Study Abroad Profile
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“I’ve gone from wanting to teach in a high school here to wanting to teach abroad. I really enjoyed being out of the U.S. and in a different culture.”


—Brian T.

Brian is an English major who studied at Växjö University. He was drawn to the program because he wants to be a teacher, and the coursework that was offered addressed the field of education in general. He hopes to pursue a master's degree in education after completing his undergraduate work.

Brian described his classes in Sweden as personal. He enjoyed the relaxed course structure, and the inclusion of site visits to local schools. Experiencing Swedish pre, middle, senior high and alternative schools first-hand was an important part of his experience. The visits were used to compare the Swedish and American educational systems. Students had to think about how to apply aspects of both systems in order to create a new approach to teaching.

Brian was inspired by his coursework to explore a new career path. He is now looking at Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). "I've gone from wanting to teach in a high school here to wanting to teach abroad. I really enjoyed being out of the U.S. and in a different culture." Brian never expected to be pursuing this type of career, but his study abroad experience opened the possibility to him.

During his time in Växjö, Brian lived with many other international students in government housing. This unique setting gave students opportunities to share their home cultures with each other. Brian felt that he gained insight into many cultures through his living arrangement, and he enjoyed the diverse environment. "You see a different side of a culture than if you had these interactions in America. Everyone was enthusiastic to let everyone else know what their culture was like." In general, Brian thoroughly enjoyed his experience in Sweden, and hopes to return.
 
Last modified on November 21, 2008