A record number of HES students study abroad in 2007

Contact:
Ray Barclay, Bumpers College Global Studies Program
rbarclay@uark.edu

Sept. 28 , 2007

Forty-one students from the School of Human Environmental Sciences participated in study abroad programs, international internships and study tours during the 2007 spring semester and summer session. The students -- majoring in apparel studies, interior design, family development, and food, human nutrition and hospitality – represent a sharp increase from the 16 HES students who studied abroad in 2006, according to Dr. Raymond Barclay, director of the Global Studies Program for the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

“The HES faculty has been extremely effective in encouraging students to add a global dimension to their education,” Barclay said. “Their academic advisers work closely with each student so their international experiences will earn academic credit and strengthen their major.”

During the spring semester, three students attended study abroad programs in three different countries. Apparel studies majors Rachel Norman and Jordan Fisher completed study abroad programs in England and Spain, respectively. Rachel attended the American Intercontinental University in London and Jordan completed 12 hours of courses in Spanish conversations, literature and culture at the University of Barcelona.

Haven Robinson participated in a spring study abroad program at the Institute of Technology in Monterrey, Mexico.  The previous summer, Robinson attended the UA Summer Language and Culture Program in Monterrey.

During the summer, HES students studied in the Dominican Republic, France, England and Italy.  Dietetics student Lindsay Irion attended a summer program on nutrition, health and environmental issues in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, coordinated through the University of Iowa. Irion’s research focused on the use of traditional medicine. She collected date and conducted interviews.

“Conducting those interviews was one of the most challenging tasks I have ever completed in my life”, Irion said. “I had to work up the courage to speak entirely in Spanish. I feel like I really grew through that process.”

Apparel studies students participated in a variety of summer study abroad programs in Europe. Sarah Duprecompleted courses at the College International de Cannes through the American Institute for Foreign Study, and Andrea Jacobs and Jacquelyn Warnock completed study programs in London through the American Intercontinental University.

Warnock said her internship with Browns of London exceeded her expectations, as she was given responsibility for putting together a guest list of 1,500 people for one event. 

“I worked in the press room contacting celebrities and suppliers to attend events, as well as in the stock room recording inventory”, Warnock said. “I now have the working knowledge of a fashion boutique that will serve me well in any retail environment.”

Twenty-four students in apparel studies and 12 faculty and friends participated in the Summer Study Tour to Italy. Conducted by faculty members Cathy Smith and Dr. Laurie Apple, the students visited manufacturers, designers and museums in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome. The students included Janet Brown, Megan Buhrow, Jessica Condren, Summer Daniels, Sarah Davidson, Amanda Haguewood, Bekah Hale, Sarah Hillman, Andrea Jacobs, Michelle Jacobs, Paige Kimbrough, Dae Lor, Paige Lundy, Megan Meier, Blair Miller, Kristin Peterson, Kelsey Ray, Chelsea Rose, Seanne Sain, Chelse Smith, Asha Tate, Emily Toole, Amanda TrouttandShawna Young.

Hospitality majors Lauren AlexanderandLindsey Hill completed summer study programs at the University of the Arts in Florence. Interior design student Megan Milawski studied art history and Italian at the Tuscia University of Viterbo, coordinated through the University Studies Abroad Consortium

HES students also participated in the Honors Study Tour to Italy, as a key component of their AFLS 3314H Global Issues course, conducted by horticulture professor Dr. Curt Rom. He said the students helped prepare and plan the two-week study tour that included visits to Rome, Florence and Tuscany, Venice and Venetto, and Padova. Dr. Rom said the course was designed to increase understanding of global issues related to agriculture, food and life science, and provide students with the opportunities to individualize their visits.

Apparel studies students Angela Medley and Cristina Gregory visited a polytechnical school for shoe design and manufacturing.  Brittany Peyrot, who is majoring in human development and family studies, visited staff at a regional senior care and Alzheimer facility. Other HES students who participated on the Honors Study Tour included Amy Gabbard, Vicki Mansker, Trivia Quinn and Jennifer Schneider

Dr. Rom said the class and study tour are among the best learning-teaching experiences he has ever been involved with during his teaching career. The value of this study tour, he said, far exceeds the cost of the enrollment and the cost of the trip.

“This trip has again renewed my confidence of the importance of study tours and our Global Studies Program,” Rom said. “Seeing students actively participate in a class and prepare for a trip, learn in advance, and then arrive with eager anticipation and push themselves to learn more and more is absolutely remarkable.”

Dr. Mary Warnock, director of the School for Human Environmental Sciences, says the opportunity to study abroad or participate in an international internship adds more value to our degree programs.

“Study abroad programs provide our students with unique opportunities to strengthen their academic majors, build lasting friendships and explore new cultures,” Warnock said. “Students who have returned from study abroad programs and international internships say they are some of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.”

 


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