THE SPOTLIGHT
Students and Faculty Shining Brightly
Two adventurous non-traditional students, Regina Doherty and Lorraine Meiners-Lovel, put aside their hectic schedules and busy family lives to explore a foreign land. Here’s a peak into their exciting study abroad trips. REGINA DOHERTY’S COSTA RICAN GETAWAY Why did you choose to study in Costa Rica? The truth is, when I began school at the University of Memphis I saw one of the advertisement posters in Dunn Hall. I told God I wanted to do that someday. I lost my job and was given an open window that would allow me to be away from home for 35 days. I got a little nervous about it when I first realized that I really may be going. I could not afford this at all. Receiving the scholarship money was the only way I could do this financially. I believe God made the way because he wanted me to have this experience in my life.
<< Regina enjoying the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica.
<< Regina visiting the sites, including Poas Volcano National Park, in Costa Rica.
What were some highlights of your trip? Tortuga Island was very nice. I got to ride the banana boat and swim in the Pacific Ocean. Two things I can mark off on my things to do list. The waterfalls and the volcanoes were very beautiful. The humming birds, the butterflies, the flowers, and the cathedrals were magnificent. It was very overwhelming!!! Costa Rica also has a very unique children’s museum. What would you tell someone about the benefits of studying abroad? I am glad that I went. The experience of doing something so out of the ordinary to this capacity gives me quite a sense of accomplishment.
LORRAINE MEINERS-LOVEL’S VOYAGE to the CZECH REPUBLIC Why did you choose to study in the Czech Republic? I went to Pilsen, Czech Republic to study Teaching English as a Foreign Language and obtain my TEFL teaching certificate.
<< Above: Lorraine on a walking tour in Pilsen, Czech Republic. << Below: The Pilsen Puppet Museum
A&C
What were some highlights of your trip? Teaching ESL is a career change for me and I had never been abroad before, so this was a real adventure. Teaching English to my Czech students was an amazing experience and confirmed my thoughts, that this is what I want to do in my next career phase. The trip included an excursion in Pilsen and around the rest of the Czech Republic. We went to Prague, and took a weekend trip to Moravia, which is Czech wine country. I successfully completed the TEFL certificate program, so I got my certificate at the end of summer there.
Connection - September 2010 - pg 4
What would you tell someone about the benefits of studying abroad? By all means, do it! I had a great time and for me, it meant being able to concentrate on myself and my studies without being distracted by my family and life in general. I was able to take time and really think about what I wanted from this next chapter of my life and come back really refreshed and motivated to finish my graduate studies.
<< The Astrological clock at City Hall in Prague, Czech Republic.