Andy Etheredge

"My international experience helped enhance my professional skills by offering a different point of view from what I'm used to in the United States," said Andy Etheredge (Art, Graphic Design '09). Etheredge studied in Japan during the spring 2008 semester.

"It's important to view not only business, but one's own life from a different viewpoint," said the Dubuque native. "To see the differences in how things are handled and how things operate in another country is really eye opening and shows me various ways of approaching a situation."

While Etheredge admits it may seem like a "small thing," he was quite impressed with the Japanese work ethic. "Workers in Japan may have the same problems we have in the United States, but I never saw them complain or show their frustration. This doesn't mean frustrations don't exist in Japan. Instead, it shows how hard people work to present a positive atmosphere to their customers." He also noticed a greater emphasis on teamwork. "Even the smallest job is handled with dignity and care."

Etheredge would not be aware of these differences had he not taken the initiative to enroll in UNI's study abroad program. "My stay in Japan filled my mind with new ways of seeing the world. It's hard to understand how different the rest of the world actually is unless it's experienced firsthand."


Updated 02-Mar-09