Andrew Elliot, Staff Writer
Last Wednesday night, in the Batte Center’s Recital Hall was where the Class of 2019’s W’International showcase took place. The place was filled with excitement and wonder as each professor revealed the different countries that students could go to.
“We had over 150 students in attendance!” Said Ms. Jennifer Armentrout, the Director of International Programs. “The professors did a great job of showcasing their programs, and the student audience was very respectful and attentive to each presenter.” This year’s reveal consisted of eight trips; more than any other W’International reveal to date. The Triangle was able to attend the reveal on March 14 and see what trips are available for rising juniors next semester.
The first trip revealed was Dr. Patrick Young’s trip to The Netherlands; This trip includes the coursework of History. “This experience will provide students with insight into resiliency and mental toughness,” Said Dr. Young. “And how [The Dutch] aided those resisting the Nazis during World War II. Students will visit three important cities within the Netherlands: Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam; each played a specific and major role for the Dutch during the Nazi occupation. This trip is set to take place in the 2018 Spring semester.
Next up was Dr. Melissa Fox’s trip to Costa Rica; This trip include the coursework of Biology. “Students will experience firsthand how this vast ecological system is supported by the varied climates found across [Costa Rica],” Said Dr. Fox, as she addressed the students on her trip. “As they hike through protected rainforest reserves to collect climate change data, explore the volcanic mountain ranges that provide the nation with renewable energy, encounter numerous exotic plants and animals in their natural habitats, and tour coffee plantations within the Central Valley that support the Costa Rican economy as a leading export.” This trip is set to set sail in the 2017 Fall semester.
Following that presentation was The Triangle’s own Dr. Keith Cannon, with his trip to London and Cambridge. “The BBC just stopped giving tours a year ago,” Said Dr. Cannon, as he explained the planned tour of the BBC during the trip to England. “I am still trying to find a ‘legal’ way to have a tour anyway (laughs).” This course will give students an overview of the past, present and future of Great Britain’s news media and its role in that country’s development into a world power. This trip is set to take place in the 2017 Fall semester.
After Dr. Cannon, was Dr. Jim Hastings and his trip to Malaysia and Singapore. “We will learn about the historic development of both countries,” Said Dr. Hastings, explaining what was planned for the course. “Especially the blend of cultures that has given each its distinctive contemporary identity.” Dr. Hastings plans on taking students to one of the temples to see what it is like. This is set to take place in the 2017 Fall semester as well.
Then came Dr. Luke Mill’s trip to Scotland and Northern England to learn more about the Vikings and their lifestyle. “We’ll look at the particular influence of the Vikings in England and learn how their fierce, illiterate paganism eventually mingled with a learned, and fairly docile, Anglo-Saxon Christianity.” Said Dr. Mills, explaining the plan for the course. According to the W’international reveal brochure, Dr. Mills plans on visiting some of the major Viking and Christian sites in Scotland and northern England, including Edinburgh and York, formerly a Viking city. This trip is set to take place in the 2018 Spring semester.
Aferwards, Dr. Erica Niland of the Biology Department took the floor to speak; She is taking students to Italy for her trip. “This course will focus on how tourism has impacted the economic development of family farms and sustainable agriculture in Italy,” Said Dr. Niland, explaining her plans for the course. “Aside from the cultural influences of the Italian cuisine, this seminar will focus on how true Italian cuisine concentrates on ingredients that have been grown locally.” The trip includes a trip to a local winery in Italy and will take place in the 2018 Spring Semester.
Dr. Sergio Castello of the Business Department came up next to speak about his trip. “I want to take you home” He said to the students. “I’m taking you to Barcelona, Spain.” According to the brochure, the students that take the seminar will study Catalonia’s culture from the perspective of language; Catalonia has its own language, Catalan. Students will also gain an understanding of the cultural dynamism and diversity of this development and the economic prospects going forward. “If you’re not a fan of the Barcelona soccer team now, you will be when you leave.” Said Dr. Castello.
Then, Dr. Dennis Harlow of the Political Science department concluded the night with the reveal of his trip to Germany and France. According to the brochure, The course’s purpose is to promote student understanding of how the present-day European Union works to integrate and unify Europe and provide a base for European economic development and competitiveness in global businesses. “We’re going to look into the benefits and consequences of Brexit for the EU.”
“I think we were really able to communicate the value of our programs and get students excited about the unique opportunity they have at Wingate to participate in an affordable experience abroad.” Said Ms. Armentrout. “The W’international experience is typically one of the best memories Wingate students have in their lives. I am honored to be a part of that.”
Edited by: Brea Childs
Wingate Triangle 