Melissa Butler

Instructor, Department of Integrative and Global Studies

mbutler@wpi.edu

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A hallmark of global project-based learning at WPI is the opportunity for students to experience other cultures and learn about life in different parts of the world.  Though the persistence of a global pandemic meant that students couldn’t travel to Romania, this didn’t keep students from “experiencing” all that Romania has to offer.  Students explored Romania’s mountains, urban wetlands, and arts and cultural scenes through virtual tours. They conducted interviews over Zoom with Romanian students and experts from around the world. The projects students completed not only afforded them the opportunity to develop and apply research skills addressing important social issues in Romania, but it also helped them to gain new insights into the important role that history, culture, and politics play in shaping the world around us.

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