Twelve Missouri State University students, accompanied by associate professors Dr. Jonathan Newman and Dr. Leslie Seawright of the Department of English, traveled to England June 4-15, 2024, as part of an Education Abroad program.

The group visited places in London, Oxford, Bath, Chawton (home of Jane Austen) and Stratford-upon-Avon (hometown of William Shakespeare), according to Newman.

Newman said the group also participated in multiple literary and historical events and attended theatrical performances of works by Shakespeare and mystery writer Agatha Christie.

The 12 students were Hope Barker, Melissa Bowles, KaMara Brown, Tyler Cavin, Isabella Eslick, Sarah Howser, Chloe Inman, Edsel McCaslin-McMillin, Emma Moore, Allison Raymond, Ben Vertraete and Sierra Welch.

This was Newman’s first time leading an Education Abroad program. Seawright has previously led other study abroad activities.

Program focused on experiences and encounters

According to Newman, he and Seawright developed the program around the concepts of experiential learning and intercultural encounters.

The program would ideally allow students to explore English literature, English education, travel writing and other topics through a combination of required reading, discussions and visits to culturally significant sites, Newman said.

“We intend that students in this program gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the literature and culture, of the connection between high and popular culture in England past and present, and of the practices and attitudes of the working travel writer,” Newman added.

British culture “just different enough”

The experiences and encounters approach worked for students Isabella Eslick and KaMara Brown.

Eslick, a second-year graduate student pursuing her MS Ed in English, found British culture to be “just different enough” from American culture to be challenging at times.

“At most restaurants, we had to ask for our check instead of it automatically being brought out like we’re used to,” Eslick said. “Staying at a restaurant to talk after you’ve finished your meal is more common in Europe than it is in America.”

British transportation could also be a bit daunting at first, Eslick admitted.

“At first glance, the London Underground can be extremely confusing, but once you learn how to read the maps and use the public transportation function on Google Maps, it’s really easy to navigate,” she said.

Brown, who is working toward a BA in culture, literature and media, found the excitement of traveling abroad for the first time induced a bit of “FOMO,” the fear of missing out.

“Because it was my first time traveling so far, I felt like there was always something I should be going to do or see even with our full itinerary,” she explained.

Short term, affordable opportunity

Eslick learned about the English travel opportunity through Seawright, who is one of her professors.

The more she learned about the program, the more Eslick believed it was something she could attain.

“During my undergrad, I never paid attention to any of the Education Abroad opportunities because I figured I would never be able to afford to go on a trip,” she explained. “As a graduate teaching assistant, I get free tuition, so Education Abroad seemed a little more possible.”

Eslick also appreciated that the trip was a short-term experience.

“With my busy schedule…I was uncertain about going on the trip, but Dr. Seawright convinced me that this trip was planned for someone like me, so I signed up,” she said.

Newman credited the Education Abroad office, the English department, the Honors College and the Reynolds College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (RCASH) with making the trip affordable for students.

“The [English] department and RCASH made available special funding to make travel possible for some of our students,” he explained. “The Education Abroad office is an amazing resource for helping organize and support these experiences for students.”

Public affairs mission with practical applications

Newman and Seawright also kept Missouri State’s public affairs mission in mind when developing the program.

“Students encountered both traditional aspects of English village life as well as the cosmopolitan and vibrant multicultural society of contemporary urban life,” Newman explained. “London is a massive global city where communities from all around the world work, eat, live and shop together, and where past and present are layered and complex.”

“All of these experiences cultivate cultural competence and help our student adventurers grow into global citizen scholars as described in MSU’s mission statement,” he added.

Brown enrolled in the program to fulfill a degree requirement, but she soon realized the class would do more than.

It offered her the opportunity to apply what she has learned in the classroom to real-life settings.

“It was exciting to be immersed in the cultures and locations of so many books and films I have enjoyed from not only my degree program but also my childhood,” she said.

Brown particularly enjoyed experiencing the world of William Shakespeare.

“One of the most fun experiences of the study abroad trip was attending a performance of ‘Richard III’ at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre,” she said.

Shakespeare, Austen…and Christie, too

Eslick also enjoyed learning more about England’s famous “bard.”

“This trip allowed me to see some Shakespeare plays that I’m not familiar with, and their interpretations in performance were fascinating,” Eslick said. “It was really cool to see the possibilities of Shakespearean performance, and I hope to take these new ideas to my classroom.”

Eslick also learned more about other British authors, such as Agatha Christie and Nancy Cunard, and was excited to “experience firsthand” the grand historical sites she had been studying and dreaming about.

One of her happiest memories was immersing herself in the world of Jane Austen.

“As cringey/nerdy as this may sound, the most fun I had on the trip was playing dress-up at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath,” Eslick said “I looked like I stepped right into the Regency world of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, especially since I was able to take photos with a wax figure of Mr. Darcy.”

Enriching lives now and for the future

Newman knew the trip was a success when he overheard the students saying they wished they could stay longer.

“I can’t help but imagine how much richer the classrooms of future Missouri high school English teachers will be from the experience of having walked in the steps of Shakespeare and Austen and having seen performances by the top Shakespearean actors in the world,” he said.

Brown said the decision to study abroad might be scary, but it’s worth it.

“You learn so much about yourself, different cultures and your potential academic and professional goals by studying abroad,” Brown said. “It’s a very big decision to make, but having a chance to experience your interests in a different setting will expand your worldview and deepen your appreciation for your major.”

Eslick encouraged students to consider Education Abroad because of its unique approach to learning.

“They will be able to learn a ton without feeling bogged down,” she emphasized. “Even though I was earning class credit, it never felt like ‘typical’ school.”

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