More than a hundred Southern Utah University students took the opportunity offered by SUU to study abroad this summer.
The study abroad program, organized through the Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center, took 134 students with 27 different majors to 16 different countries from Ireland to Australia. Students studying abroad are able to learn from different cultures, find new interests, serve, improve language skills and make lifelong friends.
Sierra Bonner, a senior strategic communication major from Heber City, traveled to Tonga and witnessed the differences in cultural communication styles. By observing the Tongans and experiencing their generosity, Bonner learned more about the importance of being grateful and helping others.
“I have changed my entire outlook on life just from spending those two weeks abroad,” said Bonner. “Having the opportunity to immerse myself into the Tongan culture and meet people on the island was something I’ll always cherish and never forget.”
Shon Spevak went to Europe to study about comparative public policy. It surprised him how easy it was to connect with the people and realized that, despite language barriers and cultural differences, people all over the world have a lot in common.
“My experience was top-notch,” said Spevak. “Never once did I feel like our time was being wasted. I loved every minute of the trip. I love SUU and the education that I’ve gained by being part of the institution.”
Elizabeth Judd, a senior Spanish major from Maplewood, Minnesota, traveled to Costa Rica to improve her language skills and learn more about the culture. She spent three weeks volunteering at an orphanage and one week doing service in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Costa Rica.
“If I could relive my month in Costa Rica, I would in a heartbeat,” said Judd. “It was an incredible feeling to not only expand my horizons and experience a new culture but to also leave a positive mark on the place I visited.”
To learn more about the SUU study abroad program, visit the Sargon Heinrich Global Engagement Center website.
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