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Two members of Andalusia High School’s Class of 2021 traveled this summer to the University of Cambridge in England as the recipients of International Study Fellowships, sponsored by the Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation.

Rosemary Bass and Ada Short were this year’s recipients and attended Cambridge’s International Study Program, participating in for-credit courses living on the campus. The two students also attended lectures by some of the university’s most prestigious academic professors and experts in their areas of study. The academic experiences were complemented by evening social events and weekend excursions to historical and cultural sites across England. The pair also made time for a weekend trip to Paris.

The AHSSF’s International Study Program began in 2008. The initial leadership and financial support for the program was provided by the late Murray Findley, AHS Class of 1948, who is also a founding trustee of the foundation.

Bass is completing a senior internship this fall with plans to graduate from the University of Alabama in December with a degree in Elementary Education. Short is a senior at Auburn University pursuing a degree in Accounting.

Both students maintained a journal of their experiences at Cambridge.

“Week one was full of so many new and exciting experiences and classes,” Bass said. “Ada and I both took ‘Castles, Palaces and Houses of British Monarchs’ in the mornings, and I took ‘Social Media’s Global Challenge’ in the afternoons. We both particularly loved the class about the residences of the British Royal Family; our instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and insightful. We also discovered one of our favorite places during our stay in Cambridge: the Fitzwilliam Museum, with its impressive exhibits featuring everything from oil paintings to sculptures to pottery, including a special display of works by Monet. Another must-do activity in Cambridge is punting. Tour guides take you down the River Cam on a gondola, offering unmatched views of the beautiful, historic campus and sharing about its rich history.”

Short said she learned something new each day through the courses and lectures.

“I took a variety of classes ranging in subject from ‘The Art and Architecture of France’ to ‘Understanding European Union Politics.’ Each course was very diverse in content and offered the opportunity to branch out from the usual business courses I am accustomed to attending at Auburn University. In addition to our two classes per week, we had the opportunity to attend up to three plenary lectures each day. These hourlong talks were even more varied than the course load, including a host of subjects, such as neuroscience and music. Each and every day brought with it new knowledge and more experiences than I can count.”

Both girls highlighted their trip to Paris, which occurred just prior to the Summer Olympics.

“Although we had only about 48 hours in Paris, we loved the city and took full advantage of every moment,” Short said. “Throughout the weekend, we visited Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and nearly all the other “must-see” Paris landmarks, experiencing authentic French food and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.”

They also found a lot to enjoy during their weekend adventure to London.

“We marveled at Big Ben, explored Westminster Abbey, toured Kensington Palace, and wandered through Borough Market, where we found the famous chocolate-covered strawberries. The strawberries were amazing, but Westminster Abbey was absolutely beautiful and my favorite part of the weekend, for sure. No picture or video you might see on television could ever do it justice. We also strolled through Hyde Park and visited the Tower of London. A highlight was enjoying a traditional afternoon tea,” Bass said.

Both students expressed their appreciation to the AHSSF for providing them the opportunity to study at Cambridge University.

“I am profoundly grateful to the Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation, as well as the Dixon Foundation, for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bass said. “Additionally, I am thankful to be from Andalusia, where our community’s support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey. The values and sense of community instilled in me by our small town have given me the confidence to embrace new experiences and challenges. The memories and insights I have gained on this trip and in these courses will stay with me forever.”

“Since returning home, I have continued to reflect on the four weeks and am filled with gratitude for every moment. I would like to thank the board once again for their generosity in allowing me this incredible opportunity as I know I will treasure these experiences for a lifetime,” Short said.