International journalism professors and professionals learn about Amish country

Journalism scholars learned how The Budget is put together. (The Budget photo by Bevery Keller)

Journalism professors and professionals from all over the world learned about Amish culture and community journalism in July as part of a Study of the U.S. Institute program hosted by Ohio University. The scholars toured the Sugarcreek, Ohio, office where The Budget is produced, the national newspaper for the Amish and Mennonite communities. They also listened to The Budget's Publisher Milo Miller and National Editor Fannie Erb-Miller, and also heard from Lester and Mary Beachy about the reality of growing up Amish, Beverly Keller reports for The Budget.

The group also learned more about Amish and Mennonite culture and history by touring the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center, then met with members of the Sugarcreek Rotary and Garaway Lions and wrapped up the day with dinner and fellowship. Rotarian Susan Miller summed up the trip by noting that "We are all a little different, but we are also all the same," Keller reports.

Zhao Zin of China said the trip was "an incredible opportunity," Keller reports. "I have learned so much just today, and we are just getting started."