Get Sydney to Poland! (Human Rights Summer Program)

Sydney Edmundson Start Date: May 5, 2017 - End Date: Jun 23, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Kraków, Poland
  • Warsaw, Poland
  • Oswiecim, Poland

My Travel Story

by: Sydney Edmundson Start Date: May 5, 2017 - End Date: Jun 23, 2017
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
**Chance of a lifetime; Help me make a difference**

As I continue my college education, I have realized that being a social worker is more than just an interest; for me, it is a passion. I feel this dedication to social work is one of my greatest strengths and it has lead me to apply to the Auschwitz Jewish Center Program for Students Abroad.

It is important to be self-aware and take note of the strengths I can bring to the program. I am very dedicated to improving our society for everyone, openly advocate for the well-being of all, and I have a strong willingness to continue to educate myself and others to make informed decisions. While spending three months in South Africa, I had the astounding opportunity to volunteer at local townships and saw the importance of being an ally, advocate, constantly conscious of oppression and human rights. Stepping out of your own country allows you to open your eyes to a way of living that may be entirely different from yours. In a world filled with vast cultures and diversity, we must come together and openly dialogue, so we can have nonviolent conflict and create an inclusive place for all.

Living in a United States city (Greensboro, North Carolina) with a diverse population and growing refugee population, this crucial experience will allow me to better serve my community. With the current refugee crisis in Poland, as well as global concern, refugees have become a focal political topic. I believe this unique program will push me to step out of my community, examine human rights issues and social change on a broader level, and apply the global lessons learned in my community and further endeavors. The program will allow me to expand my human rights knowledge and inspire further advocacy in all my career pursuits.

I have a deep and genuine desire to serve vulnerable populations and strive for exponential growth throughout my professional and personal journey. I believe the Auschwitz Jewish Center Program for Students Abroad will provide the perfect opportunity for me.
  • Kraków, Poland
  • Warsaw, Poland
  • Oswiecim, Poland

Updates

8

  • And So It Begins!

    And So It Begins!
    RDU at 5 AM is busy! I'm off to Poland and a fabulous once in a lifetime trip. I'm so excited about this journey that will certainly lead to great professional and personal growth.

    Thank you to all my supporters who have made this dream a reality. Please follow my travel blog:

    Blog: Sydney's Poland Journey
    Post: Welcome!
    Link: http://sydneygoestopoland.blogspot.com/2017/06/welcome.html

    I will also be sending virtual postcards to my supporters throughout the trip. Send me an email and I will be sure to include you on my list. My personal email address is: sydney.caitlan@gmail.com

    Again, thank you everyone and I'll keep you updated on my journey through my blog! Do widesenia!

  • Poland Itinerary

    Poland Itinerary
    On the Auschwitz Jewish Center website, they have listed a sample syllabus for our trip in Poland. I would like to share this syllabus with you all and give you a better idea of what each educational day will look like:
    http://ajcf.pl/ajcserwis/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/HRSP-Sample-Syllabus.pdf

    Along with this tentative itinerary, I have been given a list of who all is attending the program with me. There are 8 of us who will be attending this session and we come from all over the United States of America. How cool is that?! So not only will I be in another country learning about Human Rights, but I will also have the opportunity to network with people who live in different states than me. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for this opportunity.

    Travel Blog coming soon!

More Travel Information