Harrogate, Tenn. - Three Lincoln Memorial University students have returned to campus after spending four months studying in England. Amantha Harmon of Bean Station, Tenn., and Nikki Johnson of Corryton, Tenn., are English majors at LMU. Deanna Massengale of LaFollette, Tenn. is majoring in History Education. They are the first of the University's students to participate in the Private College Consortium for International Studies (PCCIS) program.

LMU is one of 16 Appalachian universities, which make up the PCCIS program and is based at Carson Newman College. The program uses American and British professors to lead classes in a variety of subjects revolving around British life and culture. Each week, students and faculty participate in excursions that correlate to the life and culture lectures. The excursions allow the students to see various aspects of Britain.

During the four month term, the LMU students visited many locations including Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, Stonehenge, Dover and Canterbury. In addition to the formal excursions, the students had opportunities to participate in activities that took them all over Great Britain and to the Continent.

English student Deanna Massengale said, "During our orientation, we were told that this experience would be life changing, and it was. Not only did we get the opportunity to visit many places, but we also were able to meet people from other cultures and backgrounds. I also learned the value of what being American is really about. There were a number of times that we were the only representatives of the the typical' American, and it was up to our representation to give a good impression and to try to wash away the 'ugly American' stereotype. There was one instance when I was in a pub to get something to eat, and the girl that was serving me said I was one of the nicest Americans she had met because I was polite and friendly."

The far-reaching legacy of Abraham Lincoln was also felt as the students studied abroad. In London, Amantha, Nikki and Deanna found their way to the famous Lincoln statue in Parliament Square, where they were photographed under the President's image. The London statue is a full-size replica of the Augustus Saint Guadens' design in Chicago's Lincoln Park. LMU's Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum has a smaller replica of the work on public display.

The LMU students in the PCCIS program all received Berger Grants that paid for the majority of their expenses. Berger Grants are available for future students to study abroad, and there are a number of ways for students to receive financial assistance for the program. Students who are interested in the PCCIS program at LMU should contact Dr. Valerie Evans at vevans@lmunet.edu or by phone at 423-869-6267.

Denton Loving is the Director of Public Relations at LMU