Crusaders head to London

The thought of a three-month trip to London would bring excitement to just about anyone. For most it would seem a far-off dream. But for five UMHB students and 12 Hardin-Simmons University students, that dream is actually going to happen.

The students, along with a faculty member from each school, will travel to London Jan. 24 for a study abroad program. Until April 24, the students will take classes and experience another culture.

Dr. David Holcomb is the program coordinator for the trip, and he hopes students will learn from living and studying in another country.

“We trust this will expand their worldview and help cultivate them into responsible global citizens,” he said. “With its many museums, historical sites and rich culture, London provides a unique context for this experience.”

Students who are taking the trip have their own goals for the three months.

“I’m hoping to learn about a new culture, and I’m hoping to gain confidence through this trip,” junior Danielle Dahmann said. “I think it will challenge me a lot. I’ve always been awful with directions. I will have to conquer that in this trip because I’ll have to teach myself to maneuver around in a major city,”

Sophomore Jeremy Kee said, “I am hoping to walk away from this trip with a better perspective on world issues like war, religion, race and anything else I can wrap my mind around.

“Going to a cultural hub like London, I am bound to run into people from every corner of the globe, all with different opinions. I have already gained a deeper appreciation for my friends and family, and I haven’t even left yet.”

Students will take classes Monday through Thursday, with some taught by UMHB/HSU faculty and others by British faculty. There are seven classes to choose from to fill the 12-15 required class hours. Holcomb expects the British courses to enhance the curriculum.

“These include courses in art, British history and culture and London Theater. They are wonderful courses not only because the faculty are British, but also because they utilize the museums, historical sites and theater productions as part of the class experience.”

Interested students had to fill out an application and get two references from faculty as well as have a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program requires that students be at least sophomores when it begins.

Through the trip, longtime dreams can be fulfilled, as evidenced in the motivations behind both Kee’s and Dahmann’s decisions to go.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad, so when I found out about the program, it was a no-brainer. I had to find a way to go,” Dahmann said.

“I read about it in The Bells and saw that one of my friends from high school was already signed up to go,” Kee said. “Since it’s always been a dream of mine to visit London, I decided to throw my name in the hat; now I will get to live in London.”

Not only will students be taking classes, but Holcomb adds there will also be trips to historical and cultural sites, weekly theater productions and a nine-day trip to Scotland and Wales.

Dahmann said, “I’m looking forward to traveling and seeing places that I’ve only read about.”

Though three months could be a long time to be away from family and friends, students say they will rely mainly on Facebook and e-mail to keep in touch since calling is expensive. Kee adds it would be nice to have people praying for them as they are away.

Holcomb said, “We have worked hard to make this a rich and rewarding experience. I am confident the students that participate will count this as the highlight of their undergraduate career.”

Information on the 2008 program is available from Holcomb dholcomb@umhb.edu.