Dean's Message: Students explore London during study abroad course

In the last newsletter, as we began the semester, I was anticipating traveling to London, England over spring break with 13 students enrolled in a new course, Global Cities I co-taught with Associate Dean Rob Taylor. I promised then that I would report on this inaugural venture, and that report is the focus of my column today.

Students and instructors pose for a photo at their lodging, Goodenough Club in London.

We took off on March 16 and landed in a rainy, grey landscape; amazingly, however, the weather progressively brightened during our week’s stay and our last two days were sunny and warm. The mild weather made it possible for us to pursue our ambitious schedule of London walks, parks, plays, museums and landmarks. Within a day, all 13 students had become familiar and comfortable with the London “Tube”—the Underground that transported them effortlessly and efficiently to all reaches of the city. In their free time, they explored independently the many resources of this great city.

All in all, it was an extraordinary educational experience and, without exception, the students are eager to continue with more international travel in their futures. At the end of our week—once back in Phoenix—we asked the students what they had pursued on their own and what they had learned from the trip. Their answers were fascinating and rewarding, so I want to share at least a couple with you here.

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