In May 2024, Clemson students will travel to London, Paris and Normandy to revisit the journey of the American soldiers who fought in World War II while commemorating the 80-year anniversary of D-Day. This trip, which has been recurring every summer since 2010, is open to current Clemson students who want to experience and learn about the history behind D-Day and travel to various places across the world.
Both Eric Touya de Marenne, a French professor, and retired Air Force Col. Lance Young, a retired professor of aerospace studies and business at Clemson, collaborate to lead the group of students abroad each year to bring awareness to D-Day and its historical impacts on the world.
“Students are able to complete their global challenge requirement while traveling to these places, which allows for students to immerse themselves in a new environment, rather than taking a course on-campus at Clemson for a semester,” Dr. Eric Touya de Marenne told The Tiger.
From May 14-24, the study abroad course invites current Clemson students to come along and gain knowledge in the history of the experience internationally during a significant period of the 20th century.
Students are eligible to sign up for the trip starting on Sept. 18.
“I have always been interested in WWII history, and what better way to study the subject than to visit the beaches of Normandy! We visited many famous sights in France such as the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Mont Saint-Michel, Notre Dame as well as several lesser-known spots,” Trevor Ulman, an electrical engineering alumnus of Clemson, said. “Dr. Touya and Col. Young’s experience with the area truly makes the trip unlike any other. Being with them allows you to see more sights than an inexperienced traveler could see in a month or longer.”
In addition to these locations, Clemson students visit the tombs of Clemson alumni who fought and died in Normandy. They pay homage to Clemson veterans at St. James Cemetery in Brittany, France, and Coleville-sur-Mer at Omaha Beach in Normandy. Students also meet with and visit the homes of local people who witnessed D-Day.
“The format of the trip is not a formal classroom – instead, the tour of France is one big informal classroom all lumped together. You will see firsthand the Eiffel Tower and continue learning while passing the French countryside on your way to other locations. You will experience the most amazing and historical artworks in the Louvre as well as the most moving time passing through the American Cemetery at Normandy, overlooking Omaha Beach,” said Cody Whitlock, a civil engineering alumnus.
There will be an in-person information session to discuss details of this year’s trip, which will take place on Sept. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Students can come to ask questions and also learn more information by visiting the following website: https://cody92.wixsite.com/clemsonparisnormandy
