To understand how our economies work today, it is important to look at what happened in the past. And what better way to learn than by traveling to two of the historical birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution: England and Scotland.
Earlier this summer, eleven TWU students participated in an Economics travel study led by professors Dr. Tracy Stobbe and Dr. Liping Zhang. They had the opportunity to tour the places where some of the world’s most important and influential economic theories and patterns developed. The journey took them from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Birmingham and London, England.
"Traveling to England and Scotland for my study program was a transformative experience.
...Engaging with local culture deepened my understanding of societal dynamics and economic history."
History lessons come to life
"Traveling to England and Scotland for my study program was a transformative experience," business student Michael Zhou comments. "Visiting historical landmarks like Cambridge Castle and Edinburgh Castle brought history lessons to life, while engaging with local culture deepened my understanding of societal dynamics and economic history," Zhou adds.
"The immersive learning opportunities truly enriched my academic journey."
Learning in community
In addition to the memorable learning experiences, the travel study provided students with a chance to grow as a community of learners, as Zhou expresses, "The connections we built between students and professors are unforgettable. These bonds created a collaborative and supportive learning environment, enhancing both our educational and personal growth!"
Stepping back in time
In Edinburgh, Scotland students learned about the Scottish Enlightenment. They discussed the theories of major economic thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume while spending time in the locations where these economists lived and developed their ideas. At the University of Edinburgh, students examined rare copies of Adam Smith's books, such as first editions of The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
The Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh houses tributes to several influential figures within Scottish Literature, and this provided students with further perspective on the region’s economic history.
Milestones in industrial history
A trip to the world's first iron bridge in Telford, built in 1779 to cross the River Severn in Shropshire, England, enabled students to see a historical milestone of British industrial development. Participating in tile painting gave students a hands-on experience of old-style tile production, which was the occupation for many working women of the day.
Through visiting preserved textiles mills and workers' housing in England, students caught a glimpse of what life was like for the working class during the Industrial Revolution. The Birmingham Back to Backs are examples of workers’ housing from that era. Visiting the back-to-back buildings allowed students to better visualize the context within which the history and development of economics took place.
They also visited a schoolhouse at an old textiles mill where children would receive education while their parents worked in the mill.
Building from history into the future of economics
While in London, the class visited the Bank of England Museum, which provided a perspective on the history and the future of currency. Students got a chance to try lifting a real gold bar that is on display at the museum. Enjoying afternoon tea introduced students to a local cultural experience, while a walk near St Paul's Cathedral in London provided an encounter with religious life, and impressive artistic and architectural expression.
Memorable adventures
A trip to King’s College in Cambridge created a fitting context for a discussion of John Maynard Keynes' theory of macroeconomics. The class attended a service at King's College Chapel, the second largest chapel in the world. Other memorable adventures included punting in Cambridge, a leisurely way of travelling along the river on a flat boat. A couple of the students even tried out propelling the boat with a long pole as the class navigated the river together.
See also: TWU MBA students go on travel study to Thailand
About TWU Travel Studies
Travel studies allow students to be immersed in a different culture. TWU professors lead the courses, joined by guest speakers who provide a local perspective. For many students, participating in a travel study is one of the most memorable experiences of their entire major, if not a life-changing one. Learn more about Travel Studies at TWU.
About TWU's School of Business
As Canada’s premier Christian business school, we offer a rare blend of academic excellence and hands-on experience to prepare students to lead and inspire tomorrow’s world. Learn more at TWU's School of Business.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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