Major: B.A. International Politics; B.A. Russian Language
Minor: n/a
Hometown: Coatesville, Pennsylvania

How did you learn about this opportunity?

An article published on Onward State provided the general details of the course. Further details came from an information session held by the professor for the course, Dr. French, the semester prior to departure.

Tell us a little bit about your experience.

My embedded study abroad program to Scotland for Anthropology 197 was nothing short of incredible. Over our 8 days we visited four different Scotch Whisky distilleries and one beer brewery, all of which provided insights into the history and cultural importance of alcohol in Scotland. In our free time we were able to explore the different towns in which we were staying, from the massive, urban Glasgow, to the small, seaport of Oban. The program was an incredible experience, one that I will truly remember for the rest of my life.

How did this experience impact you academically?

The program to Scotland provided an in-depth look at the process, history, and economic value of Scotch Whisky within its native land. Although this doesn't directly relate to my course of study, the program instilled knowledge of the world outside the United States, which coordinates well with my focus on international relations and politics.

"This study abroad program provided invaluable experience with foreign travel and with interactions between different cultures, experience that simply cannot be attained in the classroom."

What are your career goals and plans?  How did this experience impact them?

As I am pursuing a degree in international politics, I am of course interested in global affairs and foreign travel. After graduation I would love to find any area of employment that allows me to experience the world outside the United States, whether through government or private work. This study abroad program provided invaluable experience with foreign travel and with interactions between different cultures, experience that simply cannot be attained in the classroom.

Would you recommend this experience to other Liberal Arts students?

Without question I would recommend this experience to other students. The program was a great experience with foreign travel, and the professors that led the trip, Dr. French and Dr. Pearson, were both absolutely incredible.