Life at the Villa in Florence stressful but . IS wonderful Although participating students generally agreed thar HUF was a wonderful experience, it could be stressful for students trying to balance school, travel and the stress of living so close together in the University-owned villa overlooking Florence, It~ly . "It's busy. There's so much to do that you can't even catch your breath. You study, travel and visit lots of museums and churches, " junior Suzanne Monk said. Sophomore Tiffany Self said, "It's really intense because there is so much to do, bur the memories I've made are unforgenable . It's been a wonderful experie nce." HUF is the most well -known of Harding's international studies programs because it is the longest running. The fall '97 group reached a milestone in the programwhen Dr. Kevin Kle in, a former HUF student , accompanied the group as a p rofessor. Tammy Fuscher, a senior at HUF, said, "Since Dr. Kline had been a student here, he could really rela te to us as students in the program. He is also such a great historian , and he often had interesting inSights during our travels." Dr. Don Shackelford, dean of the international studies program, also taught classes . "Dr. Shackelford has been director of the program since it began and he has lived over here, so he was really informative and helpful ," Fuscher said . This group was also unique because the Harding students were joined by Amy Crinenden from Abilene Christian Universiry and Paul Hutcherson from David Lipscomb University. "I was glad when I gOt the opportuniry to go to Europe, but I was kind of nervous because I didn 't know anyone ," Crinenden said . "We are all so bonded now that I know we will be in contact years after this time has gone by." Although any student who maintains a grade point average of2.0 or higher is eligible to anend HUF, many find it difficult. One reason is HUF's populariry. The '97 fall semester, like most semesters, had a waiting list for students hoping that positions would become available. Although the COSt of the semester was very reasonable for all that the program offered, expense was another difficulty for some students. "I put in 55 hours a week at Red Lobster to ensure that I would have enough money to enjoy Europe. Ir was definitely worth it," junior Jay Brockman said. Living in Italy was an adjustment for mOSt students. Junior Jeremy Brown said, "It doesn't take long to realize that the loud tourist with the camera is you this time and , after that, you StOP gawking and start learning." Junior Kim Genton said, "I came to HUF with linle in my hands, but I left having received some of God 's greatest blessings." tDiI 16 Stude nt Life - Sara Van Rheenan Suzanne Monk shops fo r bargains at the Tuesday market . HUF students have many opportunities to find unique memoirs for unique deals . Photo by Sara Van Rbeenan .
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==