The other day I was thinking about how old I am and how much change actually comes with every decade of life. It’s mind-boggling to reflect upon the journeys that shape our values, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as the values-attitudes-behaviors that shape our journeys. It is challenging to put into words what we go through, how we go through it, and what motivates us to merrily chug along whatever path we choose, or have been handed, depending on how you look at it. It's sobering to think... Read more

Imagine yourself learning about hotel management in Australia or art in Italy or even business in South Korea all the while meeting people both from that culture and other cultures as well.  This is what Study Abroad is all about.  Study abroad is the chance to see the world in a way that is more meaningful than just “hitting the hotspots” that are found in all the guide books... Read more

Melissa Ortiz, History Major with an Asian Studies Minor, studied abroad the during the spring semester at Sogang University in Seoul, South Korea.  The Office of Study Abroad  recently added Sogang University to its list of program options for students.  Melissa was the first EIU student to go... Read more

Every time my mind wanders back to that sparkling semester in Europe, the memories that occur to me initially are not the impressive sights of the Eiffel tower or even the fairy-tale castles in Germany. Instead I see myself sitting in a café, with a book or drawing pad... Read more

It was February 1, 2007, that day was unlike any other day I had experienced in my life.  What made that day so special compared to every other one?  It was departure day of this crazy adventure I was about to start for an entire semester, I was studying abroad in Winchester, England... Read more

For a good majority of my life, I always wondered with which culture I identified with the most.  Some of you maybe thinking that for long as I have lived, I should have that figured out, for the most part.  However, growing up the way I did, it can be quite difficult to identify with just one.  Not too long ago, I learned about the term “Third Culture Kids”... Read more

Dagni’s Story:

For the past nine years, I have been leading study abroad programs, mainly in South Africa.  But in 2006, I led the EIU English Department’s “Literary Landscapes” summer program, which gave me my first taste of life at at Harlaxton College, the British campus of the University of Evansville. Though the beauty of the Victorian manor and grounds set in the East Midlands were a far cry from Cape Town’s urban setting, I was delighted to be teaching English literature on site. The support of Harlaxton’s excellent staff, who facilitated day trips to places like Haworth Parsonage and the Yorkshire Moors (home of the Brontes) and over-night excursions to the city of Bath (a site featured in Jane Austen’s novels), made organizing events much easier than running things solo.  Centrally-located, Harlaxton proved an ideal base for moving into other parts of England with the students and a good jumping off point for students to do weekend travel in the UK or to other European countries on their own.  But short-term study abroad programs have their challenges.  Even with great support, the faculty director bears pretty much the entire responsibility for her students, which takes its toll. Another problem with short term study abroad is that it is, well, short.  The brevity of the experience adds an “If-its-Tuesday-this-must-be Belgium”... Read more