Our next story highlights our recent graduate Blake Murphy, a Rudd Scholar from Emporia State University. Blake earned his Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and will be teaching high school starting this fall. We are excited to share with you a little about Blake’s experience abroad.
Blake, where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad in the towns of Jelling and Vejle, Denmark for about a month, where I finished my student teaching for my degree. I had the opportunity to teach middle and high school students at three different schools; Bredergaskolen, Campus Vejle, and Seligmans Skole (one of the best private schools).
The staff and host families were so helpful and kind during my time here. They allowed me to have time off, where I was able to take a personal trip to Ireland and experience different cultures and food.
Being in a new country, what took you the longest to adjust to?
Probably the language difference because while everyone spoke English I could not understand anyone in my surrounding area unless they were speaking to me in particular.
What was your favorite location you visited?
The whole trip was amazing, but I would have to say the Mohr cliffs in Ireland, and in Denmark the Marble church in Copenhagen.
How did this experience help your professional development?
It helped so much, especially in pushing me outside of my comfort zone. It forced me to be an expert in my field (social studies teaching). Even older educators looked to me to lead the classes and it forced me to be extremely good at thinking on my feet and improvising. When you are abroad nothing is certain!
What would you say was the biggest difference in education there versus the U. S.?
Healthcare and education are wildly different. They cannot believe how are systems work!
How did the Rudd Foundation support you during this experience?
The Rudd Scholarship paid for my college expenses which really allowed me to save money to afford the trip but the expenses were either paid out of pocket by me or by some of the private schools I taught at. Over the course of five weeks with plane tickets and all expenses I probably spent $3,200 or so!
Is there anything else you would like to share about your study abroad experience?
I highly recommend it, it’s an eye-opening experience and there are so many people who will help you. Total strangers who will open their homes and families to you and in general if it’s your first time abroad anywhere in Denmark you will be safe. It was truly a wonderful experience that I am very grateful for.
This experience allowed Blake to have an opportunity to student teach abroad in Denmark and learn more about their education system, while experiencing new teaching techniques and learning from the professional staff there. We are excited to see Blake start his teaching career this fall, we are #ruddproud.
