SFA students explore businesses, historical sites in Estonia and Finland

Fifteen Stephen F. Austin State University students capped off their summer I term "Discovering Business" course in the Nelson Rusche College of Business with a trip to Estonia and Finland at the end of July.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Fifteen Stephen F. Austin State University students capped off their summer I term "Discovering Business" course in the Nelson Rusche College of Business with a trip to Estonia and Finland at the end of July.

The study abroad course, now in its third year, is designed to introduce incoming first-year and current students of all majors to business concepts and principles while helping them meet fellow Lumberjacks and faculty members before the fall semester starts.

"Studying abroad in Estonia and Finland was such a wonderful opportunity to prepare me for success in my first year at SFA," said Kenzie Hodges, business first-year student from Fort Worth. "I was able to meet other Lumberjacks prior to school even starting, so making friends and becoming integrated as a beginning college student was easy. I also was able to get used to professors on a more relaxed basis, so I was comfortable enough to ask questions and build relationships."

The trip began in Tallinn, Estonia's capital on the Baltic Sea. Students toured Old Town, the Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare, Lahemaa National Park, the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom, and Kadriorg Park, the 18th-century summer retreat that Tsar Peter I gave Empress Catherine. Between entrepreneurial visits, the students also squeezed in a day trip to Helsinki, Finland; a tour of Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia; and some Nordic walking complete with skiing poles.

Activities ranging from touring Pohjala Brewery to marzipan making helped students learn more about small businesses in the region. During visits to a fishing port venture, Harmet's modular house production facilities and Amber Distribution Estonia, students heard different perspectives on trade, both locally and abroad, and gained inspiration for their own future businesses.

"I got to see how a person's passion grew into a successful business, which was honestly inspiring for my own goals," said Karina Tergerson, entrepreneurship and finance first-year student from Clifton.

Faculty members who teach the "Discovering Business" course hope the connections students made during the trip will contribute to their success at SFA.

"I hope these friendships continue to grow throughout their respective tenures as SFA students," said Dr. Drew Thornley, associate professor of legal studies, who co-teaches the course and led the trip with Dr. Ryan Phelps, associate professor of economics. "I believe the trip helped students become more culturally aware and sensitive and that the trip opened students' eyes to the myriad possibilities travel and business can afford them."

Phelps said he, Thornley and the students also received support throughout the trip from two SFA alumni, Monica Piña '01, a member of the Business Communication and Legal Studies Executive Advisory Board in the Rusche College of Business, and Meaghan Morton '19 & '22, customer relationship management coordinator in SFA's Office of Admissions.

"Monica, who's co-owner and managing partner of AE Cruz Construction in Houston, brought a wealth of industry expertise and international business experience," Phelps said. "And Meaghan offered students practical advice for success at SFA and beyond. She also used her marketing skills to keep everyone updated on our journey. It was clear that our students valued their reliable and relatable adult perspectives."

Tergerson agreed.

"Attending this trip increased my confidence for travel abroad through the safety of the trip and the knowledge and support of our guide and advisors," she said.

Thornley said he's already packing for the next "Discovering Business" adventure.

"I could not have enjoyed this trip more. The location and the programming were a 10 out of 10. Our local guide was absolutely phenomenal, the weather and food were wonderful, and the business visits and cultural activities were outstanding. I cannot wait to return to the Baltics next summer."

Next year's "Discovering Business" cohort will explore businesses in Latvia from July 22 to Aug. 2. For more information on this study abroad opportunity, email Thornley at [email protected].