On July 2, BHS Alum Summer Shelton will be defending her dissertation and preparing to begin her career as a Professor of Advertising at Idaho State University.  While there, she hopes to create a study abroad program so her students can have some of the experiences she has been afforded while serving as a graduate assistant for the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communication.

 

Shelton has been a part of the travel abroad program at University of Florida for the past two years. As a graduate assistant, she helps recruit students to part in the program, secure financial aid, and get students ready for their trips.  

 

While traveling, she also helps manage the students during excursions, along with three other graduate assistants and seven faculty members.  Participating students take classes in Advertising, Public Relations, Telecommunications and Journalism while seeing sites around the world.  Last summer, the group spent a month in Italy. This year, they went “down under” and visited Australia and Cairns.

 

The group landed in Australia on May 8, after a 23-hour flight.  They toured the iconic Sydney Opera House, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoyed a boat tour of the Harbour.  While learning about how Australia’s finest wool is harvested and used, they witnessed sheep shearing at Tobruck sheep farms.  They also got to participate in a boomerang and whip demonstration while there.

 

Australia’s version of the Grand Canyon is called Blue Mountains National Park.  The University of Florida group, including Shelton, spent an entire day exploring the park, marveling at its natural beauty.  Her favorite excursion, however, involved something a little more lively than the scenery at Blue Mountains.

 

“We visited Featherdale Wildlife Park and were able to feed the kangaroos and wallabys, see a dingo, wombat, Tasmanian devil and all sorts of other exotic creatures native to Australia,” she said.  

 

Because our summer is Australia’s winter, May was a bit cool for the group.  After three weeks, they flew north to Cairns for a week and were able to enjoy warmer temperatures and beach life.  While in Cairns, they had the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive at The Great Barrier Reef.

 

“The reef was full of tropical fish and coral,” said Shelton.  “It was truly an unforgettable experience.”

 

Reflecting on her Australian experience, Shelton would highly recommend the destination for those who are apprehensive about traveling.

 

“It has many modern comforts of home like Starbucks, wi-fi, and English-speaking natives,” she said. “The people there are very welcoming and a short drive allows you to experience some of the most beautiful sight you’ll ever see.”

 

Shelton starts her position in Idaho in August and looks forward to sharing her global experiences while she begins her new life in the Gem State.