2011

2012

"International education ignites a passion for understanding other people and their perspectives. That's one important benefit to working or studying abroad - and it's essential to success in our increasingly diverse world. Students with international exposure come to understand the value of dialogue between people from different cultures and between people with different points of view. They also gain an understanding of the importance of relationships. Relationships are the foundation for meaning and success in life. They are also the foundation for strong businesses, especially businesses that care about creating mutual benefit." Douglass H. Daft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer The Coca Cola Company

"Studying abroad isn't just an important part of a well-rounded educational experience. It's also becoming increasingly important for success in the modern global economy." Michelle Obama, January 19, 2011 When you study abroad, you are actually helping make America stronger." - Michelle Obama, January 19, 2011
In recognition of the long-term national benefits of sending American students abroad, the U.S. Senate issued a resolution designating 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad to raise awareness and to help increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad. The importance of Paul Simons Study Abroad Act, an initiative to expand opportunities for undergraduates in the U.S. to study abroad and its importance has resonated across college campuses throughout the country. In an ever-changing global economy, preparing todays students for careers in a global market is more important than ever. Colleges have a unique opportunity to provide students with travel abroad learning experiences that strengthen what has been taught in the classroom which will not only increase their knowledge and enhance student skills, but can ultimately broaden their horizons opening doors to potential jobs.

HGTC leads the way in student advancement and is committed to providing students the skills and experiences to help them be competitive in todays global economy. HGTC is one of the few technical colleges in the state offering study abroad programs along with academic credit for the experience. This international travel experience benefits our students in future academic and professional pursuits. The Humanities and English departments, realizing the tremendous potential of a studies abroad program for the academic and personal growth of HGTC students, provided an opportunity unlike programs offered at other technical colleges in the state. This program allows HGTC students to experience the world, exposing them to another culture, and allowing them an opportunity to explore parts of the world they may never have a chance to see on their own. Developing a broader sense of international and cultural awareness will benefit students in their future pursuits and careers. HGTC is expanding student opportunities, enriching lives, and making a difference in their future.

Careful attention was given to the planning and design of the coursework for the HGTC Study Abroad program. The separate classification of these Study Abroad Courses is of significant importance as it gives the participating students the necessary academic footprint on their college transcript to demonstrate that they have an international educational experience. This distinction is recognized at other colleges and universities whether HGTC students further pursue their educational studies at the undergraduate or graduate level as they prepare for their professional careers. The colleges academic leaders enthusiastically support the Study Abroad program and have provided assistance to students through the colleges business office offering them the ability to make incremental payments to the office enabling students to meet the cost of travel deadline dates.

The Humanities and English departments offer a study abroad opportunity for HGTC students in the Spring semester. Students will enroll in both HIST 214 and ENGL 224 for the entire semester and additionally will participate in a 13 day trip to London over the dates of Spring Break. This is an exciting opportunity for HGTC students to earn 6 credit hours while learning about British history, culture, and literature. These credit classes also, because of their inclusion in the Catalog of Approved Courses (CAC), transfer to other SC public universities and colleges, as well as many SC private colleges.

Visit Facebook to learn more about the study abroad program.

Paul Simons Study Abroad Act, an initiative to expand opportunities for undergraduates in the U. S. to study abroad, is one of the reasons that such undergraduate student abroad programs across the country are growing in increasing numbers. Two professors at HGTC realized the powerful impact such a program as this could have on their students. HGTC English Professor Hyde Abbott and History Professor Sam Klein developed the schools one-of-a-kind program. They partner together to teach medieval to modern periods of London from both perspectives. The professors designed their academic programs as co-requisites. Fusing the English and history classes, along with a trip abroad, seemed a logical step. The London trip is scheduled over spring break and is a requirement to taking the two courses for which students will receive six hours of credit. Through the two classes, students not only learn the history of London, but also the personality of the times through literature and how it fits into politics and the social context. Assigned readings and class discussions center around showing students how these two areas are entwined and overlap to form the British culture. The classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring semester. The professors co-teach and both attend each class session. Students also benefit from field practice exercises done in class prior to departure teaching them things such as how to navigate the British public transit system, how to exchange foreign currency, and reviewing local colloquialisms they will encounter in their day-to-day conversations and interactions with the British people.

The HGTC Study Abroad program and these courses allow students to earn college credit while taking a supervised thirteen day trip to England and Scotland. The learning experience immerses students in British culture and history while traveling to several regions. Students tour London, York, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Bath, Dover and Canterbury. The study trip includes walking tours of Westminster, Knightsbridge, Kensington, and London. Students will visit such historical sites as the Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the castle at Edinburgh, St. Pauls Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Students will tour Cambridge, the university and the town, Shakespeares Globe Theatre, the British Museum and Library, as well as the Tate Modern Art Museum. They will experience an entertaining evening at the West End Theatre, will enjoy the sights and sounds of Borough Market, the Lake District, and the Thames Riverwalk. There will be many unforgettable places and for each student it will truly be an experience of a lifetime.

Students in the HGTC Study Abroad program

Hone their critical thinking, written and oral communication, and analytical skills, while learning how history and art enrich their lives. Gain an appreciation for the historical context of literature, how it affects and reflects the age in which it was written. Spend only approximately 60% of the cost of most other student group travel abroad study trips which is a considerable savings. Earn 6 hours of transferable college credit with course numbers denoting international study abroad status of these on their college transcript. Take the 13 day travel abroad trip over Spring Break enabling students to only miss 2-3 days of regular class time.

Students in the HGTC Study Abroad program

Benefit from the expertise of both an English and a History professor in their classroom learning experience as well as during their travel experience on their trip abroad.
Chronicle their personal experiences through journal entries and reflection papers as they travel on their journey visiting the historic places and landmarks they have read, studied and learned about prior to their travels. Gain lifelong skills as they participate in the classroom field training exercises reading maps, reviewing travel guides, navigating the various methods of public transit, exchanging foreign currency, learning local colloquialisms, expanding their cultural awareness all of which makes their trip much more meaningful and enjoyable. Are allowed to make incremental payments to the colleges business office enabling them to meet the cost of travel deadline dates.

Ser.en.dip.ity: making fortunate discoveries by accident; fortuitous; unexpected good fortune Those of us who have experienced a serendipitous moment or life event know the powerful effect such an experience can have. Serendipitous moments may seem to come out of nowhere by chance, and may even be referred to as a mere coincidence. Prior to the unforeseen occurrence, one might think such a moment were not even possible or probable to take place. This is both the wonder and awe of what we call serendipity.

Danielle Green

Imagine...

Imagine standing on the busy streets of London and suddenly something wonderful and exciting happens. You look up and catch a rare glimpse of the Queen of England passing by.
Imagine walking into a magnificent cathedral on Ash Wednesday staring at its unbelievable architecture when you realize that you are having a conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury. These serendipitous moments were experienced by HGTC students on their trip to England and Scotland during their study abroad program. These unforgettable moments occurred on a trip of a lifetime that many students believed impossible until two professors inspired them to dream.

HGTC is dedicated to providing a quality of education that enhances the academic and personal growth of its students. Under the direction of strong leadership, it continues to look for ways to enrich learning opportunities, to increase students professional skill development, and expand programs to allow students to reach their potential in pursuit of their career goals and personal dreams. HGTCs diverse student population benefits not only from the smaller classroom environment it provides, but excels and thrives under the guidance and direction of its well-trained, compassionate faculty. HGTC Professors Abbott and Klein speak proudly of defining moments that occur on their study trip abroad when students take hold of a challenge, demonstrate the ability to grow in ways they didnt think was even possible. Many of them return changed, much more confident in their abilities, excited about their futures, with a new eagerness towards learning and life experiences.

August 2010 One day sitting around browsing through Wavenet I notice an announcement that says short term study abroad informational meeting. Interesting, I thought. As I look more and more into it, it is based in history and English literature. I am a history major and do also enjoy a lot of writings from Great Britain. After talking with my wife about it for a few days, I decide it is worth it to attend the meeting and get as much information as possible. One of my professors had told me once that I must visit some of these places to fully understand the significance that they hold historically. He was more correct than he could have ever known. I cant wait to see if I am able to make it into these classes and be able to head to England for ten days!

March-April 2010 Sitting here in my hotel room in York, England next to the window on Easter Sunday is something that I could not have dreamt about a year ago. I knew I was making the right decision to go back to school to better myself and to improve the lives of my family. Having the sun shine through my window while hares run through the fields of the Manor House are proof enough that I am right where I belong right now. I know that Lori and Lily are not here to share this with me, but the next time they will be. I miss them greatly, but I think that this was truly the best way for me to experience England and Scotland for the first time. I still had family with me the whole trip, but I didnt realize it till a few days into the journey. We have grown in many ways and done so many new things, enjoyed so many new experiences and learned more about who we are. These shared experiences shall resonate through our minds till the day we die. Each of us will take away something different, but we will also take away similar thoughts and feelings. Bonds have been formed, friendships have been established, and a sense of unity has overcome us all. Will they last forever, nobody knows, but I got a feeling that even if we dont talk to one another we will be reminded in our thoughts about each other from now till our last breath. A first time experience like the ones we have shared will make their imprints on us and in our souls; when people have something that powerful in common nothing can take it away. Forever we shall be intertwined in each others lives and I am grateful that I got to do it with all these classmates that I can now call friends.

March 2010 A few more stops on the underground and I make my way to Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is calling me. Original DaVinci artworks reside here as well as Picasso, Rubens, Bernini, and many other greats. March 2010The professors take us on a roundabout walk to get over to Westminster Abbey. The abbey is home to kings and queens, heroes and saints, as well as poets and writers. Many people of significance rest forever within the grounds of Westminster Abbey. This place has been here for over a thousand years. The feeling you get when you walk into place like Westminster Abbey is just one of awe and grandeur. To think that man built this place before we had tools and the knowledge of today and it has stood through all kind of peril. March 2010 The walk up the Royal Mile to the Castle of Edinburgh is astonishing. The castle grounds are huge and take over the entire top of the hill. There are so many little buildings and areas within the castle walls. Everything from dungeons to royal bedrooms adorn the inside. The Stone of Scone and the Royal Jewels are resting here for the first time in many centuries.

April 2010Cliffords Tower sits alone atop a hill, very dilapidated from centuries of war and weather. While impressive, and I am assuming very hard to capture, the tower is just a small reminder of the past. There are so many things that make York unique and intriguing. The Shambles, the cobble stone streets that are only big enough for a horse drawn carriage, the sweeping architecture, and the people that call York home are all different from London and even Edinburgh. I almost dont want to leave this place. History is calling me to investigate as much as I can. I want to be able to rub my hands over the homes and buildings and to feel what the people felt as far back as I can imagine. Being in the place where events happened throughout time gives a completely different perspective on things than just reading about them or hearing your professor talk about them. April 2010 I boarded a plane on March 25th with a couple of college professors and fourteen classmates. When I land in Myrtle Beach on April 5th I will land with friends. Cold and rainy days, tube-stations and trains, blizzards and landslides have attempted to bring us down but none have succeeded; they have only brought us closer together and strengthened our resolve. Tonight we get to share one last grand dinner together before heading back home. I foresee many stories, lots of laughter, and camaraderie.

In less than 24 hours I will be back on a plane flying back across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States. The last week and a half have been some of the best days ever in the 29 years I have spent on earth. Looking back to the moment I said good-bye to my wife and daughter at the airport up until now has been the journey of a lifetime. From the moment I landed at Gatwick Airport in London, England until my feet step down on U.S. soil in Philadelphia I will forever be a slightly changed person. Over the course of the last several days I have learned a few things about myself, my classmates, and my heritage. I know that if I push myself I can keep going. I know that if I support my classmates that they will support me, and I know that despite having the greatest country in the world to call home that great Britain is truly great. On a trip like this you are only going to get out of it as much as you put in. The good thing about this trip was that I had others to help me find that little bit more to be able to push just a little harder. It is the experience of the individual as well as the group that has made this trip truly an unforgettable one. Jason

Im excited about my trip and it will be nice to know some of the history and some of the perspective before we arrive. Katherine This trip is going to expand my horizons. Miranda The biggest challenge for me was to leave home and actually grow up. The day before I left I was terrified and seriously considered not going. This trip really made me realize its okay to leave my mothers side and venture out into the world. Marley

This trip was very challenging for me. Being from a different country, I was scared about fitting in the group. It was hard leaving my family for the first time. It was a good experience. Kavita

Do and see as much as you can. Take advantage of every last second of your experience. I believe this trip is worth every penny. I would have paid so much more for this experience! I would go again and again. Cody

The locals of London were undoubtedly charming with their wonderfully wordy and florid way of speaking and their effortless way of accommodating. Asking them where their favorite pub was or what you should try on the menu could end up in a twenty minute long conversation of advice on where to go, what to eat and why they enjoy it so much. They were always happy to give any advice. Most of my conversations with the natives ended up with the absolute question, Where are you from?. Naturally, I would respond the Myrtle Beach area just for the sake of general origin and would surprisingly get the response that they have always wanted to go there. I would get asked what the weather is like now and when is the best time to go and was told that they have always wanted to visit here. You can understand my rebutting argument asking the question why, when Europe is a spitting distance away from London. I was constantly reinforced that the putt-putt golf and salt water taffy lifestyle we are accustomed to here was a dream for them. I couldnt wrap my head around living in such a historically and culturally rich area and having the desire to come to the home of gas station firework store emporiums, twenty-four hour Dennys and free hermit crab with purchase haven. But to bring up an extremely worn out clich, and I do apologize, but the grass is always greener on the other side theory is a proven fact now.

London owes its convenience and accessibility to its underground railways and trains. The trains and railways act as a sinus and they all drain into London from the surrounding towns allowing swift and somewhat direct transit from the most remote location. Any mistake made on the underground railway is easily corrected and learned from for the next go round. Travel was such a breeze not having to worry about parking garages and paying for parking meters. The majority of the population does not own a car because of the necessity and affordability.

One of the more interesting, not-so-obvious aspects of the trip was the group dynamic. None of us were very familiar with each other, not to mention we didnt know half of each others names. Our group was in no way the conventional class at all but that just added to the entire appeal of the class for me. You got to know the person as they shed their layers of personality as time went on. It was interesting watching them bounce off of each other until they found a place where they felt comfortable. What has also been so unexpected about this trip, is that it has relinquished so much more than what I thought. I can honestly say now that I appreciate and understand the material of this course so much more now. Its exciting to see what you have learned about first hand. What has made this class so different for me is that what I have learned about was made tangible for me. What this class and trip has been for me has beneficially evolved from day to day. I went into this class and trip opened minded and free of expectations. I feel passionate about what I have experienced and learned from this trip. I was able to experience studying and traveling abroad in a way that most will not. That uniqueness is priceless. I will never be able to relive or experience travel the same way again. Savannah

Dont over pack! Find out where things are and use your time wisely in each location. Olivia The one thing I wasnt prepared for was all of the walking. Make sure your tennis shoes arent too snug before you leave! Also, get to know the other students as soon as there is a first meeting Donna

Take rechargeable batteries. Get plenty of sleep so you can wake up refreshed and feeling good. Eat breakfast. Research everywhere youre going so youll have a good background on what youre going to see. Dont be afraid to get out and explore on your own! T. Be on time for everything! Do not be the one holding up the group. Pay attention to everything the professors tell you in class. They are preparing you.

Dont be scared. Explore and have fun! It is a once in a lifetime experience and you can sleep when you get home. Marley Monitor your money. Just relax. Just relax and enjoy the time. Its awesome! Dana Get to know the person you are staying with before you leave. Be ready to walk and have a good time. Darren Pack light. Lugging all those bags around is not fun! Dont bring hairdryers and straighteners. You wont use them. Also, double and triple check the expiration date on your passport. Just have fun and try new things. Have a blast and just love every minute of it! Lauren Ive done so much. Im glad I gave my spring break up for this. This trip was priceless! Steve

An experience like this is something that I could not have dreamt about a year ago. I knew I was making the right decision to go back to school to better myself and to improve the lives of my family. I know that I am right where I belong right now. The last week and a half have been some of the best days ever in the 29 years I have spent on earth. Looking back to the moment I said good-bye to my wife and daughter at the airport up until now has been the journey of a lifetime. We have grown in many ways and done so many new things, enjoyed so many new experiences and learned more about who we are. I will forever be a changed person. Jason

I feel passionate about what I have experienced and learned from this trip. I was able to experience studying and traveling abroad in a way that most will not. That uniqueness is priceless. I will never be able to relive or experience travel the same way again. Savannah