About Us & Activities

Lauren Flaherty

My experience in Scotland was one of the best experiences of my life. I thought I was going to travel, study, learn, and meet new people; it was all of that and so much more. It changed me and opened my eyes to the transformative effects of travelling. I learned so much in my classes and workshops, but I learned even more through the hours of conversations with people from around the world. My seminar group consisted of students from Canada, Brazil, Spain, Japan, Cyprus, Czech Republic, and the United States. The opportunity to discuss literature and theatre on such a global scale was enlightening. My professor led a seminar of inclusion and community; everyone's opinions were valued and sought after. It was one of the best, if not the best, learning experiences of my life. As a teacher, I hope I can utilize some of his questioning techniques and practices in my own classroom. 

While I was in Scotland, I also had time to explore its rich culture as well as study. I saw over a dozen performances as part of the annual Fringe Festival and International Festival. I tried new food. I saw amazing, picturesque sights and learned the history attached to each. My education was not just in the classroom. It was around the clock: in the streets, cafes, theatres, and other performance venues. It was rewarding to share these new experiences with new friends. We shared a lens and took in the sights together. Our travels and studies led to life-long friendships and a network of educators I can rely on in the future. 

Everyone in the program came to Scotland looking for "something." Some of us wanted to learn; others wanted to escape. Some people wanted inspiration, others affirmation. Regardless of our reason for seeking out the experience, we left with much more than we thought we would. For myself, as a first time international traveler, I left with a desire to see the world, meet its people, taste its food, and learn about new cultures. I feel compelled to study more; I loved being a student. I had forgotten how fulfilling the pursuit of education can be. I realized how much I do not know and how much I want to know. I am forever grateful for this experience and cannot thank the ESU enough for my scholarship. The experiences unlocked and unleashed something inside of me. Thank you.