Student Blogs & Testimonials
Blogs
*Jesse Hazel, Visual Arts major at WKU, assists a
Korean student in Art class at Hanyang University,
South Korea, where Jesse studied the Summer of 2011.
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Testimonials

Stephen Farley, Spring 2012, Semester at Sea
"It's definitely been incredible and opened me up to several opportunities," Farley
said, reflecting on the past several months. "I never thought I would be interested
in doing business in internationally, but now I would love to work in China. It's
definitely opened me up to international travel."

Jesse Hazel, 2011 Hanyang International Summer School, Seoul, Korea
"Lets just say there can be no form of expression that could sum up how amazing my
time in Korea has been and how deeply sadden I am to have to leave. I will truly miss
my time here. For all my Hanyang classmates, I loved our time together it was amazing
and fun. For all my Korean friends, you have been amazing hosts and great support
for me here, providing me with friendship, knowledge, and awesome memories."

Micah McClendon, Spring 2011, Segovia, Spain, KIIS
"Go abroad. Meet local people, ask every question, explore everything, taste everything,
get lost, take risks, be uncomfortable, and lose sleep. Quench your thirst for adventure,
find your passion for new people and places, and never lose your intellectual curiosity.
Ask me about my time in Spain and I'll never stop talking."

Bethany Mullins, Summer 2011, Costa Rica, ISA
"Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in furthering my education. I learned
more throughout my month in Costa Rica than from what any textbook could have taught
me. I made so many new friends and can now truly call myself an international ambassador.
I recommend studying abroad to anyone looking to expand their mind like never before."

Brenna Sherrill, Summer 2011, England, WKU Faculty-led program with Dr. Motley
"Studying abroad in England is an experience I'll never forget. Our trip was full
of unforgettable insights and memories surrounding English culture, and I'm so glad
I took the opportunity. It was also a great way to meet other WKU students who I'll
always share a special bond with because of this trip."

Kristin Hopkins, Summer 2011, Italy, KIIS
"My trip to Italy was an eye-opening experience. I was thrown into a world with different
languages, food, weather, customs, and even traffic. I loved every bit of it. Every
monument, attraction, and city was grander than the last, and the country as a whole
was more beautiful than I had imagined."

Leslie Ford, Spring 2011, Greece, CCIS
"Greece is one of those places you will never want to leave. I was captivated by its
unique blend of history, picturesque scenery, and modern amenities as well as the
people who made me feel right at home. All of my new friends soon become more like
a second family, and they made the country feel like my home away from home."

Svetlana Ter-Grigoryan, Summer 2011, Czech Republic, WKU Faculty-led program with
Dr. Murphy
"Studying abroad in Central Europe was a wonderful experience. I was able to see for
myself the things I had only ever been able to read about in books. I learned a great
deal about history, art, and myself."

Mimi Illges, Summer 2011, Germany, Education Abroad
"Studying abroad was the best decision I've ever made! I studied in Munich, Germany.
I learned so much about the culture and the language. When people ask me what my favorite
part was, I tell them, "Everything!" I can't wait to go back in the Spring for a semester
program."

Chen Huang, 2011 Hanyang International Summer School, Seoul, Korea
"Study abroad in South Korea was the adventure of my life that I will never forget.
Not only for the intellectual part, but also for the inter-cultural skills I gained.
It has helped me become a stronger person, thoughtful artist, and prepared me to be
a better art teacher."

Elaine Flynn, May 2011, Semester at Sea Maysemester
"I traveled to Central America on the SAS Maysemester and was amazed by the experience.
While I knew about the culture of the region, without witnessing it firsthand I wouldn't
think about the lives of those there daily. You may think you are making the impact,
but in reality the experience is really impacting you."

Joel Fickel, Summer 2011, India, WKU Faculty-led program with Dr. Powell
"Though three weeks may sound like a brief excursion, lifetimes may be experienced
within any duration of time, no matter how small.."

Mary Zellmer, Summer 2011, London, CCSA
"This past summer I took a Jane Austen course at King's College in London, United
Kingdom. Throughout the month I was in London I explored the city and took the train
to surrounding villages. Every site I saw while overseas was so surreal and breathtaking.
I met so many cool people from other schools and made some great memories. I wouldn't
trade my experience for the world!"

Jordan Hatchett, Summer 2011, Ireland, CCSA
"My study abroad experience was more about making connections rather than "going to
class." My classmates quickly grew into friends after being on planes and buses for
hours at a time; it was inevitable. Not only was the trip fun, but I made memories
and relationships that will last a lifetime."

Mary Walsh, Summer 2011, Ireland, CCSA
"My study abroad experience helped me not only learn about Ireland, but I also learned
more about the United States than I ever expected. It's something that helps you grow
not only as a well-rounded student, but in many other aspects in your life as well.
I highly recommend it."

Wade Haga, Summer 2011, Ecuador, KIIS
"I have a tendency to do things a little outside of the norm, and that's one reason
I thought KIIS Ecuador was such a great adventure. It was a blast to experience first-hand
and be immersed in so many different climates and such a variety of cultures and peoples.
This isn't your typical study abroad program!"

Samantha Starr, Summer 2011, London, CCSA
"Visiting the United Kingdom for a month was one of, if not the, best thing I've ever
done for myself. Through studying abroad I discovered more about myself, my personality
and my goals than I ever could have had I been in the United States for the summer
of 2011."

Kacy Wilson, Summer 2011, Ghana
"I volunteered as a Global Impact Fellow in Accra, Ghana this summer. My experiences
in Ghana helped to confirm my desire to pursue a career in medicine and really got
me interested in ophthalmology. Traveling abroad allowed me to get a better understanding
of Global Health and to truly serve others."

Sarah Hagan, Fall 2010, Semester at Sea
"Studying abroad with Semester At Sea was an unforgettable experience. I visited ten
countries over the course of a semester, and each country impacted my life in a unique
way. Studying abroad opened my eyes to a world that I had only read about before and
allowed me to feel more connected with humanity as a whole."

Cayce Johnson, Fall 2010, Saint Etienne, France
"Studying abroad was the most gratifying and life-changing college experience, bar
none."