By IAN PEEK

Over the past five weeks I participated in the International Summer Program at the University of Cambridge as the recipient of the Robert and Judith Brown International Study Fellowship. I can truly say that applying for the Andalusia high School Scholarship Foundation’s International Study Program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The experiences I have collected while abroad will stick with me for the rest of my life. I cannot thank the Foundation enough for this opportunity.

I studied in the Interdisciplinary Program while at Cambridge. During the first two-week term, I took a course in “International Politics in a Global Age.” It was very eye opening to learn about the histories of other governments, how they relate to one other, and what we as citizens can do to improve the world. During the second term, I enrolled in three courses: “Principles of Macroeconomics,” “Economics of Public Policy,” and “International Development-Key Issues in Today’s World.” This second term was my favorite, as the classes were very well aligned with my undergraduate business major at the University of South Alabama. I learned so much about global economies, and the impacts of governments on global and regional businesses. In all my classes I met fellow students from around the world. They offered diverse opinions about government and views of America that I had not heard before.

Outside the classroom, I had time to explore other parts of England. My absolute favorite experience was attending the Championships at Wimbledon. Having grown up participating in summer tennis camps in Andalusia and playing tennis at Andalusia High School; attending the Wimbledon tournament fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine.   Luckily, I got to see America’s Serena Williams play! Later, Taran, Peyton and I visited London and toured Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tate Art Gallery. While in London, I also got to view the city from the top of the giant London Eye Ferry Wheel. During another weekend excursion Taran and I hopped on a bus to Bath. Learning about the Roman history of ancient Bath and seeing the storied rock formations at Stonehenge were highlights of that trip.

I was very reluctant to leave the university. I loved every moment of this summer abroad experience, and it has sparked a new interest in global travel for myself. The Foundation’s International Study Fellowship gave me an opportunity for phenomenal education and cultural experiences that I will never forget. I cannot express my gratitude enough to the Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation.