Normandy Scholar Program on World War II

The Normandy Scholar Program's (NSP) academic focus is the Second World War. While a strong interest in the origins of the War and its multiple aspects is a prerequisite, the Program is in fact much more. According to its alumni, it is also a life-enhancing experience.

The NSP brings together each spring semester about 20 students from different backgrounds and different majors who take the same courses, share the same challenges, travel together in May with the NSP faculty, and form a community of friends whose bonds last a lifetime. Beyond the study of history, the readings, the papers assigned, the guest lectures, the film showings, the meetings with WWII combatants and Holocaust survivors, and the opportunity to visit WWII sites in Europe, perhaps the most striking feature of the program is the personal development and intellectual growth it fosters.

Students who meet the program requirements and are looking for an extraordinary educational experience are invited to inquire and apply.

Testimonials from the Class of 2009

"This has been one of the greatest experiences of my college career. Everyday I was challenged in a new way to react to some aspect of the war, be it atrocity or sheer humanity. That's really the best part of the program—that it makes you react—to take some kind of moral, ethical, or situational stance on the most dire of subjects. Learning about one phenomenon from four different perspectives is easily one of the most holistic academic experiences UT has to offer, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone interested in a challenge."
— Hal Hlavinka, English major

"The friendships and experiences this trip and program have given me will last a lifetime, especially the Omaha Beach/American Cemetery ceremony."
— Michael Redding, Plan II and History major

"For me, the NSP has established a strong foundation of modern Western culture and history. It not only encouraged excellence in scholarship, but also cooperation and friendship, which continues to be so important amidst globalization. I would highly recommend the NSP to anyone seeking to understand the historical context that continues to shape the world today."
— Eunki Hong, Biology and History major

"NSP has been my most fulfilling experience at UT. Unlike most other classes, the material we covered was not only academically interesting, but also personally moving."
— Dane Miller, Plan II and Government major

"This has been incredible...Never has history been so real and important to me. Thank you all."
— Anna Harris, Religious Studies major

"I don't think I will ever have a better travel memory than climbing through bunkers and shell holes at Pointe du Hoc. I have greatly enjoyed the community that developed during the semester and during our trip. This has been my favorite semester in college. It is hard to believe that our adventure together is coming to an end.... Thank you for putting together the Normandy Scholars Program.... I feel sorry for future years who will not be able to learn from Professor Cauvin. The program will miss him.... Thank you for organizing this and enduring our antics. This has been an experience that I will never forget."
— Katherine Jordan, Plan II and History major

Testimonials from the Class of 2008

"I wanted to thank you so much for this past semester and month abroad in the Normandy program. I have nothing but positive things to say and I know it was probably a nightmare to coordinate, but it was well worth it. I can't explain how rewarding this past semester has been, not limited to academics. I know I'm not alone in saying how valuable and amazing the overall experience was. The whole student group became so close to each other and the professors, so leaving was very hard. I'm looking forward to our reunions in the fall so I hope to see you there!" (Written specifically to NSP director.)
— Andrew Cross, Electrical Engineering and Plan II major

"I heard many great things about this program before it started, but it is impossible to believe what an experience NSP is until the end. I have made some of my closest friends this semester with a different, unique group of individuals you cannot find just taking normal courses at UT. The opportunity to learn, debate, and travel with such a close group of peers and respected professors is worth all the work. The new perspectives and understanding of WW II helped me to better grasp the world around me. Thanks for everything!"
— Garrick Smith, History and Government major

"I loved our itinerary and am glad I had the opportunity to visit so many historical places. Having the professors with us was 75% of what made the trip. They were there to fill in my many knowledge gaps that made Europe so much better. I really had the best time. Everything we visited was relevant and awesome! Can I apply again for next year?
— Jamie Brod, Government major

"This has been the greatest experience of all my 35 years. I have 25 new friends and countless stories. Programs like the NSP (if there are any) are why I came to the University of Texas. Thank you professors--Hook 'em!"
— Chris Corbitt, History major

"Best experience of my college career! The classes, people, and professors are some of the best I've encountered at UT. I'd strongly recommend this program to anyone."
— Kristin Schneider, Plan II and Human Biology major

"Thanks for my best semester at UT! I learned so much and enjoyed every second (even staying up all night writing papers!)."
— Alyshia Ledlie, History major

"The greatest thing about this program is its scope. You never stop learning, both about the history and about yourself."
— Chris Connolly, Human biology (pre-med) major

"Thanks for the most amazing semester I've had at UT."
— Chandra Srivastava, History and Economics major

"I loved the freedom we had to explore on our own, but it was great being with the professors because if offered another level of knowledge. Walking along Omaha and visiting the Normandy coast truly brought history to life. I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of the program this semester. The trip (and the program) has definitely inspired me to think about the world around me and feel more secure about my place in it. Studying WW II really came to life in Europe. I'm going to miss NSP!
— Elena Dufner, Plan II major

"This was an amazing program! It was the most challenging semester at UT, but easily the most rewarding. I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
— Lauren Conner, History major

"I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in this program. Every single day was filled with amazing experiences. I feel that I have learned so much and gained new appreciations. Without a doubt, the best experience of my college career and something I will remember my entire life. The greatest professors and community that anyone could ever want.
— Lauryn Radice, History and Plan II Honors major

Testimonials from the Class of 2007

"The Normandy Scholar Program has been an amazing, life-changing experience. I spent a semester getting to know 19 of the best students and 5 of the best professors that UT has to offer. Moreover, I got to know myself better and realize what potential I truly hold. The trip to Europe was the perfect culmination to the program. I doubt anyone can find a better program at UT Austin. It was truly the high point of my college career."
— Nathan McCray, History major

"Traveling through Europe with the world's greatest professors was a truly amazing experience. It was the most challenging semester of my college career, and also the most fun. Thank you for organizing a great program."
— Aaron Goldfarb, History/Economics major

"The most amazing experiences that I had in NSP were meeting unbelievably great people who touched me deeply; French resistance women, a D-Day invasion soldier, Holocaust survivors, not to mention, five wonderful professors, 19 students, and NSP administrators."
— Jiyeon Choi, Physics/Pre-law major

"Wonderful trip, great professors, an amazing experience."
— Mary Katherine Vigness, History/Theater & Dance major

"NSP has been the most rewarding component of my academic career. The subject matter was sometimes awesome, sometimes sad and sometimes romantic; but it was always intriguing. The professors in Normandy have been among the best professors I have ever had and they are even better friends. The wonderful trip across European war sites is but a bonus of everything the program has given me."
— Eduardo Gardea, Government major

"Great trip! A great culmination to all we studied. Had a great time with the masks coming off."
— Normandy Scholar 2007

"Great trip, had the time of my college career. You've added an incredible component to our WWII instruction."
— Normandy Scholar 2007

"This has been a very enjoyable experience. Every professor and student came together to make it a true college highlight. My only complaint was it was too short. Au revoir."
— Normandy Scholar 2007

"I had a terrific experience on the trip. Thank you so much for organizing a fantastic program."
— Normandy Scholar 2007

Testimonials from the Class of 2006

"I knew this program would be special and rewarding when I applied. I never imagined how life-changing it would be. I interacted with twenty incredible people and five great professors on a daily basis.... The classes I took through the program were some of the most challenging of my life. They were also the most rewarding. It was great to have in-depth discussions about such historically significant events."
— Kelli Benham, Government/Economics major

"This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Seeing the actual sites in Europe brings the war alive and makes it seem more real. I have a substantially greater appreciation for the overall war effort as well as for the individuals who fought.... I absolutely loved the program and will always cherish NSP.... The program and the experience proved invaluable.... Thanks to all of you for an unparalleled semester."
— David Stern, History/Government major

"This program was awesome. It taught me how to write a lot better and appreciate how open and free the U.S. is.... I have become a lot more interested in foreign affairs and war crimes. I am planning on attending law school and I am leaning towards studying criminal law or international criminal law [as a result of being in the NSP].... The trip was so amazing!.... The classes were so interesting, I loved them."
— Jennifer Stabe, History/Spanish major

"At the beginning of this program, everyone tells you how much it will change your life, and I'm not sure how much I believed that.... [but] NSP created this sort of intellectual and social environment that had been lacking in my time at UT.... I still can't believe I wrote all of those papers. I am/was impressed by the Professors' knowledge as well as the expertise of many of my fellow NSPers. It felt good to be embraced for my intelligence (and sometimes lack thereof). I am so grateful to have been able to participate in this program. I'm not exactly sure if I could ever explain how it has changed me, but it has. I certainly appreciate more."
— Annie Brooks, History/Business major (decided to minor in German since the NSP)

"This program has helped me leave that self-absorbed little bubble that many teenagers live in.... I see now that many parts of our culture and others are interconnected and overlap; that the relationships we forge, creates a kind of history; that the personalities of the people running the countries has a high impact on the views of the citizens.... Plus, I learned that my professors can actually be my friends."
— Elissa Sloan, Undeclared major (decided to major in History since the NSP)

"I can't say enough good things. I can only hope that my future endeavors allow me to give back to the program, in whatever way/means possible. Here is your quote: 'The student that began the semester was not the same as the scholar that got off the plane.' Somewhere along the way the books and films became not only historical words and images, but also a part of my own personal history."
— Chris Sokol, History/Government/English major

"Honestly this program was one of the best semesters I've had at UT. I had the chance to meet friends that I would have never met otherwise and work with some of the best professors at UT. Although I worked so hard this semester, I also had the best time. I have been blessed to be part of this program and it is something that I will never forget."
— Bethany Zwick, History/Judaic Studies major

"This program was really, truly great.... What made [the program] so unique was the way we would learn about something and then see concrete evidence of it when we travelled to Europe.... It was great having the same 20 people in all the classes as well, because we were able to feel more comfortable. For the first time since high school—we knew all our classmates."
— Marissa Foix, History/Government major

"The Program was great and so were the professors.... I consider myself very lucky to have been given the chance to participate. Thank y'all so much for the opportunity."
— Addie Bryant, Government/Comm. Studies major

Testimonials from the Class of 2005

"I love every single one of you. I will always remember this.... It has changed the way I write, the way I think and the way I live my life. Thank you."
— Art Perez, Radio/TV/Film major

"It's actually made me appreciate America as a nation more.... It has made me more interested in international affairs and American politics, and made me more introspective in general."           
— Neysa King, History major

"Opened my horizons to new aspects I had never before experienced in college. Helped me a lot culturally and intellectually."
— Ray Mody, Human Biology major

"I have learned humility as a consequence of constantly being challenged to put myself in the position of people in WWII.... It is a lot of work, but the combination of the workload, the readings, the relationships with the professors and classmates made for a learning ‘chemistry’ that sharpened my thinking, my priorities, and my ambitions."
— Kristina Rodemann, Plan II/History major

"I endured the hardest semester of my life with the closest friends I’ve made in college, and followed it with the greatest trip of my life with my favorite humans who happen to be professors. This has been a turning point not only in my academic career, but in my growth as a person."
— Derek Davidson, History major