"The ASIS summer program provided a new and unique perspective into Appalachia's past, present, and future. It's an extraordinary way for students to branch out from the usual classroom environment and learn a great deal about Appalachia in the process."
-Kate Smith, Kingsport, TN
"As a native of southwest Virginia, I found the ASIS
summer program very rewarding because it helped me gain a new
and deepened appreciation for the Appalachian region and its
Scots-Irish ancestry. We enjoyed the fascinating guest speakers
and engaging off-campus trips. My participation in this program
greatly enhanced my pride in Appalachia.
-Heather Sykes, Big Stone Gap, VA
"I'm a non-traditional student. The ASIS program offered
me the opportunity to visit Scotland, join with other
Appalachian scholars for comparative study of America and
Scotland, and conduct research on projects of individual
interest. I enjoyed the fellowship of ETSU students and
faculty, and the Scottish people were delightful. It was a
memorable experience."
-Ernestine E. Upchurch, Maggie Valley, NC
"When studying abroad, cultures different from your own
are exposed through new sights, sounds, ideas, people and
feelings!"
-Donna Williams 2009
"Especially for those of us who have Scots-Irish roots,
being in Derry for several days and also going to the Ulster
Museum in County Donegal were worthwhile learning experiences.
The time spent in Northern Ireland was quite complementary to
our visits to locations in Scotland, including the visit to
Orkney. the sojourn in Orkney was especially delightful and
fascinating."
-Michele Tollie, Graduate Student 2009
"After walking the streets of such beautiful and vibrant
cities, listening to incredibly brilliant professors, and
witnessing phenomenal musicianship, I believe education should
include more travel. Reading books and traveling to different
places to experience new things is education at it's best."
-Amanda Aubrey, Graduate Student 2009
"The one thing I have taken away from this trip is
probably a better appreciation for history. The entire trip was
full of such rich history. My favorite parts were the walking
tours of the Bogside in Free Derry, and the archeology of The
Orkney Islands. The emotions I have from the Bogside will never
leave me. The murals were so beautiful and learning the story
behind each one was even more of a treat. The Orkney Islands
had so much ancient history surrounding it. The Ring of
Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Broch of Gurness were such a great
sight for me."
-Jacob May, University of TN, Visiting Student,
2009