Howard Payne University sophomore Ashley Moon, a communication major from Waxahachie, was awarded a scholarship through the Consortium for Global Education (CGE) to study in London for the spring 2014 semester. Moon will participate in CAPA International Education’s London Program, earning college credit while studying in what the CGE calls “one of the most vibrant, exciting, culturally rich and cosmopolitan cities in the world.” Moon was also selected as CAPA’s official “vlogger” for the semester and received an additional scholarship to produce weekly video blogs about her experiences.

This will be Moon’s second time to study in London.

“Last year when I studied abroad, my main goal was to explore the city and to try new things,” she said. “My school work was light and I saw a lot of tourist attractions. This coming year will be much more challenging. All of my classes will be upper level communication courses. I will be working an internship, making weekly videos for CAPA International, writing articles for Howard Payne and living in a British home. I’m thrilled about the career opportunities and experience London offers.”

Jennifer McNiece, assistant professor of political science at HPU, serves as the university’s director of international study and academic travel.

“More and more students are taking advantage of the many opportunities HPU offers them to study in different cities around the world,” McNiece said. “We’re very grateful to organizations such as the CGE for helping to fund these opportunities.”

Moon said there is always something to do or explore in London.

“It’s a very exciting place, and I feel like there are endless possibilities there,” she said. “I’ve wanted to return to London since the day I got back to the states. It’s like my second home.”

Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, serves as CGE vice president.

“We’re very proud of Ashley and know the university will be represented very well in London next semester,” he said.

Photo cutline: Ashley Moon, a sophomore at HPU, will return to study in London, the city she considers her “second home.”