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Honors students selected for global seminar

Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011
Kendall Litton Jensen

Lauren Vinson (left) and Amanda Palmeira will study in Salzuburg May 29-June 5.

Two Seminole State College honors students are traveling to Austria this summer as part of the Salzburg Global Seminar's International Study Program.

Amanda Palmeira, 20, and Lauren Vinson, 19, will join scholars from across the United States to complete international projects and study what it means to be a "global citizen."

Palmeira, a sophomore from Winter Springs, says she is most looking forward to experiencing the European culture and expanding her knowledge of international affairs.

"I know a few people who have attended Salzburg in the past, and they've all told me what a great opportunity it is," Palmeira says. "I can't wait to take in the food, art, architecture and people for myself."

Vinson, a freshman from Prince George, Va., and a pitcher for Seminole State's fastpitch softball team, says she wants to learn more about the world around her and enrich her understanding of different ways of life.

"Being part of Seminole State's Honors Institute has opened my eyes and helped me realize that it's not all about me or my country," Vinson says. "I'm excited to travel abroad, discover others' points of view and break away from that self-focused mentality."

Palmeira and Vinson will study in Salzburg May 29-June 5 and earn three honors credits for their work. Dr. Debbie Socci, interim director of the College's Art & Phyllis Grindle Honors Institute, will accompany them.

This is the seventh year Seminole State has sent students to Salzburg. The cost of the trip — approximately $3,500 per student — is largely funded by donations from Art Grindle, a longtime Seminole State supporter and the namesake of the College's Art & Phyllis Grindle Honors Institute.

The Salzburg Global Seminar's International Study Program is designed to enhance students' global understanding and empower them with knowledge for resolving issues of global concern.

Seminole State's Art & Phyllis Grindle Honors Institute offers enrichment programs for academically talented students wishing to enhance their college experience. For more information, please visit the Honors Institute online.