Belmont University and Queen's University Belfast (QUB) have come together to form a collaborative summer institute, which was hosted by Belmont from June 3-23. This is part of an ongoing partnership between the two universities and marks the beginning of an annual exchange of students.
The institute is facilitated by Belmont’s Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education program. Approximately 25 students from QUB joined us on campus for this three-week program of education and cultural exchange.
During their stay on campus, participants lived in a residence hall and during classes, explored topics such as urban design and American social justice movements, healthcare and food access in Nashville, data storytelling methods and more. The group took part in tours of Jefferson Street, Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood and Nolensville Pike to gain insight into Nashville's culture using nashvillesites.org.
“We have enjoyed a partnership with QUB since 2016, including joint teaching and research opportunities,” said Provost Dr. David Gregory, who hosted the Queen’s students for a dinner at his home. “This is an exciting new facet of our partnership, and I look forward to the ongoing learning opportunities available to Belmont and QUB students with this annual summer institute.”
Student Eimear Reavey said, “I think it has been so interesting to see a whole other side of Nashville, apart from all the glitz and glamor and commercialized downtown. It’s been really interesting to see the depths of Nashville and all the different sides – there’s so much beyond that, and it’s been nice to actually speak to locals, especially when we went on the Jefferson Street tour….It’s been a real eye-opener because before I came here, I didn’t know anything about the history or the culture, now, I don’t know how I could have been so blinded to the fact that there’s so much more than just downtown Broadway.”
“It's good to get an insight into different parts of Nashville, the outskirts in Nashville and the more rural towns and how certain aspects of today's climate has affected them and their healthcare, and you know, the hypertension issue that Nashville faces,” added student Alex McKnight. “It's good to get a data aspect.”
ISGE Program and Partnership Specialist Nichole Ritchie, who worked with QUB staff to plan the inaugural institute, said the opportunity to work with faculty across the university to deliver innovative opportunities to the QUB students was wonderful. “ For many of these students, it was the first time they had ever left Northern Ireland. Being able to see the impact international travel has on students is profound.”
Catherine E. Bass, Director of the Belmont Data Collaborative and Assistant Professor of Business Systems and Analytics, said the students were a “delight” to work with. “They were engaged, asked questions, did homework and reflective writing,” she said. “One of the best parts about this program is hearing the perspective the students brought from their countries of origin. Having an international perspective enriched what they were learning about and provided additional context for the Belmont faculty to consider. Spending three weeks with these students was an incredible experience.”
A highlight cited by many of the students and the participating faculty was a unique choral experience hosted by Dr. Joe Fitzgerald, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Programs for the Belmont Data Collaborative, at his faith community Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church, where he and the choir presented “The Evolution of African American Singing 1619 - 2023” before hosting dinner for all participants.
“My favorite experience was going to the African-American church and when they sang for us,” student Sarah Mullan said. “It was really cool to hear that because I've never really heard African American music, like gospel music, before.”
“It just felt so moving,” student Caoimhe Tracey added. “It was an experience that I've never had before.”
“It's something that we'd never get to experience in church back home,” student Kieva Hosler said. “It is definitely not as fun as that would be, and it definitely made us all want to go back.”
“Our amazing Belmont team created an extraordinary learning experience for the Queen’s University Belfast students,” said Assistant Provost for Academic Excellence Dr. Jim McIntyre. “From learning deeply about Nashville, analyzing data, sharpening their digital storytelling skills, to reflecting on their own purpose and values, it was an immersive, enlightening, and immensely enjoyable three weeks for our Belfast Bruins!”
“The highlight of the trip's just seeing Nashville and Belmont itself,” Student Dearbhail Mary Thompson concluded. “It’s such a different country compared to our country. Everybody here is really friendly. The highlight has been meeting the people.”
Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr. Jose Gonzalez gave the students a tour of eateries in South Nashville and a perspective on the immigrant and refugee population.
"Before I came here, I didn’t know anything about the history or the culture, now, I don’t know how I could have been so blinded to the fact that there’s so much more than just downtown Broadway.”
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