You, Who Are on the Road…

We left with 20 students and came home with 20 students. That is one measure of success (albeit a very low standard). Dr. Morgan held the students to a much higher standard during this course including asking them why their colleagues should choose the European Union study abroad course over all the other winter term possibilities. In their own words, here is what the students said:

Ryan Andres, junior, Biology
The European Union: The State of Europe study abroad program gives you the ability to study, in situ, the transformation of Europe from a war-ravaged, hostile, and tense region into an economically-integrated, politically-cooperative constituency capable of standing as a counterweight to American hegemony. You will learn about how Europe used the creation of a single market and economic integration to bury centuries of distrust, destruction, and detestation. Next, you will see how this economic bedrock lead to the pooling of sovereignty and establishment of institutions that allows Europe to act as one in matters relating to foreign policy, internal markets, immigration, and civil rights. While most winter programs provide you the ability to study an engaging topic in a diverse locale, what separates this course is the ability for independent learning. In addition to a sufficient amount of organized lecture and class activities, there is ample time to travel on your own and explore what interests you most. With this freedom comes invaluable experience in traveling, communicating, and surviving in a foreign country where English is not the predominant language. This beneficial deficiency of structure fosters growth and learning in areas outside of traditional academics. It is this knowledge which I believe may be the most valuable going forward in my life and separated this course from my other experiential learning experiences at Elon.


Christopher Swartz
The EU: State of the European Union course is perhaps one of the most cohesive and intensive classes that Elon has to offer over winter term. Not only does the class allow for students to access each of the major institutions of the EU and deal first hand with the people that make these institutions work, but students also have the ability to talk to a wide range of ambassadors and delegates to the EU and its constituent bodies. And while at first this may seem to be a politically isolated trip, one is quick to realize the far reaching affects of the EU in the social and economic fields across the world. Many people have spoken about the new international community and the role of globalization, but this trip is perhaps the best way to learn about our quickly shrinking world, and the effects this has on our own country and the rest of the countries also. And it doesn’t hurt that students are immersed in some of the most lush and opulent cities and environments that Europe has to offer.


Jamie Lee DeVantier, sophomore, Broadcast Communications
I believe that studying abroad in the European Union has provided me with knowledge that I would have never obtained while at the University. While most students study for three weeks in Elon, I was given the opportunity to travel to seven different countries in east and west Europe. I was privileged to see firsthand how a portion of the 27 countries in the European Union work together as one. It was very interesting to see how these countries are in many different stages. For instance, while Lithuania and Hungary are not yet ready to convert their currency to the Euro; countries like Germany and France have already adopted the Euro. I loved being able to experience seven completely different cultures without having to deal with border control within close proximity. Furthermore it was beneficial and inspiring to see how these 27 countries work together as a group under the rule of law, with respect of human rights, democracy, and common principles. With all of the war in the World today it is nice to see that a portion of us can work together and build a strong economy. Clearly students that stayed at Elon or went to study abroad in other programs would never have been able to experience so much in so little time.


Natalie Moore
The European Union trip was unlike anything I have ever experienced and it has offered me new perspectives on the world. It exposed me to diverse cultures and people with dramatically different experiences than mine. This course opened my eyes to a world of politics and history that I had never known. I had the opportunity to both experience the history of these countries as well as meeting people who are currently making history. The theories behind the development of the European Union taught me that the best way to bring peace to our world is to bring countries together with a common foundation of economics and history. How many people can say that they visited seven countries, spent time with someone who helped thwart a Russian invasion and met two U.S. ambassadors in less than a month?


Alexandra Coffman
The European Union wasn’t even on my radar before this course began. Three and a half weeks later, I am more informed about the EU, its structure, development, and how it works as a whole along with some history of EU member states that seems to have been lost in American history books. The information I have learned through my European travels certainly did not get left in Europe. This course, most importantly, taught me the direct effect that the European Union and its 27 member states have on the United States and other countries abroad. While we are all separate entities, we are also all connected. The US Ambassador to Lithuania John Cloud for example, talked about Lithuania’s involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, directly supporting the United States’ efforts there. The European Union-State of Europe Winter Term course has taught me the important of international policy and the effects this growing entity will have on our country. Being a part of the European Union gives member states a way to be directly involved with the United States in areas such as foreign policy and security. Ways that are seemingly eliminating the Atlantic Ocean border which is keeping us apart.


Kris Mannen
Before I left for the European Union I was not really sure what I was getting myself into, what to expect to gain from the course, or if it was going to be worthwhile to me. Now having spent those 24 days in several of the European Union countries, all of my questions have been answered. I could not be more satisfied with my experience on this course. I learned more in the last three weeks then I could have imagined. I am completely stunned by the amount of knowledge that I gained, that I was not informed of in high school, concerning the occupation and struggle the eastern European countries lived through, such as Lithuania and Hungary. I feel that the information presented on this course is very important for every American to know. The European Union has a much larger effect on our country and our economy than most people realize and it is important that we understand what these effects are and what causes them. The European Union course does an amazing job of explaining this.


Whyte Carter
While I could have chosen a Winter Term study abroad program which would have left me with a great tan, rather than facing much colder and damper conditions, I took the European Union course and would enthusiastically recommend it to any Elon student. Meeting U.S. ambassadors, traveling to seven different countries and learning about the hidden history of the Eastern Bloc that you never read in textbooks were just a few of the once in a lifetime opportunities and experiences of this course. For those students interested in working in public service, foreign or domestic, the E.U. provides great interactions with men and women doing just that. Thanks to Dr. Betty Morgan’s numerous personal connections, students learn about the growing strength of the European Union’s influence in the world’s economy, politics and trade. The time I spent among different cultures, studying their histories, marveling at their food and, most importantly, getting such a unique insight into the European Union, made this program much more than just a sight-seeing “trip”.


Michael Monkelien
Many people take study abroad trips to learn about other countries, how people live, and experience the culture. The European Union study abroad trip is so much more than that. The professor has so many contacts and so much interest in this course, that by taking it, you will learn so much more than anyone initially thinks. Not only this, but the course opens up many opportunities for the future. Almost every place we visited someone was offering out internships and jobs for the future. I wish I would have taken the course earlier in my college years so I had a chance to follow through with one of these internships. If you want to do more than just experience Europe and open your eyes to the past and your future, this is the course for you.


Amanda Zamzes, Senior, Public Administration/Political Science
As students at Elon University we have the wonderful opportunity to travel to many exciting places across the world during the winter term study abroad program. Courses include everywhere from Ireland to Barbados to Ghana. However, the EU: the State of Europe course is one which should not be overlooked. The EU course cannot offer fun in the sun, but can offer unprecedented access to some of the most interesting government officials from around Europe. While on this course students get a look into the inner workings of the European Union while being offered chances to meet with United States Ambassadors in countries such as Lithuania and cities such as Vienna. The EU: the State of Europe course is intensive, but students are also allowed free time in which to explore Europe in the way that they see fit. In addition to learning about the European Union and meeting with interesting professionals abroad students learn what it means to be a true traveler. So the question is not why go on the EU: the State of Europe course, but instead why not?


Jeff Benjamin, junior, Business Major
One of the main objectives of the European Union study abroad course is the concept of Cultural Awareness. As Americans we often forget that anything ever happens outside our country; we are often isolated from the world. The common phrase of an “Elon Bubble” demonstrates our isolation as students not only to the world, but also to our nation. Many of those reading this probably do not have a strong grasp on the relevance of the European Union (EU), or its goals and how the EU affects the United States. As the world is increasingly becoming more interconnected, Americans should no longer be ignorant of global political and economic forces. We should strive to become more culturally aware of those around us. As part of the EU trip we experienced 7 countries and dozens of different cultures in only 24 days. This is an excellent first step in building a strong and culturally aware global perspective.


Katie Tabor, sophomore, Accounting major
One hears about the European Union but does one actually understand what it is and how powerful it is becoming? Before going on this trip I was one of those people. To me, the European Union was just another temporary system in Europe. Not until I started the course and was over in Europe did I realize that the EU is here to stay. Even after all the years of stability, the leaders of the EU are careful about how they approach each member state and what laws are passed. The leaders always make sure that all the treaties are upheld within the member states and the Union as a whole. Before the course, I never realized that a new form of superpower could be on the rise. Everyone going out into the world needs to realize that not all the power lies in weapons; diplomacy is the new power of the future. Without this course I would never have realized how much power Europe has and how the United State needs to start reviewing EU policies.


Kourtney Cloak, Sophomore
Attending a university with numerous study abroad programs provides life-changing opportunities. Deciding which course to enroll in is the difficult part. As a sophomore, I did not receive my first choice of the programs traveling to places such as Australia and the Pacific Rim. Upset and disappointed, I chose the European Union course on my parents’ suggestion. While I was barely anxious for the course initially, reflecting on my studies now I could not have asked for a more influential or informative experience. Traveling to seven countries throughout the month, I was granted the amazing opportunity to explore Eastern Europe, a region forgotten by textbooks and history classes of the West. What I know now of political institutions, revolutions, and other historical events taught me to dig deeper, search for knowledge, and look beyond. Cold, snowy, and rainy weather of these countries may not be as appealing as the sunny, warm temperatures others will take you to; however, no other course offered could provide such knowledge as what you will be privileged to have after completing the European Union course.


Meredith Krause
Elon University offers 60 or more different study abroad programs during the course of the year from spring to Winter Term. Since there are so many places to choose from it becomes difficult to decide which one will deliver the best experience. Many students tend to choose a course that incorporates water and sunshine, but there are other courses that can offer more than just a tan. The European Union: The State of Europe is a course that many students underestimate when they read the brochure. During this WT course you do more than just travel to Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, and Hungary. During WT 2008, we were given several opportunities to take independent travel days to Amsterdam, Bruges, Nuremberg, Paris, Vienna, and many other locations. During our travels we were able to tour entire cities, visit several informative museums from the Chocolate Museum in Belgium to the Genocide Museum in Lithuania, learn new languages, eat delicious food, get the opportunity to speak with locals and get a better understanding of their culture, and meet with not one but two U.S. Ambassadors along with many other organizations involved with the EU. This course is not just for those with an interest in Foreign Affairs because there were 20 students with all different types of backgrounds from Business, Communications, Biology, Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration, and International Studies. Many of us came into this course not understanding anything about the European Union, but left with the knowledge of so much more than just the ins and outs of EU. We learned the history of these countries and were completely in shock as to how little we knew about the rest of the world. This experience has opened doors for many of us who took it and probably would have never happened if not for choosing to take this course. If I have learned anything from this course is that Europe has a greater effect on America than we understand and we can learn so much from their different cultures and their economic perspectives. The EU: The State of Europe should be greatly considered as a top choice for future Winter Terms because it delivers an unforgettable experience that will be very beneficial in the years to come as our World continues to unite.


Katelin Clark
Choosing the European Union trip for my winter term class was one of the best decisions I have ever made. While I could have gone surfing in Hawaii or bungee jumping in Australia, I picked the EU because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that probably would never show up again. We visited 7 countries in only three and a half weeks and this variety was something that only the EU trip could provide. Whether it was learning about the functions of the European Court of Justice or touring a country’s Parliament, each activity taught us the importance of the European Union and we were able to see exactly how every piece was connected to the big picture. Free days were given out on a regular basis so there was a perfect balance between structured schedules and schedules that we created on our own terms. From this trip, I feel that I have become more knowledgeable and aware of what is going on around the world, and I am going to continue to stay informed on the progress of the EU.


Dave Matz
If you want to have the opportunity to speak with Ambassadors, visit European Union Institutions, travel to places you never thought you would visit and experience a variety of rich cultures, the European Union Study Abroad program offers just exactly that. While all of these contribute to an unbelievable experience, the academic aspect of the program is by far most rewarding. Through this program, students obtain a greater understanding on how the European Union originated, how it functions today and the vital role that it will play in the future. The European Union is undoubtedly playing an important role in today’s world. As a governing body for some of the most prominent countries in the world, it is essential as a student to understand and comprehend the workings and functions of this prominent institution. Because of its important role in a variety of worldly affairs, the program is applicable to every student regardless of their major or background. As a student who has had the opportunity to study abroad three times at Elon University and twice as a People to People Student Ambassador in High School, I can confidently say that I found this program to be the most applicable and enriching experience.


Chris Champney
Before I embarked upon the intellectual and cultural odyssey embodied by the European Union Course, I honestly would never have imagined the experiences it would present me. The course gave me a firsthand account on the inner workings of the growing international super state that is the European Union. Spanning 27 countries and encompassing more wealth, people and arguably more foreign influence than the United States, the EU presents itself as the dominate economic and political player on the current world stage. Most intriguingly the European Union is able to do this with no military whatsoever. The EU’s economic policy controls everything from your student loans to the price of the gas you put in your tank. Upon entering this course, I like most Americans had virtually no idea about the EU or it’s affect on my everyday life. However having toured the EU government institutions, met with ambassadors, and seen the inner workings of the most powerful bank and courtroom in the world, my understanding of that world has been shaken. Anyone who undertakes this course will gain a complex understanding of the institution which is supplanting the United States in virtually every area we have previously dominated.
Aside from learning about the EU I was able to walk the streets of Brussels, Vienna and Budapest whose architecture and elegance rival any city in the world. I was also exposed to a level of culture which I had never before experienced. While staying in Vilnius we attended the Opera Salome and saw the Lithuanian National Symphony which was a truly enchanting experience. I also gained a new found appreciation for the hardships which many Easter European peoples endured while under the Soviet Union’s tyrannical oppression. On a more personal note I was able to see the country of Lithuania where my grandmother’s family hails from. While there I experienced the kindness and history of this amazing little country and have developed a greater appreciation for my own family’s heritage.


John Chiaramonti
The European Union study abroad course offered at Elon is an incredible opportunity that no student should pass on. Before this trip I had little knowledge of European politics and now I am convinced that the EU will surpass the United States in political and financial capabilities in the upcoming years. I was fortunate enough to meet with two United States Ambassadors, one in Vilnius, Lithuania and another in Vienna, Austria. In only 24 days, I was able to visit Frankfurt, Germany, Luxembourg, Brussels and Bruges, Belgium, Amsterdam, Vilnius, Lithuania, Warsaw, Poland, Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary. I was able to experience and take part of very different and unique cultures in Western and Eastern Europe. I now know that Europe has unified as a whole through the European Union treaties that date back to as early as the 1950s, but each member state is unique and independent as well.


Halley Spong
There are four words to describe the study abroad to the European Union: Once in a lifetime. Coming into this class I knew very little about the European Union, let alone, Europe itself. I had never been out of the country, besides going on cruises. I lived a sheltered life in which the only sort of worldly news I would read was from online websites. However looking back on this experience I’ve learned more about the European Union than I have about the United States. I was given the opportunity to meet the US Ambassador in Lithuania, as well as learn about a genocide that took place in Lithuania, just to name a few. I can honestly say that this experience has changed my life and I will always be grateful for having this opportunity.