One of the most valuable lessons President and Founder Peter McGovern has taken away from his experience of launching, leading, and growing EdOdyssey over the past decade is: “Invest in relationships because people and community matter.” 

Community engagement is a cornerstone of our programs, sitting closely next to authenticity—one of our core values. Through authentic community interactions, we are able to connect EdOdyssey students to the stories they would never hear as tourists and to the deep-rooted knowledge of locals who have lived many years in the places we travel. Community engagement gives students a bridge to the character and characters of their destination; it allows them to travel deeper and grasp the essence of a place that often hovers just below the surface.

As we continue to celebrate our 10th anniversary year, our team spent some time reflecting on a few of our favorite stories that show the power of community engagement in transforming travel experiences and sparking lifelong memories and learning opportunities for our students.

COMMUNITY SERVICE IN VILLA El SALVADOR, PERU

Villa El Salvador (VES) is a community on the outskirts of Lima that we've been connected with for almost 20 years. It’s a community that emerged from adversity, founded by migrants fleeing from the highlands and other parts of the country in search of a better future. Many sought to escape the violence caused by terrorism from the Shining Path. Originally a collection of makeshift shelters constructed with pieces of tarp, plywood, bricks, cement, and rebar, the area expanded until it was formally acknowledged by the City of Lima in 1983. Today, it is recognized for its communal spirit. It’s an example of the power of community and the will to overcome hardship as the mindset of the Peruvian people.

“I first visited as a high school student, when I met Aurora, an incredible community organizer who focuses on supporting women and children,” Peter said. “EdOdyssey’s relationship with the VES community dates back to when I volunteered there as an undergrad, and we've brought countless students to work alongside Aurora ever since.”

Aurora runs various initiatives in VES, including a community kitchen, a daycare for single mothers, and exercise classes like Zumba. She also hosts an annual Christmas party that EdOdyssey has long supported. 

“EdOdyssey students who visit VES don’t just hear about resilience—they see it in action,” said Luis García, EdOdyssey’s Program Director in Peru. “They witness first-hand the power of community-driven change, as families and volunteers transform hardships into opportunities for growth. Whether through serving meals, participating in exercise programs, or simply listening to the stories of local residents, their experiences at VES have left a lasting impact on students, reshaping their perspectives on social justice and community empowerment.” 

One student from Michigan State University who visited this past summer shared with her class in their study abroad blog that it was an emotional day with themes of “love and community.” She also wrote, “This day is a defining moment in my college career.”  

URBAN FARMING IN OAKLAND, CA

Our domestic programs also have some wonderful opportunities for students to learn from local communities. One great example of this is urban farming in Oakland, California, an experience that takes place at EcoVillage Farm Learning Center, a non-for-profit organization, which was founded in 2002.

On their website, they’ve described themselves as: “a model for growing healthy youth and healthy communities. People are an important part of the environment and we want to broaden the range of people involved in environmental and social justice work.”

After an initial tour of the farm, EdOdyssey students settle into groups to learn about five key topics: the science of composting, planting vegetable seeds and working with seedlings within a greenhouse setting, garden bed preparation, the construction of raised garden beds, and the rehabilitation of beehive boxes (without the need to actually interact with bees!). There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork and mind/hands-on activities. As they say at the farm, this is an “oasis of connectivity.”   

Toward the end of the visit, the farm’s staff and the director, Shyaam, engage with our students in a discussion about the importance of food sovereignty. Then they take some time to relax and debrief while enjoying lunch at the farm.

“My hope is that the students who participate in this experience learn how they can contribute to their community in the future through sustainable urban farming,” said Sarah Reid, our Director of Program Operations. 

ANTI-MAFIA & MIGRATION WORKSHOP IN SICILY, ITALY

In partnership with our faculty-led honors program from Salisbury University, we’ve organized for students who are visiting Sicily to participate in a workshop and other activities that lead them deep into the exploration of a topic with global significance: the Mafia and migration.

One of the standout experiences takes place at the Cooperativa Sociale Beppe Montana, a farm that manages agricultural land confiscated from organized crime as part of the greater anti-mafia association Librera Terra. The farm—known for the cultivation of organic produce like the famous blood oranges of Mount Etna—shows how social justice initiatives can be paired with sustainable agricultural practices.

Students attend a lecture by the farm’s manager to discuss the history and societal impact of the Mafia in Sicily. They then explore sustainable farming techniques and ethical business models that have grown out of reclaimed land.  

Another activity involves a roundtable discussion on migration where students meet with cultural mediators who work to bridge cultural divides in Sicily—a region that has long been at the crossroads of civilizations due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean. Students engage in debates related to regulation and enforcement, multiculturism and integration, nationalism and citizenship, and other complexities of the migration crisis in Europe.

“During our unique cultural immersion programs in Sicily, it's always a pleasure to expose students to topics that have value internationally, such as the Mafia and migration phenomena,” Stefano Parenti, our Senior Program Director in Italy, said. “Through these field learning activities, students have the opportunity to go above and beyond stereotypes and reflect on the complexity of these contemporary issues. A bit of awareness is a good start for building and sharing a culture of civic sense, an alternative to the mafia culture, and a culture of hospitality for managing the migration crisis in a fairer way.”

CRANBERRY BOG FARMING IN HARLAND, MA, CAPE COD

Over on the east coast of the US, the cranberry bogs make for a fascinating setting for a field study experience.  

“Leo and Andrea Cakounes run the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod and have been amazing partners for our domestic programs,” Peter said. “They offer a unique look at farming, sustainability, and local economies, as the bulk of their income now comes from tours rather than cranberry sales due to cheaper imports. Their warmth and openness make each visit special, and students always rave about the experience”.  

Through a thoughtful and informative tour packed with funny and inspiring stories, students learn how the farm is run throughout the year, the history of the cranberry industry, and everything involved in organic cranberry production—from planning to growing to harvesting. They also get to interact with Leo and Andrea’s dogs and farm animals and sample some craisins produced on the farm.

“Earlier this year, Leo and Andrea even sent me a card and coloring book they created for younger students—such a thoughtful gesture that speaks to their caring nature and educational spirit,” Peter said.

Their commitment to education and sharing knowledge has made them wonderful partners as we lead students through Peter’s home state.

Create a custom program for your students 

Whether it’s in a Peruvian soup kitchen, an organic farm in Oakland, on land confiscated from the Mafia in Sicily, or in a cranberry bog in Cape Cod, the lessons students take away from these experiences are meaningful and the memories long-lasting. Our communities allow students to extend their learning far beyond the surface-level topic and encourage them to think critically about social issues, cultivate empathy, and become more active in their own communities. It’s the people who really bring our destinations to life for our students and ensure they have truly impactful experiences.

Give your students an unforgettable opportunity to engage with and learn from diverse communities across the EdOdyssey world. If you’re interested in learning more about our custom travel programs, reach out to start a conversation! There are so many more examples of learning through community engagement from 10 years of EdOdyssey that we’d love to share to inspire you.