ESU students learn leadership skills on study abroad trip

ESU students are enjoying the sites of London on the first day of their study abroad trip to Europe. (Top row, l to r) Angela Blaufuss, Katie Vick, Willie Banks, Shane Britt, Ian Sadler, Taylor Relph, Jessica Velazquez, Michelle Hernandez and Shanna Williams. (Bottom row, l to r) Anna Meyerhoff, Courtney George, Lisa Stephenson, Anna Altwies, Sam Scherer and Jake Bassett.

On June 3, 15 Emporia State University Students and three faculty advisors departed from the Wichita airport, not to return until three weeks later on June 25. Their destination: London, England. And that was merely the first of five countries they would visit over the next 22 days.

These 18 representatives of ESU took part in the first travel aboard leadership experience with the Leadership Education and Development, (LEAD) Department. Pat Neufeld, Counselor Education Associate Professor, and Mary Shively, LEAD Coordinator, developed this trip as part of the newly created minor in leadership.

The group traveled to six different cities and five different countries beginning with London, then heading to Tallinn, Estonia; Tartu, Estonia; Krakow, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria and then finally back to London to fly back to the United States.

After three weeks with 14 other students who quickly became close friends, Willie Banks, business graduated student, said the best part of the trip for him was the people, but not only his fellow travelers.

“The people made the trip a great experience! Not only the people that were on the trip with us, but the natives of the countries that we visited,” he said. “Everyone seemed nice to us and were more than willing to help us when needed. The group I [hung out with were] the explorers of the big group, so we were always trying to find something to do. At times we would be lost, and when we would ask for directions, the natives were very much inclined to help us.”

The students and sponsors ran across a lot of different cultures, creeds and colors of people while on their trip. Each place they went had a new perspective with the people that lived there. And every place, other than London, spoke a different language which was an interesting experience for everyone.

The purpose of this leadership experience was for each individual who went to broaden their knowledge and comfort ability as a leader in different situations.

“By watching how others interacted on the trip, I know something not to do,” Shane Britt, May 2007 graduate, said. “I have learned that communication is the key to being a great leader, [and] that includes listening. I have seen people that have lost everything and built their lives all over again. Taking their motivation and perseverance and applying it to my life will help me become a better person and leader.”

As a sponsor and advisor for the trip, Neufeld gained a different perspective of leadership. Although she grew as a leader herself, she said she was amazed watching the students mature in their leadership skills.

“I was not only proud [of them], but I felt privileged to be a part of such a wonderful group of students. Although not all of the students were particularly crazy about the idea, I called everyone’s parents (with their permission) and let parents know that I not only enjoyed getting to know their child, but felt that the next generation was on their way to providing strong leadership in many professions,” she said. “On a number of occasions during our debriefing, I would ask students, ‘why do you need to know this?’ Their answers were truly profound. They were critical thinkers who could clearly articulate the need for awareness.”

Since returning from this life-changing experience, students say they have noticed some changes within themselves, their words and their actions.

“I appreciate things a lot more,” Michelle Hernandez, junior Business Administration major, said. “I am also a lot more aware of my leadership actions. I think about what effect my actions have before doing something. Going on this trip was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Last Updated February 5, 2008>