International – The Gatton Academy News

What Dreams Are Made Of

January 16, 2014 | International, News, Students | No Comments

[fblike] Samantha Dinga

Italy 2014: Take 1 – My personal Italy experience didn’t go exactly as expected. On New Year’s Day, I met the Gatton group at the Nashville airport bright and early only to find that my passport had expired one month before our departure date. That put a bit of a damper on things. So I sent my friends off with hugs and promises that I’d meet them there, and waited for my mother to come and take me to Atlanta’s regional Passport offices. After three days of scrambling and watching as tons of beautiful pictures were posted, with the help of my lovely mother, I finally had a shiny new passport in my hands.

Italy 2014: Take 2, City 1 – After long flights from Atlanta to Paris and finally to Venice, I finally met Tim in Venice’s airport, and we took a train (sadly no Venetian canals for me) to meet our group in Florence. I was met at the hotel at around 9 pm by a group of my friends, with hugs, and a lot of complaining that I had to unpack quickly because they had waited to eat dinner for me. We walked outside to see Florence still lit up for the Christmas season, passing the beautiful and massive il Duomo just a few blocks from our hotel. We spent the next few days seeing beautiful sculptures such as the statue of David, being toured around Dante’s hometown, singing together in cathedrals with wonderful acoustics, and posing like the tourists we were in front of Pisa.

Italy 2014: Take 2, City 3 – We bussed from Venice to Rome, and proceeded to all become Lizzie Maguire, frolicking around Rome knowing that this is in fact what dreams are made of. We found what we consider to be the best gelato in all of Italy, and ate what was probably the best meal of my life in a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Seriously, I don’t know what was in the lasagna, but it was probably magic. We spent our time in Rome going through all of the major destinations, such as the Coliseum, which had a habit of popping out of nowhere as we bussed from tour to tour despite its size. We saw the Trevi Fountain (which was even more than Lizzie Maguire made me believe), visited the ruins of Pompeii, and went down to the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, where some of us even got to return and be blessed by Pope Francis himself!

Italy 2014: A Summation – There is no question about why the world raves about the magnificent art in Italy. Even the hallways and ceilings were breathtaking, not to mention the exhibits themselves. The food is worth every hour we flew, and I am convinced that I will be disappointed at every meal I eat for the next few weeks as a result. Outside of all of our touring, I met a lot of great people as I travelled. Though I’ve lived with everyone on the trip for (at least) a semester, I believe that I’ve forged friendships that are tied forever by the bonds that only 10 Euro gelato, Tim Talks about our dreams themselves, storytelling during Mafia card games, countless rounds of our favorite Spaghetti-Western card game “Bang!”, and dozens of verses of “the ants go marching…” can create. Italy was beautiful, as are all of the great people I had the privilege to travel with. This was in fact what dreams are made of.

By Gatton Academy

There and Back Again: An Arabic Tale

September 16, 2013 | Academics, International, News | No Comments

[fblike] Grace Babbs

While at the Gatton Academy, one never quite knows where he or she will end up. For seven weeks this summer, I found myself living in the awe-inspiring city of Amman, Jordan through an opportunity spotlighted by the Academy. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a scholarship through the US Department of State to instruct students in critical languages through complete immersion. The experience serves to teach linguistic skills, cultural awareness and to promote international dialogue.

The immersive language experience is unlike any other language program. When I arrived in-country, I could say nothing more than, “Hello, my name is Grace,” and count to ten. Over the course of the summer, I developed situational language skills organically, rather than in the classroom setting. Instead of sitting at my desk hunched over textbook learning vocabulary, I learned the language by haggling over prices with shopkeepers, giving taxi drivers directions back to my apartment, and writing down my host mom’s recipes to share with my family when I returned home.

In addition to our real-world language experience, we spent four hours a day in the classroom studying the nuances of the Arabic language. We were taught by native scholars. On weekends, we took excursions to the surrounding countryside to study Arab history and culture and appreciate the country’s natural beauty. We floated in the Dead Sea, rode camels, ran down sand dunes, and saw renowned archaeological sites.

However, the most rewarding aspects by far were the interactions I had with Jordanian locals, especially my host family. The Jordanians with whom I came into contact were the most hospitable and generous individuals I have ever met. For instance, one night I was invited to iftar (the breaking of Ramadan fast) with a friend’s host family. My friend explained to me the relations of the twenty-four of the twenty-five people with whom we were eating. She was unsure of the last man’s relationships to the rest of the family. When she asked her host mother the relationship, she quickly replied, “We met him yesterday. He is our new best friend. He stayed here eight hours yesterday, and he will stay for as long today.”

I have honestly been forever changed by my trip to Jordan with NSLI-Y. In addition to greatly advancing in my Arabic studies, I have begun to truly think globally. The Middle East is no longer a distant and seemingly-violent place in my mind. It has become a second home, a beautiful landscape with even more beautiful people. I am grateful to Derick Strode and Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith for their assistance and support throughout the application process and to the US State Department and American Councils for their sponsorship. Because of the seed planted by Gatton, this Kentucky girl has grown into a global student ambassador.

By Gatton Academy

China Summer Bridge Program

September 3, 2013 | International, News, Student Life | No Comments

[fblike] Sarah Angelle

My 17th birthday found me pacing the long hallway of Nashville’s airport, waiting for a plane which would take me to Chicago and from there to Beijing. The excitement was bubbling through me with such a rush that I’m surprised the seatbelt on the plane was enough to keep me from floating away. Going to China was the best birthday present I could ask for.

I was given this opportunity through the Confucius Institute at WKU called the Hanban Summer Bridge Program. The idea of the program is to gain elementary knowledge of the Chinese language while being immersed in Chinese culture. The motto of the trip was, you can sleep when you are in America. The itinerary was jammed full with field trips, activities, and language and culture classes.

The field trips included common tourist destinations in Beijing, as well as more unconventional places from the 山东 (Shandong) province (where we spent the majority of our two week stay). Shandong field trips consisted of Weifang, the kite capital of the world, where I learned how to make kites and the meaning of noctilucent kites, the Shouguang vegetable fair (with life-sized statues made of corn and beans), and The Three Kongs: 孔林，孔庙， and 孔府 (meaning Confucius’ cemetery, Confucius’ temple, and Confucius’ family mansion).

The tourist spots in Beijing included the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Silk Market, and traditional Beijing restaurants. Bargaining became a favorite game of many, and it became normal to pay a sixth of the original price. While at a restaurant in Beijing, I learned that eating roasted duck was part of their tradition, and every time the duck was prepared it was cut into 108 slices. The end of our stay in Beijing consisted of the closing ceremony, where our group was costumed in traditional Chinese clothing and performed Chinese sign language along with a song in Chinese about honoring your elders.

In addition to the multiple field trips, we also dipped our toes into Chinese culture through activities at the host school. The activities included Chinese calligraphy and painting, embroidery, pottery, Chinese paper-cutting, dumpling making, Tai Chi, and songs and games taught by Chinese students and the host families we stayed with for a day. My favorite part about staying at Shouguang Century School was the friends I acquired and the hospitality shown. Although we came across a few language barriers, we made connections that I know will last a lifetime.

I plan to take the things that I learned and teach them to my family and friends, such as a family dumpling night and Tai Chi with a friend in the mornings. In the future, I plan to study abroad in China with a focus on language courses and biology research. By experiencing the culture of a language I began only a year ago, I take comfort in how much I have already learned and look forward to a whole lifetime of study ahead.

By Gatton Academy

Fleischmann Receives National Scholarship to Study in Morocco

May 4, 2012 | Academics, International, News, People, Student Success, Students, WKU | No Comments

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A student at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has received a national scholarship to study in Morocco this summer.

Paul Fleischmann of Crestwood has received theNational Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship. The NSLI-Y, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers scholarships to high-achieving high school students to learn critical languages in overseas immersion programs. Scholarships include all program fees, travel to and from the program site, housing and activity fees for six weeks during the summer.

Fleischmann, the son of Maria and Randall Fleischmann, is a second-year student at the Gatton Academy. He has studied Arabic for three semesters with Khaldoun Almousily, instructor of Arabic in WKU’s Department of Modern Languages. Through the NSLI-Y award, he expects to gain an additional year’s worth of language proficiency this summer.

“I am so grateful to have been awarded this scholarship,” he said. “It is a unique opportunity, and will give me both knowledge and experience to help with my future.”

Fleischmann aspires to become a research scientist in chemistry and to use his Arabic skills to study environmental issues concerning fossil fuels in a region that has some of the largest oil reserves in the world.

“Paul is a bright student and overall genuine individual,” Almousily said. “The NSLI-Y scholarship will assist him in achieving his ambitious professional goals and learning the Arabic language and culture. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”

Fleischmann spent several weeks working on his application for the NSLI-Y scholarship with Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, Coordinator of International Scholarships in the Office of Scholar Development.

“Many meetings to revise my essays with Dr. Grimsley-Smith both strengthened my application and made the process a great experience,” Fleischmann said.

“It is a real pleasure to work with students like Paul. There’s a good amount of ambition hiding under his laid-back exterior,” Dr. Grimsley-Smith said. “He brings all of his academic and personal interests together in a compelling way, and clearly conveys a strong sense of purpose in his writing. In short, he demonstrates the recipe for success in competitions like NSLI-Y.”

This will be the second international experience for Fleischmann. Over the 2012 winter term, he traveled to Costa Rica to conduct research at the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve with WKU Biology Professor Keith Philips, as well as another Gatton Academy student and a Gatton Academy alumnus to investigate the Gunnera-Nostoc Symbiosis. Students identified populations of Gunnera on the reserve, harvested samples and dissected portions to determine if bacterial symbionts were present. He has also been involved with research under the direction of Dr. Ouida Meier of the Department of Biology investigating local wastewater as a source for cave and karst and groundwater pollution.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in the National Security Language Institute for Youth or other similar opportunities. Contact: Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, (270) 745-5043.

About the Gatton Academy: The Gatton Academy offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Approximately 60 students each year are admitted to the program through a competitive selection process. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities and to prepare them for leadership roles in Kentucky. At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students earn at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school. Contact: Corey Alderdice, (270) 745-6565.

Contact: Melinda Grimsley-Smith, (270) 745-5043.

By Corey Alderdice

Alumna Schrader Selected to Teach English in South Korea

January 20, 2012 | Academics, Alumni, International, News, People, WKU | No Comments

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Sarah Schrader, a double major in Biology and Chemistry and member of the Honors College at WKU, has been selected to teach English in South Korea for a six-month term beginning in February through the Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK) program.

Schrader, the daughter of Michelle and Steven Schrader of Bowling Green, is a graduate of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and an active member of the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU. As a participant, she will teach English in after-school programs at rural elementary schools in South Korea.

Sarah Schrader, a student in the Honors College at WKU and graduate of the Gatton Academy, has been selected to teach in English in South Korea.

“For me, the TaLK program represents an exciting opportunity to experience something radically different from anything I have ever done before,” Schrader said. “It promises to be a unique and rewarding combination of cultural immersion and exchange as well as an excellent opportunity to develop professional skills and international connections while helping young Korean students unlock a world of international opportunities for themselves.”

The TaLK Program began in April 2008 under the direction of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak as a way to ensure access to higher quality educational resources in rural areas of the country. Placing native English speakers in rural communities counterbalances the growth of private education, which is often too costly for parents in these areas. There are more than 500 active participants in the program from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa as of fall 2011.

Dr. Melinda Grimsley-Smith, coordinator of international scholarships for the Office of Scholar Development, works with students who are applying for international scholarships and internships.

“Sarah’s undergraduate career is a wonderful example of where and how far passion and curiosity can take you at WKU,” Grimsley-Smith said. “She has an incredible future in store for her, and we are honored to work with her to reach her goals.”

Schrader, a Goldwater Scholar who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology or genetics, works in the lab with Dr. Rodney King, associate professor of biology.

“Sarah is an exceptional student who has earned national recognition for her achievements. Last year, she was awarded a Goldwater scholarship and named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Sarah continues to seek opportunities to broaden her academic portfolio, and she has embraced WKU’s internationalization mission,” he said. “The TaLK program is wonderful opportunity for her to experience Korean culture and share her gifts and enthusiasm with Korean students who want to become proficient in English. It is truly exciting to watch Sarah develop into an outstanding scholar. I am very happy for her.”

After returning from South Korea, Schrader will depart for China, where she will fulfill her Capstone Year at Nanjing University and a four-to-six month professional internship in her field of study.

“In our global society, international competency and collaboration are becoming increasingly important in all professions, including the sciences,” she said. “My experiences with the Korean language and culture as a TaLK scholar will greatly expand upon the international foundation I have already built through participation in the Chinese Flagship program and will further propel me on my way to becoming a global professional.”

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping students on all WKU campuses and in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in the TaLK Program or other similar opportunities. Call (270) 745-5043 to schedule an appointment with the Office of Scholar Development.

Contact: Audra Jennings, (270) 745-5043.

By Corey Alderdice

Academy Students Experience Global Cultures at Annual International Festival

September 29, 2011 | International, News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments

Meaghan Dunn strikes a bovine pose for "cow tipping" as students raised funds for Heifer International.

Every year Bowling Green hosts its International Festival. Like many members of the community, Gatton Academy students are eager to get involved. Whether it be to simply walk around the festival, volunteer, or work a table for one of the Academy’s clubs, several students were able to experience the multitude of cultures that were a part of the annual event.

Dozens of cultures and nations were represented from Japan to Scotland to Saudi Arabia as part of the festivities held at Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green. Several Gatton Academy got involved with the festival itself, with many of them arriving early at 7 a.m. to help to set up for the event and others staying through the evening.

Charlotte Humes (’12), a leadership member of the Global Relief and Sustainable Societies (GRASS) club, explained how nice it was to become involved with the Bowling Green community through the International Festival and have fun while doing so.

Three Academy clubs set up booths at the International Festival. The Nikami club set up a booth to introduce fair goers to the Japanese culture. The GRASS club set up a booth to help raise money to buy a water buffalo, heifer, and two goats for a family in need via Heifer International. The club set up the notion of “cow tipping” and raised over $200 for their cause.

Amnesty International also set up a booth highlighting the club’s main focus this year: censorship. At their booth, they gave the opportunity to people to sign a petition to release five Syrian detainees imprisoned for their involvement in popular protests. Other students volunteered with the festival directly and helped set up, clean up, and work at the child care tent.

In addition to the Academy booths, other groups set up to help people learn more about different cultures, the festival included a variety of food stands to interest people through their stomach. Those that went to the fair were able to experience everything from curry, fried plantains, baklava, gyros, Taiwanese bubble tea, Korean sodas, and everything in between. For those that were less adventurous, there were also BBQ and funnel cakes.

A stage was also set up in the middle of the festival. Here, those involved with the festival were able to display some of their ethnic traditions. Traditional Bollywood dancing, tae kwon do, and belly dancing were only a few of the several talented individuals and cultural performances on display. Music was also played on throughout the grounds, with some sounds coming from individual booths and others from the main, live stage at the heart of the festival.

Wayne Schmitt (’13) had difficulty choosing the element of the festival that he enjoyed the most. “I thought it was a lot of fun,” Schmitt said. “I enjoyed learning about other countries and cultures. Not to mention, I really liked being able to try foods I had never tried before. It’s hard to say what my favorite booth was, but I thought the dance performed by the guys at the Saudi Arabia booth was really cool.”

The day came to close around 7 p.m. with several Academy students still on the festival grounds. Though they were tired, their day was filled with experiences of new cultures, raising awareness for causes, and stuffing their faces with ethnic food.

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By Andrea Eastes

NSLI-Y: Scholarships to Study Language Abroad

September 21, 2011 | Academics, International, News, WKU | No Comments

Are you interested in studying Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, or Turkish while living and studying abroad this upcoming summer? The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarship is now open.

Previous language study is not a requirement. Students of all levels of language ability are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

U.S. citizen
15 – 18 years of age at start of the program (age varies by program – read more on the Languages and Programs page)
Enrolled in high school at time of application (Gap year programs available)
GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
Immediate family members of individuals who work with the NSLI-Y program at the U.S. Department of State, American Councils, or one of the implementing organizations are not eligible.

The costs covered by the scholarship are:

Round-trip travel between the participant’s home region and the overseas host city
Travel from participant’s home region to the pre-departure orientation location
Tuition and academic materials
In-country support
Cultural activities
Pre-departure and re-entry orientations
Room and board
Secondary medical benefits
Visas

Interested?

These scholarships are very competitive, and as such, require diligent work ahead of time on one’s application. The deadline to apply is November 3, 2011, but applicants should get started on their application in September. If you are interested, please e-mail derick.strode@wku.edu and melinda.grimsley-smith@wku.edu to get started.

By Gatton Academy

Security Language Initiative Leads Charlotte Humes to Morocco for Summer Study in Arabic

September 12, 2011 | International, News, People, Student Success, Students, Summer, WKU | No Comments

Charlotte Humes, a Gatton Academy senior from Bardstown, chose to spend her summer this year than many of her high school peers.

Earlier this year, she applied for and was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State for the study of a critical language in a foreign country. These merit-based scholarships are for high school students studying less commonly taught languages.

Although the Gatton Academy curriculum places and emphasis on math and science, Humes began to cultivate an interest in language when she took a course in Arabic during the spring semester at WKU. TheDepartment of Modern Languagesat WKU offers two years of Arabic courses. Courses are taught by Khaldoun Almousily, a native of Jordan, and a new Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant each year, giving students exposure to different dialects and the opportunity to delve deeper into cultural differences.

“The program is very dedicated to broadening the global perspective of students they send,” Humes said.

Humes’ Arabic studies took her 4,353 miles from Kentucky to Rabat, Morocco. Aong with 12 other students from across the nation, Humes spent six weeks immersed in the language and culture of the country under the instruction of fluent Arabic speaker John Weinert of Rochester, NY, and teacher Emily Lauer of Denver, CO.

Humes explained that living with a host family was a critical component of the program. Program participants had the opportunity to experience authentic dinners, weddings, and everyday life. “One of the most influential experiences overall was staying with the host family,” she said. “It made me appreciate and practice the language a lot more than I would’ve had I just stayed in a hotel. I was immersed in the culture, which was great!

The group’s studies in Morocco consisted of language study five days each week with the rest of her time spent just experiencing the everyday culture. Her host family took the students on day trips to the countryside, which she thought was one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Other weekend trips led the students to cities like Fez, Ifriane, and Chefchaouene all over the country. She was also given the freedom to explore the city and venture out to the beach with her roommates.

Humes’ work in Arabic at Western Kentucky University gave her an edge over many of her peers in the program. Of the students in the NSLI-Y program, skill levels ranged from not knowing the alphabet to high proficiency. Humes was surprised when the mother of her host family began speaking French when she arrived. She quickly learned that French was also a prominent language in the country.

Of the many experiences throughout the trip, Humes explained that the interactions with the various Moroccans she met were the most enjoyable. “Although there was the language barrier, most of the students there know at least some English,” Humes said. “between the two languages we were able to communicate.”

Not surprisingly, Humes said her least favorite part was leaving. After recounting her amazing experience, she said that she would definitely recommend the program to other students, and would repeat it herself if given the chance.

For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 705-3632.

Academy Avatar Rachel Metcalfe also contributed to this story.

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By Gatton Academy

To Boldly Go… Abroad! Gatton Academy Announces International Experiences for 2011-12

September 8, 2011 | Academics, International, News, Summer | No Comments

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Italy, Costa Rica, and England are the destinations for this year’s Gatton Academy international experiences. These experiences mark the fifth consecutive international travel/study series facilitated by the Gatton Academy. Each experience is described in brief below, with full details and applications found in the online brochures.

The Gatton Academy is also excited to announce a commitment of nearly $13,000 in scholarships for students who require additional financial assistance to travel and study abroad. Details on how to apply for international scholarships are listed below as well.

Italy

From January 4-16, 2012, up to thirty Gatton Academy students will explore the cities, culture, and history of Italy. Cities visited will include Venice, Rome, Florence, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Pisa, and Orvieto.

The cost for this year’s trip is priced at $2,250. (The overall program cost is estimated at $3,525 with the Gatton Academy supplementing $1,275 of the total cost through dedicated Winter Term funding.) This includes roundtrip airfare from Nashville, hotel accommodations in all destinations, breakfast and dinner while in Europe, admission to most historic sites and museums, and travel by chartered motor coach or train for excursions.

Full information and an application are available in the online brochure.

Students must submit a complete application, a passport-sized photograph, and an $800 nonrefundable deposit no later than Monday, October 10 to Julie Fryia in the Gatton Academy office. The remaining nonrefundable $1450 will be due no later than Monday, November 28. Space is limited to 30 students. Should there be an excess of interest, priority will be given to seniors first and names randomly drawn thereafter. In that case, refunds will be distributed to those not attending. Students must be eligible to return to the Gatton Academy for the spring semester 2012 to travel with the Italy experience. Eligibility will be determined at the 11^th week assessment. Students deemed ineligible will forfeit their $800 initial deposit.

Costa Rica

From January 3-18, 2012, sixteen Gatton Academy students will earn upper-level Biology credit while studying and performing biodiversity research in Costa Rica. Sites visited will include Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in the cloud forest of southern Costa Rica’s mountains, Hacienda Barú on the Pacific jungle coast, a night in a jungle camp, Manuel Antonio National Park, Isla del Caño for snorkeling, the artisan town of Sarchí, and one of the world’s most active volcanos—Arenal.

The cost for the trip will be $800. (The overall program cost is $2075 with the Academy supplementing $1,275 of the total cost through dedicated Winter Term funding.) This includes roundtrip airfare from Louisville, accommodations in all destinations, an average of two daily meals, admission and fees for all items listed in the itinerary, travel by chartered motor coach, and tuition for Biology 485 — Costa Rican Biodiversity Studies and Research (3 hrs.).

Full information and an application are available in the online brochure .

The application deadline is September 16, 2011. Students must submit a complete application and a 250-word essay by the deadline to Julie Fryia in the Gatton Academy office. Space is limited to eight males and eight females who will be selected based off of essay responses. Equal representation of the junior and senior classes will be sought. Students will be selected on Monday, September 26. The $800 nonrefundable program fee is due no later than Monday, October 10. Students must be eligible for return to the Gatton Academy in the spring semester 2012 to travel to Costa Rica.

The Harlaxton Experience

Tentative dates of July 17 – August 7, 2012 have been set for Class of 2013 students to earn English 200—Honors Introduction to Literature credit while exploring the literature and culture of the United Kingdom. Through study, students will develop an appreciation for literary practices, theory, and concepts. Based at Harlaxton College’s beautiful manor house campus in Grantham, England, students will visit locations throughout the United Kingdom, such as Whitby for the “In Search of Dracula” ghost walk, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge, the Bronte Parsonage and moors in Haworth, York, the Lake District, and London (sites visited are subject to change).

The cost for the trip is being planned at $3900. (Students who participate in an unfunded Winter Term learning opportunity will carry forth $1275 of dedicated winter-term funding to apply to the cost of the program, effectively lowering the price to $2625.) This includes roundtrip airfare from the United States, accommodations in all destinations, about half of the meals while in England, admission and fees to activities, historic sites, and museums, travel by chartered motor coach or trains for excursions, and tuition for English 200 — Honors Introduction to Literature (3 hrs.).

Full information and an application are available in the online brochure.

Students must submit a complete application, passport-sized photograph, and a nonrefundable $800 deposit no later than Monday, October 10 to Julie Fryia in the Gatton Academy office. The next nonrefundable payment of $1,000 will be due no later than Monday, November 28, and the final nonrefundable payment of $825 will be due no later than Monday, March 12, 2012.

Students interested in The Harlaxton Experience are required as a pre-requisite to have passed English 100—Intro to College Writing or have credit for English 100 through an alternate path, such as CLEP credit or by scoring a 29 or higher on the English section of the ACT exam.

Students interested in The Harlaxton Experience should not enroll in English 200 for the fall or spring semesters. Students must be eligible for return to the Gatton Academy in the fall semester 2012 to travel with The Harlaxton Experience.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Academy will provide eight scholarships to students who require financial assistance. Two full scholarships will be provided for The Harlaxton Experience and two full scholarships will be provided for our Italy trip. Additionally, four $800 scholarships will be provided that can be used for any of the three trips. Students wishing to apply for one of our international scholarships must submit the following items via hard-copy to Derick Strode no later than Monday, September 26:

a copy of their parents’ 2011 tax return;
a parental statement of need, and;
a student statement, not to exceed 500 words, describing her or his reasons for wanting to travel abroad, which destination they are interested in traveling to, as well as the impact they expect going abroad will have on their overall Gatton Academy experience.

Student scholarship selection will occur on or before Monday, October 10. Students receiving a scholarship will be required to perform community service in consultation with a staff member.

By Gatton Academy

[Harlaxton ’11] Woodland Merriment Abounds at Robin Hood Festival

August 11, 2011 | International, News, People, Students, Summer | No Comments

by Caroline Stivers

This morning we got up bright and early to head down to breakfast and then get on the road to go to the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest. While there we saw all sorts of medieval things from jesters to singing plague victims.

Upon our arrival we watched two incredibly silly jesters. They did things like juggle bowling pins with a person standing in between them and eating fire. After they finished their show we headed over to the jousting arena. Here we watched an amazing falconry show. During this we saw a vulture, two hawks and an owl. They did tricks like finding hidden mice and catching mice when they were thrown in the air. While the owl was doing this they were playing Hedwig’s Theme which made it about 10 times more awesome than it already was.

After the falconry show was over we hung around the jousting arena a little longer until the jousting tournament started. During this we got to see knights joust and sword fight. For the finale we saw a face-off between Sheriff and his enemy, Robin Hood, with Robin Hood, in the end, winning.

Next, we headed on over to Major Oak and saw Major Oak Mayhem. Starting this show off were the Singing Plague Victims. These were two dreadful people with sores and very long noses that reminded me very much of Pinocchio. While they sang their humorous songs they also played the trumpet and accordion. The next act after them was a fire eating and blowing pirate. He started his act off by asking a woman to come take his clothes off while he danced around. Then he started his real act by eating fire off of two torches and then fire blowing.

After this we started back towards the bus. On our way back we encountered a medieval peasant who tried to give us free kisses, which is a discount from his usual £2.50. Then, we headed back to Harlaxton Manor to prepare for class and prepare for our trip to London.

By Corey Alderdice

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