Student’s Study Abroad Trip to UK Leads to Internship

When Luke Morris of Lexington, S.C., was deciding which university to attend after high school, one major draw that ultimately steered him toward the College of Charleston was the school’s abundance of study abroad opportunities.

Luke Morris

As a freshman, Morris spent a week studying abroad in the United Kingdom. Now a junior majoring in history at the College, he has returned to England, parlaying the trip into an internship with the Nottingham Forest Football Club.

During the internship, Morris, who plans to pursue a career in sports administration, is also taking courses at the University of Nottingham.

Bruce Fleming, director of experiential and residential programs, organizes the First Year Experience (FYE) Abroad programs, which enable freshmen to spend a week overseas.

“FYE Abroad allows first year students to enjoy the benefits of an international for-credit experience early in their tenure at the College, which can shape their major selection and future after receiving their degree,” says Fleming. “It’s a springboard to other opportunities.”

Morris’ first trip to the UK took place in 2013 as part of the UK Soccer Experience FYE Abroad trip.

EXPLORE: Learn more about other First-Year Abroad Experiences.

“The UK Soccer Experience in 2013 was one of the best weeks I have ever had,” says Morris. “I have been a soccer fan for a while and watched games on TV but being able to see three matches in the UK is an experience like no other. Aside from the soccer, getting to explore the cities of London, Nottingham and Manchester was really cool for me because I have always been fascinated by England.”

Morris’ internship is part of an effort to establish a more formal relationship between the College and the football club’s charitable trust, Nottingham Forest in the Community, which provides educational and physical activity programming to people of all ages.

Morris is working on a project tracking the history of Forest in the Community as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. “Our hope is to build a consistent program run cooperatively between the College and Nottingham Forest to bring soccer to the areas of Charleston where kids are more likely to become involved in crime and other anti-social activity,” he says.

WATCH: See a video about the UK soccer experience.

Having already gained experience working for the College’s Athletics Communications office, writing articles for The Post and Courier and completing a communications internship with the Charleston Battery Soccer Team, Morris says he is thrilled to be continuing his education while acquiring practical career skills.

“I would really like to work in sports in some capacity after I graduate, so this internship and the trip were a perfect fit to work towards that goal.”

EXPLORE: See if the College of Charleston is the right fit for you.