ECHO Studytrip
ECHO-UCLA Studytrip 2024
What does inclusive education look like in practice, in relation to admission, selection, affiliation, transfer and student success? What is the influence of social movements such as Black Lives Matter, Anti-Asian Racism, and #MeToo on putting on the agenda and tackling the fight against racism, sexism, and heterosexism? What are the preconditions for successful and meaningful experiences of students in a constantly changing, more diverse context? What does this require of professionals in programs and faculties of universities and colleges? How can higher education professionals and students work together in co-creation to address existing and new issues? These questions and more will be answered during an inspiring study trip to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). From 9 – 17 May 2024, under the guidance of ECHO, you will be taken on board in a stimulating program that connects theory, research, experience and practice.
Do you want to learn from effectively proven programs at UCLA aimed at equality of opportunity in successful transitions (MBO-HBO, VO-HO, BA-MA, MA-PhD), admission and selection aimed at attracting more diversity, theory and practice aimed at expression mechanisms, student success and ‘inclusive excellence’? This study trip offers you opportunities to learn from the knowledge and practices developed at institutions in LA and the experiences of participants from the Netherlands and Flanders.
The success of the Academic Advancement Program (AAP) and programs of the Center for Community College Partnerships (CCCP) at UCLA are a major source of inspiration for institutions inside and outside of California. In 2018 and 2019, the transfer program, from community colleges to UCLA, coordinated by CCCP received several national awards for the quantitative and qualitative success of the program. Several programs in the Netherlands have also been inspired by these programs in recent years. Examples include the Erasmus Pre-Academic Program and the EUR-wide outreach program coordinated by the EUR’s IDEAS Center and the Students-4-Students Campaign. Admission and selection for a university like UCLA means working with high schools, with community colleges and with communities that represent the diversity of LA and California far before the gate. In doing so, UCLA as a selective public university is one of the most diverse also best performing universities in the U.S. UCLA, like Berkeley and other University of California universities, intends to qualify as a Hispanic Serving Institution by 2025.
The purpose of the study tour is to provide concrete examples of programs from both secondary (vocational) education into higher education: ‘pathways to success’. During the studytrip you will meet a large number of inspiring speakers, both professionals and students from UCLA, Community Colleges and High Schools. During the program, ECHO will guide and facilitate participants in translating American experiences to the Dutch context.
If you want to participate in the study trip to UCLA, you can download the application form and send it to: info@echo-net.nl. Would you like more information or do you have any questions? Please contact Mary Tupan-Wenno, tel: +31 6 53811172 or mail to mary@echo-net.nl.
Program:
Friday, May 2, 2024: (Online) Information Meeting Information meeting from 3:00 -16:30 pm. During this online meeting you will get to know ECHO and the other participants. You will receive practical and substantive information to prepare for the trip and there will be room for questions.
Thursday, May 9, 2024: Departure and Arrival and Hotel Reception
Departure from Amsterdam and arrival in LA or for Flemish participants departure from Brussels. Meeting colleagues from UCLA during a short reception and dinner on the first evening.
Friday, May 10, 2024: General Introduction
General introduction and introduction to the (higher) education system in the US and California.
Saturday, May 11, 2024: Bruin Day 2024 (morning).
Attending Bruin Day 2024 in the morning. The afternoon is free.
Sunday, May 12, 2024: Day off
Monday, May 13, 2024: Visiting Community College.
This day is dedicated to advancement and academic preparation. We will visit one of the 20 community colleges in LA that UCLA has a partnership with. Students, faculty and transfer professionals from UCLA and the community college work together both substantively and process-wise within the advancement process.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024: UCLA, preparing for entry, selection, study success & inclusive education
This day focuses on outreach, selection, intake promotion, study success and advancement at UCLA. How does UCLA organize cooperation with pre-college, admission and guidance and support such as tutoring, mentoring and counseling? What are students’ experiences?
Wednesday, May 15, 2024: Visit High School and State University
On this day, you will learn about programs that are the basis for successful advancement from high schools to UCLA. You will visit a high school. You will also visit a state university that UCLA works closely with.
Thursday, May 16, 2024: Reflection session and departure for Amsterdam
On the morning of departure you will have the opportunity to reflect on all the insights and impressions gained during the trip. After this, you can prepare for departure to Amsterdam.
May 17, 2024: Arrival in Amsterdam
Date to be determined: Return meeting
For this meeting, participants are invited to present actions and insights formed as a result of the insights and experiences in UCLA.
Cost
The fee for participation is €4,950,-* (including 157.50 VAT**). There is an early bird discount of €150 if you register before March 12.
Included:
- Return flight Amsterdam – Los Angeles;
- Accommodation in (a private room) in hotel for six days incl. breakfast;
- Reception with hot buffet on May 9, 2024;
- Substantive program for five days including lunches and dinners;
- Transportation from (May 9) and to (May 17) airport in Los Angeles and during the days of the substantive program;
- Advance reader with background information and articles;
- Online information session on May 2, 2024;
- Return meeting at a date to be determined.
*This takes into account increased prices especially of hotels and catering in LA.
**You only pay VAT on costs incurred in the Netherlands.
