Students perform in Europe on life-changing Spring Break trip
For 25 Pittsburg State University students, Spring Break 2024 was life-changing: they traveled to Austria and the Czech Republic to tour and perform in historic cathedrals as members of the University Choir.
For many, it was their first trip abroad. For all, it was something they’ll never forget.
“Throughout the trip, we were able to perform in some of the most beautiful churches ever built, and to grow closer as an ensemble in the process,” said Caleb Klinzing, a graduate student in Music from Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Pressed for a favorite moment, he chose this one: talking with one of the organists at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, where the Pitt State Organ Studio students received a private tour of the main organ and were able to go inside the instrument.
The choir sang in St. Vitus Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church in Prague, in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, in Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, and in the chapel at Melk Abbey.
They took guided tours of Prague and Vienna, and of the concentration camp at Terezin.
“It was an incredibly moving, emotional experience for all,” said Professor Susan Marchant, who directs the choir and organized the trip.
The students also attended a performance of Rossini’s opera “William Tell” at the Vienna State Opera, and enjoyed group dinners in Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg that featured traditional foods of the region.
It was the first time traveling abroad for Hunter Jacobs, a senior Music Education major from El Dorado Springs, Missouri.
“My favorite moment from the choir tour was when we performed in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna,” Jacobs said. “Getting to sing in that space, and present music from American culture to the people there, was truly the highlight of my trip. They seemed to be enjoying the experience and that made it all the better.”
Pitt State Study Abroad
The trip is one of several Study Abroad options offered to students who attend Pittsburg State University. Options range from one week to one academic year.
Faculty led programs are usually one to two weeks and consist of a set tour and excursions.
In May, students in Early and Elementary Education will explore the education system in Italy and learn how the Italian culture impacts what is valued in education.
In May and June, students from several programs will travel to Scotland to learn about the history, politics, and culture of the Scottish nation.
In June, students in healthcare programs including Biology (Pre-Med) and Nursing will travel to Belize to study healthcare in a developing nation and work as medical volunteers.
Exchange programs are the most independent programs, as students will be an international student at another university and be immersed in the host country’s culture. Students pay PSU tuition.
Affiliate partner programs allow our students to study with other American students and chose from a variety of programs around the world. Affiliate companies offer support from an on-site resident director. The programs include housing and some excursions.
Financial aid, scholarship, and stipends are available.
Learn more: pittstate.edu/international/study-abroad/index.html
Students who participated on the choir trip, by state and town:
Kansas
• Girard: Kendra Johnson, Caroline Kunshek
• Mound Valley: Tristan Taylor
• Neodesha: Sara Flessner, Chandler Goodman
• Parsons: Carollyn Chapman, Marlee Mikel, Matthew Thompson
• Pittsburg: Max Battaglia, Addy Campbell, Tate Campbell, Evan Harries, Jung Hee Lee, Mia Perry, Gabby Roberts
• Redfield: Jacquie Hampton
• St. Paul: Annabella Beachner
• Weir: Shawnelle Smith
• Wichita: Mary Jo Peterson
Missouri
• Carthage: Jaben Parnell
• El Dorado Springs: Hunter Jacobs
• Kansas City: Amber Braken
Oklahoma
• Tuttle: Devon Turner
Illinois
• Aurora: Matthew Stephens
Wisconsin
• Sheboygan: Caleb Klinzing