Impact

Having just returned home from South Africa, I am stunned at my delayed reaction to the trip and the experience of taking students abroad. While on the trip I concentrated on trying to be the best leader I could be, and together with Dr. Hamann, worked to make sure students were getting a variety of rich experiences that would broaden their world views and understanding of South Africa and its people. However, I didn't have time to concentrate on my own experiences and the wonder and joy of it all. After returning to Lincoln, I spent the afternoon telling my family about the people, about the food, about the amazing discussions and things I learned and realized that I haven't had the time to truly process the trip. I think that for many of us, the impact of the trip on our lives is just beginning - many of us will see that the experience has enlightened us in so many ways, and has given us a greater appreciation for the importance of international inter-personal interaction, a greater understanding of issues related to language planning and policy and the day-to-day impact these policies have on people and schools, and a deeper understanding of the history and similarities/differences between the U.S. and South Africa. But we won't see this right away, it will come to us each day as we ponder the experiences, look at photos, discuss the trip with family and friends. I am deeply thankful for our South African friends and colleagues, who took the time to talk with us, eat with us, and teach us about South Africa. I hope that the experience of our visit has impacted our friends and colleagues in South Africa as well and that they will be able to come to Nebraska in order to continue this amazing intercultural experience.

-Theresa Catalano