Whitney Strawn, Mid-Sweden University

My name is Whitney Strawn and I am a third year student here at Austin Peay.  I have always been interested in studying abroad but it was something that I was not sure if I would ever really do.  As a freshman I looked into the programs and discovered that I could go abroad without spending an outrageous amount of money and it would be as easy as paying tuition at APSU.  By my third semester I was doing it; I was an exchange student at Mid-Sweden University.It was not so hard to leave the things I had always known in my country because I knew after my experience I would not be left empty handed. I was so curious about the rest of the world.  I was eager to learn about other cultures and the way others lived.  I had a wonderful experience that was filled with some great times and some very challenging ones.  I learned so much about me as well as what other countries have to offer. I discovered in greater detail small facts about myself and it opened my eyes to other possible career opportunities that I might like to pursue. My trip was a never-ending learning experience.  I traveled thirteen countries and I feel that I do not want to stop there.  I met some of the most amazing people that I will never forget and I know that I was able to leave a lasting impression with many of them as they were with me.  I visited many historical landmarks and monuments and at times it all seemed surreal.  Things that one sees cannot be placed in a book or even truly described by ones mouth and or photos.  Everyday was a day for something new, something to be learned, and something new to be tried. I feel it is a great opportunity not to only meet others and see new places, but to share what America is like and what we have to offer here as sometimes we are placed with a negative stigma.  I learned that we cannot be judgmental and believe everything we hear about people of the world and the culture of them.  A first hand experience is without a doubt the best. I cannot place enough emphasis on how important it is to study abroad and take a chance at something completely different.  The experience is so rewarding in many ways and I hope to study abroad again.  I highly recommend it and hope to endorse programs such as the one I was in as it was life-changing.  I look at the world in a different light and I now know that I am capable of anything.  I will always support the exchange program and I am so thankful that I was supported in my decision to go abroad.

Chris Penny, CCSA London Summer Program

I have always felt as though I could persevere through almost anything. We had all been tossed into a sea of unfamiliarity, but I think that drew several of us together. We leaned on each other for support, guidance, and laughter. I lost the dismal world view I had obtained from constant barrage of terrorist threats from the television set. Living without a television has been bliss. There are so many interesting museums, pubs, and landmarks, a lifetime wouldn’t be long enough to learn all the history, and visit all of the sites.
I gained a huge appreciation for art’s beginnings. This trip made the experience much more important than just knowing. Having done, seen with my own two eyes, touched in some cases, and spoken with in others is ineffable. I gained the knowledge that I can leave the country. I can allow other cultures to exist without wanting to change them, but wanting to understand them.

To learn more about Chris's experience, visit An Artist's View of London

Jeff Gill, Study-Abroad Spain Program

The study abroad program has forever changed my life and my way of thinking. Before going to Spain with Dr. Ruiz and others I had never been out of the country. But now that I have experienced the different culture I can not wait to do it again. I am not a traditional student, so it is not like I have my whole life to do it. I am married with 4 children but I decided to give it a try this past year. I am not even a Spanish major, in fact I am a history major. This is why I am writing this to let students know it does not matter what your area of study is, this is still a life enriching experience. I have to admit I did have my reservations about going on this trip, because I am far from fluent in English let alone Spanish. I speak fluent southernese. But the thing that drove me was my love for history. I once heard someone say that where ever you go in Europe there is history, but here in America every where you go there is a Wal-Mart. Which brings me to one of the most memorable experiences while in Spain; we visited the oldest restaurant in the world, La Casa Botín. This restaurant has been in existence longer that the United States has been a country. We also traveled to other sites like the very old Roman aqua ducts, which were built around 2000 years ago. These are just a few of the literally hundreds of things that I personally experienced. Even the family in which I had the pleasure to stay with, they were the best people to get to know. Their hobby was cooking so my roommate and I were fed like kings. Now I must say that true Spanish food is nothing like Mexican food. The different dishes that they prepared for us was like art work on a plate. The food was outstanding and there were many things that I tried I would have never tried here at home. I even had my house mother give me a recipe for an eggplant dish that was so good that when you eat it you will want to "slap your mama". I strongly encourage others to take advantage of what I call a real eye opener. The experience and the memories will fill your mind for a lifetime. I feel for the cost of the trip, it is a great bargain in comparison to all that you will receive while on your trip. Dr. Ruiz done a wonderful job of preparing his students before going and while on the trip he is really a lot of fun, you will love him. So do it now while you are young, but if you are in my category then I still say do it while you can. Life really is too short not to experience everything we can even if you have to step out of your comfort zone.

 Brie Vogt, University of Orléans Exchange Program

Orleans, the home of Joan of Arc, is one of France's most enchanting cities. It's small enough to encounter classmates walking through the street but big enough to have plenty of activities from canoeing down the Loire river to ice skating in the town center. An added bonus is that Orleans is about an hour south of Paris, offering some of the best art in the world at student prices. Just about everything in France gives student reductions from train tickets to housing. Not only can you learn a beautiful language but you can experience lifestyle changes like walking everywhere, taking public transportation, and eating some of the strangest, tasty food in the world. During my stay I was able to extensively travel through about ten different countries, but the best part was sharing my own culture. I never used to think that people would find Halloween, cinnamon rolls, and free refills bizarre. I feel that France has culturally enriched my perspective of humanity. The world is not made up of counties and their governments, its made up of people.
 

Emily Tragle, University of Orléans Exchange

I recently spent a semester studying in France.  It was an incredible and eye-opening experience that I will carry with me throughout my entire life.  Through studying abroad, you experience things you never dreamed you would ever have the chance to do.  And you come back with more self-confidence and so many wonderful memories. I studied in Orléans, France, which is a medium-sized town just an hour train ride from Paris, which basically puts you right in the middle of so much history and art.  Orléans is located on the Loire River, one of the largest rivers in France.  It’s the kind of town that’s small enough to where you can walk to the boulangerie (bakery) for a baguette every morning or spend Saturdays window-shopping.  It’s also the kind of town that’s large enough to have a variety of public transportation.  For example, I rode the tramway to school every day.  There are also two train stations that will take you just about anywhere you want to go.  And if you want to go somewhere that’s not accessible by train, you can always take the bus.  Public transportation is very safe in Europe and much more highly used than in the U.S.  Orléans is also the perfect place to practice speaking French.  If you were to study in Paris, it would be quite difficult to practice speaking because most everyone can speak English and they would rather speak English with you than French.  But in Orléans, not so many people know English, and even if they do they are much more willing to speak with you in French.  I always encountered people who were genuinely interested in me, why I was there, and where I was from. So if you want to spend some time living in a culture rather than just visiting for a few days, I guarantee you will learn so much more than just a language.  You will learn about a people and hopefully, like me, you will develop a passion for learning about the many different nations of our world.    

Uliana Tolleson, École de Langue à Chicoutmi, Quebec

    My Country of origin is the Ukraine. I have lived in the United States for 12 years with my husband and three children. We travel back to the Ukraine often. Three years ago, I decided to study in the foreign language department of Austin Peay State University to pursue a degree in French and German. Last summer (2007) I studied French in Quebec at École de langue à Chicoutimi.

    This experience broadened my understanding of not only the French language but also my understanding of people and their culture. I lived with a family there and was part of their lifestyle. A student would never be able to gain this type of understanding in the classroom. Studying abroad is invaluable for the serious foreign language student.

    The students and faculty were enjoyable and helpful. There were many opportunities to get to know one another and ask questions. the city reminded me very much of my home in the Ukraine. The weather, landscape, and culture seemed to transfer me back to my life on the Ukraine.

    I met other students from different backgrounds and was able to understand many perspectives of studying the French language. Studying in a place where French is spoken everywhere forces you to strengthen your understanding of the language and certainly forces you to speak the language.

    During my stay in Chicoutimi, I was able to visit some of the historical and cultural sites. This gave me a closer look at a new culture  (sometimes not so different from my own in the Ukraine). As I remember the people and the places of my trip, I can only say that it will remain with me for all my life and has provided me with invaluable insights into the French culture and language.

    I would encourage you to plan to study abroad. You will not regret that decision.