Study Abroad students spend the summer across the pond

This summer, learning didn’t stop for Troy students studying abroad. Students traveled around the globe – from the Sahara Desert to Europe’s historic cities – turning world-famous landscapes into their personal classrooms.

Multiple departments traveled across Europe, South America and Asia this year, visiting destinations such as London, Italy, Aregentina, Egypt and China. Each of these experiences offered countless educational opportunities while providing students with memories and skills that last a lifetime.

Professor Audry Dunne, who co-led the art and design department’s trip to China alongside Department Chair Dr. Greg Skaggs, noted that the most rewarding aspect was the opportunity to connect with students and faculty and experience the exchange of ideas across cultures.

During that trip, students and faculty spent 17 days exploring major cities in China, connecting with locals and experiencing rich culture and history.

Emily Hussey, a junior art and design major from Goshen, Alabama, said the trip was an inspiration and helped change her perspective of her time at Troy.

“As an artist, it can be easy to fall into a block, but this trip has me feeling inspired and refreshed, realizing there are possibilities everywhere,” Hussey said.

Hussey also emphasized how impactful it was seeing different people of varying backgrounds and cultures come together.

“I didn’t expect to make so many friends considering the short amount of time I was staying and the language barrier, but despite that, I realized people on the other side of the world aren’t very different from myself,” Hussey said. “I made friends that I will cherish forever and hope to visit again.”

Meanwhile in North Africa, the hot desert sun wasn’t a discouragement to journalism and communications students exploring Egypt.

Led by Dr. Robbyn Taylor, the group spent nine days experiencing everything from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Abu Simbel. Students said highlights of the trip included seeing the Sphinx, visiting the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and sailing down the Nile River on a felucca – a traditional wooden sailboat.

“We want our students to leave Troy understanding that communication can build bridges between people, between cultures and between countries,” Taylor said. “Egypt gave them a chance to practice that in a very real and meaningful way.

“For our students, this study abroad experience was a reminder that communication starts with being willing to listen. Our students had opportunities to ask questions, meet people and see the world from a perspective that’s different from their own.

“As an educator, that's priceless.”

Across the Mediterranean, several groups took on Europe. For example, Troy’s risk management and insurance program spent eight days sightseeing and learning on a global scale in London with Professor David Van Buskirk.

Dr. Duane Gunn and Dr. Delaine Bennett experienced the beauty of Italy over the course of nine days with students.

“Students were always engaged because each day there was something new to explore,” Bennett said. “Our schedule was packed with tours, food tastings, famous art and interactive experiences.”

Along with seeing some iconic landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, volcanic landscapes and the Venetian Carnival, students created more off-the-beaten-path activities as well.

Gunn and Bennett both say the small-town charm of the smaller communities in Italy - whether it was catching up with old friends or walking through ripe grapevines – was the perfect refreshment for their Southern souls.

Professor Janet Gaston and the health systems department spent nine days visiting countries like Austria, Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic, learning how healthcare is distributed outside of the United States.

Whether analyzing healthcare models in Central Europe, navigating historical financial hubs in London or building lifelong friendships in China, this summer’s study abroad trips proved that education at Troy extends far beyond the classroom.

To learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities, visit the Troy Abroad office or explore their program page online.