Delta State students study in Vienna

by Nathan Duff

Cleveland, MS (06/17/2024) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: (662) 846-4336

Email: criddle@deltastate.edu

Delta State students study in Vienna

CLEVELAND, Miss. - The first Delta State University faculty-led study abroad course since December 2019 successfully took seven students, two faculty members, and one professor emeritus to Vienna, Austria, in May for a rich academic and cultural two-week immersion program.

Course designer and leader Dr. Michaela Merryday, Professor of Art, explained, "I grew up in Vienna and love to share the city and its art with our students. I enjoy seeing the city from the students' perspective; things that are commonplace to me are new and exciting to them. Students learn more about art and art history in two weeks in Vienna than they do in a semester in the classroom. So much is lost when we look at works of art and architecture in reproductions-the scale, the texture, the context, the space we interact with the work."

Students' academic topics and activities in Vienna included learning about time periods of Viennese and Austrian art and history (Roman, medieval, imperial, turn-of-the-century, modern, and contemporary), visiting art museums, markets, cathedrals, Mauthausen Concentration Camp, Schloss Schonbrunn (palace), and Roman ruins, using public transportation, enjoying a ballet performance at the Vienna Opera, and traveling for a day trip to Salzburg.

Course co-leader and Assistant Professor of Art Jesse Brown noted the benefits of traveling internationally. "As a faculty member, it was incredibly rewarding to witness our students experiencing firsthand the works of art they had studied. Spending two weeks in Vienna, immersed in its rich tapestry of art galleries and museums, was a rare privilege. This journey not only allowed us to appreciate the masterpieces up close but also offered a unique opportunity to engage with a culture different from the Mississippi Delta."

"I was able to enjoy my time there. Even though, at first, I was scared and anxious, I had an amazing time and learned to relax. I absolutely loved learning about how art and history corresponded not only with an artistic point of view but how art has affected the course of history itself," said Morgan Vaughan, a Bachelor of Fine Arts - Graphic Design student from Mathiston.

Ollie Nerren, an undergraduate art student from Grenada, felt that the study abroad program contributed to a deeper understanding of the course material. "It taught me even more history behind different works and made the technique all the more impressive when you can see an artist's brushstrokes in person."

Michelle Johansen, Assistant Coordinator for International Student Services, a division of the Student Success Center, stated, "Studies have found studying abroad often contributes to greater student retention and degree completion, especially for students who have been historically underrepresented in study abroad experiences. Studying abroad provides DSU students with important personal and career skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and intercultural communication."

Sara Wilkerson, a graduate student from Greenville, in the Master of Fine Arts - Studio Art program, said, "I would recommend this program to other students because this is such an amazing way to experience the world and learn about other cultures. Everything was perfectly planned out for us, while also taking into account what we were interested in doing."

Professor Cetin Oguz, Chair of the Art Department said, "The Art Department is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities to its students. We extend our gratitude to our patrons for their generous donations and to our faculty and staff for their continued support of our mission. When students experience art firsthand, whether through original works or in authentic locations, the physicality of the experience is forever embedded in their memory. This is the real learning experience that is invaluable, and I'm so glad that we are able to provide these opportunities."

Provost Dr. Leslie Griffin said, "Delta State has a rich history of commitment to study abroad-we look forward to continued partnerships that enable such trips. An added benefit of the trips is that they allow the participation of community members. Many thanks to Dr. Merryday and other faculty who lend their expertise to crafting these educational and cultural experiences for all who are fortunate enough to participate."

The course received significant financial support from private donations and logistical support from the campus offices of Continuing Education and International Student Services. Three of the course's students received DSU Goes Global Passport Grants, a new International Student Services initiative funded by private donations to provide eligible students with their first U.S. passports, thus eliminating a barrier to students studying and interning abroad.

For more information about study abroad opportunities, including the DSU Goes Global Passport Grant, please contact Michelle Johansen at mjohansen@deltastate.edu or stop by the DSU International Student Services office on the second floor of the Union.

Cutline: Delta State students and professors spent 2 weeks immersed in the art of Vienna, Austria. (Front row L to R) Jesse Brown, Anna Schmitz (Florence), Ollie Nerren (Grenada), Gunner Sizemore (Benoit), (Back row L to R) Sara Wilkerson (Greenville), Dr. Michaela Merryday, Laura Collier (Ridgeland), Ron Koehler, Emily Manning (Leland), Morgan Vaughan (Mathiston).

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