A group of 10 students from the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication took “We Fly” literally this summer.

On May 5, just after Spring Commencement, the group ventured to the Indianapolis Airport for an overseas adventure led by SJSC Assistant Lecturer Kate Elliott.

From Paris, France, to Ljubljana, Slovenia, they spent 35 days traveling to 11 cities across three countries, enjoying new food, experiencing different cultures, and more. During this time, the students logged their adventures through a variety of storytelling methods including social media and articles, which were published in The Ball State Daily’s “Class Act” section.

The Trip’s Impact

Kate Hill

Journalism, News Writing and Reporting Major

This trip impacted me in many ways. I’m coming into my second year of college, and last year, I had to take a language course as an incoming freshman. I took French, purely on a whim and basked in the enjoyment of greeting my roommate in a boisterous Julia Child voice. By the end of my first semester, I unironically got good at French and had fallen in love with the stereotypical language of love. I was seriously considering work as a French correspondent. Travel journalism began to feel like my ideal specialization of journalism. This newfound area within my already steadfast passion for journalism perfectly aligned with the announcement of this trip.

The trip taught me two things above all else: my body’s capabilities and limits, and the importance of good, high-quality food. I have cerebral palsy, and so completing this trip was a big deal for me, but it also put into perspective for me just how accessible America is. Although Europeans are less prideful than Americans and more willing to help someone up from a fall, there is no Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) in place to protect disabled people.

The emphasis that Europeans, specifically French people, put on food is remarkably admirable. There are bells to remind them when lunch time is! To them, a meal is not just something to be eaten. It’s a chance for connection. Having that opportunity to connect, I realized, creates a happier population of people who view each day as a gift.

Gracie Worrick

Advertising in Event Planning and Management, Leadership, and Emerging Media Major

My favorite part of the trip was getting to see so many gorgeous sights. Our trip took us to multiple cities in France and Italy, so we got to see a lot of the most popular destinations in each country, as well as some smaller towns to see how most people in these countries live.

My favorite stops were along the Mediterranean Sea because I love the water, and the color of the sea was such an interesting shade of blue, it was unlike anything I have seen before. We also got to spend a few days in Slovenia, which I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know existed, but I’m glad I do now. Slovenia was so beautiful with its snow capped mountains and emerald green rivers, it turned out to be my favorite stop on the trip.

Kate Farr

Journalism, Magazine Media Major

This trip made me realize how fortunate I am to experience the world in a way that many of the people before didn’t have the chance to. I’d never been outside my home country in my entire life. In fact, I haven’t even experienced much of the United States. But being thrown head-first into other cultures, languages and ways of life changed my perspective on my own. In France, I learned that we have to take life one day at a time. In Italy, I learned that going outside of my comfort zone meant that the many memorable opportunities in this life were within my grasp.

And while my time in Slovenia was brief — albeit the most impactful — I was reminded that the natural world is one we should never take advantage of but should treasure and appreciate in our little blip of time on this earth.

Beyond getting to know new people and forge new friendships, my favorite place to explore on this trip was Slovenia. To be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about this country before stepping foot into it. But I’d never met people so far away from home that reminded me so much of my family — humorously cynical, witty and blunt but inviting. Our trek through the Alps and Slovenian countryside felt like something out of a fairytale. It was all just so beautiful that it felt surreal at times, like being in a dream. The impact it had on me has me convinced that I’ll be visiting again and, hopefully, soon.

Kaylin Kieft

Journalism, Magazine Media Major

If someone asked me if I think they should participate in a study abroad program, I would say they would be missing out if they didn’t. You get to study other cultures up close, you try the most flavorful food, you get the chance to meet life-long friends and the memories you make are unmatched to any others. My study abroad experience is genuinely the most fun I’ve ever had on a trip and I found a sense of serenity that I was struggling to find back home. I had a lot of freedom to choose what I wanted to do from day to day and I did it around some of the coolest people that I made deep, personal connections with over the 35 days I was gone.

The best part of the Europe travel writing program is that it reassured me that I made the right choice with my future career path. I deeply enjoyed studying something that interests me in another country and it confirmed that travel writing is perfect for me. 

My favorite part of the trip was spending time with the people I met. Of course the adventures we went on were amazing, but the people that surrounded me made the experience that much better. Things got stressful at times but someone had made the parallel that that’s what happened with families, and we did have that connection of a dysfunctional family that still deeply cares for each other at the end of the day. We were able to keep each other entertained even when we finished with our daily activities, there was never a quiet moment when we were together, and we were always there for each other when things got tough. The trip simply wouldn’t have been the same without all the people and I will always thank them for making me more care-free and outgoing. I feel like this trip helped me find my spark again.

Meet the Class