Around the World in 31 days

With snow falling on the ground, they packed their bags and prepared themselves. They hugged friends and family goodbye and loaded a bus for the airport. Once there they checked in and boarded their planes. Hours later they arrived at their destination tired and jet lagged, but astonished and excited for their J-term. This was the beginning experience for over 350 students who studied away this past January.

According to the Study Away Web site, Luther College offers over 25 study away opportunities each J-term. These range from Paideia Capstones in New Zealand to a history course on the Holocaust in Central Europe. In addition to traveling to foreign lands, there are also trips within the U.S. such as a biology course in the American southwest or an environmental ethics course in Washington State.

Associate Professor of English and Head of the African Studies Department Martin Klammer led a trip to South Africa to run a summer camp for children of Soweto, a suburb outside of Capetown.

Before the camp started, however, the students got to visit Johannesburg, a game park and the Apartheid Museum. Then they traveled to Johannesburg. There, the 26 students, Professor Klammer and their South African guide Brendan Adams held a day camp for two to three hours.

“The bottom line was sharing affection like a family,” said Klammer. “It immerses the students in community and the students really get to know families and these kids.”

Klammer is unsure when the next J-term to South Africa would be, but was certain that there would be another one.

Associate Professor of Religion Wanda Deifelt headed a trip to Egypt where students studied the intersection of East and West as well as the intersection of Christianity and Islam. Students also learned how ancient politico-religious practices have affected our modern religious practices. Professor Deifelt said she wanted the students to also get the sense of a real Muslim country and their hospitality.

“Egyptians are hospitable and proud. And we need to be aware that there is a real Middle East different from the one our media portrays that we need to be aware of and sensitive to.” Deifelt said. Another Egypt J-term has been scheduled for 2012.

Associate Professor of Russian Studies Laurie Iudin-Nelson led students on a J-term excursion to Norway and Russia. Students spent the first half of the trip in Norway and the second half of the trip in Russia, where they participated in classes and explored the countries.

Students regularly attended the opera or local concerts and visited museums and historical sites. They also cross country skied in Norway at the site of the Birkebeiner race.

Iudin-Nelson wanted students to get not only a sense of another culture, but also to let students learn about themselves.

“Many of the students wrote in their journals that they wanted to go back or wanted to learn another language,” Iudin-Nelson said. “And that is an important part of studying abroad. Because studying abroad helps you learn about yourself and your country. Only when you step away from your comfortable life and look at it can you understand yourself.”

The Russia/Norway trip has been given permission to continue next year.

According to Jake Wittman (‘12) went to the American Southwest to study ecology.

“It’s fun as well as informational,” he said. “I got to be outdoors learning about ecology. It was very fun as well as useful in meeting basic requirements.”

Kori Nelson (‘12), who went to France to study the affects ancient cultures had on modern France, agrees.

“It’s a nice way to interact and make friends,” Nelson said. “And it’s always cool to see a new place and experience it up close and hands on.”

Eloise Hoegh (‘11), who went to Tanzania, said that going abroad helped her better understand herself and her own country.

“I have a renewed appreciation for life in a wealthy country and I now see myself more as a product of our society and educational system than ever before,” Hoegh said.

Studying away offers Luther students many opportunities. It gives them the ability to make new friends and complete requirements for graduation, while also allowing them to experience new cultures and ideas.

There is also something deeper study away offers for everyone: a new sense of identity and a renewed outlook on life.

“By understanding the other we better understand ourselves,” Deifelt said.