Although “tea party” political protests have been in the news, the British teas at Bainbridge College (BC) and the BC Early County Center (BCEC) in Blakely served real tea, scones, sandwiches and a satisfying portion of information about BC’s 2010 trip to London.

At the Sept. 27 tea in BCEC’s Atrium and the Sept. 20 event in the Solarium at BC’s Charles H. Kirbo Regional Center, participants learned about the history of tea and details about next summer’s trip to London that Dave Nelson will lead through the University System of Georgia’s European Council.

More than 30 residents of the BC service area, including the Early County area and Gadsden County, Fla., have expressed keen interest in the U.S. History class he will teach and the other classes being offered in London.

BC Ambassadors joined faculty and staff to assist with food preparation and serving tea. The events were coordinated by Library Director Susan Ralph, who serves with Nelson as co-coordinator of BC’s International Education Program.

At both sessions, Nelson fascinated his listeners with information about the history of tea, the different kinds of teas he had brought from England to share, and what a high tea really is—and it has nothing to do with how elegant it may be.

In addition to the London courses, BC’s expanding international opportunities include trips to Belize and to the Galapagos Islands. To learn more about BC’s study abroad, those interested may contact Nelson at david.nelson@bainbridge.edu.

BC offers in-state tuition rates to residents of Gadsden County, Fla., and Henry and Houston Counties in Alabama.

Nelson stressed the importance of study abroad in this global age.

“Possessing international experience often makes the difference in getting a job or acceptance into universities,” he said.