Liza Newman's brilliant blue eyes dance when she speaks of her recent trip to Greece. To earn course credit in philosophy, Newman took part in Dyersburg State Community College's International Studies program which presented this course in Greece, "the birthplace of western philosophy." Newman was one of 32 students from colleges and universities throughout the state participating in the program. "I was there for 19 days. We would attend class for three hours each day and then often go on planned excursions." Newman's course curriculum included reading Sophocles and Greek mythology along with numerous articles on ethics and philosophy. While in Greece from May 11-30, the group traveled to Tolon, Delphi and Athens. "The scenery was so beautiful. I never imagined that it could have been like this," said Newman. "This whole college experience is so new and different for me," she continued. Newman learned of the study abroad opportunity while taking Spanish under DSCC Instructor Zaira Garcia. Garcia also serves as coordinator for DSCC's International Studies program. Dyersburg State is a part of the Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS) Summer Study Abroad Program. The TnCIS represents a group of Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) colleges and universities devoted to making international education and cultural understanding a central goal of higher education throughout the state of Tennessee. TnCIS was founded in 2006 to provide greater focus on the international needs of the state and to develop, support, and promote international exchanges of all types. In addition to Newman, three other DSCC students will take part in the program offered in Morelia, Mexico beginning July 24. When asked, Newman did say that she has been bitten by the travel bug and that she hopes to take part in the TnCIS's Mexico offering. Upon her graduation from DSCC, Newman hopes to continue her education at Tennessee State University and study dental hygiene.