, as Lange noted, "seeing Mamma Mia from the sixth row was a very memorable highlight of the trip.” The undergraduates saw the blockbuster musical Billy Elliot, which was, as one wrote, "only the best play I've ever seen in my life."
Another innovative aspect of the trip was the London Trip Journal that was posted on the Continuing Education Web site. Family and friends of travelers were able to enjoy the tour from home by viewing photos and a daily journal. After this very successful adventure, Manley wrote, "we're ready to start planning for our next destination.”
Professor Dan Getz and ILR scholar Dick Helfich at Greenwich, England.
Perspectives
Our lifelong learners walked more than 45 miles during their 10-day exploration of London's Sacred and Cultural Spaces. During our journey, we met up with Bradley faculty and students and delighted in an unexpected camaraderie and shared sense of excitement and wonder. Bradley University has long helped its students discover the satisfactions of educational travel, and, through this partnership with the International Programs Office, we can extend that same benefit to our alumni and friends. Through these travel programs, we show to the world the best of Bradley, at every age.
Janet M. Lange, Executive Director
Continuing Education
The learning and fellowship were both fantastic. Learning in a social context through the stories and experiences of the participants and the instructors made this learning adventure one of the best I have ever experienced. I can't wait to travel with them again.
Jon Neidy, Assistant Director
Continuing Education
Studying abroad—at any age—offers incredible opportunities for personal growth and international understanding. We appreciate Bradley University's support of lifelong learning.
Sue Manley, Program Director
Continuing Education