And They’re Off!
Class 41 is traveling to Albania, Greece, and Italy over the next 16 days to learn about agriculture, international trade, foreign policy, and more in those countries. Some of the group members have not previously traveled overseas, so the long flight and exposure to unfamiliar languages and cultures will be a new experience for them, but they will have more experienced peers as well as LEAD Director Dr. Hejny to lean on to help guide them through their travels.
It's a day full of mixed emotions for me as the rest of LEAD Class 41 heads off to start their International Study Travel Seminar. At 7 months pregnant I opted to stay behind, so I am disappointed to not be traveling with my cohort, but excited for all they will get to experience and glad I can live vicariously through them as they travel and send back news and photos.
Our group of 20 has grown close over the past two years, celebrating new jobs, babies, and engagements in our personal lives, as well as learning together at each seminar throughout the Nebraska LEAD experience. We all correspond frequently through group text messages, so I am following along today as they prepare for their journey.
Today, the western members of the group are departing from Denver, while the rest of the cohort will be leaving from Omaha. They will meet at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany tomorrow after an overnight flight before continuing on to Tirana, Albania.
Some highlights of the seminar include visits to local farms, food manufacturing facilities, a bauxite mine, a marble quarry, Cold War-era bunkers, and United States Embassies. Follow their blog, social medias and YouTube channel to learn more about all of their stops along the way and immerse yourself in their travel experience.
- Jamie Bright, LEAD Class 41
Follow Along!
YouTube: youtube.com/@NELEAD41
Facebook: Nebraska Lead 41 International Seminar
Instagram: @nebraskalead41