Semester in Scotland
Geneva College offers a chance for students to encounter an intentional, caring environment—and one that isn′t limited to the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania. Our Semester in Scotland program is just one of many study abroad opportunities Geneva offers each semester that provides students a matchless experience.
Reverend Andrew Quigley, Director of the Semester in Scotland, visited campus recently to discuss the special opportunity his program offers students. The 15-credit program is in Airdrie, Scotland, provides a variety of theology and history courses, with weekly excursions to famous historical, scenic and cultural sites.
“It isn′t denominationally unique, either,” states Dr. Jonathan Watt, Chair of the Department of Bible, Christian Ministries and Philosophy. The program is enriching to those who have or don′t have a Reformed Presbyterian background.
Joshua Giesler ′13, who spent the fall 2011 semester in Scotland, agrees. “The program introduced me to a new culture, taught me church history, showed me a new community and allowed me to grow spiritually as I learned intellectually,” he says.
Joshua decided to go to seminary as a result of his experience, thereby following the same career as Rev. Quigley, who has worked as Minister of the Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, where the SIS classes are held, for 19 years.
As Rev. Quigley phrases it, he hopes to “put a word in the ear” of those who might be interested in a world-expanding semester abroad. The official website, SemesterInScotland.org, has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to further explain the experience.
Geneva′s Bible and Hebrew professor Dr. Byron Curtis also endorses the program. “The Semester in Scotland program is strong and people can benefit from it,” he states. “I do recommend it.”
In Dr. Curtis′ estimation, students are missing am important component of a complete education until they′ve been off the continent. A Semester in Scotland—amid castles, ancient cemeteries and the rich Reformed tradition—goes above and beyond this requirement.
-Adam Rowe ′14
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