Studying abroad can be an eye-opening experience that helps students gain a broader perspective on our country, the world, and their field of study. And it can also be extremely expensive! Fortunately for our Broncos, scholarships funded by generous donors are available to help put these life changing experiences within reach.
100% of students whom attended last summer’s study abroad trip, “Education in Ireland,” led by Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies professor Dr. Paul Vellom, received scholarship funding to support their trip. The trip allows students to study the education systems in the Republic of Ireland which are typical of European systems. Students visit different cities and engage in service learning activities while studying the three themes of sustainability, social justice, and emigration and migration. Here’s what two students had to say about the impact of the trip and the funding they received.
“I am so grateful for my time spent in Ireland! Traveling and studying with fellow future educators made my journey amazing! On this trip, we met with the Higher Education Authority of Ireland. I loved speaking with those who create Ireland’s standards and support their teachers. Overall, I’m so happy to have had this experience! Thanks!”
-Tucker Albertson
“Thank you so much for the money you have provided. You have given me the opportunity to study in Ireland! Never being out of the Midwest, let alone the country before, I am extremely grateful that I was able to experience studying abroad. Without you, I would not have been able to make this experience work.
Related to education, I learned so much. We got to meet with the Higher Education Authority, and have a meeting with the representatives as one of our class events. It was amazing to hear all about how the field of education works in Ireland. One of the most interesting things I learned was that teachers in Ireland are thought of as having the same level of prestige that doctors and nurses have in the US. Additionally, we met with and got a tour of the Parliament, where we got to see the inner workings of how the government works in Ireland. We also explored the towns (Dublin and Limerick) and did some sightseeing, such as visiting King John's Castle and the Dublin Castle, The Irish Emigration Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Coleman's Cathedral, Holy Island, The Book of Kells and we met with the Mayor of Limerick. We learned so much about the history of Ireland from both the places we visited, as well as the people around us, our tour guides and our Hosts while in Limerick, Mary Immaculate College.”
-Katie Kukulka