ETSU’s Global Year Program is a two year process, one for planning and travel followed by work on the projects and seminars, promoting international learning. The 2024-25 cycle focused on Scotland.
“It is a campus initiative bringing awareness to the internationalization of ETSU’s campus. It is focused on spreading awareness about the culture of other countries and their ties to ETSU,” said Charlie Dorset, student intern for Global Year: Scotland.
Nine faculty participants and two student interns traveled to Scotland in May of 2024, touring and studying various similarities shared with the Appalachian region.
“We have many similarities including linguistics. Going back to pangea, it is the same mountain range from Scotland to Appalachia.,” said Dorset.
The faculty members use their projects to create seminars. The topics this year include public health trends in rural and urban areas, child-free life and suicide rates, the roots and influence of brass bands and many others.
The faculty participants have different specialties including history, parks and recreation, psychology and geography. Some of the faculty members use their experiences and projects to craft enriching classes.
“Being on a trip with faculty and exploring Scotland through an academic lens gave me a new perspective,” said Dorset.
While in Scotland, the cohort visited three different universities, making lasting connections with fellow researchers.
The motto “From Appalachia to the World” encapsulates Global Year’s goal of encouraging study abroad efforts and the importance of learning about other cultures.
The previous Global Year cycle focused on Ecuador. The upcoming location has not yet been announced.
The seminars will be held in the D.P. Culp Student Center Forum throughout the spring.
For questions contact dorset@etsu.edu. For more information and upcoming seminar dates visit etsu.edu/global-engagement/global-year.php.
