SUU: Study Abroad- Testimonials

Letters from program participants

from Jenni Orton, 2006 Marketing in Salzburg program

Studying abroad changed my life. Everyone says that, it sounds so cliché, but it is true. In the summer of 2006 I had the wonderful opportunity of participating in the Study Abroad program in Salzburg, Austria with SUU, focusing on Marketing and Communications. The classes had a level of diversity that I believe enriched the class on so many levels. I learned about Marketing alongside students from Canada, Norway, Austria, Germany, Ireland, and several other countries, and they became dear friends. Our very own Wayne Roberts, Professor of Marketing, lead that class. Our Communication class was taught by a few male Professors from England and they brought 6 female students along to learn with us. Both classes were completely unique because of this because they created a new depth to the educational atmosphere. It was such an unparalleled experience to be learning with students from different cultures and learning from their perspectives and experiences, combined with those of my "Yankee" classmates.

When we weren't in class we would make tracks. We received 8 passport stamps in our 2 short months there. Among these countries were Austria, Germany (the World Cup competition was going on at the time), France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, & Holland. We did a lot of adventurous things like Paragliding off the Swiss Alps, touring The Louvre on the opening night of the "Da Vinci Code" movie, climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower, scoping the exquisite and legendary architecture of the Notre Dame, eating the deliciously famous Belgian waffles & chocolates, inhaling famous pizza & pasta dishes in Italy, gliding across the Italian waters on the Venetian ferry, watching World Cup soccer games with fans from around the world, touring The Sound of Music sights in Salzburg, eating at the Mozart Cafe in downtown Salzburg (where Mozart was born), dreaming like the royals for 2 nights in a castle in the Austrian Alps, hiking the Austrian Alps, and of course, doing our laundry and grocery shopping with the citizens of Austria.

To absolutely anyone considering the SUU Study Abroad program, it is worth it, don't wait. Just do it. It will change your life for the better. It might not be for the most inexpensive adventure, but the experience is in every way worth it. It will broaden your mind. You will gain a love for the culture, the people, and in turn appreciate the blessings and beauties of our own country. You will be a better person because of it. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Do it now while you have the chance, and be grateful you did for the rest of your life.