MSU Education Abroad shapes students' lives and futures

Morehead State University students grow academically, culturally, personally, and professionally through learning experiences like the Education Abroad program.

Seven MSU students recently had the opportunity to visit Hungary and Romania during spring break to learn more about politics in Central Europe.

Six students in Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jason M. Adkins’ Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe Level UP course took their first-ever European visits. Dr. James Masterson, associate professor of political science and chair of the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, Global Studies, & Legal Studies, and an additional student in the Master of Public Administration program joined them on the trip.

This course was part of the Level UP program which allows students in any academic program to complete college courses while earning certification in one or more of the five most common career skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Oral Communication
• Professionalism
• Teamwork
• Written Communication

As part of the course, the students on this trip to Hungary and Romania enhanced their critical thinking career skills.

“Education Abroad is a great way to connect bridge the gap from what they learn in a classroom and book to what they see in real-life,” Adkins said. “Visiting another country allows students to get out of their comfort zone for just a bit. They get time to explore and learn on their own, and learn the travel is not that hard if you get used to it.”

Students visited the parliament buildings in Budapest, Hungary, and Bucharest, Romania, as well as museums and churches in both countries. They also visited Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where two former ambassadors for Hungary gave a presentation on Hungary’s relationship with the European Union.

A highlight of the trip was visiting Bran Castle in Romania, which was famous for inspiring Dracula’s castle. Students also had a chance to relax in the natural hot springs at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, which has 15 indoor and three outdoor pools. Learning about culture was also an important part of the experience, with students attending a classical string quartet concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. One of the treats for the students was being able to enjoy Hungarian and Romanian cuisine.

“Traveling across the world with my fellow students and professors opened my eyes to new perspectives and cultures while simultaneously aiding my understanding of the inner workings of the Hungarian and Romanian governments,” said Peyton McWilliams, a junior majoring in political science minoring in Spanish. “The opportunity was life-changing, and I will forever be grateful for the experience. learn about the complexes of individual countries' histories and political institutions.”

While students can gain Education Abroad experience through Level UP courses, several Eagle students were able to study in other parts of the world through scholarship opportunities.

Three of the students received the Gilman Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship provided by the U.S. Department of State. Gilman scholarships are awarded twice a year, and any student eligible for a Pell Grant can apply for one. While awards are competitive, help is available from the Center for Career Development & Experiential Education.

These students earned the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship:

• Taylor Bishop (junior history major, minor in public administration, Greenburg) – Hungary/Romania
• Adam Egan (sophomore political science major, minor in marketing) – Hungary/Romania
• Anna Frazier (senior English teaching 8-12 area major, Eminence) – South Korea
• Calleigh Gray (junior political science major, Elizabethtown) – Hungary/Romania
• Jalen Villarreal (senior engineering tech-elect/computer area major, minor in military science, Lexington) – Valencia, Spain
• Lillian Wildey (Class of 2024, Bachelor of Early Elementary, P-5 Area, New Richmond, Ohio) – Belfast, Ireland

Two MSU students were named Fulbright Scholars. Led by the U.S. government in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers international educational and cultural exchange programs for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals of all backgrounds to study, teach, or pursue meaningful research and professional projects.

The Fulbright Scholars are:

• Rachel Feger (Class of 2024, former Gilman Scholar, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Justice, East Bernstadt) studied in Thailand.
• Holly Hendrix (Class of 2024, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Linguistics and General Business, Hebron) was awarded alternate status but could represent MSU while spending the semester at the University of Monterrey as part of the Magellan Exchange.

One MSU student was named a Boren Scholar. Boren Awards provide an intensive study of language and culture during an abroad experience for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students. Sean Tabor, a junior majoring in computer science (cybersecurity area) from Catlettsburg, received $25,000 to study in Japan.

Tabor also received the John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship). This scholarship awards $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated U.S. military personnel for study abroad.

The next Gilman Scholarship deadline is Oct. 10, and that cycle of awards can help pay for a spring break or summer Education Abroad experience. MSU offers several faculty-led Education Abroad experiences every year, and Dr. Adkins is planning his next spring break experience. He can be reached at jm.adkins@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2144.

For more information on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.

To learn more about MSU's Education Abroad program, contact Aaron Hirsch, director of Education Abroad, at aghirsch@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2044.