Sites such as the Tower Bridge, Kensington Palace and the London College of Fashion were just a few of the landmarks 13 Auburn University students recently got to experience through one of the many study abroad programs offered through the College of Human Sciences Office of Global Education.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began disrupting lives a few years ago, one of the things affected the most was the ability to travel. For many Auburn students, that meant study abroad programs to see many corners of the world were put on hold.
Madeline Marsh, a senior in Global Studies within the College of Human Sciences, originally planned to go on a study abroad program to Fiji during the summer of 2020 but her plans were derailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After nearly two years, Marsh got to experience study abroad on this most recent program to London.
“I had signed up for the Fiji trip my freshman year so when the pandemic hit, I had to completely re-think how I would complete my study abroad,” Marsh said. “Even though it is a requirement to study abroad for my major, I knew going into college I wanted to study abroad regardless.”
The study abroad program to London from May 8-16 was an exciting experience for both students and faculty alike as the trip focused on the fashion industry in London, which is considered one of the global fashion hotspots. Marsh added she learned valuable knowledge within the fashion industry during the trip to London.
“I would say that the most valuable thing we learned as students on this trip is just how many opportunities there are in the fashion industry,” Marsh said. “Not only did we meet many amazing designers while on this trip, we heard from professors and guest lecturers at Conde Nast College of Fashion where we learned about the future trajectory of the fashion industry and how we can make an impact wherever we end up.”
Dr. Ann Beth Presley, an associate professor for apparel within the College of Human Sciences, led the London program and has taught classes such as CADS 5460 Fashion Industry Since 1910 and CADS 5450 History of Costume.
“It’s my favorite city in the world and it’s always one of the top three in fashion,” Presley said. “I had a great group this time and the biggest thing I hope they take away from the trip is to be inspired to travel more. Just be open to it and take any chance they have and have an appreciation for different cultures and trying different things.”
Presley added that she grew a love for traveling after saving money in college to award herself with a study abroad experience after graduation. After that experience, she believes any student that has an opportunity to study abroad should do so.
The London Fashion Tour typically runs during Auburn’s spring break week every year except for this summer. The London Fashion Tour will resume its normal schedule for spring break 2023.
Another long-time favorite study abroad opportunity will take place this fall and continue running consecutive semesters with the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program where students will live in the Chigi Palace for 12 weeks in Ariccia, Italy. The fall dates for the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program will be Sept. 1-Nov. 18.
The Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program is currently booked through summer 2023, with openings starting fall 2023.
Other study abroad programs include Exploring Global Perspectives of the Human Sciences in Nepal, The Mediterranean Diet Tour: Italy and Greece, Tourism and Mediterranean Culture in Jordan, Teaching and Research in Italy.
For students wishing to stay up to date on current study abroad programs and in the College of Human Sciences, visit the Office of Global Education Instagram @AUGlobaledu, Facebook @auglobaleducation and the Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy program @auburninitaly_jsb for the most updated information including student study abroad testimonies and spotlights.