Malta President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca receives a book about Abraham Lincoln from Professor Linda Herrera, director of the Global Studies in Education program in the College of Education. Their meeting took place June 17, 2015, in Malta. 

Students from the Global Studies in Education (GSE) program traveled to the Mediterranean in the summer of 2015 to explore the educational and humanitarian implications of the refugee crisis. Their investigations were part of the study abroad course "Refugees & Education in the Mediterranean," which was led by Professor Linda Herrera, director of GSE. The group learned about how Malta and Italy are dealing with the influx of refugees from North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, and the challenges and opportunities that this movement of people presents to societies.

Studying abroad is an integral part of the GSE program. 
- Professor Linda Herrera 

The group met with politicians and policymakers, including President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca of Malta, visited non-governmental organizations, attended workshops with scholars at the University of Malta, and listened to testimonials from refugees who have made the perilous Mediterranean crossing. The group also toured historical sites to better grasp the history of migration and conflict, and to understand how these struggles have contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean.

The GSE online master’s program will devote more attention to educational policy and migration as it emerges as one of the great challenges of our time. Studying abroad is an integral part of the GSE program.

View a short video of the trip highlights.