Jags Abroad
Posted on August 7, 2024 by CEPS Marketing and Communications
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. Students explore new cultures, learn new languages and gain a unique perspective of the world.
Faculty-led study abroad programs in the College of Education and Professional Studies offer a unique opportunity for students to travel abroad each year. During summer 2023, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management took seven students to Seville, Spain.
“There are two classes associated with this study abroad program for a total of six credit hours, which include International Culture, Cuisine and Culinary Practices and International Hospitality Management,” said Amanda Donaldson, the instructor who led the three-week trip.
Students who went to Spain participated in cooking workshops where they made paella, traditional Spanish breads and sweets. They took flamenco dancing lessons, attended traditional flamenco shows in the caves of Granada and participated in a tile painting workshop. They visited beautiful palaces, such as the Real Alcázar and Alhambra, and toured Triana and Santa Cruz neighborhoods and the Plaza de Toros.
“Culture, cuisine and culinary classes allowed students to be fully immersed in Spanish culture,” Donaldson said. Through the international hospitality management course, students learned that careers are available worldwide for those with a degree in hospitality and tourism management.
“Students toured a family-run vineyard, an olive oil hacienda and multiple hotels, including the Alfonso XIII, a five-star hotel that previously hosted kings and queens,” Donaldson said.
“They spoke with managers, owners and interns to learn more about their establishments, experiences and necessary procedures and skills for working with hospitality organizations in Spain.”
In addition, students from the clinical mental health counseling and school counseling master’s degree programs attended a study abroad trip to Italy during summer 2023.
“Students participated in seminars every other day led by Italian counselors, psychiatrists, educators and counseling faculty regarding differences in counseling and educational professions between Italy and the U.S. In addition, they discussed cultural differences in families and systems, as well as topics such as trauma, advocacy and meeting the needs of diverse individuals,” said Dr. Amy Upton, the faculty member who led the trip.
“While in Italy, I learned the value of living in the present and enjoying oneself more,” said Kathryn Brazil, a clinical mental health counseling graduate student. “Wellness begins at an early age. It can start with something as simple as what we consume or can be as complex as how our school systems influence our stress levels. Taking things slowly and intentionally is a key element to maintaining wellness, and learning self-care can help promote happiness at any age.”