by Erika Plunkett | Feb 28, 2020 | BREAKING NEWS, News Slider
Lipscomb students studying abroad are feeling the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as it approaches pandemic levels. After the virus reached areas of Northern Italy, which is reporting 400 confirmed cases, with only three of those cases coming as a result of travels to China, Lipscomb elected to evacuate the study abroad group staying in Florence. These students were moved to the Vienna campus for at least the next month, and then the situation will be reevaluated. President Randy Lowry said in an email to the Lipscomb community that the university has been monitoring the situation for weeks, and one option would have been to return the students to the U.S. and have them continue their spring classes in an online format. “Unfortunately, this option would also likely be the end of their study abroad experience,” Lowry said in the email. So the university decided upon Vienna. “This option is only possible because, fortunately, none of the Florence students have visited an area or region impacted by the COVID-19 virus,” Lowry said. “Because our students’ safety and well-being are of utmost importance, we would not make this decision if it put our Vienna students at risk by introducing another student population that could be impacted by the virus.” Students affected by this situation expressed gratitude that they are not being sent home, but the abrupt move is causing stress and disrupted plans that had been in place for months. As of right now the Vienna campus, as well as the country of Austria, remains safe with only two cases reported in the entire nation. However, Lipscomb will continue to...
by Bailey Burnett | Nov 6, 2019 | News Slider, Student Spotlight, Travel
Brianna Burch is just one of the students who say the Global Learning Program has benefited them by offering opportunities to explore the world and enhance their educations in other cultures. “Studying abroad not only allowed me to travel to places I’ve always wanted to visit, but it also offered me opportunities to appreciate different lifestyles and cultures in a uniquely immersive way,” said Burch, of the program that takes students to 40-plus different locales. “My international experiences helped me develop professional skills and embrace my own independence, all while having the adventure of a lifetime.” Burch, an English literature and French major, has been to the UK, Italy, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Vatican City as part of the program. Kristen Hodge, a Lipscomb University graduate, went to Florence, Italy with the Global Learning Program, and “I loved every second of it,” she said. “Traveling with my friends is an experience I’ll never forget. Being able to explore new places and learn about new cultures is a beautiful experience.” While traveling abroad, students can take courses in other countries that relate to their majors. Trips vary in length and can go for a couple of weeks or for an entire semester. Not only does the Global Learning Program allow students to explore interesting places, but the trips also give a sense of global knowledge and experience. Florence, London, Vienna, and Costa Rica are a few of the many places the Undergraduate Programs offer. Graduates programs are offered in many other locations, including Germany, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, and Israel. If you’re interested in studying abroad, click here for...
by Lana Sydenstricker | Feb 7, 2015 | News Slider
Jan. 21, 2015 kicked off the trip of a lifetime for students traveling to Vienna, Austria through Lipscomb’s Global Learning program. In the first week of the program students participated in a weekend retreat. The group stayed in a monastery nestled in the mountains of Schlägl and quickly learned about the simple life of the priests who live there. After returning from the retreat, the students settled in to start classes in Vienna. German, Psalms, Cross Cultural Experience, Foundations of Western Civilization since 1600 and International Business are the courses offered on this trip. The students said it is neat to see the connection between what they learn in class and on the weekend trips. “The other night there were riots in the city and it was really interesting to see the political side of everything that happened,” Janie Lynn Lankford said. “It was really cool to see people so passionate about something because sometimes when you travel you just see the light and fluffy side of things and in reality there’s dispute.” During the week, the students also go on walking tours throughout the city to see historical palaces and locations. One of the walking tours included visiting the Schönbrunn Palace. “The view we saw from the Schönbrunn Palace was beautiful and you can see all of Vienna,” sophomore Sarah Wagner said. “It was really mesmerizing.” The students also have the opportunity to visit art galleries and museums. “We went to an art museum and it was so cool because it is unlike any art museum in America,” sophomore Shelby Jordan said. “There is so much history behind the art, and...
by Danielle Boyd | Sep 9, 2011 | Uncategorized
This week, 28 students packed their bags and boarded a flight to study abroad in Vienna, Austria. Each year, Lipscomb offers students (sophomores and above) the opportunity to expand their horizons through a study abroad program. “Our world is globalizing very quickly, and studying abroad equips students and gives them tools they can’t learn in a classroom,” said Melissa Swann, site director for the Vienna study abroad program. While spending three months in the country, students will live in apartment-style housing at the International Student Housing Facility, a not-for-profit agency that provides housing for students from all over the world. With the apartments located in the center of the city, students will have fast and easy access to one of Vienna’s finest shopping centers. During these three months, students will also study German and experience a whole new way of life. “I have never spoke German in my life,” said Andrew Hunt, a sophomore student traveler majoring in law, justice, and society from Centerville, Tenn. “The only thing I know how to ask for is ‘tap water’ at a restaurant, so it will be interesting to be in a culture where I cannot communicate with many people.” In order to enhance their cultural knowledge and communication skills, students will study at the Austria American Institute, an 85-year-old experienced collaborator for students studying abroad. “This exponential learning experience is provided to enhance students’ knowledge of the world around them,” Swann said, “while also continuing to strengthen their faith through small groups and community worship.” “I think I am going to do a lot of self-searching out there, growing spiritually and maturing,”...
by Aaron Schmelzer | Nov 5, 2010 | Uncategorized
Students in Vienna took a week long fall break to travel across Europe. Check it out below. Please upgrade your...
