History tour helps students learn about themselves
Jemma Galindo
Bachelor of Arts student
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
Matthew Robinson (left) and Gavin Bowyer (right) at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France. Credit: Jemma Galindo.
The Avondale students who travelled to France to better understand history have returned with a better understanding of themselves and their classmates.
The Modern History Tour unit sees students studying modern history in first semester and then touring the sites of that history in second semester.
This year’s tour began in Paris, but the students found the Somme Valley, site of the Western Front in World War I, most affective. Marketing major Matthew Robinson reflects on the “chilling reality that hits you when you imagine what it would have been like back in the day.” Bianka Costigan says the experience will help her teach with more integrity. “I feel more authentic.”
Tour leader and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Theology Associate Professor Daniel Reynaud speaks highly of how the students “engaged with both the history and the culture of where we’ve been.” Bringing history to life, particularly history that has been the subject of your study, “makes it all so real and easy to comprehend,” says English major Kyria Mansfield.
The tour also taught the students about travelling. The most highly rated tip: pack lightly. Teaching student Cherie Stocker: “Bring a boyfriend if you want to go shopping and put all the stuff in his bags.” Tip two. Il faut apprendre autant que possible sur la langue et la culture avant que vous alliez. Translation: learn the language. However, it is hard to top James Dawson’s tip: “Get on the plane when it leaves. That generally gets you to the places you want to go.”
Liselle Pullen, program manager at Academy Travel, accompanied the staff members and students on the tour. Their enthusiasm and sense of unity impressed her. “You’ve got a brilliant community going,” she says. “You’re all very supportive.” “I’ve had classes with some students for years but didn’t really speak to them,” says modern history major Amelia Qiosese. “Now I feel they’re lifelong friends.”
Tags: Faculty of Arts and Theology, School of Humanities and Creative Arts