Dr. Jack Kwong, professor of philosophy, and Dr. Randall Reed, professor of religion, both in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, led Honors College students to Rome, Italy and Paris, France, May 29 - June 19, 2024. In this study-abroad course, students earned three semester hours of credits for HON 2515 Philosophy of Love and the Meaning of Life and three semester hours of credits for HON 3515 Love, Sex, and Power in Christianity. They met the Honors College international education requirement, which asks students to broaden their perspectives as they consider global interconnectedness through exploring other cultures, worldviews, and frames of reference.
Emily Martinez is one Honors College student who joined this trip and took these courses. She entered the Honors College at App State in Fall 2022 semester and plans to graduate May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in architectural technology and design and a minor in community and regional planning. Martinez described and reflected on this study abroad trip, stating,
This Summer I went to Rome and Paris and it was awesome! A short email cannot explain the countless breathtaking places I have visited! We started in Rome and stayed there for nine days. I saw the Roman Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pompeii, the Mediterranean Sea, and many more places. My group spent the remainder of our time in Paris, where we started with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and went on to see many awesome museums and art galleries. Our professors also incorporated many eye-opening discussions about religion and philosophy (many times over gelato).
The Honors College international education requires students to
- Reflect on their interactions with individuals and communities from cultural backgrounds different from their own and explain how these cross-cultural experiences have supported their individual personal, academic, and/or professional growth.
- Cultivate cultural competence and humility by examining the importance of understanding, respecting, and valuing difference in building inclusive communities and addressing global challenges collaboratively.
- Apply a holistic approach to global engagement that encompasses intellectual, cultural, and social dimensions as they explore, discover, learn, and grow with others.
Sarah Caviness is another student who joined this study abroad course. She entered the Honors College at App State in the Fall 2023 semester and plans to graduate May 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in sustainable development and concentration in community, regional, and global development. About her experience on this study abroad trip, Caviness stated,
I will never forget my study abroad experience in Italy and France. In Rome, we visited many cathedrals, had tons of gelato, and even attended the Pope’s address on The Festa della Repubblica (the Italian National Day). Visiting Pompeii was unbelievable because the structure of the town and remaining details showed us what life was like then. Paris was just as incredible. The art museums in Paris were a dream come true to me because I had always wanted to see those works of art in real life. I was specifically drawn to Impressionist paintings. We also went to lots of cafés and ate crêpes.
Two of the students noted that the gardens in France were their favorite places of the many they visited. These included the Gardens of Versailles and Monet’s House in Giverny. Martinez explained that Monet’s “garden has been kept alive and was one of my favorite places to visit because of its vibrant colors, beauty, and peacefulness throughout. I also loved seeing how the property's architectural style and layout were enhanced by Monet's touch!”
(Left) Monet’s water garden in Giverny that inspired his series Water Lillies. Monet’s house can be seen in the background. Photo submitted by Sarah Caviness. (Right) Emily Martinez standing in front of Monet’s House in Giverny, France. Photo submitted by Emily Martinez.
Caviness further explained the benefits of studying abroad with other Honors College students. She stated, “The group of people that I traveled with made the trip even more special. Most of us did not know each other at the beginning of the trip, but by the end, we had all bonded and made many memories together. I loved hearing my professors’ and peers’ perspectives on love, sex, and power.”
Savanah Rowland is political science major who entered the Honors College at App in Fall 2023 semester and plans to graduate May 2027. She also joined this trip and courses; reflected on the importance of studying abroad with faculty and other Honors College students and shared,
Exploring Europe through a philosophical eye such as those of my professors was an amazing experience. My interest in the meaning of life and the role in life which love plays was matched by both the faculty leaders and other students. I enjoyed being on a trip with other students older than me. It allowed me to learn so much of what is to come with my future at App State and the surplus of knowledge that is left in the world for me to find.
Concurring with this sentiment, Martinez noted that “The friends I made with fellow App students elevated the experience to a higher level. While we were mostly strangers on day one, we ended the trip with hugs and tears, as we all grew close. We were able to support each other and share many moments of pure awe every time we stepped foot into some of the most famous places in the world. This trip was one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences I have had, and I wish everyone had the privilege to go on it.”
Photo above features Savanah Rowland in front of Napoleon's tomb in Paris, where Rowland completed her on-site presentation for this course.
Rowland explained that this study abroad experience allowed her to contemplate and solidify her major decision. Conversations with faculty leaders shaped her shift and final decision. She explained, When I decided to go abroad I was a design major, but I have always been interested in law and philosophy. I was stuck at a crossroads of two of my interests and chose to go to Europe and determine if switching to a major surrounding philosophy would be a better fit for me. The experience was more than I could have ever asked for and left me realizing the loss of pursuing design in an academic way was worth the gain of learning law and philosophy in an academic way with professors who truly wanted me to succeed.”
Annie Deakle, a psychology major and chemistry minor who entered the Honors College at App in Fall 2022 semester and plans to graduate May 2026, also participated in this course and trip. She encourages any Honors College student to join a faculty-led trip, and stated:
Studying abroad truly has been my favorite experience at Appalachian State, and I would go again in a heartbeat if I could, which is why I would encourage anyone to study abroad during undergrad. The experience is truly like no other, and specifically the faculty led trips. Having that experience with the professors and students that went on the trip will always have a special place in my heart. Of course, financially going abroad can be very difficult, which is why international scholarships are very helpful… I would encourage anyone to go abroad, and that resources/help is available if needed.
Stay tuned for another news story highlighting the newest experiences of our students meeting their international education requirements through this faculty-led study-abroad summer offering.
Top photo of whole group taken by a bystander in Versailles, Fance, on June 11, 2024. Photo submitted by Annie Deakle.
