A long way from his hometown of Morristown, Tennessee, graduating senior Kaelan Cook had a full circle moment. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business student was studying abroad in Iceland when he spotted a geothermal power plant through a window. Cook knew exactly what he was looking at, as he had done months of research into Iceland’s renewable energy and tourism sectors to earn a study abroad scholarship. Seeing in-person something he researched so deeply truly excited him. It was one thing to read about geothermal energy online or in books, but seeing the power plant up close made this once-in-a-lifetime experience feel real.
Setting the Stage for a Global Experience
Cook’s research enabled him to take his monumental trip to Iceland. Throughout his undergraduate career, he dreamed of studying abroad but felt overwhelmed by the potential costs and the endless choices of destinations and programs. Finally, Cook decided to visit Haslam’s Office of International Programs and Study Abroad (IPSA) to discuss his options, where he learned about a research paper scholarship opportunity.
After deciding to pursue the scholarship, he worked regularly with office staff and Lauren Jacobs, IPSA’s director, on his research into two of Iceland’s biggest industries. Jacobs called it a delight to mentor Cook on his project.
“Not only did he produce a high-quality research article, he also specifically chose topics — tourism and renewable energy — that allowed him to further explore Iceland’s economic environment prior to his study abroad in the country,” says Jacobs. “What I enjoyed most about working with Kaelan was his genuine excitement to learn. Every week he came to our meetings bursting at the seams to tell me what he had discovered and what new questions he wanted to explore.”
Helping Others Achieve a Dream Abroad
His experience in Iceland opened Cook’s eyes to the world, emphasizing to him how connected people are. “As individuals and communities, we have a lot more in common than the superficial differences that separate us,” he says.
After returning from his trip to Iceland, Cook frequently volunteered with IPSA to ensure more of his fellow students could have enriching global experiences. “The IPSA office has been so kind to me, so I was eager to volunteer at their events,” he says. “During one event, I talked with incoming freshmen about opportunities abroad, and they were genuinely curious about what I had to say and the adventures they could have by studying abroad.”
According to Rachel Gatsche, Haslam’s program manager for international programs and partnerships, Cook exemplifies the Volunteer Spirit. “He has volunteered with Haslam’s IPSA office and always goes above and beyond to ensure every event and project is executed without issue,” she says.
Looking Forward, Embracing Accomplishments
Cook is set to begin an internship with LBMC in Knoxville after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in accounting this December. After that, he will spend his summer interning with RSM in Chicago before returning to UT in the fall to begin Haslam’s Master of Accountancy program.
While he believes a career in accounting will keep him in the U.S. for now, Cook still has his mind on the world. “I would like to live abroad,” he says. “My classmates and I talk about how we hope someday there will be a set of international accounting standards that would make that possible and open up career opportunities for us outside the U.S.”
In the meantime, Cook is proud to share his research into Icelandic tourism and renewable energy, which was recently published in the Journal for Global Business and Community. “Not only did I get to conduct research, do a lot of writing and learn so much, but now it is recognized in a more legitimate and professional way, which is very meaningful to me,” he says.
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Leah McAmis, senior editor, leah@utk.edu
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