#i2amru (I, Too, Am Reinhardt) Volume 1 Number 1 | Page 80

Amsterdam, and Prague were among a few of the places this group was able to visit on their three-week expedition. by Grant Sufferling Here at Reinhardt, we take pride in the fact that we have not only the ability, but also the opportunity, to send students all over the world to study abroad. If you’ve heard it a once you’ve heard it a hundred times, but it is becoming more and more true every day: we live in a melting pot. There is nothing stopping people all over the planet from coming to the United States, so what’s stopping us as college students from traveling abroad? One of the main points that Reinhardt emphasizes is that we live in a global community, and students must be prepared to function effectively in that interconnected global community no matter what their future career may be. Sammons described a few of his favorite memories. “It was really cool being in Amsterdam, because “It was a labor intensive three weeks to say the least. [Our professors] it didn’t feel like I was a tourist. It almost seemed like New York City, a big melting pot of people from all “We live in a global over the world.” Visiting Prague was also one of Jake’s favorite experiences. “Even though we were only there for a night, we had a blast!” said Jake. Eagles leaving the nest Over the past few weeks, I have had the good fortune to meet with a few students who have had the opportunity to not only study abroad, but also submerse themselves into different cultures. 80 “It was an experience that I will never forget. ” remarked Jake ‘JD’ Sammons, a sophomore here at Reinhardt, about his study abroad experience last summer in Germany and surrounding areas. “It seemed like almost every minute of every day was planned out for us. We always had something fun going on. There was never a dull moment.” About ten students and “It was truly an experience of a lifetime. The people I met and the friends I made will forever be ingrained into my memory. I encourage everyone to take some time off, whether it’s in college or after, to explore outside of their comfort zone.” The only work that the students were required to do while abroad was to write about their experiences from the previous day, but it was when they returned to the U.S., the grind was on. faculty made the trip to Europe last summer, including Dr. Pam Wilson and Dr. Donald Gregory. “The flight there was long, but we did things to pass the time. Dr. Gregory and I stood in the back of the plane and talked for what felt like the entire plane ride from Atlanta to Paris,” said Jake. “Once we got to Berlin, and adjusted to the time change, it was smooth sailing.” This group of students was fortunate enough to be able to see a large amount of central Europe. Berlin, Strasbourg, Dachau, Metz, Other than the biggest five-story club in the world, JD was most impressed by the beautiful women. “Prague is a very old city, so naturally there are cobblestone roads everywhere. While I was in Europe I was able to witness some pretty incredible things, but by far the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen was in Prague. Watching these tall beautiful women walk around in high heels on cobblestone streets was nothing short of a miracle,” he laughed. community, and students must be prepared to function effectively in that interconnected global community no matter what their future career may be.” had us writing papers like it was nobody’s business. Twelve credits were on the line, so we had to stay focused, but it was all worth it in the end.” Although Reinhardt has an exceptional study abroad program, there are other ways to study abroad outside of Reinhardt, even if you’re a RU student. No one knows this better than a graduating senior, Erik Carson. Coming all the way up from sunny Jacksonville, Florida, Carson has spent his past four years here at RU. After going home his freshman summer and taking classes at the University of North Florida, Erik decided to broaden his horizons for the following summer after one of his best friends told him about UNF’s study abroad program. Not only is Reinhardt’s study abroad program an opportunity to see the world and take college courses, but it also provides an opportunity to build relationships with classmates and professors alike. “There was something about being over there that changes things. Back in the States, we rarely ever get to see our teachers outside of school mode. One of the coolest parts for me was being able to sit at the table with a bunch of my peers at the Hofbrauhaus, and share a drink with my Professor over dinner,” remembered Sammons. Sammon’s study abroad experience took him to many cities in central and western Europe. Above left, the cathedral in Metz, France. Above, the group having their first authentic French cuisine upon arriving in Strasbourg. 81