On August 30th, the intercultural group leaving for Europe, led by Justin and Amanda Poole, departed on their semester-long journey. Friends and family gathered to wish the 18 students a safe journey as they go to experience the diverse cultures of Europe. Hugs were exchanged, some tears were shed, and laughs were shared as the group departed.  The group will spend time in Vienna, Salzburg, Austria, Prague, the Czech Republic, London and Switzerland. Students will also have a week of free travel. In addition to the intercultural experience they will learn German, learn about art, theater, history, teaching English to refugees, and European culture. Students will even, “develop their own original play based on a contemporary event as a final collaborative piece,” according to the intercultural handout for the Europe trip.

Byron Peachey, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Programs and Director – Curricular Support, who has led multiple intercultural programs, discussed how important and changing the group building opportunity is for students. Peachey mentioned that semester-long intercultural trips gives students a chance to, “expand your sense of where you can go in the world,” and that students are able to, “negotiate, feel confident, and enjoy being able to travel outside of the United States.” They also get the opportunity to compare cultures and see what different cultures are like. Peachey notes how students he talks to after trips feel like they “grew up, became more confident, and overcame some of their fears.” Peachey feels like it is good for us to go outside of the United States, and see what the world looks like, and to step outside of our own culture. 

This is the third time Justin and Amanda have led this program. Peachey said that the two were extremely excited, noted their love for the culture, and how happy they were to have the opportunity to lead this trip again. He believes that all of this, “rubs off on the students.”

The group flew from London, then took a bus to Salzburg, Austria. As of Saturday, September 9th, 2023 the group was in Vienna, where they were staying in an authentic Austrian hotel. On the 16th of September, they plan to take a bike trip through a valley near Vienna. 

One student on the trip, Junior Levi Myers, says thus far the experience has been, “unforgettable,” and, “the fastest, most disorienting week and a half of my life and the longest, most life changing week and a half of my life.” Junior Bri Leaper said so far it has been, “a movie,” Leaper noted how she feels like the group is like family to her. 

Myers describes the group as, “always a rowdy group wherever we go, laughing and talking and laughing some more.” Leaper says the group is bound like a family and all “soak in as much information Justin has to share with us about the intriguing sites.” Leaper also mentioned how their group discussions allow for “opportunities to deepen connection with each other.”

 Myers mentioned he was excited for the two month home stays the group is currently doing now. Leaper is looking forward to, “exploring on my own, sketching the beautiful architecture here in Vienna, and of course, wearing the outfits I have planned for each event, especially the Opera!” Leaper has enjoyed, “visiting all of the different art museums and sketching in front of the art works.” Myers and Leaper both enjoyed climbing to the top of the Untersberg mountains, and the boat trip and hike on the Königssee, a lake in the southeast.

The Europe group looks forward to a semester of learning, living, and experiencing many different cultures. They have been given the opportunity to experience many wonders, and will have stories to share for the rest of their lives after this experience.