University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students had the chance to explore options to study abroad during the VolsAbroad Fair on January 28 in the student union.
Faculty shared benefits and opportunities while students shared concerns and interests.
Shannon Scoval, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Media, promoted her program Sports Communication in the UK. Schoval provided a unique perspective for students, having received her master’s in Sports Communication in Scotland.
“Being immersed in that new culture was so good for me academically, developmentally, and professionally.” Scoval said. She also shared how her experience allowed her to challenge the way she thought about the world and encourages students to accept that challenge.
Assistant Professor in the School of Advertising and Public Relations, Dr. Christina Najera, was at the fair to represent the program Advertising in Rome. Najera said the experience is like no other because “you’re representing your university, your college, and your school.”
Feeling connected to the Volunteer Spirit abroad offers a new perspective, Najera said. “You know that there is a faculty member with expertise there for you.”
F
or Public Health sophomore Chloe Pleasants, going abroad provides, “a unique experience you can’t get on campus.” She visited the fair to explore the different opportunities.
Robert Bucci, Lorenzo De ’Medici representative, believes studying abroad opens the eyes of a student in a way that a college campus cannot. “Your eyes are going to be open, and the veil is going to be taken off,” he said.
Lorenzo De ‘Medici is an international institute in Italy where UT students can directly enroll for a semester with credits transferring back to UT upon completion. Bucci believes, “Whether it is a theoretical course or a more practical course, there’s a type of experiential aspect” to all courses offered through Lorenzo De ‘Medici.
Another third-party affiliate of UT is the Semester at Sea program. Semester at Sea representative Amanda Lockett and UT senior Gillian Sharpe gave insight into what a Semester at Sea experience was like. Sharpe shared her experience that wrapped up May 2025. Both Sharpeand Lockett expressed how their perspectives on certain countries were flipped by experience.
The fair also provided studentswith a chance to alleviate concerns. Kathrine Synder, a Public Relations Junior, expressed some initial reservations to studying abroad with concerns about safety and expenses. After seeing scholarship opportunities offered and lively faces assuring there will be multiple points of contact within each country and program, a weight was lifted off her shoulders.
Whether you are looking for a mini-term, semester, or year-long program abroad, UT has plenty of options. If you are interested in further exploring your options, visit the Programs Abroad Office in the Academic Resources Building on the Hill or visit https://programsabroad.utk.edu/.
By Eberle Mayes