Wyatt Exploration Program
Open your world with the Wyatt Exploration Program
Each year, faculty from the history program provide students with the opportunity to discover new cultures, broaden their perspectives, and gain a competitive edge in a globalized world. Immerse yourself in unique experiences that combine on-campus activities and a free, short-term travel study program to develop invaluable skills that will shape your future.
Every undergraduate student is eligible, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your academic and personal horizons through an unforgettable international adventure. We have taken students to Poland, Germany, Japan, the British Isles, and many more far-away places. The University of Michigan-Flint pays for nearly all travel costs of the Wyatt Exploration program.
On-Campus Events
A central part of the Wyatt Exploration Program is our on-campus events, including guest lectures, extracurricular activities, and sometimes coursework. We bring celebrated scholars from around the nation and world to our campus, offer experiences on or near campus, and offer formal coursework that explores the theme chosen for that year.
Wyatt Travel Expedition
A History faculty member will lead a group of students on a short-term travel program that culminates each year’s exploration program. The History Program will fully fund most student travel expenses, making the selection process competitive.
Eligibility*
To be eligible for the free travel study program, students must:
- Must be admitted as an undergraduate student by the fall semester.
- Attend at least one Wyatt Exploration event and enroll in any history course (HIS prefix) during AY24-25.
- Possess a passport by Dec. 1, 2024.
History majors, history minors, and historic preservation minors are automatically eligible.
*Students must confirm event attendance with a student ID. You must complete coursework to remain eligible.
Application Process
Students may submit applications after the final Wyatt event. Program administrators record student participation at events. Please confirm that you meet all the eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
Applications for the 2025 Trip to Cuba will be accepted from Nov. 15 to Nov. 19, 2024.
Application Essay Requirements
In addition to a few questions about you and your activities this semester, your application must include a 1,000-word essay that addresses the following:
Explain why a study abroad experience is important and why you are interested in this particular Wyatt program to Cuba. Drawing on your participation in the Wyatt events on campus, what themes or areas of special interest related to Cuba do you hope to share with others and learn more about through the trip? How will this program contribute to your academic, professional and personal goals? What makes you qualified to participate in this study abroad trip and what will you contribute to this program? Upon returning to Michigan, how will you apply your experiences?
Campus Events
Please join us for our fall 2024 Wyatt Events.
Re-Evolution, the Cuban Dream with Cray Novick
Sept. 19, 2024 | 4 p.m. | UCEN: Michigan Rooms
Cray Novick is a documentary filmmaker based in Denver, CO. He first went to Cuba as a student in 2016 and has been returning ever since as a filmmaker, friend, and dreamer. His PBS docu-series, “Re-Evolution: The Cuban Dream,” has been shown in the U.S., Cuba, and worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, Cray can function with or without his favorite Cuban cafecito.
Couldn’t make it to this event? Check out Cray’s series Re-Evolution: The Cuban Dream on YouTube.
Salsa Dancing Social
Oct. 3, 2024 | 4 p.m. | UCEN: Michigan Rooms
Although widespread among Cubans, salsa is a global phenomenon. Join us to learn the basics of this popular dance form and enjoy an evening connecting with friends, students, and community members. Latinos United for Advancement members Paulina Rivera and Alyssa Lovett will lead guests to the beats of their salsa favorites that will teach you the basics so you can dance all night.
Couldn’t make it out for salsa? Here are some snapshots from this fun event.
A History of Cuba in 25 Artifacts
Nov. 14, 2024 | 4 p.m. | UCEN: Michigan Rooms
Multiple-award-winning historian and historical artifacts collector Dr. Luis Martínez-Fernández narrates Cuba’s complex and convulsed history through twenty-five historical artifacts, including vintage maps, prints, currency, medals, banners, pins, rare books, and more. Topics include early colonization, the sugar plantation world, and the Cuban Revolution. The lecture consists of a PowerPoint presentation and a display of the actual historical artifacts.
Wyatt Endowment
The generous bequest of Dr. Dorothea E. Wyatt makes the incredible opportunities in the History program possible – opportunities that are not available at much larger universities. A stalwart supporter of her university and her discipline, Dr. Wyatt made this extraordinary gift to further develop and improve the history program at UM-Flint.
We encourage you to compare the types of opportunities we offer at UM-Flint to other programs, from global engagement experiences to scholarships, so you can see the difference this bequest makes in the lives of our students and how we can help you achieve your goals.
About Dorthea Wyatt
Dr. Wyatt was one of the original sixteen faculty members of the Flint College of the University of Michigan when it was founded in 1956. She was the first chair of the Department of History. She was an unflagging advocate for the humanities and women’s issues. In 1989, UM-Flint recognized her dedication to the university and these issues by creating an award in her name for faculty and staff members who work to better the status of women on campus.
Dr. Wyatt was active in the local community and served various organizations, including the American Association of University Women, the Zonta Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Genesee County Library Board. She retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1975.
The History program at the University of Michigan-Flint is proud to be the heir of that spirit and philosophy. We believe that the Wyatt Exploration Program and other opportunities provided by Dr. Wyatt’s generosity will be a fitting testament to the life of this fine teacher, scholar, and advocate.