Imagine waking up in the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounded by old-growth forests, crisp mountain air, and the quiet hum of nature, all while earning college credit. These Study Away programs make that experience possible without leaving the country or spending a fortune.
The Department of Philosophy offers two immersive programs: Technology and (Human) Nature, a five-day summer course, and Exploring America’s Best Idea, an eight-day fall course that focuses on the cultural and ecological significance of America’s National Parks. Both programs combine hands-on learning, reflection, and adventure, giving students a chance to step outside the classroom (and away from their screens) while earning credit toward their degrees.
Why Study Away
“Study Away is about transformative experiences in places closer to home,” said Dr. Brooke Rudow, who leads both programs. “Traveling within the United States, especially to the Smokies, is often more affordable and manageable but just as meaningful as studying abroad. The week-long structure helps accommodate those with work or family responsibilities.”
Costs are reasonable. Flights from Orlando to nearby airports can be under $75. The programs are designed to maximize learning while remaining accessible.
A Week of Adventure and Learning
Each day includes guided hikes, field activities, nature journaling, and interactive seminars. Students explore ecological wonders like old-growth forests and Cades Cove while reflecting on how technology shapes human interaction with the natural world. Optional yoga and morning runs, communal meals, and nightly fire-circle discussions create opportunities for connection, reflection, and fun.
Students consistently report that unplugging from phones and digital distractions makes them more present, attentive, and connected, both to nature and each other. Collaborations with faculty and students from other universities add another layer of enrichment and lasting friendships.
“Being in nature shows students which technologies they truly need and which they rely on out of habit,” Rudow said. “It helps them consciously choose how they engage with technology and the world.”
Who Should Apply
The summer course is ideal for students interested in technology, nature, and experiential learning, and those who want an adventure-filled summer while earning humanities credit. The fall program is perfect for students seeking a condensed, immersive learning experience that includes service hours, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep dive into the history and ecology of America’s most visited national parks.
Highlights include guided hikes, nature journaling, personal reflection, group adventures encountering wildlife, and engaging speakers such as the popular “Bear Guy,” an entertaining black bear expert. Students leave not only earning credit but developing personal confidence, lasting memories, friendships, and more intentional relationships with their environments.
Program Details
- Technology and Human Nature (Summer Term A 2026): May 11–15, $615, includes lodging, meals, and activities. Application deadline is March 28.
- Exploring America’s Best Idea (Fall 2026): August 3–10, $878, includes lodging, meals, activities, and service-learning hours. Application deadline is April 10.
Applications are open now, but spots are limited: the summer course deadline is March 28 (apply here), and the fall course deadline is April 10 (apply here).
“Students leave these programs with a deeper appreciation for the environment, the role of technology in our lives, and the power of immersive learning,” Rudow said.