Jim Ramsey >>>>

The study abroad trip to England was the most educational and practical experience I have had since coming to OSU. The English attitude and traditions towards landscaping are really refreshing and something for all Americans to strive towards. The in-depth experience we got into the everyday culture of England was reason enough to go on this trip. We learned about the things we take for granted in the USA, such as the price of fuel and size of our houses and yards. This trip really opened my eyes to the incredibly different cultures that exist not only around the world, but in our own country. On top of all that I made so many new friends and experienced so many good times, I would strongly urge anyone interested in going to go because it is worth twice the price of the program.

<<<< Nate Ritchie

I found my study abroad experience to be exceptionally valuable. It provided me with academic knowledge and personal growth that I don't think I could have gained through domestic activities. I learned so much about the diversity and manipulation of the constructed landscape through direct interaction with talented professors and visitations to specific places. I found the college staff to be very delightful and entertaining, and each landscape we visited proved to be unique and exciting. After all the inspiration at the beginning of the trip, I found it very satisfying to be able to use what I had learned to take part in creating an actual constructed landscape. Being in a strange place really caused me to look deeper at the surrounding world. I feel lucky to have experienced a different culture and met people I could have never imagined. I was also able to gain a deeper appreciation for the comforts of home. Distance from people who ordinarily gave me support forced me to cope independently with situations I had never faced before and helped me to be come a stronger individual. What a true adventure!

Susan Tomlinson >>>>

England was an eye-opening experience for those of us studying landscape horticulture, agriculture construction, landscape architect, urban forestry, and everything else that led to the wonderful diversity of the OSU study abroad team. After the visit to England I have learned that the pool for imagination is enormous. The constructed landscape is much more a focal point in the average English residence, compared to being just a feature of a Midwestern United States home. England is not very large. In fact, nothing in England is very large, not even the roads, homes, gardens or cars. However, things are maintained well and growing conditions for plant materials are prime. In comparison, the United States of America was often spoken of as MASSIVE! Massive vehicles, massive yards, massive roads and massive houses. I do think we have a lot to be thankful for in this country and looking at it from the outside really gave me more appreciation for the USA. Along with the other students, I made a whole new handful of friends from Ohio State and those very kind people at Myerscough College. I learned that I have the chance to experience many good things in this world and God is always there with you. No longer should I fear something new or something different, but look at all the opportunities surrounding it.

<<<< Charlie Kirby

ItŐs very difficult to put an experience such as this into perspective in only a short paragraph or two; but I shall do my best. I categorize this adventure in respect to a few different viewpoints: one as a student, two as a friend, and three as a person in general. This trip was a growing experience. Spending a month and a half at Myerscough College as a student was spectacular. Learning different methods of design, implementation of a design (garden construction), visiting historical gardens, and learning about businesses in the green industry of Britain were all very important in shaping my knowledge. The instructors at the college were, in their own right, magnificent, caring not only that we learned but also that we were comfortable with every aspect of the process. As a friend and as a person I have discovered a lot about others and myself. A bonding process takes place among the people you have traveled with and also the acquaintances you make along the way. Every person has their own distinct personality, everyone has qualities that you may not see unless you spend enough time or experience certain situations with them. This has led me to try to track down those qualities as soon as I meet someone. If you talk to people and try to get to know them and to understand them upon first encounter, not only will you see them in a different light but you will also be perceived in a different light. My direct thoughts on the country of England are good. I will unquestionably return. The countryside is beautiful and the pace of life seems to be a little slower than that of the United States. Work is work and doesnŐt seem to get in the way of life. I know with myself I am sometimes so involved with my job that I do not take the time to see what is going on around me. In order to have a happy life we must take the time to enjoy it and England has helped me see that.