LEARNING ABROAD

We were fortunate to be the first group going to Mongolia that was approved to travel to the country and stay in a Ger (often referred to as a Yurt in other regions). We spent 2 night with a Mongolian family, participated in Shamanic ceremonies and witnessed many of their cultural rituals, what an amazing experience!!! My other favorite portion of the trip was our visit to a homeless shelter and orphanage for some of the children there who had lost both parents. This was a Non-Government funded facility started by and ex-con who had turned his life around and wished to give back to his community. He and his wife along with the other volunteers and workers do so much for those who live there. There are currently 15 yurts provided as shelter in addition to the the school/daycare that operates for the young kids living in the community and a furniture factory where residents contribute by building furniture. It was a very touching and inspirational visit!

This was an amazing experience that allowed students to learn the culture of Mongolians. We experienced learning about the history and culture as well as how some of their social programs work. Being a fairly new democracy it's amazing what they have accomplished and how it compares to the United States.

I loved this experience! I understand that it's scary to leave home, and travel to an unknown country for 10 days, but I promise you will not regret it. Please take advantage of this opportunity. My life changed a lot while I was there, all for the better.

I am so glad our professor had been there. It was so helpful to have him show us the best learning experiences.

An awe-inspiring tapestry of culture, religion and shamanism unfolded for me as I journeyed around the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and surrounding countryside in early fall October 2018. In looking for prospects to enhance my educational experience through the University of Utah, I began to explore the Learning Abroad opportunities. As a graduate student in the College of Social Work I have been challenged to learn more about the world we live in and the diversity of the populations I will one day serve. Looking back, our instructor Jerry Buie, did his best to set the stage for our journey, but nothing could have truly prepared me for this adventure of a lifetime. I read the articles and watched the film clips he had so diligently coordinated for us. Mr. Buie shared his experiences in taking other students to this distant land, what worked what didn't, travel necessities, accommodations, basic itinerary, traditional foods, shopping extravaganzas, etcetera. Outside of the information provided for us in class, I spent countless hours searching YouTube videos and reading accounts from other travelers who had ventured to this beautiful country. I downloaded a currency calculator app, checked current weather conditions and attempted to learn a view vital phrases such as please, thank you and where is the bathroom. Did you know that the Mongolian language is one of the toughest to learn? After I strategically stuffed all my warm layers of clothing and a sleeping bag in my suitcase, made sure my empty passport was securely tucked in place, I raced off to the airport totally ready for what was to come.
Yes, we all did an excellent job presenting at the Police Academy and National University of Mongolia. Students presented on important global concepts such as Child Welfare, Homelessness and Human Trafficking. In addition, information was presented on the effectiveness of our Drug and Mental Health Court systems and the work we were conducting in our practicum placements. This was all delivered with a high degree of competence and a lot of support from our interpreters. During this time, I was also reminded that paper airplanes and laughter needs no translation. We visited amazing museums and took in the fantastical sounds of throat singers at a cultural show. And yes, we ate amazing food and shopped until our bank accounts were tapped and more than our bags would tip the scales.

I loved being a part of this trip to Mongolia! It was incredible to be around so many great people and get a small taste of Mongolia and the culture. My eyes were opened even more to the privilege that I have as a white American and I hope that I can positively utilize that in my future career.

I really enjoyed the fall break trip to Mongolia. I bonded with the other students that went and I felt that we had a good mix of things to do and experience while in Mongolia. The knowledge of our instructor about the country and culture were extremely valuable in navigating the experience.

Great experience! Jerry has created strong connections in Mongolia and it was incredible to be a part of this growing relationship. It was an honor representing the University of Utah and the School of Social Work on the opposite side of the world. So grateful for the chance I had to go on this study abroad.

Studying abroad was the best thing that I did in college!

Amazing experience. I learned things I wouldn't have learned in a classroom. Once in a lifetime experience.

This program went above and beyond my expectations. Housing was comfortable and clean. Food was pretty good all throughout. The cultural and sight seeing events were once in a lifetime experiences- really difficult to express how meaningful and important they are to me, especially since returning to the states. Jerry did an excellent job of organizing the trip. As my first time traveling internationally, I couldn't have asked for a better instructor. Jerry was incredibly considerate and conscientious. I felt that I learned a lot from having gone on this learning abroad trip- not just about Mongolian culture but also about social work as well. As someone who doesn't come from a social work background the course and especially the trip I feel really broadened my horizons regarding the subject and its practice. If you are considering going on this learning abroad trip I would highly encourage you to make up your mind and go.

The trip to Mongolia was an amazing experience! Mongolia has a beautiful, amazing and a culture with a long history. The people are very nice and generous. We visited several Buddhist monasteries and visited with Shamans. We shared our social work knowledge with Mongolians social workers and learned from them as well. And I made friends with my classmates. I'll never forget my trip to Mongolia, it was so worthwhile.