Ask-A-Student

ASK-A-STUDENT is a service for students interested in participating in programs administered by the Office of International Programs. Our Cultural Consultants are current or former UNI students who have "been there, done that" and are excited about sharing their insights and experiences with you. 

Before you submit your inquiry, be sure to carefully read program information available to you through our web site and in the Study Abroad Resource Library (59 Baker). Please kindly prepare a short list of questions and limit your inquires to program aspects you are most interested in learning about.  Thank you.

Semester 1 (Spring) 2003
Lisa Derner, Finance major, senior
University of Newcastle - Newcastle, Australia
"Well, today is my last day in Newcastle, Au. I am heading to Sydney today to spend my last few nights there. I am sad to say good bye to this amazing place but excited at the possibilities of where I want to go next. [...] I was looking back last night at all the things I was able to do here and I realized how lucky I was....I was able to do more here in 4 months than most will be able to say they did in a life time. If any of you get a chance like this.....take it, and run like hell. I have become a much stronger and open person because of the people I've met and the experiences I had here." (6-25-03)

To learn about this program, follow this link. 

Academic Year 2002-2003
Kim Mercer, English major Spanish minor
University of Wales Swansea - Swansea, United Kingdom
"The bus system gets us everywhere we need, and is relatively easy to figure out. So far (today is only the second day of class) the pre-sessional [course] is very laid-back, the professors are being very good about "easing" us into student life and telling us about about future opportunities for trips, clubs, etc. We have already been on a trip to the Gower Peninsula, which was just beautiful, and tomorrow is a trip to a coal mine. One word of advice for prospective students - expect rain, but don't let it stop you from doing anything you have planned. It's rained half the time we've been here, and we can definitely tell a difference in our moods/morale when the sun is out, but it's all part of the experience I am sure." 9/9/02

To learn more about the program, follow this link. 

Fall 2001
Nick Davis, Marketing major

 “My experience in Australia was the best thing that ever happened to me.  Being around so many different cultures and traveling the east coast was unforgettable. I just can’t wait to go back Down Under.”

Academic Year 2001-2002
Brad Miller, Russian major
Russian Language & Area Studies Program at the Russian State Pedagogical University (Herzen Institute) in St. Petersburg, Russia 
E-mail: bm454778@uni.edu

"I went to Russia to study the language and the people and learned a lot more than just that. I learned about myself and about life. Russian people are wonderful. Before I left, friends and family were nervous about their friend/son going to RUSSIA.  Some still thought that the country was still not free and communistic. Russians have also taught me about humanity. Many have told me that even though our two governments have not gotten along in the past, we as individuals and not as governments, have always gotten along. Of course, we toasted to that!"

To learn more about this program, visit the web site of the American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS. ACTR, in collaboration with UNI and other universities, administers excellent immersion and exchange programs for high school and university students.  

Spring 2002
Rochelle Dotzenrod, Accounting/Finance
Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Spring 2002
Janet Ramirez, Management/Marketing
University of Hull; Hull, United Kingdom (England)

Spring 2001
Megan Walker, Marketing
Iowa Regents Program in Australia (University of Newcastle)
E-mail: megan_walker@yahoo.com

"I never thought I would have such a great time. I met so many wonderful people, and received such a warm welcome from the school. I loved getting to know and being involved in the culture of Australia. I would do it all again in a heart beat."

Fall Semester 2001
Melanie Brewer, Elementary and Middle Level Education Major
Iowa Regents Program in Wales at the University of Swansea, Wales (U.K.)

E-mail:  mbrew03@uni.edu

"This was a life changing experience for me. The best semester of my life! The people I met (Americans, French, Welsh, English and Australians) were so much fun and never turned down a chance to go to the pub. The night life was amazing --nothing like Iowa! Traveling is really easy in Europe; I went to London (almost every other weekend), Paris, Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and all over England. I learned so much that I could have never learned from a text book. It's crazy seeing magazines and TV. programs of places that I have been to. The culture and scenery of Wales is beautiful. The ocean is right across from the library and there are 2 pubs ON CAMPUS!!! There's nothing like a Welsh guy (bloke), I didn't meet one who acted over 12 years old! If you go take an umbrella!!! It's hard coming back, but it's awesome e-mailing all my friends from all over the world. I am definitely going back someday soon!"

Spring Semester 2001
Paul Leitz, Biology Major and Dual Language Major in French /Russian.
Centre International d'Etudes Francaises (C.I.D.E.F.) of the Universite Catholique de l'Ouest (UCO) in Angers, France
E-mail: pleitz@uni.edu

"I think it is all a matter of love: the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it is." -Vladimir Nabokov

Fall 2001
Nikki Thies, Elementary Education major
Iowa Regents Program in Australia at the University of Newcastle
E-mail: nthies@uni.edu

"Choosing to do study abroad was THE GREATEST decision I have ever made in my entire life. Hands down. If I had enough money, I would study abroad again in a heartbeat."

Spring 2001
Scott Vollbeer, Marketing and Economics double major
The Iowa Regents Program in Australia at the University of Newcastle
svollbee@uni.edu

“Studying in Australia provided me the opportunity to learn much about the life and history of a different country as well as a great deal about myself. The study abroad program lived up to my expectations, and challenged me with the unexpected. All this while providing an experience that was so much fun; my only regret was not staying longer.”

Spring 2001
Alan Drury, Criminology Major, Spanish Minor
The Iowa Regents Program in Wales at the University of Swansea, Wales (U.K.)
E-mail: drurya@uni.edu

"Studying in Wales made me more aware of my surroundings and the people associate with. It opened my eyes up to the fact that the world has much more to offer than the customs and culture in the United States. After completing the experience I am now much more accepting of different cultures and customs that are not readily available to U.S. citizens."

Spring 2001
Bret Miller, Physical Education Major
Iowa Regents Program in Australia at the University of Newcastle
E-mail: greenpopper@hotmail.com  

"The semester I spent in Newcastle, NSW Australia was a life changing experience. Not only did I get to immerse myself into a new culture and meet new people from that culture, I also gained a new respect for our own culture. The people I met and the places I saw will forever be amongst my fondest memories and I would recommend studying abroad to anyone looking to broaden his or her perspectives and in light of the past years events I think we would be better off if more people could have such positive experiences."

Spring 2001
Rachelle Brenneman, Biology Major
University of Aalborg, Denmark (UNI Exchange)
rachellenadine@hotmail.com

"I would say that after having lived in another country, I feel I know myself even better, can see advantages and disadvantages in different countries and can appreciate them! And I can definitely see beyond my own little world in the US. When you live in such a big country as the states, it's hard to keep in mind that there are different ways of thinking and life than just ours. It cannot be experienced by just traveling in Europe; living there has so much more to offer, and there is no way you will ever think the same afterward.... for the better!"

Spring 2001
Elizebeth Paulson, Business Management Major
Groupe Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rennes (ESC Rennes) in Rennes, France

E-mail: lizpaul99@yahoo.com

"The best part about my travels was getting married in France and all the great people I met that will be life-long friends."

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