Bringing History to Life: Norwich Student Explores Abu Simbel Through Experiential Research

While conducting undergraduate research in Egypt through Norwich University’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, Cadet Forester Belanger '26 had the opportunity to experience Abu Simbel firsthand. In their own words, they reflect on how standing before the towering statues of Ramses II brought their academic studies to life—offering new insights into the use of architecture as political propaganda. The experience exemplifies Norwich University’s commitment to experiential learning, where students connect classroom theory with real-world discovery in meaningful, lasting ways.

From Cadet Belanger:

Visiting Abu Simbel in person has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of how monumental architecture functions as a form of propaganda and advance my undergraduate research project. Standing in front of the massive statues of Ramses II, I could truly grasp how power, divinity, and political messaging were communicated through scale, symbolism, and placement. This experience has taken what I’ve studied in textbooks and research and made it real. Seeing the site firsthand has given me a new perspective that I could never have gained from pictures alone as well as discovering things not before noted or photographed in academic literature on the site. Experiential learning like this bridges the gap between academic theory and lived experience, helping me absorb knowledge on a deeper, more personal level. It’s helped me connect theory to practice, strengthened my critical thinking, and provided rich material for my undergraduate research. Being here has shown me just how essential experiential learning is to truly understanding the historical and cultural significance of places like Abu Simbel and their relevance to topics like propaganda and statecraft. Thank you to Norwich University and the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program for making this unforgettable experience possible.