ESU students launch Eastern Europe study-abroad blog

Not only are 17 Emporia State University students learning about Eastern European culture, leadership and governance systems during their trip abroad this summer, they are also blogging about their experiences.

Accompanied by three ESU staff members, the students left May 17 on a trip that will take them through Estonia, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Comments, photos and videos from the trip are being posted on the Live, Learn, Lead blog accessible from ESU’s website, www.emporia.edu, and also at esustudyabroad09.wordpress.com.

Students participating in the Study Abroad excursion include Kristina Boos, a crime and delinquency studies major from Topeka; Kristina Bramwell, social sciences major from Spivey; John Eccles, business major from Broken Arrow, Okla.; Sarah Francis, elementary education major from Overland Park; Naomi Gonzalez, business administration major from Emporia; Lacee Hanson, communications major from Emporia; Jonathan Krueger, political science major from Bentley; Jaclyn Lane, business administration major from Liberal; also

Whitney McGinnis, integrated studies major from Oskaloosa; Michelle McHenry, integrated studies major from Belle Plaine; Lauren Padgett, communication major from Overland Park; Taylor Relph, communication major from Wichita; Natalie Skaggs, elementary education major from Gardner;  Marcus Summers, psychology and health education major from Fairview; Nikaela Swarner, elementary education major from Shawnee; Amy Tenpenny, management major from Overland Park, and Eden Tullis, English major from Oswego.

The Study Abroad – Global Leadership program was created to integrate the study of leadership within a study abroad experience. “The intent of the course is to present the opportunity for students to experience and gain knowledge to develop leadership skills for an ever-changing world,” explained Dr. Patricia Neufeld, professor of special education and school counseling. Accompanying Neufeld on the trip are Dr. Tes Mehring, provost and vice president for academic affairs and student life, and Dr. Jim Williams, associate provost for enrollment management and vice president for strategic partnerships.

The group will be hosted by the University of Tartu, ESU’s sister institution in Estonia, and Lithuanian Christian University in Klaipeda, Lithuania. “The students will be making presentations in Estonian and Lithuanian high schools on American culture and democracy, and will also be engaged in several service learning projects,” said Neufeld.

The group returns to Kansas June 5.

Last Updated May 21, 2009>