Union University’s departments of biology and communications will sponsor their biennial study-abroad trip to London May 23-June 8, 2020.
Every two years, the biology and communications departments partner to host a trip to London to provide a unique educational experience. The trip will include visits to some of London’s most famous tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, as well as specialized tours for biology and communications students.
Faculty members involved with the trip include Ashley Blair, Acting Chair and Associate Professor of Communication Arts, Chris Blair, Professor of Communication Arts and Coordinator of DMS, and Mark Bolyard, Professor of Biology and Department Chair.
“You get to see a different culture–a different way of living,” said Chris Blair. “It’s amazing the differences we see.”
The trip this year will consist of either a spring full semester or spring accelerated semester classroom portion, followed by the overseas studies. Interpersonal communication, international media and biotechnology in the UK will be offered as accelerated courses. Biology 100 will be offered as a full semester class.
“It allows you to travel while getting college credit,” said senior film studies major Miles Randall. “It’s just a different type of class. It’s amazing to see all the sites.”
Students will begin the trip in Bath, visiting places such as Stonehenge, Oxford and Lacock Village, a preserved 150-year old town. From there the trip will progress to London where students will spend the most time.
From London, the biology classes and communications classes will visit attractions specific to their area of study. Communications students will have an opportunity to interact with several international media companies, while biology students will visit the London Zoo and the Kew Gardens.
The trip will conclude with visits to Manchester, Cambridge, Norwich and back to London. Students will have a chance to tour different sites related to their chosen fields of study.
“Experiencing another culture is beneficial. It broadens your perspective,” said Chris Blair. “It makes you have a greater appreciation for what you have, but also gives you ideas about what could be.”
The final deadline for applications is Nov. 20, 2019. However, the early deadline, which offers a $100 discount, is Oct. 25.
To apply or for more information, visit www.unioncommarts.com/opportunities/london2020.
Photo courtesy of Union University