Lauren Fenyes, the University of North Texas’ Special Learners in Oceania student blogger, writes: Greetings, my name is Lauren and I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to travel abroad to New Zealand and Australia with a faculty-led program through my college, the University of North Texas. I have been anticipating this program since the moment I first stumbled across the application last December.

During my time abroad, I will be studying under Professor Pamela Peak in a class titled “Special Topics: Special Learners.” The course revolves around different aspects of education for individuals with special needs. While most study abroad programs, and college classes in general, are lecture based, this program actually visits schools for students with special needs, observes how classes are conducted, and interacts with students and staff to gain a better understanding of how accommodations are made to ensure students’ success. In fact, it was this “hands-on” component that drew me to the course.

In addition to the experiential nature of the class, I am also looking forward to visiting the exotic lands of Australia and New Zealand! I never dreamed that I would be able to visit both of these culturally rich places in my lifetime. Camera in hand, I will soon be whisked away to the other side of the globe where I can expect to find new challenges around every corner.

I am tremendously excited to begin my studies with students with special abilities. The program is especially applicable to me, as I plan to continue working with individuals in special circumstances as a career in the future. Each moment in the schools and in discussion with my peers will create lasting memories that I will carry with me the rest of my life. Thank you for sharing the journey with me; we will be lifting off soon!