“Oh, the Places You'll Go!” isn’t just a popular book by Dr. Seuss.

It’s a popular phrase heard in Gettysburg College’s office of Off-Campus Studies. And oh, the places students DO go! From Morocco to Madagascar, hundreds have studied abroad, living, learning, and making memories that last a lifetime. Check out what a few of them had to say about their fall 2011 study abroad experiences:

Name: Sarah Barrett ’13
Major: Philosophy
Studied in: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Favorite class: Introduction to Dutch language (or "Survival Dutch" as my instructor called it)
Reflection on experience: I fell in love with the Netherlands and the Dutch lifestyle, learned more about Amsterdam than I knew about my own city, and met some really amazing people. I learned so much about my own thoughts, opinions, and strengths, as well as my ability to stay sane within a group of seventeen women.
Explain the photo: This is me outside of the wooden shoe workshop/museum at Zaanse Schans, a preserved traditional Dutch town in North Holland.

Name: Kelsey Gerber ’13
Major: Anthropology, Classics
Studied in: Athens, Greece
Favorite class: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece and the Aegean
Reflection on experience: My study abroad experience was full of on-site learning. I spent a lot of time travelling, visiting ancient locations, and learning about historical sites and their contexts, all while seeing breathtaking places and enjoying an incredible culture at what could be a crucial part of their contemporary history.
Explain the photo: This picture, which was taken on the island of Santorini, is of the town of Oia just before sunset.

Name: Joy Hallfors ’13
Major: Health Sciences
Studied in: Wollongong, Australia
Favorite class: Transnational Media and Intercultural Communication
Reflection on experience: I originally had no intention of studying abroad, but that changed after hearing so many great things about it. My experience was an eye opener; I had never travelled outside of the U.S., and because of this opportunity I learned a lot about myself and other cultures from around the world. It was great to try many new things and meet new people.
Explain the photo: This is an underwater picture of coral taken during my spring recess trip to Coral Coast, Fiji.

Name: Xavier Harding ’12
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Studied in: Merida, Mexico
Favorite class: Periodismo Digital (translates to Digital Journalism in English)
Reflection on experience: I studied in Mexico because I wanted to immerse myself in Spanish and take a journalism class abroad. Rebecca Bergren, director of Off-Campus Studies, suggested the Merida program and it was a great opportunity for me. I learned a lot about the Spanish language, matured as a person, and tried a bunch of new foods. I even learned how to swim!
Explain the photo: This picture of me was taken while I toured the ruins of Chichen Itza, which was one of the largest Maya cities.

Name: Ryan LoScalzo ’13
Major: Organization and Management Studies
Studied in: London/Lancaster, England
Favorite class: Sustainability in the City
Reflection on experience: My study abroad experience allowed me to visit a number of places in Europe, explore various cultures, and take courses that applied towards my degree. My semester began in London, a city whose culture I was eager to experience first-hand, and ended at Lancaster University. I had the opportunity to discuss world issues with other students, which enabled me to better comprehend international relations and the role of the United States in an ever-changing world. I am certain the cultural knowledge I gained has made me a more rounded applicant for any future job.
Explain the photo: This picture was taken during my weekend visit to Bath, England. After touring Bath, a couple of students hopped on a train to Salisbury and then caught a bus to Wiltshire - the location of Stonehenge. I’m wearing a Gettysburg hat and Stonehenge is reflected in my sunglasses.

Name: Mairead McGuirk ’13
Major: Health Sciences
Studied in: Geneva, Switzerland
Favorite class: Global Health and Policy Development
Reflection on experience: I studied public health and lived with a Swiss family in a small town called St. Prex, which borders Lake Geneva. I took French classes and attended public health lectures at the United Nations during the week, and on the weekends I travelled throughout Switzerland, hiked the Alps, ate chocolate, and visited castles; it was truly an unforgettable semester.
Explain the photo: This is the Glacier of Altesch in Valais, Switzerland.

Name: Emily Miano ’13
Major: Psychology, International Affairs
Studied in: Nairobi, Kenya
Favorite class: Health and Development
Reflection on experience: Studying abroad was an eye-opening experience that led to lifelong memories and lessons in humanity. I met incredible people doing incredible things to empower a nation, and the semester was one of the best and most valuable experiences of my life.
Explain the photo: This is a photo of me (on the right), another student, Caitlin Falvey (this is her photo), my host nephew, and my host second cousin during my rural homestay in the Shirazi Village.

Name: Alexis Moyer ’13
Major: Environmental Studies
Studied in: Copenhagen, Denmark
Favorite class: Holocaust and Genocide
Reflection on experience: Studying abroad was a life changing experience that taught me about myself and the world around me. My experience consisted of interesting classes and fascinating field studies mixed with study tours across Europe. I studied sustainability and renewable energy technology, and also took courses on genocides and Nordic mythology. My program was perfectly suited to my major, and the opportunity to travel to Greenland for a week was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.
Explain the photo: This is me standing in front of a breathtaking section of the ice sheet in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Name: Ross Nichols ’13
Major: Economics, Globalization Studies
Studied in: Cairo, Egypt
Favorite class: International Economics
Reflection on experience: I studied in Egypt because I wanted to experience a place and culture very much different from my own, and I was lucky enough to be at the American University of Cairo during a historic time in the Middle East. The first free elections in Egyptian history began near the end of the semester, and I was able to interact with Egyptian students and professors to better understand their perspectives. I got to witness history being made firsthand, and this is in addition to traveling throughout Egypt and Turkey; words cannot describe the amazing things I got to see.
Explain the photo: This picture was taken at the Pyramids of Giza. The Pyramid of Khafre is in the foreground and the Pyramid of Menkaure is behind it.

Name: Haley Stauch ’13
Major: Psychology
Studied in: Athens, Greece
Reflection on experience: I had an excellent time studying abroad; I was able to experience life in Athens during the academic week, and during free time on weekends and breaks I travelled throughout Europe. Travelling abroad is an experience that everyone should take advantage of; I now have a better understanding of European culture, and notice the differences between each country I visited. I made great friends and cannot wait to travel to Greece again in the future!
Explain the photo: This picture, which was taken in Mykonos, Greece, is of a local boy welcoming a fishing boat back to port.

Name: Mary Strang ’13
Major: Psychology
Studied in: Madagascar
Favorite class: Environmental Field Study Seminar (one of the highlights being the lemur behavior study)
Reflection on experience: In order to get to the village I stayed in, I flew from the capital of Madagascar to Maroantsetra and then hiked (with my guide) 50 km along the coast and through mountainous areas. I lived in a small, rural village of 136 people and during my study, I explored village life and Betsimisaraka culture. I owe the greatest thanks to all of the villagers of Ambatomizana for allowing me to fall in love with another culture, despite the language barrier, and I thank them for welcoming me with unmatched hospitality. I also owe special thanks to my host family; being around all of them warmed my heart and I am blessed to have been able to meet them.
Explain the photo: I took this picture while on top of a rock that overlooked the village I lived in. My host sister, Floreta, is also in this photo. She is three years old and is a very special, selfless girl.

Name: Sarah Tuttle ’13
Major: Music
Studied in: Vienna, Austria
Favorite class: Gustav Mahler and Turn-of-the-Century Vienna
Reflection on experience: My time in Vienna reaffirmed my hopes and aspirations as both a musician and a student; I learned just as much about myself as I did the subject matter in my classes. I find it remarkable how many connections exist between art, music, philosophy, science…
Explain the photo: This is an apartment block in the 3rd District of Vienna that was designed by an artist named Hundertwasser. He became progressively more interested in architecture during his career, and believed man should be at harmony with nature and it should be reflected in his architecture. The artist and his long-term colleague, Josef Krawina, created this apartment complex, which features intentionally uneven floors, bursts of color, and trees growing from within the building. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, Hundertwasserhaus is a Viennese cultural icon.

Name: Kylie Wright ’13
Major: Religious Studies
Studied in: Samoa, South Pacific Ocean
Favorite Class: Pacific Studies Seminar
Reflection on experience: I decided to study in Samoa because I knew nothing about that part of the world. Through my study abroad program, I was completely immersed in the culture of the South Pacific. I participated in experiential education and got the opportunity to travel to other islands including Savaii, American Samoa, and Fiji. It was an experience I will never forget.
Explain the photo: This is me in Lotofaga Village, Samoa. The students in my program were helping to prepare a feast in the umu (outdoor kitchen), and I was in charge of scraping the coconuts.

Gettysburg College’s office of Off-Campus Studies offers semester, academic year, and summer term study abroad programs to students, and more than 50% of students seize this opportunity and study abroad. Few schools can claim this. So few, that according to the Institute of International Education (IIE), Gettysburg ranked 8th in the nation for baccalaureate leading institutions by mid-length (one semester) duration of study abroad for 2009-10. And Gettysburg ranked 28th in the nation for total number of students at baccalaureate leading institutions studying abroad in 2009-10.

“Our programs around the world offer students opportunities to increase their global awareness, enhance their on-campus academic learning, develop a career-oriented skill set, encourage language learning, and support their personal growth,” said Rebecca Bergren, director of Off-Campus Studies.

After immersing themselves in new cultures, students return to campus feeling invigorated and energized. Many develop a new perspective on life and learning. “Our office, our academic departments, and many other areas of our campus work hard to support our students as they incorporate their experiences abroad into their academic choices and future plans,” added Bergren. “We believe a Gettysburg education is a global education.”

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition. Alumni include Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate, and other distinguished scholars. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Contact: Tracey Dukert, assistant director of news content, 717.337.6521