A Unique Perspective on Study Abroad Returning to Vienna

Although Vienna, Austria, is normally offered every semester as a study abroad location for Oklahoma Christian University, the upcoming 2022 trip will be the first fall offering since 2019 due to COVID-19.

Caleb Hensal, a sophomore going on the trip, has a unique connection – he spent six years of his childhood in Austria as his parents did mission work for Memorial Road Church of Christ before returning to the United States at 10 years old. Fluent in German and familiar with the area, Caleb is excited to return alongside his fellow friends and peers from Oklahoma Christian University.

Below is a Q & A-style interview with Caleb about his perspective on Vienna and studying abroad, along with additional information from the faculty member leading the trip, Jeff McMillon, and Kelsey Herndon, Assistant Director of the International Programs Office.

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Caleb, what would you say to people who don’t know much about studying abroad?

“I would say studying abroad is an amazing opportunity for you to take a full course load of classes while experiencing different cultures, different people’s outlooks on life and different ways of living…

(For example), as Americans, your dad might leave at 8 a.m. and not come back till six, sometimes seven, eight p.m. We have a great work ethic, and that’s awesome, but in Austria, they really value family time… I remember my dad would come home (from work) for lunch and we would be done with school between noon and one o’clock every day and we’d have lunch as a family…

I think when we travel, and when you’re a part of the study abroad program, you get to learn more about those cultural differences, and you can kind of have a better understanding of how you might want to live your life.”

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Caleb, what values or cultural norms should study abroad students be aware of?

“I think taking a step back from what you think is always good, as well as just being flexible.

(For example), in public transportation (in Austria) just be quiet and respectful. … Oftentimes in Vienna, the older ladies at the church would come up to me and they would give me a kiss on the left cheek and then a kiss on the right cheek and that’s just their greeting. I think for Americans that’s kind of weird, but I would say take a step back and just go with it because that’s their way of showing they appreciate seeing you.

There are little things you’ll see and encounter with all these different cultures.”

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Jeff, what sets Vienna apart from other study abroad locations?

“Vienna, Austria is ideal because for hundreds of years, it has been a center of culture and arts.

Western Europe is appealing to America – France, Spain, Italy, etc – but those are not far to get to from Austria. As you head east, stuff that used to seem almost exotic because it was so far away, it’s really accessible. Places like Prague and the Czech Republic or Budapest, Hungary, those are like three-hour train rides.”

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Jeff, why is travel important?

“As Christians, I think it’s really important to try to understand other people’s perspectives and life experiences and travel does that for you. Also, seeing the beautiful things God made, wow, so much of my faith comes from that, and studying abroad lets you do that.”

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Caleb, how do you think studying abroad in another country can help with growing closer to the Lord?

“I think seeing His people worship in French, Spanish, German and Hungarian – in all these different languages – is really encouraging, and is something I think will definitely help me grow in my walk.”

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Kelsey, what do you like about the study abroad program overall?

“Academically, I think we offer excellent programs, but the big fruit from the study abroad program we see over and over is this whole-person maturation. The spiritual, the emotional, all that kind of confidence and growth takes place.”

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Caleb, what would you say to readers?

“I think anyone who’s thinking about studying abroad should come and have a conversation with me.”

To that end, Caleb offers his email: caleb.hensal@eagles.oc.edu.

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Kelsey, what would you say to readers?

“Come talk to us.

One thing I say a lot is, don’t let money be the only thing keeping you from going. I know a lot of people think ‘I can’t afford it.’ But come talk to us, let us see if we can work together if this is something you really want to do.

Also, grab some people you think would be great to travel with. Those relationships are truly lifelong. Traveling together really builds great bonds and strengthens relationships. So grab some friends and go.”

Kelsey’s email is Kelsey.herndon@oc.edu.