Center for International Studies at Catawba College

Did you know six Catawba Honors students are studying abroad at the University of Glasgow? Now it’s your turn! Applications for spring semester open on October 1. Contact KCIS or Honors Program for more info.

Students in Catawba College Hemingway class visited the Louvre Museum and Hemmingways first apartment.

Congratulations Kerstin Rudolph for receiving Swink Prize for Outstanding Classroom Teaching.

Nilya Holcomb

There are not enough words to explain the experience I had this past week. A once in a lifetime dream of mine since I was a young child, a dream of mine that has navigated my academic career these past few years of undergrad. Being in Scotland and Ireland full of the rich history that I have only studied was breath taking. But it was also a reminder to take a step back and take a moment to enjoy life. I have been nonstop these past 8 years in my studies between high school and college. A time that has shaped me into the person I have become into my young adult life.

This trip reminded me that life is short. We walked through castles, and battlefields. A reminder that really all the worlds a graveyard of grief and despair as history has a habit of repeating itself all too often, it is the reason, many of us Historians have jobs. It's a weird dichotomy to look back on history, to step on the very land it took place, and feel so at peace.

This is the first time in many years I have genuinely laughed and smiled, and let loose. I'm a naturally anxious person who tends to overwork themselves and forgets to take care of themselves, and this trip helped me do that. I built friendships, met new ones, and reminded me of the simple things. Life can in fact be beautiful when you take that step back and don't worry about money/ finances, school work, and the every day tasks of life.

None of this was possible without my friends who donated and the Catawba College donors who so graciously donated scholarships for this trip. Thank you, thank you, thank you, without you, this would have not been possible for me! So much appreciation!!

Jennifer Bailey
Spring 2022 Trip to Ireland & Scotland


I want to provide a special thank you to the donors of Catawba College who allowed this opportunity possible through applicable scholarships provided. This is the first major travel I have had since getting out of the military, and I could not have had a better experience!

This trip provided a wealth of history of the two countries, how inter-connected they are to the United States, and the immense pride that remains instilled despite the adversity that has been endured throughout history. The main purpose of this trip was to experience these cultures first hand and compare them to mediated reality: how similar and how different is fact from fiction? Yet, this trip was much more enriching than something you can simply get out of a textbook, with first hand experiences, and to see the passion and pride behind the stories told by various tour guides who have experienced violence in the more recent history that hits a bit closer to home. This trip has created lasting memories that has reinforced the importance of honoring the past by learning about it and making adjustments [present day] in an attempt to make the world a better place, be it at home or afar.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh.

Culloden Battlefield

Urquhart Castle.

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