Upcoming Study Abroad Opportunity

By Madelyne VanHemert

Are you interested in studying abroad? Volunteer State Community College offers a program that makes this possible, and informational meetings for students to get involved.

“International Education initiatives at Volunteer State seek to provide students with opportunities that transcend the traditional classroom experience” according to the Vol State International Education website.

Vol State offers different study abroad opportunities every year for students, some partnered with TNCIS. 

There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m. in the Caudill building, room 209 for the upcoming study abroad opportunity.

The study abroad meeting that will cover how to apply, the experience students could have, and answer any questions will be held by Assistant Professor of History Melanie Cochran.

This year the study abroad program will be taking students to South Africa. This is a unique opportunity to explore a new place, meet different people, and experience a different culture all while earning Vol State class credit. 

Five Fun Facts about South Africa

• South Africa’s nickname is the “rainbow nation”
• South Africa has three capital cities
• The world’s largest visible crater is in South Africa
• Bones found in South Africa continue to support the theory that modern humans originated in South Africa 
• South Africa’s national animal is  the Springbok, the only South African gazelle

“Studying abroad with Vol State was a blast, I really got to expand my view of the world through the program. I enjoyed meeting new people and getting to experience a different part of the world than what I am used to,” said Sydney Dowell a Volunteer State Sophomore, who traveled to India through study abroad in spring 2023. 
Any questions can be directed to Melanie Cochran via contact number: 615-509-7395 or email Melanie.Cochran@volstate.edu