The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)'s longstanding presence on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, helped create a unique international learning opportunity for Iowa State University students pursuing education degrees in the School of Education.
The U.S. Virgin Islands: School and Community Service-Learning program was developed through a partnership between the School of Education and CALS, building on the college's established community relationships and its Fork in the Road Station on St. John. At the end of spring 2026 semester, 13 education majors traveled to St. John alongside School of Education staff members Samantha Secor and Jaime Boeckman for an immersive international experience focused on teaching, service, and community engagement.
The Fork in the Road Station served as the program's home base, providing students with a collaborative living and learning environment throughout their stay. Each day, participants worked alongside teachers and students at Gifft Hill School's lower and upper campuses, where they observed classroom instruction, practiced teaching strategies, and fine-tuned their teaching skills.
The facility became a center for reflection, preparation, and community engagement. Students returned each evening to develop lesson plans, discuss their experiences, contribute to the development of a community garden, and prepare activities for the following day. They also used the site as a gateway to learn about the history, culture, and educational landscape of St. John, engaging with residents through school-based and community service activities.
The program's success was made possible through CALS' deep connections on the island and years of experience supporting past study abroad programs. The college shared expertise from previous programs, hosted faculty site visits, facilitated partnerships with schools and community organizations, and provided access to the Fork in the Road Station. The collaboration demonstrates how CALS resources can support interdisciplinary learning opportunities, extend the impact of the college's global engagement efforts, and create transformative international experiences for students across Iowa State University.
To learn more about the Fork in the Road Station, please visit the following website: https://www.globe.iastate.edu/u-s-virgin-islands-fork-in-the-road-facility/. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Dr. Ajay Nair (nairajay@iastate.edu).