Midland University Students Enjoy Taste of France as Part of Study Away Trip
Midland University students got a glimpse into the history, culture, scenery, and food of France during a May trip overseas.
As part of the Dr. Leo H. Kirchoff Study Away Program, 19 students and two faculty members spent a week in France in late May, immersing themselves in European life, culture, and dining experiences. Students received three credit hours through the program.
“I know for many of our students this was their first time out of the country, so we are very thankful that Midland allows us the opportunity to do this, because this isn’t something every school offers,” said Dr. Emmy Smith, Assistant Professor of Human Performance. “We couldn’t have had a better trip, and I was blessed to be a part of it.”
Smith served as one of the faculty sponsors for the trip, along with Erik Hoegemeyer, Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Economics.
The weeklong trip, themed “Taste of France,” was packed with visits to places like Paris and the surrounding areas. The group visited the Eiffel Tower, a goat cheese farm, two wineries, a cider farm, mushroom caves, salt marshes, and cooking classes during the week.
“We visited a winery that had been in the same family since 1580, and we also visited a much larger winery, so it was great to see the two different processes,” Smith said. “We got to see all the goats and watch the process of goat cheese being made, as well as see all the steps it takes to grow mushrooms.
“One of the most amazing things we saw was the salt production at the salt marshes. We witnessed how they pulled the salt in from the ocean and produced so many different types of salt.”
Among those students making their initial trip overseas was Karl Grafelman, a junior from Omaha. He said the excursion exceeded all expectations.
“It was even more amazing than I expected it to be,” he said. “I really enjoyed seeing all of the countless landmarks and amazing works of architecture in Paris, as well as the beautiful French countryside.”
Smith spent nearly a decade overseas while her husband was playing in professional basketball leagues. She was grateful that students got to experience a small taste of what life is like in other places.
“I had been to France before, but never experienced it like this,” she said. “I always tell my students to see the world and travel, especially while you’re young. It’s a chance to meet new people, experience new things, and discover and learn.”
Making the trip even more memorable for her was seeing students not only learn about a new culture but also learn more about each other.
“I think the biggest takeaway for me was seeing how they all became friends,” she said. “They weren’t glued to iPads or their phones; they were out doing things. Even on our last night there, they all made sure they went together as a group to get a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower while it was lit up. Everyone came from their own world, but they connected through this experience.”
Grafelman would encourage students to take advantage of travel opportunities as they arise. “I think they should embrace traveling,” he said. “It was a great experience and opportunity to learn about a different culture and language, while having a great time with your peers.”
Midland has three Study Away trips scheduled for 2027. Excursions are planned for Japan (Health, Culture, and Society), Ireland (Tourism Marketing), and New York City (Development of American Finance). Each trip is limited to a maximum of 20 students. Visit the Study Away Program page for cost and more information on each trip.
