Studying in an unknown country opens students’ eyes to the world outside their own. It teaches students independence, confidence, and perspective. Loyola’s Center for International Education is hosting the CIE Culture Cup: France and the UK event on Tuesday, Jan. 27, according to the Loyola CIE webpage. This event is meant to educate students on upcoming opportunities to study abroad this summer in France or the United Kingdom. 

Loyola Professor Joe Duke stated, “Going abroad is in itself an education,” explaining that students gain perspective through travel, independence, and problem-solving.

The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the One Loyola Room. The event reflects the same global mindset that faculty hope students will carry with them beyond campus. Events like the Culture Cup share new opportunities for students to explore their options. 

This will teach students about programs such as the Mass Communication program in London, which is open to everyone regardless of major, as the courses are general electives for non-majors. The program stretches over three weeks from June 1 to 21, according to Journalism Professor Lisa Collins and Duke. Students will not only earn six credits but also have the opportunity to visit newsrooms, travel to unknown places, and learn more about media through the lens of a new culture. 

“The program is designed so that it’s three intensive weeks, but you still come back and have time to intern or work,” Collins said. 

Students gain more than work skills. Being in a foreign country means learning to adapt. 

“You build self-confidence, you build street smarts,” Duke stated.

Students who attend the Culture Cup: France and UK may find themselves inspired to take their learning further, from campus to England or France and beyond. 

“It’s never a bad idea to travel,” Collins said.