I just completed the 2010 Design Thinking for Innovation program. I am very grateful for the educational and cultural experiences and opportunities it provided me. Although the program moved at a fast pace, I did my best to appreciate and learn as much as possible each day.
While growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I never had interest in traveling or studying abroad. It wasn't until I came to Utah State University that I gained interest, after I was presented with a lot of affordable opportunities to study abroad. I am glad that I participated in this program. I got out of my comfort zone and after 21 years, finally left the United States.
This experience was a blessing and a great opportunity and I am looking forward to sharing it with whoever cares to hear about my Swiss adventure.
Switzerland is absolutely beautiful. I've heard from several people that it is the most beautiful country in Europe. Luckily, I'll be continuing my travels around Europe until August when I have to leave for Africa for my next study abroad semester. A lot of people claim that the country they live in is the most beautiful, so I'll just have to see for myself!
I've really been enjoying my time studying abroad. There are a lot of cultural similarities which have made my stay here an easy transition from that of living in the United States.
Although some people speak English here, the three main languages spoken are French, Swiss-German and Italian. The primary language spoken depends on which region of Switzerland you are in. I've been to the French and Swiss-German speaking regions.
My girlfriend and I arrived in Switzerland a week early to stay with some family friends in Zurich. I had the opportunity to experience life in a Swiss home environment. It differs from the experience I am having with my study abroad group, so I'm glad I have the opportunity to do both. My family friends showed exceptional hospitality and treated me with great love and respect. It was a great way to begin my experience in Switzerland.
I also went to a barber in Zurich before I started my study abroad program. While I was getting my haircut, the barber and I talked about Switzerland culture, Ghana (where he's from and where I'll be studying in the fall) and the United States. It was interesting to hear his perspective on different topics ranging from interracial relationships in Europe compared to the United States, to politics in Switzerland and the United States, to solidarity amongst Africans. It reminded me of topics that would be discussed during Black Student Union meetings this past year at Utah State. It was great to connect with him and see things from a different point of view.
Although there are some language barriers, it has been quite easy to adjust to the Swiss culture. I'm looking forward to more great experiences in Switzerland.
Studying abroad has been an amazing experience so far. Switzerland is absolutely beautiful. I’ve been here now for almost a month- one week of personal travel in Zurich and I’ve just began my third week of the USU Design Thinking for Innovation Program. I’m having a great time and I am very grateful to get such amazing opportunities through USU.
The USU Design Thinking for Innovation Program is based on the concept of human-centered design. There are about 40 USU art and business students participating in this program, and we are learning about the power of design as a tool for developing innovative products, ideas and solutions; and how to use our right-brain and left-brain to gain a better perspective on design.
Our group travels Monday through Saturday and has Sundays off, which are optional personal travel days. We travel a lot and it definitely gets tiring. We’ve visited over 13 cities, several villages and have stayed at a medieval monastery for three days, all in just two weeks. I think our entire group has become quite familiar with the Swiss rail system. If we’re not traveling by train, it’s usually by foot, which can be quite a workout with all the hills here, and if not by foot, by bus or boat.
From visits to several castles, cathedrals, museums, a chocolate factory, a fighting cow festival, private organ concerts, to snowshoeing and hiking in the Alps, climbing Roman ruins, boat rides, participating in service work, seeing breath-taking views daily and being around a great group of USU students and faculty, is truly a blessing.
My name is Dexter Summers and I am a senior at Utah State University (USU) majoring in journalism and I will be studying abroad for a year. I’ve been blessed with this great opportunity and I am going into my journey open minded and without expectations. During the summer 2010 semester, I will be participating in Design Thinking for Innovation in Switzerland, sponsored by the USU Jon M. Huntsman School of Business & Caine College of the Arts. During the 2010-2011 school year, I will be participating in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which USU is a member of. I will be attending the University of Ghana located in West Africa for the entire fall 2010 semester. After, I will be attending the University of Botswana located in Southern Africa for the entire spring 2011 semester.
I chose to study abroad to better understand my own cultural values and beliefs, gain vital knowledge- both in the classroom and in a foreign working environment, be an ambassador to my community, increase my maturity and self confidence, influence an interest in a career path and change my world view. As an African American male and first generation college student, I know the importance of education and my duty as a role model to my younger brother and other young people in my community.
I'd like to thank God, my family and friends and USU for this opportunity and for their support.
I just completed the 2010 Design Thinking for Innovation program. I am very grateful for the educational and cultural experiences and opportunities it provided me. Although the program moved at a fast pace, I did my best to appreciate and learn as much as possible each day.
While growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I never had interest in traveling or studying abroad. It wasn't until I came to Utah State University that I gained interest, after I was presented with a lot of affordable opportunities to study abroad. I am glad that I participated in this program. I got out of my comfort zone and after 21 years, finally left the United States.
This experience was a blessing and a great opportunity and I am looking forward to sharing it with whoever cares to hear about my Swiss adventure.
Switzerland is absolutely beautiful. I've heard from several people that it is the most beautiful country in Europe. Luckily, I'll be continuing my travels around Europe until August when I have to leave for Africa for my next study abroad semester. A lot of people claim that the country they live in is the most beautiful, so I'll just have to see for myself!
