Spending a summer traveling around Europe. Seeing the famous sites of Paris and Galway, Ireland. Taking theatre classes near the Globe Theater. That is how one student spent her summer.
Cortney Manning, senior in business administration and marketing, spent six weeks studying Live Theatre and Shakespeare in London, England. Manning was completely absorbed in the history and the different cultures of England, as well as when she visited Ireland and Paris, France.
“I do not have a specific favorite memory of my trip,but I loved the entire experience,” Manning said.
On her travels, Manning learned many things such has using the Tube, London’s subway system. And that when referring to Big Ben, it’s actually the bell located in the clock tower. Not the tower itself. As well as that cream tea means a meal of scones, clotted cream, jam sandwiches and other like desserts.
While being over in London this summer, Manning also was able to see the excitement over the “Royal Baby” Prince George Alexander Louis, son of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Manning said, “The extra excitement that (just) seemed to fill the city (over the birth).”
The main reason Manning choose to study abroad in England was primarily the lack of a language barrier that one might find in other countries.
“In addition, I have always been interested in English history,” Manning said. “And the program there had several classes I was interested in.”
Meeting new people and making new friends is a part of the studying abroad experience and Manning is no different in that regard.
“I made some great friends during my time abroad, and I feel like I have known some of them for a very long time,” Manning said.
She met many students from the United Kingdom as well as across America, who were there to study just like her.
“Studying abroad is a great experience that can help you learn about another country and its culture while meeting new people and seeing places more outstanding than you typically encounter every day.” Manning said, “If you don’t go, you will always wonder what it could have been like. But if you go, you will gain insights that you never had before.”
The biggest regret for Manning was not being able to stay longer.
“Of course a month and a half sounds like a long time, but it all goes by so quickly,” she said.
She plans to return someday, as soon as she saves up enough money.
For more information on studying abroad programs go to the The Global Education and Study Abroad office located in Herr House. Also try their webpage at www.park.edu/inteled or under “G” for Global Education and Study Abroad in the Quick Links on Park’s homepage.
