University opens new doors for adventurous students

Study Abroad Programs are no new addition to the UTC curriculum. The program began in 1992 and is a growing system that students can use to experience other countries and cultures.

Last summer, Dr. Fran Bender, an English Professor at UTC, took a group of students to Scotland. The program offered the course "From Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter", a survey of children's literature.

"I took my first group in the summer 2006," Bender said. "It's a great way to experience being abroad, especially for the first time, providing students with someone to help navigate a new country and culture."

Bender was motivated to chaperone the Scotland trip after her daughter participated as a college student. "Experiencing another culture is so important. It allows students to get out and experience something much larger," Bender said.

Beth Miller, a senior from Benton, Tenn., attended the summer trip to Scotland. "Our trip consisted of a group of literature students led by Dr. Bender and a group of media students led by Dr. Rushing," Miller said.

The Scotland trip required students to choose a topic and project related to the class.

Bender said the summer study abroad trips are focused on a class curriculum but also leave time to experience the country outside of the classroom.

"This was a great experience for me and a wonderful opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures," Miller said.

Anyone interested in studying abroad may contact Director of International programs, Hugh Prevost.

UTC offers year-long, semester, and summer trips through a number of exchange programs, including the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad.

CCSA has provided the Scotland trip since 2006 to UTC students as well as students from other universities.

"Students can travel anywhere there is an exchange program [like CCSA]," Prevost said. "Our faculty and students have traveled to India, Australia, China, France, and Italy, among others," he added.

Prevost's office is located on the second floor of the University Center. He is available to provide information concerning programs, applications, and available scholarships.

Hayley Graham, a senior from Nashville, Tenn., recommends study abroad to any students who had the opportunity.

"It's such a great experience and I really would have regretted not going," Graham said.

"It was one of the best experiences of my life. It's really amazing to experience another culture,"she said.