41 INTERNATIONAL Harding University England (HUE) experienced major changes in fall 2022. The most notable was the number of countries visited. The group traveled to over a dozen countries, many of which were seen on a cruise. Steven Chandler, the communications and recruiting coordinator for International Programs, said the HUE program changes were a long time coming. They were originally announced in spring 2020, but due to COVID-19 the changes weren’t in full effect until the fall 2022 program. Chandler said that the goal of these programs was to have opportunities that appealed to the student body. In fall 2022, HUE hosted 42 students, which was the largest group to ever attend. Sophomore Kiera Blankinship was one of the students in this group. “I’ve just always wanted to see Europe,” Blankinship said. The changes made to the program offered her the opportunity to do so. Blankinship stated that it felt surreal to spend three months traveling Europe. However, due to the large number of countries visited, the HUE group had less time in each location. “It is amazing that we get to see so much,” Blankinship said. “I do know that it is a lot of packing up and moving, which is going to make the school part a little tricky, but I think that is a fair trade-off.” HUE ARE WE? Harding University in England makes changes to the program in fall 2022. SAY CHEESE Students take a selfie while visiting Diamond Beach in Iceland. HUE traveled to multiple locations throughout Iceland, showing students all the country had to offer. Photo courtesy of: Elizabeth Rosenberger Another change to the program involved merging with the Harding University Florence (HUF) program. Due to low enrollment rates, the two programs combined for the semester. HUE spent three weeks in Italy with a large time at the Florence villa. This allowed all students to experience a portion of what the HUF program normally did. Additionally, Robbie Shackelford, the longtime director for HUF, served as faculty for the HUE program. “I must say, at the end of 33 years as director, it is a strange feeling to be the visiting teacher, but exciting and relaxing,” Shackelford said. He revisited some countries, such as England, Norway, Spain, France and Italy. He also visited new countries on this trip, including Iceland, Sweden and Finland. Shackelford taught 20% of the humanities classes offered, as well as a kinesiology class. He stated that the lighter teaching load gave him more time to get to know the students, and the friendships made with the students were the most exciting part of all. Written by: Camille White
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