ILCC broadcasting student interns in Romania

Brandyn Hauswirth testing out the "nailed chair" while he completed his broadcast media internship in Europe.
(Photo submitted)

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Brandyn Hauswirth, a student in the Iowa Lakes Broadcasting Program, traveled abroad to Romania for the internship this fall.

Hauswirth assisted in a documentary about Vlad Dracula, known for the cruel punishment he imposed on his enemies. In the United States, Dracula is most commonly known for inspiring the name of the novel and movie, "Dracula."

Hauswirth traveled with Teresa Jones, a Dracula enthusiast from Lake Park, who is the screenwriter and producer for the film. She needed someone to travel with her who understood all aspects of video. Jones immediately thought of Bob Pritchard, assistant professor of the Broadcast Media program at Iowa Lakes.

"In late May, Teresa called me and asked for a recommendation for a student who could work on this project with her," Pritchard said. "I thought of Brandon right away. I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to go over to Romania and see the sites and apply his trade."

Hauswirth agreed.

"It came completely out of nowhere," Hauswirth said, when asked if he had planned to intern abroad. When the opportunity presented itself, "exploring the world was too hard to resist."

While in Romania, Hauswirth traveled to historical sites, conducted interviews, recorded videos, and assisted with video editing. He returned to the U.S. on Sept. 26.

The Broadcast Media Specialist program is designed for both men and women interested in working in radio, television or any media-related occupation. Broadcast students receive hands-on training with modern radio and television equipment in the college's broadcasting studio.