By: Amelia Valery

At the University of Montevallo, students have lots of opportunities to study abroad. There are a variety of ways that each student can personalize to fit their educational and career goals.

The most popular program here at Montevallo is the National Student Exchange (NSE) which allows students to study in Canada, the U.S., and select territories. Dr. John Bawden helps students with NSE applications and interests but encourages them to reach a little farther.

“Going to places like Montreal and Canada or Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, away from the continental United States,” Bawden said. “See things that are really different.”

There are some upcoming opportunities to travel with professors over summer terms. Dr. John Bawden is leading a trip to Cuba in the May term, visit him in Fallin Hall for more information.

Dr. Scott Turner has led two-week-long trips over spring break with a few students to Thailand and South Africa.

“You’re going to get more value, educational value, out of a week in Thailand then you’re going get out of a semester of sitting in a classroom,” Turner said.

These select trips only come around every so often, so make sure to take advantage of them while you can.

If you are going to study abroad, make sure to fill out the proper forms and get approval from your advisor, department chair, registrar, and the study abroad coordinator.

Both Dr. Turner and Dr. Bawden have travel experience extending far before leading students to foreign countries.

Dr. Bawden had the chance to study abroad in Chile during his undergraduate years.

“I studied a full year, I met a lot of Chileans, I became fascinated with the history of South America,” Bawden said. “But I always wanted to travel after that experience.”

Dr. Turner traveled to Kenya under the Fulbright program to teach at the University of Nairobi.

“Get out there and explore, be a little bit vulnerable, get a little bit dangerous, and it will change your life,” Turner commented.

Talk to your advisor if you have any interest and get the process started to study abroad.