Liberal Arts students learn about race, crime and culture in Curaçao

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — During the fall semester, students taking CRIM 451 had the opportunity to travel to Curaçao as part of the “Organized Crime in Curaçao” embedded program in the College of the Liberal Arts. While on the trip, students got to immerse themselves in local culture while learning how race, crime and justice impact culture and communities throughout the island.

The trip was led by Howard Smith, teaching professor of criminology, and Sarah Henry, a criminology graduate student. Smith has led the trip for numerous years and remarked on how unique each experience has been.

“This was my ninth time leading an embedded class to Curaçao. However, each time I meet new people and visit new locations, so I'm always learning new things along with my students,” Smith said. “I enjoy getting to know my students much better than is possible in a typical classroom setting, and it's fun to watch them form new friendships and gain greater self-confidence and independence, especially the students who have never traveled internationally before. I hope the trip encourages them to explore more of the world.”

Embedded courses are Penn State courses taken on campus or online that include a short-term international travel component. The students in Smith’s CRIM 451 class last fall traveled to Curaçao over fall break.

Julia Briselli, a fourth-year student double majoring in philosophy and communication arts and sciences from Hershey, Pennsylvania, was one of the students in the class.

"Throughout the course, we learned about the relationship between race and criminal justice, and our trip to Curaçao allowed us to experience how race impacts communities outside of the United States,” Briselli said.

Laura Ellison, a third-year student double majoring in criminology and sociology from Milford, Connecticut, remarked on the historical background of Curaçao and how it shaped her understanding for the rest of the trip.

“We learned about the history and culture that created the island,” Ellison said. “Furthermore, we learned how slave history was a big component of the island when it came to economic benefit. This island was colonized by the Dutch people, and their port was important during the transatlantic slave trade. The island is still used for its oil and harbor port. It is an island filled with many migrants, and the people have adapted to learning over four languages.” 

The trip also influenced Ellison’s career goals and has made her more passionate about inequality.

Students had the opportunity to visit numerous historic and cultural sites on the island. Alexis Evans, a third-year student majoring in criminology from Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, shared several of the activities in which the students participated.

“We went to the U.S. Consulate General, took a tour of the Kunuku House Museum and learned dancing and music from their culture,” Evans said.

Additionally, students were able to explore the island to learn about the residents and their communities. Sofia Chickos, a third-year student majoring in criminology from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, discussed several of the experiences students had while on the trip.

“We took tours of the island to learn about the history of different locations and their importance,” Chickos said. “We got to interact with University of Curaçao students and learn about their day-to-day lives. We met with Venezuelan immigrants and spoke about their experiences. Also, we got to meet and talk with police officers who were amongst the first women officers in the country.”

Students remarked that this international excursion had a profound impact on them academically. Between their classroom studies and the cultural experiences on the trip, students said they returned to the United States with a new outlook on their academics.

“The trip made me realize there are so many different cultures out there, as the island has been exposed to many different people and cultures,” Ellison said.

Beau Winchester, a fourth-year student majoring in criminology from Carbondale, Pennsylvania, said, “I lacked prior knowledge of cultures that differ from those in the United States due to never being in another country aside from Canada. It was enlightening to hear another culture’s experiences.”

Numerous students said this trip would not have been possible without the assistance of Liberal Arts Student Services. Briselli explained how the college made her aware of the trip in the first place.

“I found out about this program through the Liberal Arts undergraduate newswire, and my academic adviser was very helpful as I made sure the course counted toward my graduation requirements,” Briselli said.

Furthermore, Briselli and Ellison remarked how the College of the Liberal Arts, specifically the Paterno Fellows Program, supported them.

Ellison said, “Without taking the path of being a Paterno Fellow, I would have never known about this opportunity.”

“The Paterno Fellows Program has always done an amazing job of encouraging me and other students to travel and learn about other parts of the world,” Briselli said. “I am so thankful to be a Paterno Fellow!”

In addition to receiving guidance and support from the college, many students received enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network to support their international experience. Learn more about enrichment funding and upcoming embedded programs offered by the College of the Liberal Arts.