New this week:
Perspectives from current UNK students studying abroad, as well as the impact that time abroad has had on past UNK Abroad students.
This section will also feature International students on UNK campus.
If you have story ideas, please e-mail Mary Spencer at spencerm2@lopers.unk edu

Rachel Paper
Antelope Staff

Study abroad opportunities at UNK take students beyond the boundaries of one’s country.
 
“The experiences go beyond the term of study,” says Erik Lienemann
“I have met so many different people from all over the world,” says Lienemann, “I have seen such incredible sights like Machu Picchu of Peru to La Segrada Familia of Barcelona, Spain.”

He says his favorite memory would have to be from Cuzco, Peru. “Cuzco is known for their scenery, ancient architecture and churches, along with their incredible night life. It was absolutely the best time I have ever had.  I became very close to the group I was studying with and some of my best friends came out of that group.

“We still keep in touch to this day, even though some of them have moved away. The connections are a one-of-a-kind thing to experience; you really have to go to understand that.”

“I believe that everyone should study abroad. It opens up the world to each student; they discontinue being close-minded. For me, studying abroad in Peru was my first long-term living experience outside of Nebraska, my home. Now, I consider myself a traveler where the world is my home.”

Lienemann spent one semester in Peru and two summers in Spain. He said, “I went to Spain to study Spanish for a summer term. I fell in love with the culture and the people. I had such an amazing adventure there. I plan on making my way to the places I have been every so often to visit with the people that I met.”

Recently, Lienemann returned to visit his host family, the Eiroa-Grelas, in Spain.

“The connections are a one-of-a-kind thing to experience; you really have to go to understand that.”  -Erik Lienemann

Lienemann said all of the experiences gained throughout time in both Spain and Peru are definitely once in a lifetime. “I also hope to travel to other destinations around this beautiful world that we live in; experiencing all of the different cultures, languages, and people,” he said.

“Traveling can be, and most definitely is, an addiction. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to any student.”