First Timer at Buckingham Palace
Author: Madison Price | Major: Agricultural Business | Semester: Summer 2023
As a first-generation college student seeking a second study abroad trip, I knew I wanted to experience a new country, or countries, to take advantage of the opportunity in front of me. During my time at the University of Arkansas and thanks to the Honors College and Bumpers College, it is very possible to seek these opportunities during this chapter of my life. The UK Environmental and Agricultural Study Tour across Scotland and England was an amazing experience, from start to finish. I chose this program because although my major is not in communications, I am very interested in the way the agriculture industry is perceived through the media, publishers, and in conversation. This experience offered me a better understanding on the agriculture industry in the UK, specifically regarding agricultural practices and agricultural regulations. I also had a refresh on many history lessons I have learned throughout my years in history classes. Many of the sights that I used to see in a history book were now right in front of my eyes. I remember in my 5th grade history class we were quizzed daily on different historical sights and structures across the world. I had always thought Big Ben was a beautiful historical sight, and all these years later, I finally got to see it in person—my 5th grade thoughts were correct, it was a breathtaking sight. This class was unique in how it was set up. We were not physically in a classroom daily, instead we toured different places across Scotland and England and had discussions, journal entries, and social media assignments throughout the duration of the trip. This allowed us to make the most of every moment in the different cities we were in.
My fellow classmates and I got to experience some of the best things on this trip. My favorites would have to be the day in St. Andrews at the Old Course, the boat ride on Lake Windermere, or the London Eye. Each of these experiences were different in their own unique way yet were so special to me. The sights we saw were breathtaking and truly a once in a lifetime experience. I also greatly enjoyed seeing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, visiting with a member of parliament and touring the House of Lords and House of Commons, and touring the Edinburgh Castle. We packed in so much sight-seeing, farm tours, and good food in this two-week adventure across the world.
I highly recommend this trip to any students that are even slightly interested in either the environment, agriculture, or communications. The trip was extremely well organized and allowed for so much personal, professional, and academic gain, as well as enjoyment. I am very thankful for the different professors and staff who recommended this trip to me and am very thankful for Dr. Jefferson Miller who led the University of Arkansas group on this trip. There is no greater feeling than building friendships and gaining knowledge across the world on a study abroad trip. I am forever grateful for the two study abroad trips I have experienced through the University of Arkansas and could not express my gratitude enough for all who helped make this possible for me during my undergraduate career. Studying abroad has truly been the highlight of my college career.