Tarleton Tours England, Ireland, and Wales

Prairie Parnell Start Date: Feb 24, 2020 - End Date: May 8, 2020
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • England, United Kingdom
  • Ireland, Shefford, United Kingdom

My Travel Story

by: Prairie Parnell Start Date: Feb 24, 2020 - End Date: May 8, 2020
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
As a high schooler and later as a graduate student, I studied abroad and have been constantly amazed by the long term impact of those trips.  Two years ago, I earned the opportunity to offer study abroad to my own students, as other faculty had previously offered the opportunity to me.  What I quickly learned, however, is that study abroad is much more expensive than it was when I traveled, and student expenses at home (and cost for tuition, fees, dorm rooms, dining hall bucks, etc.) are also way more expensive than when I went to college.  Student who travel are overwhelming more successful post travel in their efforts at getting and keeping great, long term employment.  I know I was!  If I had not studied abroad, I do not think I would have ended up as a faculty member, a job which I love.

In an effort to give back to my own students, I am running a study abroad to England, Ireland, and Wales.  This trip will teach students how to use research on an artifact (in this case, the Harry Potter book series), encourage critical reading and research skills (a 15 page paper aimed toward conference presentation), and earn upper level course credit in either Communication or Education.  My co-faculty and I chose England, Ireland, and Wales in order to be able to discuss the differences in cultural relationships, the impact of changing political forces on those relationships, social studies methodologies for teaching, using current events to teach, and incorporate leadership skills while abroad.

I cannot stress enough the long term impact of my own study abroad experience on my personal development.  I cannot wait to give back to my students!

Students who travel with Dr. Miller-Levy and Professor Parnell can study either Interpersonal Communication (or upper level COMS credit) or Social Studies (or upper level education credit) while exploring diverse cultures, experiencing the world from various perspectives, and gaining the experience of international travel.  Enjoy small discussion based education during lunch and dinner, and reflect with your classmates on real world applications and experiences. 
  • England, United Kingdom
  • Ireland, Shefford, United Kingdom

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