Testimonials from Study Abroad Students
"Ciao! Studying Abroad was the highlight of my college career and
quite possibly, my life. I studied at
Richmond in Florence in Italy. Living around the corner from Michelangelo's David, walking a
mile and crossing the Ponte Vecchio to school everyday, climbing the
volcano Mt. Vesuvio, exploring the ruins of Pompeii, riding a gondola in
Venice, and living and learning in Italy is simply indescribable. I wish
I could give everyone the amazing opportunity I was granted by living in
Italy. The independence, the change, and the realization that I
experienced from this culture is monumental. Anyone who has an
opportunity to study in a different culture should take it. Many days I
sit and daydream about my new found home, but then again....who
wouldn't? Arrividerci"
- Melissa Harlow, Theatre and Communications major from St. Louis, MO
(Spring 2007)
"The American Studies Program
allowed me the great experience of studying in the most influential
city in our country (Washington, DC). Being able to learn from
Congressional Legislative Assistants, think tanks, and study groups
was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Furthermore, the
internship gave me an opportunity to explore a field of my choice
while utilizing tools my institution had taught me thus far."
- Abby Duncan, Communications and Political Science major from
Springfield, MO (Spring 2007)
"I spent a semester in Antigua, Guatemala, at the
Christian Spanish Academy (CSA) and it was a bit different than your
usual study abroad program. I went independently and not through a
program. I spent my first 8 weeks in language school in Antigua. I don’t
feel like I could have learned Spanish a better way. Not only that, but
I met so many people from all over the world and spent my week nights
with them going to coffee shops and local places and my weekends
visiting various places in Guatemala such as hiking Pacaya, the active
volcano; Montericco, a beach with black sand; lago atilian, and so much
more. It was a blast! After those 8 weeks I spent the remainder of my
time volunteering in an orphanage in Guatemala City where the kids stole
my heart. If you love adventure, culture, and want a different study
abroad experience I recommend going to Guatemala!"
- Jessica Gibler, Communications major from Independence, MO (Fall
2007)
"I spent my semester abroad in England at the
University of Leicester. Not only did I grow as a
person and traveler, but I experienced things that I used to only
dream about. Visiting places that are historically famous,
getting to travel Europe, meeting people who are part of a different
culture, climbing the Alps - I knew no limits. At Leicester, I
loved my classes and professors. This 'once in a lifetime
opportunity' became one of my all-time favorite memories. It
truly was priceless."
- Liz Robinson, Communications and Sociology major from Chicago, IL
(Fall 2006)
"I think
going for a semester abroad has really helped to round out my resume.
Employers can see that I am versatile and a quick learner because I not
only got good grades at a small Christian university in the mid-west,
but I was also successful at a large school in a huge metropolis in a
completely different country! (Goldsmiths College, University of
London in New Cross, London, UK) What's more, doing a semester abroad
gave me opportunities I would have never had staying around Bolivar.
Things like: navigating a subway system; traveling overnight on a train;
staying in hostels; taking a ferry across the Irish Sea; going to Hindu
New Year festivities with my flat mates from India, Hong Kong and
Chicago; and perhaps most importantly, getting to meet students from all
over the world, learning about their unique cultures and sharing my own,
including my Christian faith."
-Amy Reyes, Theatre major from Littleton, CO (Fall 2006)
"Do you like the sun? Do you like the
outdoors? Do you like having a good time without any worries?
When I first arrived in Australia I was told that if I answered 'yes' to
these then I would have no problems fitting in at the
University of
Queensland. Let me tell you, Australia was a blast! The
country is amazing, the people were friendly, and the culture was great.
I learned so much about myself and the world. My eyes were once
again opened to the awe and wonder that the Lord provides. I made
so many international friends and friends from all over the United
States. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat; in fact, I'm
already planning another trip back. Like they say in Oz
(Australia), 'Have a Go'!"
-Danny Burkhead, Business Administration/Management major from Johnston,
IA (Fall 2006)
"If I could recommend one thing to do before you
graduate it would be to study abroad! Studying abroad in London at
the University of Westminster was one of the most memorable times
that I have had throughout my college career. I lived in London
for one month during the summer. I was able to take a class, while
enjoying all of the cultural sights in the city. Living in a city
of 7 million was quite a change from Bolivar, and I was glad to get the
chance to experience all that London had to offer. After my class
was over, I traveled with another SBU student and visited Paris and
Switzerland. This was an amazing trip. Although I enjoyed
learning the European culture, after studying abroad I was able to
develop a true appreciation for living in America. Study
abroad...you won't regret it!"
-Jami Domeny, Elementary Education major from Blue Springs, MO
(Summer 2006)
"When I first heard that I had been accepted into
Focus on the Family Institute, I had no idea what to expect; I
remember praying God would use this experience for His glory and
keep me humble as I journeyed to Colorado Springs for the fall 2006
semester. Now my stay here has drawn to a close and I am overwhelmed
by the adventure it has been. Looking back on my time at the
Institute, I am convinced it was an opportunity for me to stand in
grace alone, a chance to accept God's divine appointment and richly
experience all the blessings He had in store for me. Immersing
myself in Christian Worldview studies for three months has radically
altered the way I approach life and decision-making; no one can walk
away from the Institute unaffected. I have been touched by
transparent, authentic Christian leaders who desperately desire to
speak difficult truths into my life and stir my passions. I have
been united with roommates whom God divinely placed in my path to
share in my struggles, join with me in taking every thought captive,
and edify and encourage my spirit. When I leave this place, I know I
will be returning to the frontlines of the epic spiritual battle to
take back culture and revive our Christian heritage, and I could not
possibly feel more prepared or excited."
-Theresa Lochhaas, Communications/Sociology major from St. Louis, MO
(Fall 2006)
"Focus on the Family
Institute has been great and I can only recommend and pray that more SBU
students would choose to attend this mountain top experience that is at
the same time community oriented and academically rigorous. If I
could describe my time at the institute in one word, that word would be
holistic. Holistic in the sense that this institute is unlike any
place I have ever studied or experienced. From the organic
community that is fostered from the very beginning of the program to the
depth of real world Christian practicality that we are learning, I can
eagerly say that Focus is going to bring me back to SBU living my faith
in different ways. The emphasis on a biblically based worldview
and the relevance of truth to our society are two concepts I am ready to
deal with and proclaim in my life at SBU for the next two years and for
the rest of my life."
-Andrew Walker, Religious Studies major from Jacksonville, IL
(Spring, 2006)
Contact the Office of External Studies for information.
Director of External Studies
1600 University Avenue
Bolivar, MO 65613
Phone: (417) 328-1689
Fax: (417) 328-2091
