UT students were able to study abroad during the 2015–2016 academic year courtesy of a contribution by Dr Pepper to the Southeastern Conference. Nichole Stevens was one of the two recipients identified by UT for the corporate sponsorship.
“I strongly encourage students to get involved with programs abroad or consider going abroad,” said Stevens. “I think the experience is one no one ever regrets and it teaches you something you can only learn first-hand by being there.”
Dr Pepper Education Awards granted Stevens the funds to travel to London, where she participated in the Contemporary British Media course led by UT Professor Mark Harmon. Stevens was able to visit Parliament, view a live radio broadcast at BBC, and see the sights during her time overseas.
Stevens is a second-year master’s candidate in journalism. She also received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from UT. The trip to London was her second trip abroad through UT’s Programs Abroad office. During her senior year, Stevens traveled to Prague with Professor Sam Swam to participate in the Old World, New Media program.
Dr Pepper, a longtime SEC corporate sponsor, allotted $100,000 to the conference to provide study abroad opportunities for deserving SEC students with demonstrated financial need. Each SEC university selected two students to participate in a faculty-led program occurring during either the summer, fall, or spring terms. In addition to Stevens, biological sciences student William Burks was named as a recipient of the Dr Pepper Education Abroad award.