By Lisa Tedrick Prejean

Our world is a classroom.

Opportunities and surroundings shape us as we travel, network, and engage.

We might not realize that we’re learning, but we are–every day, from every encounter, because learning is a cyclical process:

• We have an experience. 
• We reflect on it. 
• We analyze it. 
• We apply what we’ve learned to the next experience.
• Learning that is hands-on, active, and immersive connects us personally with the subject, leading to greater understanding and retention.

Realizing that this educational philosophy aligns with Mercersburg’s strategic design goals, the school has made a commitment to experiential learning through varied opportunities, including global travel programs, community engagement, internship opportunities, and alumni connections. 

“Experiential education is a dynamic teaching approach that immerses students in learning through direct experience, reflection, analysis, and experimentation,” said Director of Experiential Education Emily Parsons P ’21, ’22, ’26. “When our students connect with people and communities outside of their comfort zone, we’re asking them to consider different perspectives and ways of life.”

From simple excursions outside the classroom to international trips, Mercersburg is offering students a range of opportunities to understand the world they’re stepping into and to practice the skills of observation, reflection, and action. 

“Our aim is to integrate this process into our experiential education programs, empowering our students to lead and serve the world they are entering,” Parsons said. 

Some of these experiences happen within the Mercersburg community. Others happen across the nation or around the world.

“When we go to the local food pantry, we try to be really considerate of the families that use this resource. When we take kids to homestays in Costa Rica, we spend a lot of time talking about what they should expect and how they should engage with the families and the cultures. When we took the 11th graders to Washington, D.C., on Experiential Education Day last year, they got to meet two alumni and learn how they’ve built careers around their passions and talents,” Parsons said. “I hope that the community continues to embrace it and imagine how experiences have a profound impact on our students and their learning.”