Tales From aBroad
Oxford Fall ‘19
I remember going with very few expectations because I was eternally grateful for the opportunity and was just going to experience everything that came my way. I wanted to explore Oxford. Travel around England. Travel to Scotland and into Europe. And I did just that. I wandered Oxford and walked in meditation. Beyond the door of House 9 was always an adventure. One of my favorite stories perfectly encapsulates the journey of study abroad.
Travel Fun & Friends – Fall 2019
It’s no secret that study abroad changes a person. You will be told this over and over before you leave, but it won’t truly sink in until you get back to the States and find you view the world in a completely new and exciting way. This change affects different people in different aspects of their lives, but one thing I’ve found to be pretty consistent is that everyone says they’ve been changed for the better.
Open to Adventure – Fall 19
During my study abroad experience, there was a constant theme, which started when Dr. Mark Phillips told us on our first day of class in Leipzig, Germany, that in order to grow we need to be uncomfortable. Well, I was definitely uncomfortable. Living in a country where they speak a different language was a big reason for my discomfort. I remember struggling to order a pretzel the first day we were there. Travelling was also sometimes difficult because it was unpredictable at times. There were moments when I had to run to catch a train.
Study Abroad: A Time to Live Your Dreams
As a kid, I was obsessed with Greek Mythology. My dream was to go to Camp Halfblood, and hopefully one day, Greece. I delved deeply into Greek Mythology, learning everything I possibly could about the heroes, Gods, Goddesses, and creatures. By the end of fourth grade, I had an arsenal of facts about Greek mythology that I still have even today. This dive into the Greek Myths has furthered my love for history of all kinds, which has also influenced what I study in school.
Finding Community – Fall 19
On August 28, 2019, I left the U.S. with 19 strangers to go live with them in Leipzig, Germany for almost 4 months. When I left, I didn’t know any of them, I didn’t know any German, and I had hardly even been out of the country before. During these 15 weeks, I traveled to so many places I never thought I would ever go to, like Budapest, Prague, Greece, Paris, and Croatia. Traveling opened my eyes to many things, new foods, new languages, but most importantly, new people. Every place we went we were exposed to a new culture, where people saw the world in a different way than we did.
Historical Christianity and COBA – Fall 19
When people think of study abroad, they usually think of all the different amazing places and things those who are fortunate enough to go will see. My name is Brookley and God blessed me with the once-in-a-lifetime chance to study abroad in Leipzig, Germany in the fall of 2019. He knew exactly what He was doing when He placed me in Europe with the people I was surrounded with. I would like to tell you some about my experience!
My Semester in Montevideo
Ever since I took Spanish II in tenth grade, I discovered my love for Spanish and decided that I wanted to study abroad in Montevideo. As soon as I could, I applied for study abroad and requested a grant from the Honors College, which I graciously received. This grant helped enable me to experience a new country and learn about and from a new culture. I set out to Montevideo with three goals in mind: to learn how Christians in other countries worship together, to experience other cultures different from my own, and to improve my Spanish by being in a community with native speakers.
Taking Opportunities – Fall 19
From August to December of 2019, I studied abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay, and it was a wonderful experience. The other study abroad students and I arrived in Montevideo on August 29. Diego Bravo, Uruguay’s Study Abroad director, showed us around Montevideo; we went down to the beach, took pictures next to some signs, and ate a delicious snack called Torta Fritas. Our first week was filled with Diego showing us around Montevideo, and where we would buy food and exchange money.
Deeper Meanings – Summer 19
This summer’s journey began by exploring Germany with the classes of Christianity and Culture and Music in Leipzig with the Music and Bible Department. I then trekked to Oxford with the Language and Literature Department, taking the class Modernism in America and Abroad. Both study abroad trips to Leipzig and Oxford encouraged me to critically think about art and where it belongs in the world. The image of the old church neighboring a modern mural, taken in Paris, encapsulates my study abroad journey. I experienced a world of history and tradition, juxtaposed with modern statements and the pursuit of art. Leipzig left me with a deep appreciation of the composers who dedicated their lives to the creation of music and the heritage of the gothic architecture of Germany. Oxford inspired me to read modernist works and to create more art with deeper meaning.
Being a Visitor – Summer 2019
This May, I had the opportunity to study Communication Law in Oxford, England, and Leipzig, Germany, with the Journalism/Mass Communications department. Everything from the scheduled excursions to the food to the unplanned moments made the experience once-in-a-lifetime.
I am so glad I studied abroad in China because it changed my view of Asian cultures and has even made me consider going back. I definitely recommend stretching yourself and going to a place you never imagined yourself being in because you’ll learn a lot about yourself and about the world.
A huge “THANK YOU!” to the Honor’s College for giving me a Travel Grant and lessening the financial burden of Study Abroad! This semester would not have been possible without you!
You cannot remain unchanged after a journey such as this. God is constantly shaping and refining us to be more Christ-like ambassadors for His kingdom. I am not the same person who left Dallas, and with God’s grace, I have a new appreciation and understanding for engaging His global mission.