Susan Burton
Study Abroad Advisor
Email: sburton2@unl.edu

"Susan's international experience began through exploration of a childhood atlas and outdated National Geographic Magazines. She began her travels with a summer in Hungary in 1992 that, by necessity, included travel through Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. In 1994 Susan studied abroad for an academic year in Sapporo, Japan and spent 3 weeks of work in a Philippine orphanage after am amazing visit to Seoul, Korea.

Short-term service opportunities in Mexico City, Vietnam and Thailand demonstrated the importance of working within an existing political and cultural context for community development. Susan's time within South East Asia also reinforced her commitment to working with non-governmental international organizations committed to building on community assets in a culturally appropriate way. Besides getting a better understanding of the challenges for education and health for children in poor communities abroad, Susan learned that kids everywhere have an enthusiasm for life and can beat her in any sport.

In August 2000 after earning an MA in Cultural Geography, Susan went on to teach Geography at South East Community College and to work with non-profit organizations in Lincoln and San Diego in the areas of Financial development and community asset building.
In May 2007, Susan returned to the International Affairs office as a study abroad and exchange advisor, building on the lessons learned 10 years prior as a graduate assistant in the same office. She enjoys helping US students "get out of the country" and bringing other students "in" if only for a time; because that time can make all the difference in the world."