Belmont Hosts Immersive Summer Institute for Queen's University Belfast Students

Transformative three-week program fosters cultural understanding and academic growth

This June, Belmont University welcomed 32 students from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) for a transformative three-week summer institute. The Queen's Summer School program, a collaboration between Belmont's Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Education (ISGE) and QUB, marks a 10-year annual exchange that fosters cultural understanding and academic growth.

Nichole Ritchie, Belmont's program and partnerships specialist in ISGE, coordinated the yearly institute. "The QUB partnership lends itself to globalization of both campuses by providing a built-in pipeline of students who get to engage at a deep level with a Sister City," said Ritchie. She added that students get to observe the challenges and successes of both cities and what each has in common, returning home with a deeper cultural understanding and the knowledge and tools to strengthen their own communities.

Hands-on Learning and Exploring Nashville

During their stay in the United States, Belfast participants immersed themselves in a diverse curriculum that explored urban design, American social justice movements, healthcare, food access and data storytelling methods. The group toured various Nashville neighborhoods, gaining insight into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Sophie Crumlin, a QUB student majoring in Law with a Politics minor, reflected on her experience: "The summer institute has been a life-changing experience. Learning about the city from such passionate professors deepened my experiences outside of the classroom. Being given a context to the city made my time out of the classroom more culture-rich."

The three-week "Cities and Social Justice" course covers a wide range of topics, from the evolution of modern cities to civil rights, immigration, data storytelling and living a purpose-driven life. Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, associate director of Belmont Global Honors who teaches in the program, emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the course: "It's an interdisciplinary dream team comprised of faculty and staff from ISGE, the Belmont Data Collaborative, Office of the President, Dr. Jose Gonzalez and more who lead and teach the program."

Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on learning activities like designing their own cities, analyzing data, and creating websites. "One student remarked, 'I've never had so much fun with maps!'" Pethel said. "Students come in knowing very little about Nashville, and they leave knowing more about our city than probably 90% of people who actually live here."

Impactful Experiences and Cultural Exchange

One of the most impactful experiences of the institute was a choral performance hosted by Dr. Joe Fitzgerald, assistant director of curriculum & programs for the Belmont Data Collaborative, at his faith community, Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church. The event, titled "The Evolution of African American Singing 1619 - Present," took students on a profound journey through the history of African American music, showcasing its emotional resonance and cultural significance.

Crumlin shared her thoughts on this experience: "A real highlight for me was being able to attend the service at Ephesian Primitive Baptist church. Learning about the journey of African American music in such an impactful way is something I could never experience without this program. It helped further my understanding of the race issues throughout Nashville's history."

The program's academic rigor was complemented by moments of joy and connection, including sharing a home-cooked Southern meal with the Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church congregation.

Lasting Impact and Ongoing Partnerships

The program creates lasting impact. "Even as I posted pics from this year, students from last year's inaugural cohort reached out to reiterate that their time in Nashville changed the trajectory of their life," Pethel said. "I have no doubt this year's cohort will say the same. The collective experience is transformative for these international students and quite frankly for those of us who teach the program."

Caoimhe McGonigle, a QUB student who participated last year, reflected on the unexpected parallels between Nashville and her Northern Irish hometown, noting the kindness of strangers, the diversity of neighborhoods and the shared histories of resilience. "Thankful and grateful for having been presented with this amazing opportunity, attending this summer school has been one of the most important decisions I have ever made and surely one I will never forget," she said.

Crumlin echoed these sentiments: "Leaving Nashville, I have become a more confident person. I have gained an enriching education and have made life-long connections. I have gained knowledge that has broadened my understanding of the world and deepened my critical thinking going forward. I hope to bring my knowledge back to Belfast and spread the culture of Nashville to others, both in my personal life and academically."

Reciprocal Exchange and Future Opportunities

As part of the ongoing partnership, Belmont students are leaving this week for a reciprocal three-week exchange at QUB in Belfast, with Dr. Amy Hodges Hamilton as the accompanying faculty member. In Belfast, Belmont students will take part in one of four modules: STORY, IRISH STUDIES, IDENTITY & INTERGROUP RELATIONS IN DIVIDED SOCIETIES or LEADERSHIP.

While in Belfast, Belmont students will also participate in cultural opportunities, including work with Fighting Words (a youth-based writing program), a Troubles Walking Tour, trips to Derry and the Giant's Causeway, attending "Come From Away" at the Grand Opera House, and a private screening of the film "Belfast" with a Wave Trauma Centre Q&A.