Faculty couple teaches student through study-abroad course
Teaching as a husband and wife team, Dan and Marcia Tilley, both agricultural economics professors at Oklahoma State University, have traveled the world, sharing their years of experience teaching study-abroad courses for participating students.
"My wife and I are teaching a class on the trip, which is our responsibility as faculty members," said Dan Tilley. "It's important for us to work as a team. Since both men and women participate in the program, it's important to have a
couple
guiding the trip. What better than a faculty couple?"
The couple has dedicated three summers to offer College of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural Resources study-abroad trips for CASNR students.
They have traveled to Turkey, England, Scotland and France with students
while teaching agricultural issues, cultures and diversity.
Each year, CASNR offers summer study-abroad trips to students who wish
to participate. In AGEC 4803 International Agricultural Economics Tour,
25 to 30 students travel to Europe and conduct research while observing
the agricultural practices and cultural differences. The itinerary includes
Scotland, France and England.
"Students should have learning experiences outside of the United
States," said Dan Tilley. "By traveling to other places, students
gain self-confidence, having survived in other cultures. They gain an
international perspective of life and of agriculture."
For students traveling with the Tilleys, a wide array of activities and
work has been set up for the trip. Having taught the study-abroad trip
together several times, the Tilleys already have witnessed the sites for
themselves. This has allowed them to better instruct the course while
enjoying the excitement and amazement of students when they are first
introduced to the United Kingdom.
"Before we ever leave for the trip, we have a pre-trip scavenger
hunt," said Marcia Tilley. "This not only helps students to
become motivated about the trip, but also allows them to learn more about
the culture and places they will be visiting."
Edinburgh Castle, the Tower of London, the Eiffel Tower, Windsor Castle
and Westminster Abbey are just a few of the more well-known places students
will tour on the trip. While there, students can choose where to visit
and how much time they wish to spend at each place.
"Most museums in the UK have no admission charge," said Marcia
Tilley. "This allows students to see first-hand some of the most
well-known pieces of art in history. British museums cover worldwide contents,
some with sections for North America."
By participating in a study-abroad program, students see more places and
do more things than if they were to go independently, said Dan Tilley.
Some parts of the trip are planned activities, which are required, while
other times students can choose what to do next.
Participating in the study-abroad trip includes traveling to famous places,
attending classes and doing independent research.
"As a requirement for the course, students must write a term paper
about their experience," said Dan Tilley. "They must first propose
a topic and turn in an outline before we leave. This turns the trip into
an independent study, which allows students to pursue their own interests
and take their own paths."
"It is difficult to describe the trip and the way students bond together
without experiencing it firsthand," said Dan Tilley. "Our students
become friends and a support group for each other. Sometimes they are
in small groups going their own ways, yet other times they group together
and go in the area of common interest."
While on the trip, students participated in classes for various agricultural
issues. To better understand the U.S. trade issues, students visited the
U.S. Embassy and earned how the issues were handled.
"We communicate well, discussing plans for the next day and the students' reactions," said Marcia Tilley. "We're constantly communicating about the trip before, during and afterward. By doing this, our preparation has become much better and the students have more time to spend doing their own activities."
Having been on the trip several times, the Tilleys have worked together to make each day more memorable for students.
"I could not imagine how this trip would have been without the Tilleys," said Deborah Solie, a senior in agricultural economics and agricultural communications. "They work hard to make sure all students are involved and have an experience they will never forget. They treat students with so much respect,
Before returning home, students are able to spend a final night to enjoy what Europe has to offer. On one occasion, several students were able to see and take pictures of Queen Elizabeth II in a horse-drawn carriage. Other activities have included attending classic Shakespearian productions at the Globe Theatre, which was relatively inexpensive and students were able to be at stage level, said Marcia Tilley.
For those wanting to participate in the 2004 study-abroad trip with the Tilleys, an application and $500 deposit must be submitted by Feb. 3, 2004. The fee for the trip is approximately $1,800, which includes housing, land transportation and some meals. The remaining balance is due by March 12, 2004.
Students also are responsible for airfare, tuition and enrollment for the course. Three to four meeting times will be scheduled during the spring semester to discuss passports and other arrangements.
"For those interested in their first study-abroad experience, the CASNR agricultural economics trip is a good choice," said Dan Tilley. "You can feel at home in the UK or Scotland, then return home inspired,
confident, somewhat tired, but very much enthused." By Jeremy Porter, Agra, Okla.
For more information on study abroad programs, contact David Henneberry, assistant dean of international programs, at (405) 744-9712 or Adele Tongco at (405) 744-9781. Information is available in Room 139 Agricultural Hall.