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