Dr. Kearney's Parting Thoughts

As our Istanbul journey nears its conclusion, the students do course
and program evaluations. I thought I might offer my own general
assessments of these NC State students abroad. First of all, they have
been terrific representatives of their country and university. They
have worked productively in their internships and made friends of
their coworkers. They have applied their research and interpersonal
skills to best advantage and have left their employers wishing for
more. These students have coped with some early adversity in their
stay, they have suffered through noisy, hot nights without A/C in
their rooms, most have experienced intestinal problems, but all have
been unfailingly pleasant in their dealings with others (well, except
maybe with respect to certain individuals on the street in Sultanamet
who accost tourists).

Our students have demonstrated maturity beyond their years. Slackers?
Not a one. Chronically late? Not a one. Whiners? Not a one. What a
genuine pleasure it has been to work with these NC State students. I
am proud of all of them, as their parents and friends should be. My
wife and I thank them for helping make our own experience fun and
rewarding, and hope to stay in touch with them as they complete their
studies and transition to the next phase of their lives.

RCK