University students and faculty show off in front of the remains of the Delphic Temple to Apollo. From left, Joey Elliot, a history major; Verica Elliot, assistant director of model united nations; Alina Dolzhenko, a political science major; Dr. Kazem Mahdavi, professor of computer science; Dr. R. Stephen Krebbs, professor of philosophy; Hayley Brookshire, undeclared; Michael Keese, a history major; Kelsi Adams, an English major; Alyssa Dorman, a business administration graduate student; and Kenisha Schuster, a political science major. Travelers not pictured include Jessica Bryant, Michael Mast, James McCarney, and Kathryn Kimbos.
Thoughts of college students on spring break usually are associated with wild parties and alcohol, not with students traveling to a foreign nation on an educational trip.
A total of 44 students and members of the Tyler community traveled to Turkey over spring break with Dr. Manoucher “Dr. K” Khosrowshahi from Tyler Junior College and Dr. R. Steven Krebbs from the University.
The trip was just one of what is expected to be many more international excursions, designed to enlighten and educate students about life in other counties.
Hayley Brookshire in a regional head-dressing commonly worn in Turkey.
TJC’s Dr. Khosrowshahi started the travel study program to Turkey after visiting his parent’s in 1990 and being amazed by the culture and the people.
In 1996, he received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to take educators from across the nation on a five-week trip to Turkey.
Dr. Khosrowshahi began taking students to Turkey in 1997.
“Students who travel to Turkey return with a changed perspective about the Turkish Muslim culture,” he said.
The education trip featured stops in diverse locations Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Didyma, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Konya and Cappadocia before returning to Istanbul.
One of the highlights was a trip to Selçuk University in Konya, Dr. Khosrowshahi said. “Selçuk University is one of the largest Universities in Turkey with approximately 80,000 students,” he said.
Dr. Krebbs traveled to Turkey with Khosrowshahi for the first time in 1996. Inspired by what he learned during the journey, he decided to help the University launch its own international travel program, Global Awareness Through Education (GATE).
From left, Tyler Junior College Dr. L. Michael Metke and University President Dr. Rodney Mabry in front of the remains of Kaymakli underground city in Cappadocia.
“This (spring break) trip was part of the foundation of the GATE program at the University. The plan is to launch it this fall,” Dr. Krebbs said. “Incoming freshmen will have the option to take two years of courses that focus on globalization.
The summer after their sophomore year, students will have the opportunity to travel to Japan, China, Italy, France, or England,” Dr. Krebbs said.
GATE is designed to increase students’ knowledge of foreign cultures, as well as shape their understanding, sensitivity and respect, according to a program brochure highlighting the benefits.
“Turkey is not first in mind as a destination location for students. Most people don’t understand Turkish people or the culture. The seven Christian churches referenced in the book of Revelations are located in Turkey,” Dr. Krebbs said.
Dr. Khosrowshahi said the trips enlighten students about cultural differences. “Before the trip there are concerns about safety and the possibility of terrorism.
“When they return, students have a different view about Muslims and the Turkish people. Students tell me, ‘It was a life changing experience,’” he said. When traveling to foreign cultures both Dr. Khosrowshahi and Dr. Krebbs said students should go with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Dr. Khosrowshahi always encourages participants to be respectful and use common sense. Dr. Krebbs recommends earning basic terms in the native language.
The spring break trip to Turkey included University President Rodney Mabry, TJC President L. Michael Metke and their spouses, plus 14 students from the University and 12 from TJC.
The travel group also included students from Johnson County Community College of Overland Park, Kan.
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