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About Us

about cultural routes

A JVR HONORS ABROAD EXPERIENCE

Cultural Routes is led by Dr. Ron Pitcock, the J. Vaughn & Evelyne H. Wilson Honors Fellow and Associate Professor of Professional Practice. Dr. Pitcock, who created Cultural Routes, designs and plans every aspect of CR to provide both freedom and guided learning (note that he is not a fan of tour guides and only uses them when either the guide is necessary or a close friend of his). He believes in long days and short nights, in exploration and night adventures, in making learning exciting and tactile, in laughing and telling stories, in thoughtful reflection and authenticity, and in accountability and doing things the right way. All of these have shaped the past 9 years of Cultural Routes.

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CR10 members will explore the cultures of and the histories that gave rise to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. They will move thoughtfully and intensely through cities to understand how communism and nationalism, humanism and scientific inquiry, and art and architecture shape the world. Most importantly, students will dynamically explore cities beyond the "postcard." Employing a classroom that privileges experiential learning, CR10 will require students to adopt a backpacking approach. Students will travel by high-speed trains and live in quarters ranging from nice hostels to hotels in order to examine and experience cultural difference. During the trip, CR10 members will walk over 270 miles and record their learning in journals, blogs, and e-portfolios. Upon their return, CR10 members will present their findings to a larger group of Honors students.

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CR is about experiential learning, making the most of every minute, and traveling in a way that carefully respects the gift of studying in Europe while representing with honor TCU, the John V. Roach Honors College, friends, family, and self. CR is about meeting high expectations and rising to the challenge.

 

CR is not a vacation; CR is not a trip. 

 

CR is a 24-hour experiential learning laboratory designed to challenge every aspect of your being and thinking. It makes you a stronger critical thinker, a student who learns from deep reflection, and an important member of a learning community called familia.

DESTINATIONS

6 CITIES. 14 STUDENTS. 25 DAYS.

1

rome

Rome is the perfect place to close the 24-day journey known as CR and say goodbye to the familia. From the Vatican to the Coliseum, Rome takes you back in time. Famed street performers and incredible gelato will capture your imagination in this founding site of Western Civilization.

4

interlaken

Take a much needed rest in the "extreme sports capital of the world" and ride the rails to the top of Europe. Here, you can climb mountains, glide the skies, or go canyoning in the glacial runoffs.

2

florence

Study the art and architecture that shaped the Renaissance. Florence features Michelangelo's "David," the Uffizi, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Students will meet locals who treat CR familia like royalty.

5

munich

After arriving by overnight train, study Bavarian culture and climb the Alps to see famous castles. Munich will also provide an opportunity to visit Dachau Concentration Camp.

3

cinque terre

Live among the locals and hike the trails that link "The Five Lands" on the Italian Riviera. Rio Maggiore poses steep inclines and a labyrinth of streets that offer both shops and fantastic views.

6

berlin

Study how Berliners have responded to both Nazism and communism, and experience one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

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