Matthews, N.C.----My name is Kelly Adams and I am a rising senior on the women’s soccer team at Wingate University. In May, my teammate Casey King and I traveled to France with approximately 20 other students as part of the W’International program Wingate offers. We visited Paris first and went on many tours of different churches, castles and museums.

The first day we got to Paris, we visited the Eiffel Tower. I knew it was big, but I didn’t think that it was going to be that big. I was so amazed. We were able to go to the very top of the tower and see all of Paris. It was such a beautiful view. After the Eiffel Tower, we went on a boat tour of Paris along the Seine River. We were able to see the main attractions of Paris along the river.

The next stop was one of my favorite experiences. We were able to go into the Notre Dame. It was by far the prettiest church that I have ever seen. Afterwards, we went to the Louvre and saw the Mona Lisa and all the other historical pieces of art. Following the Louvre, we went to many art museums and castles.

On one of our tours, we were able to see the famous statue called “The Thinker.” This is also where we saw Daniel Craig, the newest James Bond. I am not sure what was more exciting…seeing “The Thinker” or James Bond.

On our last day in Paris, we went to Versailles and took a tour in the biggest castle I have ever seen. There were so many people…it is such a beautiful place. Everything seems to be made of gold.

Paris really opened my eyes to try new things. I never thought I would ever eat escargot, but I tried it and actually loved it. I also tried different pastries, an 18-inch hotdog and rabbit! We cannot forget the crepes…crepes with nutella to be exact!

After Paris, we ventured through the countryside of France…this was my favorite part of the trip. Dr. (Wayne) Tarrant knew some people (the Bernard family) who own a vineyard. They were nice enough to let us stay in their chateau. We went on a tour of their gardens and the vineyard and found out how wine is made. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the trip, mainly because the Bernard family is one of the nicest families I have ever met. In addition, they prepared some of the best food I have ever eaten.

I would have to say my trip to France was one of the best experiences of my life. I had such a good time. I met some great people and had two outstanding leaders. I learned so much about a new culture, tried new things and went to a different country with my two best friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better time! I would absolutely recommend everyone take the opportunity to go on the W’International trip!

WINGATE UNIVERSITY’S W’INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

Each year, eligible students in their junior year of study are offered an opportunity to spend 10 days abroad with a Wingate faculty member after a semester of study related to the relevant destination. The W’International program, created in 1978, makes a study-abroad experience available to students at little extra expense beyond the semester’s tuition charge.

Since the program’s inception, students have traveled to more than 30 countries in virtually every corner of the globe. Typically, eligible students may choose one of six different destinations. W’International trips either leave after Christmas each year, or after Commencement in May.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with more than 2,300 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 32 undergraduate majors, 36 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, physician assistant studies and sports administration and doctorates in pharmacy and education.

Wingate students gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community service opportunities for a complete educational experience.

Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past five years.

Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 39 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 48 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.