Program Overview

Chris Kaergard

Students who took part in the COM 494 expeditions to Slovenia, simply put, lived, breathed, ate and slept Slovenia for their 10-day visits in May 2003 and March 2004. In a week of total immersion, students stayed in Slovene lodgings, visited Slovene media outlets, attended classes and school activities with their Slovene counterparts and became fast friends with Slovenes they spent nearly all of their free time with.

From eating the local snack burek to seeing how the students at the University of Ljubljana work in their broadcast studios to meeting family members of our Slovene hosts, both groups learned what real life there is like.

The same is true of the hosting experience the students in the first group had, and the ones in the second group will have. The visit of the Slovene delegation to America provided an opportunity for the Bradley students to showcase American life in a large city (Chicago), medium-sized cities (Peoria and Springfield) and in small towns (Cuba and Lewistown).

Visits here and there broke down stereotypes each group had of the other, while showcasing for the host group a real-life perception of how their country was viewed. Political and lifestyle discussions often ensued at the drop of a hat. Both sides came away with a keener appreciation of nuance rather than empty rhetoric and soundbytes, distinctly fulfilling the mission of the Fulbright Program.

Students from both groups remain in contact to this day, using each other as journalistic resources in their continuing exchange, and strengthening the bonds of friendship that were formed during their time together.

Chris Kaergard is the Editor of the Bradley Scout. He is a senior history major from St. Charles. He made the trip to Slovenia twice, and lived to tell the tale. Direct questions, comments, or other responses to ckaergar@bradley.edu.