Minnesota North College Itasca proudly celebrates 25 years of its Global Education program, marking a milestone in its ongoing commitment to expanding educational experiences and fostering global understanding.
Since its launch in 2001, the Global Education program has provided transformative international experiences for students, faculty and staff, and community members. Over the past quarter century, participants have traveled to destinations around the world, including Italy, Greece, London, Paris, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Ireland, Scotland, China, Egypt, Australia, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Galápagos Islands.
Guided by its mission to broaden educational boundaries by fostering understanding of our global society, and by providing international and intercultural experiences, the program continues to offer immersive learning opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional classroom.
Global Education trips typically take place during the last two weeks of May, allowing participants to engage in international travel at the close of the academic year. Trips are announced at least a year in advance, giving students and community members ample time to plan and budget. Participants are also able to make payments over the course of the year, helping ensure these experiences remain as accessible as possible.
Each trip is carefully structured to provide both guided learning and independent exploration. A professional tour director and bus driver accompany the group for the duration of the trip, while local tour guides in each destination provide in-depth insight into regional history, culture, and landmarks. These services are all included in the cost of the trip, along with airfare, hotels, two meals daily, and admission to selected sites and attractions.
Most recently, 18 community members returned from the 2026 Global Education trip to Croatia, Ljubljana (Slovenia), and Venice, Italy. Highlights of the journey included guided city tours of Dubrovnik, a visit to Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and a guided tour of Zadar, where travelers also experienced the famous Sea Organ. Participants explored the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, enjoyed a guided sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, and toured the historic Doge’s Palace in Venice.
In addition to these organized excursions, travelers were given free time in each location to explore city sites, local culture, and cuisine on their own—an element many participants describe as one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.
The purpose of the Global Education program has always been to promote a globally minded campus and to support programs and activities that offer a broader worldview—not only for students, but for the entire community. By combining structured tours with experiential learning opportunities, the program helps participants gain cultural awareness, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world.
As Minnesota North College Itasca commemorates this 25-year milestone, the college looks ahead to continuing its tradition of global exploration for students and community members—preparing future participants to learn, grow, and engage with an increasingly interconnected world.
The 2027 Global Education trip is an Iceland Adventure. For more information on the Iceland trip, contact Iceland trip leaders Jane Shade at jane.shade@minnesotanorth.edu or Kelci Ahlstrom at Kelci.ahlstrom@minnesotanorth.edu or visit the Study Abroad page.
For more information about the Croatia trip, or any upcoming opportunities, contact Ann Vidovic at ann.vidovic@minnesotanorth.edu, or Amie Furlong at amie.furlong@minnesotanorth.edu.
