Current Blogs |
Choose from our archive: |
Alex Proimos
Studying in Sevilla, Spain
Alex Proimos is a University of North Carolina at Wilmington students of Greek dissent. From January 11 to May 10, 2008, he will be studying with ISA at the University of Seville in Spain.
If you want to know his expectations and fears for his semester, and other tidbits and interests, read his Q&A below:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
The uncertainty. I'm going into this whole process pretty much alone, since I don't know anybody else that is going to Spain next semester, which honestly I prefer. It will force me to go out and make new friends instead of relying on my already existing relationships like a crutch. Really, I'm excited to go out and get lost in the city. That's the only real way to get to know the place where you are going to live: taking wrong turns, talking to locals seeing places that are off the beaten track. I really think that will help me become more involved in the city, and make me a part of it.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Honestly, I'm not too worried about some of the stuff I've been hearing others talk about. My Spanish is far from perfect, but I figure that's one of the main reasons I'm going. Homesickness? Eh, I mean my mom's whole side of the family still lives in Greece, so they are just a short ride/run/swim away. So, I wouldn't say there's one big thing I'm worried about, but I am half worried about everything... Is that better or worse?
What made you want to study abroad?
I have always wanted to go abroad, but I never actually thought I would do it. I have an older brother who just graduated from the same college I am attending now, and he (along with most everybody else) said that his biggest regret was not going abroad. I've been to Greece a bunch times, twice alone, so I know I can handle it. Also, I am a double major in Spanish and International Business, so this is the kind of experience that has no substitutes. It just seemed dumb to pass up the most perfect opportunity I've ever been presented with.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
Well, I knew that I definitely wanted to go to a city in Spain right form the beginning. I have always wanted to go all throughout Europe, and being in Spain for 4 months would definitely give me that opportunity. Also, I have been taking Spanish classes for as long as I can remember, so I wanted to get some more in, and what better place than Spain to do it?
What are your hobbies and interests?
I've come to learn that I am soooo competitive. I played basketball, tennis, and soccer all through high school, and still play on intramurals and club teams in college. My intramural basketball team won two championships. Ah, and we won the dodgeball championship on campus too, which is where all the real groupies are. But, don't get me wrong, I love to lay around and do nothing too. I've been known to play guitar hero for way longer than is socially acceptable.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
In high school, I was the typical kid who never read. But, a few summers ago I picked up a book my cousin left at the house, so I had something to do on the plane: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It really was the book that got me into reading. So, since then I have read most of Gaiman's books, including Stardust, which they just made a movie about a few months ago. I've been going back to read all the classic books I got the Sparknote's on while I was in high school too. Lately, I've been reading some of Chuck Palahniuk's stuff, like Fight Club and Rant. Right now I am elbow deep in Survivor and it is really good. I love National Geographic because they have the have the most incredible pictures. Oh yeah, and I can knock out any of those guy magazines at the airport in minutes.
What type of music do you listen to?
I'm always kind of ashamed that I'm not more musically aware. I do hate when people say they will listen to "anything but country"... but I really can't stand country. So, instead of just giving you a huge list of things I like, I will tell you the 5 CD's in my car right now:
- The Killers- Hot Fuzz
- Jay-Z- American Gangster
- Scott Cash- Christmas music
- Freaks and Geeks- Soundtrack
- Beastie Boys- Hello Nasty
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
This is question where I shine, because I feel like I have great taste in TV and Movies. I hate to watch shows that are really trendy, but sometimes people just understand good material. I think Curb Your Enthusiasm and Extras are genius. I love Lost, The Office, and Nip/Tuck (though it can get ridiculous). I've been watching Survivor forever, and really think I would do well if, no, WHEN I am on it. Of course, Everybody Loves Raymond, and if you've never seen Freaks and Geeks, do yourself a favor and check it out.
For movies, Fight Club, V for Vendetta, Eternal Sunshine, and Little Miss Sunshine are all incredible. 40 year-old virgin and Heavyweights are two of the most classic movies of all time, and I've seen Superbad about 10 times this week.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
This is a tricky question, because my initial answer to this question was Larry David, until I watched an episode of Curb where the plot was that some guy had bid on a lunch with Larry David at an auction and won. The pressure of the lunch got to Larry so much that he was miserable the whole time, because he was trying to give the guy his money's worth. So, I don't want to put him through that. My second answer was director Tim Burton, but I actually got a chance to meet him at a lecture he gave in my hometown, so I don't want to waste this answer (no matter how hypothetical) on someone I've gotten to meet.
So, since Larry David and Tim Burton are off limits, I am going to go with Neil Gaiman. His storytelling ability is unmatched as far as I'm concerned, and the expansive descriptions of his characters make me think he has one of the craziest imaginations on this planet. Furthermore, he's an author, so you know he's going to have a way with words that ensures interesting conversation throughout the meal. He also leaves a lot of his stories open to interpretation, so he could really elaborate on my questions. Now that I am thinking about it, forget Larry and Tim, I want to eat with Neil. Wait, what were we talking about again? I'm hungry. Am I winning a dinner?
If you want to read about Alex's experiences in Spain, and perhaps a trip or two to visit his family in Greece, read his blog.
Caitlin Casey
Studying in Quito, Ecuador
Caitlin Casey is a fun, mischievous Boston University student studying with the Tropical Ecology Program in Ecuador. As she explains it, "The first segment is based out of Quito, and the group of students I'm going with will be taking classes at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and staying with host families there, but our program includes trips to the Andes mountains to study montane ecology, a 10-day segment on a boat in the Galapagos Islands to study coastal ecology and a long segment in the middle of the jungle at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, which is this incredible research and conservation facility on the fringe of a big national park in the middle of the jungle."
Before embarking on this outrageous journey, we got her to answer a few questions about her thoughts on studying abroad, and her typical likes and dislikes when it comes to things like books, movies and TV shows. Read away for a peak inside her mind.
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
Well, the cultural exposure is going to be incredible - I get to live with a real Ecuadorian family in the middle of the capital city, so I expect to be doing a lot of exploring and interacting with non-Americans. I'm looking forward to actually using Spanish, since I've been studying it for seven years - and I'll be taking lecture courses at Quito's main university, so I hope to make a lot of Ecuadorian friends who can show me around. USFQ is also sort of a hotspot for political debate, since Ecuador's current president used to teach there - I'm planning on bumming around the squares and cafes and clubs as much as possible and basically eavesdropping on any interesting conversation I hear - or jumping in on them. I just want to absorb everything.
Still, the reason I'm going to Ecuador is to study ecology, so although my stay in Quito will be amazing, the thing I dream of every night is sprinting through the jungle clutching a water bottle and a stitch in my side as I try to keep up with the howler monkeys that are swinging through the trees in the canopy over my head. And then there's snorkeling in the Galapagos islands, where the water is crystalline aqua blue and the animals are so isolated from human contact that they have no fear factor and they hang around and basically sit on your feet anytime you stop moving for more than a minute. That should be pretty cool.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Well, I hear the bugs, the microbes and the staph infections are no Georgia peach. The mosquitoes will probably bother me the most, but hopefully I'll be too distracted by poison dart frogs, pygmy anteaters and giant sea turtles to notice. Of course I'll get a little homesick as well, but I'm from California, so deciding to go to college in Boston was pretty much an epic move - after 3 years here, a semester in Quito hardly seems different. I'll miss my roommates and being able to play water polo, but mostly I'm worried about what's going to happen when I've been in the jungle for three weeks without any access to chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
What made you want to study abroad?
It was more of a need than a want. There's so much world out there that a lot of people never get to see, and you miss so much perspective if you don't expand your horizons - it becomes really easy to ignore the rest of the world if you're only familiar with one little square of it. College is the perfect opportunity to travel, because most people don't have financial or family ties yet that make them stay in the states, and BU abroad programs cost as much as a semester at home.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I'm interested in conservation biology, so it's important for me to see how diverse biology can be - not to mention the fact that the Galapagos, the Andes and the Amazon are seeing some of the biggest impacts of global climate change and habitat destruction of anywhere on Earth. Also, South America has always called to me because I love Latino culture, the Spanish language and the incredible politics and heartbreaking heritage of the mestizo countries.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I'm really athletic; I play water polo for BU and I go running every day. Whenever I can, I play soccer and tackle football or go exploring outside, whether it's around the city or on nature hikes in California. I love anything that is hands-on: I spent this past summer in the caves of Texas, studying Brazilian bats, camping out under the beautiful Texas sky in stifling storm humidity at night and getting showered by guano and mites as bats flew overhead. At the end of the summer I had to throw out my jeans because they were covered in bat blood, squashed bugs and mud that wouldn't wash out. It was awesome. I saw more snakes than Indiana Jones in the Last Crusade.
I love to read and do creative writing, and I love words. Spanish has taught me how many ways there are to express yourself that you'd never know unless you study foreign languages. I take music and a book wherever I go. I listen to almost everything, I love live shows and dancing is one of my favorite things to do. I'm a horrible, ridiculous dancer, and I'm clumsy as all hell, which makes it so much more fun. I also love adventures, and sentences followed by the phrase "I dare you."
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I like fiction a lot, and books that are haunting are typically the ones that stay with me. I loved Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, and The Vortex by Jose Eustasio Rivera. One of the best new fiction books I've ever read is Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell, which should be accompanied by the poetry of Raymond Carver. I loved The Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and I don't think that Nabokov's Lolita will ever leave me. Nonfiction can be incredible as well, though, and The Devil's Highway, and Savages are both life-changing, but the best history book I've ever read is by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain, who wrote Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk.
I don't subscribe to any magazines, but National Geographic is always incredible and the makers of Vice magazine have my undying loyalty, if for nothing else than the DO's & DON'Ts section. Also, I guess this doesn't really count, but I love Web comics by Brad Neely.
What type of music do you listen to?
I've always wished I could be one of those people who cocked their head and raised their eyebrow and responded to this question with, "Coltrane and Myles Davis, baby, the masters, who else?" But I hate jazz.
I love everything else. I'm a big fan of Indie rock, but it's gotta have a good beat. The Magnetic Fields, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Wolf Parade, Okkervil River and the Decemberists have been keeping me company a lot lately. I always go back to Lou Reed and the Violent Femmes when I'm feeling rebellious. Ghostland Observatory and the Darkness are good for some nasty glitter rock, but mix IMA Robot and Architecture in Helsinki with She Wants Revenge and Electric Six if you want a great dance party. For depression or lovesickness, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Wrens, Madeleine Peyroux and Sun Kil Moon can't be beat. For philosophic pondering, Modest Mouse can rip my world apart and put it back together any day.
I've been rocking Talib Kweli, Outkast and the Swollen Members as far as hip-hop goes lately, but Nelly and Justin Timberlake will always be close to my heart.
I do love Lyle Lovett and Dolly Parton and I can handle some Dylan once in a while. The late greats will always be Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Mozart and Elliot Smith.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
I love horror movies more than life: American Psycho (Christian Bale has never been sexier. I know, I'm scary).
Documentaries: Dogtown and Z-Boys (Hella tight - the original Cali skateboarders); The Yes Men (Do you like practical jokes? These guys impersonated WTO representatives, interviewees on CNN and key note speakers at international corporate conferences and convinced an entire college assembly that they were eating hamburgers made out of recycled human waste); Rize (the Compton battle between krumping and clowning hip-hop dance moves); Scratch (about the evolution of turntablism and modern hip-hop).
Comedy: Bring it On (I'm not ashamed), She's the Man (Amanda Bynes is the man.) Bad Santa (reminds me of Christmas at my house).
Action: If it has Bruce Lee in it, I'm so there. Any James Bond movie before Pierce Brosnan, and any Indiana Jones movie. I also love Sylvester Stallone and even though Arnold wasn't my choice for governor, True Lies was good stuff.
TV Shows: I love Law and Order - the original and any of the spin-offs, but I get in trouble around the holidays, because they put marathons on and I'll just watch and watch until I'm totally nauseated by how evil humans can be in fantasy NY. Also, the golden days of Saturday Night Live will never leave me. I still want to marry Chris Farley or Willem Dafoe, but the Chris Farley ship has sort of sailed.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
Oh man, this is a hard one. But I guess I'd have to say Jesus. This is kind of funny because I'm an agnostic, but I used to study history and as a historical figure, Jesus is incredibly interesting. It seems like there's no way to say this without seeming sarcastic, but I am totally sincere. He taught a lot of people during his lifetime, and they were so inspired by his teachings that they spread out all over the place sharing his lessons. Conversation with that man must have been incredibly compelling, and the people I find most fascinating are people who are passionate about their beliefs and like to talk about them. He was passionate enough about his to die for them, following which event, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, the faith that his disciples spread rose from a persecuted, hated faith to the major faith of the greatest empire in world history after Constantine declared his conversion to Christianity. Now, Jesus wasn't alive during any of this, but it would be awesome to hear all about his life and the places he wandered and the people he met and talked to. He changed the world, which is what I want to do, and if nothing else, it would be nice to spend the evening talking to a guy who liked carpentry and picnics by the riverside and who inspired people to try to be better people.
If you want to start a sentence to her with "I dare you," go post a comment on her blog.
Erica Wiley
Studying in Guanajuato, Mexico
Erica Wiley is a junior at Indiana University, and is double majoring in Spanish and Criminal Justice. She is studying abroad with International Studies Abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico She has a lot of interesting things to say, and if you keep reading you will find her answers to some questions we asked before she left for her new adventure. Some deal with her study abroad experience, and some are just about her. It's fun. She's fun. Take a look:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
I am most excited about learning another language and speaking to people that I otherwise would not have been able to communicate with. Although I am sure I will butcher their language in the beginning, my efforts will hopefully pay off in the end. As I learn the language, I will also be able to learn so much more about the culture. I know that when I get there I will be fascinated by the most ordinary things but it will be like entering a different world. Eating new foods will definitely be exciting in itself as I am one of the pickiest eaters I know.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
The unknown. Will my host family be nice? Will I pack enough clothes? How on earth am I going to fit everything in two suitcases? How hard will my classes be? This is just a sample of the many questions racing in my head as I prepare to study abroad. One particular area of concern for me is being away from everyone I know and love. This is the first time that my twin sister and I will be apart from each other for an extended period of time. I will not just be able to borrow her clothes whenever I want or call to talk on and on about my day. I know I will be able to find ways to communicate with my friends and family, but it will be scary in the beginning.
What made you want to study abroad?
I have wanted to study abroad since I was in high school. I knew that the only way I would be able to truly become fluent in a foreign language was by being surrounded by it and being forced to speak it. I knew that I probably would not get another opportunity to live for several months in another country if I did not do it before I graduated from college.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I chose my program because I wanted to learn more about Mexico since a growing number of immigrants to America are from this country. This dialect of Spanish would help me communicate easier when I return to America. I also knew that I wanted to live with a host family so I could learn about family traditions and customs of their culture. I had to match Spanish classes from the study abroad program to Spanish classes I needed for my major at Indiana University. This program and destination matched all of my personal criteria, and the warm weather in Mexico won't be bad either!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love eating out with friends and watching new movies with them. Although I hate to admit it, I enjoy organizing things and making to-do lists, especially when it delays doing my homework. I also enjoy taking pictures of new places and trying to pretend I am a professional photographer. I love to sing. In the shower, in the car, in my room, it doesn't matter where. This is not to say that I am a good singer by any means, I just enjoy it. Last but not least, I love to dance. This can either be in combination with singing or just dancing. I also do not claim to be any good at this either, but dancing is just so much fun!
What are your favorite books and magazines?
My favorite books are those about the American West or Native Americans. Other books I enjoy are Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook and Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone. I love Seventeen magazine, People Magazine, or any other celebrity gossip magazines.
What type of music do you listen to?
I really like listening to country music. My favorite artists are Faith Hill, Gary Allan, and Keith Urban. Another favorite artist of mine is Celine Dion. Another type of music I like to listen to when I dance alone in my room or when I am out with friends is rap music.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Favorite TV shows are America's Next Top Model, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Lois and Clark, and Cold Case Files. My favorite movies are The Notebook, Last of the Mohicans, Dirty Dancing, Zoolander, and Ever After.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Jesus. He has impacted how I live my life and what my goals are. He has influenced so many people around the world. There is no problem too big for Jesus to solve or no question too difficult for him to answer. I would love to ask him all of life's questions and hope that some of his wisdom would rub off on me.
If you want to know what Mexico is like, and how she's coping with being separated from her twin, read her stories here.
Abyan Lokman
Studying in Lyon, France
Abyan is a 20-year-old junior at the University of Virginia double majoring in foreign affairs and economics. She was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, her parents live in Bangkok, Thailand and she is studying abroad in Lyon, France. Phew, talk about international.
Her main goals for studying abroad are, "To be able to converse in French with ease, to challenge the boundaries of my comfort zone and to just have a time I can look back on with a certain, ''je ne sais quoi?"
About being chosen to blog on BlogAbroad.com, she told us, "I've been disconnected from the Internet for the past 36 hours or so. Given this day an age, calling it a long time isn't so absurd. So, after finally finding the McDonald's around this area, and opening my inbox, bewilderment, best expresses my reaction to being chosen. In terms of the opportunity I have, I graciously accept it with pride and enthusiasm."
We asked Abyan some personal questions before she left, and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
Experiencing "le quotidien" or daily life, in France.
When it's used, the word can connote a certain banality or the mundane. But for me, truly understanding a culture comes from observing the nuances in how people conduct their everyday lives. I've been very lucky to have lived in different places for extended periods of time. And from what I've noticed, it's the little differences in how people enjoy each other's company, express their grievances, run errands, make a living, spend their free time, etc, that reveal the cultural context their in. Both Asia and North America have made their mark on me. Its due time I experience la vie European.
***Oh, and going to an Olympique Lyonnais match!!!
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Homesickness. Being completely lost, physically and metaphorically. Culture shock. At some point or other, I've experienced all of the above while studying at UVa. To say I'm immune to these bouts of, 'wow-I-so-don't belong here' moments is a stretch. I'm not looking forward to it, but you do end up realizing that it's inevitable, and will eventually pass. So my biggest/real worry?
Winter. I'm not used to it, especially the fluctuating kind. To clothe oneself for the sake of 'seasonal changes' still upsets me.
What made you want to study abroad?
A change of scenery and need to challenge myself prompted the idea. The expense being equivalent to that of UVa convinced the parents. And not wanting to waste my 7 odd years of toiling through French grammar sealed the deal.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I can't lie. Visions of me strolling down the streets of Paris, donning the latest couture, á la Carrie in Sex in the City crossed my mind... once... or twice. But my advisor, advised, and mentioned Lyon, the second largest city in France. Conveniently, my university has an established program with l'Université Lumiére Lyon 2 catering to the needs of UVa exchange students. Soon after researching the place, visions of me frequenting renowned Lyonnais chocolateries and sipping its unbeatable wines took over. Lyon was calling me.
And it doesn't hurt that it's the gastronomic capital of France.
What are your hobbies and interests?
In other words what stimulates me? Food, wit, meeting randoms, good conversation and company, laughing, traveling, hanging out with the fam, art, cuttin' a rug on the dance floor, dressing up, human rights and poverty alleviation, people who are figuring out ways to protect the Earth, bookstores, concocting meals out of what's left in the fridge/pantry, faith and spirituality.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
In terms of books, everything that I've read has become a favorite. So I'll list some that I've read recently or am in the midst of reading. The last Harry Potter; an entire decade of my life... it's been good Harry. Caroline Moorehead's Human Cargo; a brilliant, brilliant account on the lives of refugees from all around the world. I recommend to... anyone. Sartre's Le Mur; apparently it's one of his most celebrated works. (Disclaimer: existentialism in French is not the easiest read) Blue Ocean Strategy; a business book from my sister's commerce class summer list.
Magazines: Allure and Glamour are fun to look at, Reader's Digest has those funny jokes and if I want to feel my years of education has amounted to something, the Economist.
What type of music do you listen to?
There are people who like music and people who like music. I'm a little in between. I listen to every kind, for every occasion, soundtracks of my life to be trite. Walking around Grounds to get to class or riding the SkyTrain in Bangkok, calls for some contemplative slow/indie-rock. For a tint of romance, Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli and Etta James do the job. Eye of the Tiger (yes, the Rocky theme song), RHCP and some techno/house makes running on the treadmill all the more epic. Yelping out Backstreet Boys with your girls, (or guys), helps for a good ol' stroll down memory lane. And of course, the I'm-ready-to-bust-out-some-moves music; usually the stuff clubs/MTV/ radio's are currently playing.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Simpsons, Seinfeld, Daily Show, Discovery's Man Vs. Wild; the man literally strips down to his boxers in every episode, Six Feet Under, the Office (Ricky Gervais is the master of awkward), LOST, if I catch one or plan right, a good football/soccer match, and of late, the Flight of the Conchords.
Movies: Ocean's 11, Crash, Babel, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Sepet (it's a Malaysian film), Fight Club, Trainspotting, Lock Stock, Finding Neverland, Paris Je t'aime.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). I'd want to know how. How during his time, he mustered the courage and conviction to increase women's rights, defend the poor and promote justice, when all the odds were stacked against him. I'd want to know at what point, in the eyes of a disproportionate few "Muslims," ending one's life and innocent others, in the guise of absolute faith, became an act of chivalry and not cowardice?
If the Prophet were busy that particular night, I would ask Jellaludin Rumi to take his place. He speaks of Love; sexually, sensually and spiritually. No other man in the literary world has captured my heart more than this poet. I would just sit there and absorb his awesomeness.
If you are interested in hearing more from this international traveler, check out her blog.
Clarissa Arevalo
Studying in Barcelona, Spain
Clarissa, an LA resident and 19-year-old junior at the University of California-Irvine, is double majoring in film and media studies as well as criminology, law and society. She is studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and her main goal for the semester is, "to become fluent in Spanish and immerse myself totally in the culture. I'd love to be able to pass as a local."
She's very excited about sharing her experiences with all of you. When asked about being chosen to blog for BlogAbroad.com, she said, "I'm going to sound like a huge nerd, but I kept on checking the website to see when the winners would be posted. I remember reading somewhere on the site that the winners would be contacted via mail or phone if they won and since I received neither I was worried that I wasn't chosen. I'm glad that I was wrong. I am so excited! I'm already having the time of my life here and I can't wait to start documenting it for people to read."
We also asked Clarissa some personal questions and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
What makes me most excited about my upcoming semester abroad is just that. I'm going abroad! I've traveled much within the "Americas", but I've never been to Europe. I could not ask for a better first trip to Europe than this. Living four months in my own apartment in Barcelona with everything at my disposal. I am so excited to be fully immersed in the country and culture. I cannot wait to be fluent and walking down Las Ramblas holding my own, as if I were truly a citizen of such a beautiful country.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
The one thing that I am looking forward to the least is when the wheels of the airplane are no longer touching the ground. It will be a bittersweet moment because there is no turning back, yet so many opportunities will be awaiting me. I'm kind of hesitant leaving home. I have a feeling it will feel similar to how I felt when I first moved away to college, however this time an ocean will be separating me from my family and it will be one difficult phone call away from home. So all in all I'd have to say homesickness is something I am least looking forward to.
What made you want to study abroad?
I always thought about studying abroad, but never really got too excited about it because I thought my parents would never let me go. The beginning of my second year in college my best friend told me that she was going to study abroad that spring. At first I was a bit shocked because who was I suppose to hang out with my whole spring quarter, if my best friend was leaving me? So, I convinced her to wait until the following fall so I could convince my parents to let me go as well. I figured that if I were leaving the country my parents would at least take comfort in knowing that I wasn't alone. After my parents gave me the final ok, the trip became more than just following a friend around the world. If I didn't go abroad now, then when would I? When else in your life can you totally pick up and move across an entire continent and land on another? It's now or never.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I chose Barcelona because I figured that if I were ever to go abroad, the one thing I'd want to achieve is to be fluent in a foreign language. Considering I have experience with Spanish, I thought it would be perfect to take my skill to a whole other level. Instead of being a fish out of water in a new country, I'd just be a fish in a bowl that needs to be cleaned. Also, Barcelona fit into two categories perfectly. A. I can speak Spanish and B. it's in Europe! I can easily travel wherever my heart desires.
What are your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies range from being really creative to being really lazy. To list a few, I enjoy sewing and making various items from purses to pillows. I use to sew everything by hand until I begged my parents for a sewing machine. I got one for Christmas, but got too excited that I broke all the needles, so now I need to get replacements. I also enjoy painting. I like trying to replicate cute posters I've seen in coffee shops and other various artsy places. My lazy hobbies include indulging myself by watching the food network and the trashy reality shows on VH1, they're sooo entertaining! Other than that, I enjoy having random adventures and singing in my car.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
My all time favorite book is Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. However, I also enjoy Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities, George Orwell's 1984, Octavia Butler's Kindred and Sir William Golding's Lord of The Flies. My favorite magazines include Cosmopolitan and US Weekly.
What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to all types. I enjoy Classic rock, Indie, Electronica, Pop Punk, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Country and my guilty pleasure Pop.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
My favorite TV shows include trashy reality shows on VH1 such as Mo'Niques Charm School, Rock of Love, Fabulous Life of ____, Scott Baio is 40 and Single. I also enjoy many of the shows featured on the Food Network, The Simpsons and Family Guy. My favorite Movies include: Trainspotting, The Godfather I & II, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, The Zodiac, Marie Antoinette, Pans Labyrinth, Never Been Kissed, Hocus Pocus, the list could go on forever.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with one famous person it would have to be Michael Schoeffling, the actor who played Jake Ryan in Sixteen Candles. The reason I choose him is kinda-ok very- superficial. Jake Ryan is the epitome of 80's movies heart throbs. What girl wouldn't want to have a date with Jake Ryan?
If you think she could make better conversation than Jake Ryan, check out her blog.
Edward Dolphin
Studying in St. Petersburg, Russia
Edward Dolphin is in his fourth year of a fifth year program at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is 21-years-old with a major in information systems and a minor in business and international area studies, and he is studying abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia. His main goal for studying abroad is, "To improve my Russian language skills." He also wants, "to learn about other cultures and experience life as a foreigner."
Before leaving, Edward had this to say about being chosen to blog on BlogAbroad.com: I am really looking forward to sharing my first out of country experience with an online audience. I already have a couple of stories that can demonstrate that, and I was only in London for a couple of hours.
We asked this adventurer some personal questions before leaving, and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
I am excited about studying abroad because it involves some unknown elements. Picture children opening presents on Christmas; they know that they will be receiving gifts, but they don't know what is in that wrapped package. I think I am in a similar situation because I know that I am going abroad, but I don't know what to expect. I have never traveled outside the United States, so I will experience life for a couple of months in a place where I have never been, with people I haven't met and with a language other than English.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Even though I am concerned about the language barrier, I am worried about missing my favorite Philadelphia sports teams. I will be missing almost the entire Eagles' season. I can only hope that I'll be able to catch some games in January. The Phillies have been playing well and have a chance of making the playoffs. It will be a bit disheartening if I miss their first playoff appearance since 1993. In addition, I am not looking forward to missing Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays.
What made you want to study abroad?
I decided to study abroad for a couple of reasons. As I mentioned before, I have never been outside the country, so that alone will provide me with new experiences. Russia is the world's largest country, and contains many interesting bits of culture and history that I would like to see. Beside from that, I want to dramatically improve my Russian language ability. I have been studying Russian for some time, but it is very hard to learn a language that you don't use everyday. I will have drastically more incentive to learn Russian while living with people who don't speak English. I believe my ability to speak and understand Russian will infinitely improve after spending close to 4 months in Russia.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I decided to use CIEE's Russian Language Program because I thought it was the best fit for me. CIEE utilizes homestays, where foreign students can live with a Russian family. That will expose me to native Russian speakers, who probably don't speak English, on a daily basis. Living with a Russian family will allow me to experience everyday life as a Russian, not as an American living in Russia. I have heard good reviews about the program from previous students, and I am sure my choice will provide me with many unique learning occasions.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I used to play football and lacrosse in high school, but I still try to stay active even though I am no longer on a competitive team. I have been on intramural teams for football, softball, hockey and soccer. I love attending sporting events, at just about any level.
As my friends already know too well, I am always willing, and probably overzealous, to discuss politics and political issues. Even though they may not change my ideals or beliefs, it is always a good idea to see all sides of the argument.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
My favorite book is John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. I also enjoyed reading CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series. I currently do not read any magazines.
What type of music do you listen to?
I absolutely love classic rock. My most listened to artists would be The Kinks, David Bowie, The Faces and Steve Winwood. Oh yeah, I almost forgot my favorite band, The Rolling Stones.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
My favorite shows are The Simpsons and Mythbusters. The Simpsons have a way of satirizing American life and issues that I still think is funny after almost 20 years in the business. I love Mythbusters because they almost always incorporate explosions into their experiments. What can I say? Simple things amuse simple people. My favorite movie is The Boondock Saints.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I would really like the chance to meet with President Lincoln. From humble beginnings, he became president during the most trying times that our nation experienced. He will be forever known as a unifier, and one of our country's best presidents.
Want to find out how he's doing so far? Check out his blog.
Zach Dionne
Studying in Bangor, Wales
Twenty-year-old Zachary Dionne is a junior journalism major at the University of Maine, with a minor in English and a love for writing. His main goal for spending a year in Bangor, Wales is, "To broaden my world perspective and find a greater sense of my self," but he adds that, "seeing as much of Europe as possible, settling into the culture of Wales, meeting great people and creating lasting, amazing memories are all high priorities."
We asked Zach some personal questions before he left, and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
I am most excited to assimilate myself into an entirely different country, culture, society and university for a full year. I think that this will be one of the most challenging and simultaneously rewarding experiences of my life. I specifically chose an entire year rather than a semester so I will have that much longer to truly settle in and be a part of the culture. I look forward to trying to take part in as many things as I can, see as much of Europe as possible and leave feeling that I lived for a completely successful, worthwhile year of my life, while abroad.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
I am trying to be as positive as possible about my forthcoming year abroad, as it will be one of the only experiences of this nature that I may have for a long time. With this in mind, I am concerned with how much I will miss my family and friends. I plan to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy my time abroad, and not allow myself to sink into unhealthy bouts of homesickness. Frequent e-mail contact and as many telephone conversations as time and money will allow should help ease me along.
What made you want to study abroad?
Studying abroad has always been a major interest for me. My family hosted two exchange students when I was in grade school - one from Sweden, one from Czech Republic, each for a year. I witnessed firsthand what a life-changing experience they each had and decided to undertake a similar journey in my future. In college, I began to research the possibilities and found that my school's options were extremely affordable and intriguing. With the addition of some close friendships formed with British exchange students in my sophomore year, the deal was sealed.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
The University of Maine offers five direct exchange schools. I narrowed my decision down to the United Kingdom since I am a journalism student and am very much intending to write for any available English publications to continue getting experience in journalism while abroad. I chose University of Wales, Bangor because it looks beautiful and accommodating; Bangor is a fairly small-scale setting compared to some of the other city-based universities, which I think will suit me well. As far as the academic program, I will complete my minor in English and continue classes in journalism. I am excited to learn about subjects not offered at my home university and to experience the different teaching, learning and studying styles.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Writing and reading vie for the position of my favorite activity. I love both equally; fiction and journalism in particular. I also play tennis and am very involved with music; listening, playing guitar, collecting albums, going to concerts and meeting and interviewing bands. I also love lists, details and trivia.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
Stephen King is my all-time favorite author. My favorite books include Salem's Lot, It, Lisey's Story, Flowers for Algernon, The Catcher in the Rye, Jurassic Park, The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Stand, Timeline, Wuthering Heights, Great Expectations, Chuck Palahniuk's Survivor, and the Harry Potter series. I am never without a book. I try to steal as much of my book time for magazines as possible, since I am aiming to graduate and write in magazine journalism. I enjoy Esquire, Guitar World, Electronic Gaming Monthly, GQ, Entertainment Weekly and Decibel, to name a few.
What type of music do you listen to?
Modern rock (Muse, Alkaline Trio, Guster), metal (In Flames, Sonata Arctica, Black Sabbath, Arch Enemy,), classic rock (The Police, Queen, The Rolling Stones) and other anomalies that fall somewhere in between (Andrew W.K., Bob Marley, Stevie Ray Vaughan). I am extremely passionate about music.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
My favorite movies are The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects, Forrest Gump, Children of Men and all or most Pixar, Star Wars, Die Hard and Quentin Tarantino films. For television, I watch Lost and The Office. My all-time favorites also include Ed, Friends and Survivor.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
Stephen King would be my choice, hands-down. I have grown up in the state of Maine and idolize the best-selling novelist's unbelievable success, storytelling ability and utter versatility as a writer. Not only has he written a beyond-impressive amount of novels and short story collections, he has written numerous essays and regularly contributes a column for Entertainment Weekly. While it has always been my goal since beginning journalism to interview him (something I still hope to achieve, perhaps even as I follow in his footsteps as a writer for The Maine Campus - UMaine's student newspaper), I would really like to sit down with him for a nice long meal and chat, so I could not only thank him for all his work and terrific inspiration, but have a friendly discussion about his life and his thoughts, beliefs and advice on the matter of writing.
When asked about what he thought of being chosen as a BlogAbroad.com blogger, Zach told us, "I am thrilled at being chosen and feel confident that my appetite for travel and my background in writing will make for an interesting and insightful blog that will be both entertaining and informative."
Want to see if that confidence was warranted? Read his blog.
Cynthia Hall
Studying in Budapest, Hungary
Cynthia resides in Tennessee, and is currently a 21-year-old senior at Middle Tennessee State University studying in Budapest, Hungary. Are you ready to read her stories? Because she's ready to tell them:
"I can't wait to take everyone along on my journey through the heart of central Europe! From glorious scenery, fascinating foreign friends, country-hopping adventures, brilliant historical landmarks, or even the frustrating mishaps that come with any worthwhile experience, I am ready to tell all!"
If you want to learn more about Cynthia before you read more about her adventure, read the following question and answer session we had with her:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
It would be nearly impossible to pinpoint a single aspect that has my heart fluttering about this upcoming semester! Actually, I have been so busy with finals and work the past three weeks that leaving for Hungary seems surreal. However, I must say, I am most excited about all of the interesting people I am going to encounter! This past semester I met the bulk of exchange students at my university. I noticed a pattern as I befriended more and more foreign friends.
Initially, both people are very friendly, almost fake toward each other, then accidentally they offend each other repeatedly because of the ignorance to each other's customs, or language misunderstanding.
Neither person fully understands the other, and then one day something clicks and both are very genuine and real with each other, and despite moments of confusion, truly become friends. I can't wait to be the foreign kid for once!
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
One thing I am dreading about next semester is the language barrier. I do not speak Hungarian. There is nothing more frustrating to me then not understanding people or being out of the loop. I hate relying on someone else to translate everything. There really is so much that is "Lost in Translation," and I dread being the one who is lost!
I have this distinct, future scenario in my head that I just can't shake. Two Hungarians (older women) are speaking loud, abrasive Hungarian to me and making swooping hand gestures to me, as if this will help me understand, and I am facing them with a fake, unsure grin across my face (the type found in all third-grade yearbook photos), one eyebrow slightly raised, and my bugged eyes shift rapidly from one lady to the other. My ridiculous expression is unwavering as if I was a victim of Botox ninjas. Frozen in confusion, all I can do is nod eagerly. After a few minutes, they look at each other baffled, and throw their arms in the air with frustration, turn and walk off discussing my ignorance. If this fear is fortuitous, then, this is what I most dread.
What made you want to study abroad?
In high school I desperately wanted to be a foreign exchange student, yet it never came to pass. I've always been interested in other cultures and traveling. A friend of mine and I made plans to backpack around Europe summer '06, but the previous fall after a year of planning, she said she wouldn't have the resources that summer, but perhaps the next. I am not one to wait and depend on someone else to live my dreams. I refuse to have another dream turn in to a regret that haunts me.
I knew I wasn't comfortable enough to go at it alone, but I wanted to travel. And study abroad seemed the most logical next step. Instead of one month, bouncing from country to country on a dime, I could live in a different country for a semester and travel after it was over! This idea didn't require me to depend on anyone else. Also, I could receive the few remaining hours I needed for my degree. Budapest, Hungary will be my home for the next five months, where I will travel, learn, and live!
Why did you choose this destination/program?
My options were limited because I do not speak any other languages, most unfortunately! In 2000, I actually got the chance to go to Romania for two weeks. I found it so odd how even though I was thousands of miles away from home there was a familiarity to the Transylvanian area. The terrain was very similar to my east Tennessee Appalachian Mountains. In fact, so similar that "Cold Mountain" was later filmed there. Also, the people have a friendly, hospitable way about them just as southerners do.
On the other hand, everything else was so vastly different, such as the soldiers with rifles slung over their shoulders who walked the streets in pairs. Ever since that trip, eastern Europe has interested me.
Initially, I wanted to go to Poland or the Czech Republic. Then, I went to a book signing and a man told a story about his and his Polish wife's experience in Poland, and I begin to reevaluate my decision. I realize petty crime happens everywhere, and one man's experience shouldn't be enough to sway a decision, but I took the irony as a sign. Then, Hungary began to sound even more appealing to me.
In the end, Budapest, Hungary won my heart! Central Europe and eastern Europe is going through a massive transition, since Communism fell less than 20 years ago. I want to experience these cultures before they become completely "westernized."
Another perk, I was not required to know the language, which is a double-edge sword in reality.
What are your hobbies and interests?
One of my biggest passions is soccer! I played growing up and in high school, and I believe I will always regret not attempting to play in college. It might sound foolish, but this past year I had a realization that in all competitive means, my soccer career was long lost, and it was like mourning the loss of a loved one. I don't know why it took me so long to realize how much I regretted my decision of not trying to play. However, I find it fulfilling to watch as much footie as I can, and play for fun with my friends, and I was involved on a few intramural teams, which helps with the soccer longings.
I am also a huge fan of dancing! Not any particular form, I actually enjoy the non-form form! This past semester I took a class called "Social Dance." I learned the basics of Tango, Salsa, Meringue, Swing, Waltz, Cha- Cha, and Disco (which happens to be the most difficult, might I add). I have a new found respect and love for dancers! Other interests of mine are socializing, reading, playing cards, crocheting, and other old lady habits. I am also a big fan of pranks and being deviant in a harmless manner!
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I never subscribe to any magazines, I can't remember the last time I bought one, and I rarely read them. On the rare occasion I do thumb through one I tend to grab some absurd garbage like People or other celebrity magazines. I look through them and say to myself, "These are so stupid! Who even reads this crap!?" Ironically, as I eww and aww at the latest Hollywood break-up or pregnancy.
I enjoy a witty book though! There is something so great about a book that can literally make you laugh out loud. To name a few: Bridget Jones' Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Jemima J, and Pleasure of My Company. I also enjoy travel books and historical portraits.
What type of music do you listen to?
My brother absorbed the true passion for music in the family. However, I do enjoy music very much! The best music is the kind that without conscious effort or intention your body begins to sway and move to, or your foot sneakily begins mimicking the beat. I love good vocals and humorous lyrics. I tend to find something or someone I love and cling. Such as the classics, Queen, Prince, Elton John, Patsy Cline, and Ella Fitzgerald. Foo Fighters, Norah Jones, Keith Urban, Alison Kraus and Union Station and Jet are staples on my iPod.
Secretly, some pop such as Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Outkast, and Britney Spears grace my eardrums, too! I can't get into rap, country, or punk, but generally anything with a good beat.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
I wouldn't say I have a favorite show. I bounce between a few channels in hopes of finding something entertaining: Comedy Central, TLC, Style Network, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and occasionally MTV just to be predictable. I make an attempt to watch Little People, Big World and America's Next Top Model for photographic inspiration. I also love when Discovery has Shark Week! Although terrified of sharks, they are also a huge interest of mine.
I do love movies I must say. For two hours, I can transport to another life. A few movies I really adore are the Motorcycle Diaries, Billy Elliott, Shrek 2, When Harry Met Sally, Some Like It Hot, Young Frankenstein, About a Boy and the list could go on.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
Believe it or believe it, I would love to dine with Ms. Dolly Parton. I realize out of the vast array of people who have shaped our country or made a massive impact on the world, it seems insane to pick Dolly. However, not only is she a Tennessee gal, but she's very intriguing. I recently watched a True Hollywood Story on her and realized there is more to her than silicone and bouffant blonde wigs.
She is a classic rags-to-riches story, and I always find those stories inspiring! "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one," Dolly was quoted saying, which is truly a great point. However, she has been very benevolent with her wealth for those who couldn't start a new path. Also, she embraces her eccentricities and can make fun of herself, which says a lot about a person. Ultimately, I think she would be a hilarious and interesting dinner date!
Do you find Cynthia fascinating? Then just wait until you read her blog.
Jackie Pateguana
Studying in South Africa
Jackie is a 21-year-old Amherst, Massachusetts resident currently earning a degree in Economics and African Studies as a Junior at Hampshire College. She is studying at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South African, and is experiencing something wholly different from most study abroad students. As she said in her audition:
-
"I believe that my experience abroad will be one that is often ignored in the world of study abroadthat of an international student going back 'home'.
I'm an international student in Massachusetts, and I hold Mozambican citizenship though I only lived in the country until I was eleven years old. For most of my life I have lived in places other than my country, I left Mozambique to become a resident in Pretoria, South Africa in 1995. My adoptive parents worked for UNICEF and so they decided to take me with them to South Africa at eleven. I enrolled at a boarding school and stayed there for a good five years until I transferred to another school in Swaziland. Once I was done with my tenth grade in Swaziland I transferred once again: I moved to a public high school in Urbana, Illinois and I graduated from there in 2004.
Now, as a junior at Hampshire College, I decided that I would like to return to Southern Africa and do a semester at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the only university my school has a formal exchange program with. My hopes are that the semester there will rekindle me with the cultures and customs that I was brought up with (both South African and Mozambican). Since arriving in the United States I have seen a lot of international students begin to forget their heritage, culture and even religion to fit in with the rest of the people here in the U.S. So my experience would serve to encourage those international students thinking of study abroad to return to their countriesespecially to developing countries in need of individuals with higher education. My experience would also serve to non-African students who are afraid to travel to the different countries within Africa because of preconceived notions they have of the continent. There are certainly plenty of safe cities one could spend a semester in within this large continent, and my trip would serve as an example of some of those places safe enough to be visited."
If you want to learn more about Jackie, and the fascinating reason why she is studying abroad in Africa, read her short Q & A below:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
I'm most excited about working with in the community once I arrive in Durban. I'm currently enrolled in a community based learning course where students are asked to pick one issue in the community and work with community members on ways to solve it. Since I've done extensive research on HIV/AIDS and development strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa I plan on focusing on one of those two issues. I'm hoping that my work during that time will lead to my thesis-like project at Hampshire in my final year (we call it a Division III project).
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
I'm mostly scared about the crime rate in South Africa. It's no secret that South Africa has one of the highest levels of crime in the world and that Johannesburg has become known as the world's crime capital. I'm definitely hoping not to be part of these statistics.
What made you want to study abroad?
When I chose my major(s), I knew I wanted to do something that would allow me to return home (Mozambique) and work with the government on development issues-- and so I picked Economics and African Studies. However, after three semesters of courses in those areas I realized that many of the issues my professors spoke of were of a western perspective. So I decided I wanted to go to Southern Africa and see what people there think are the most urgent issues and their suggestions for fixing them. My school's recently established exchange program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal allowed me to pursue that interest.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I chose this program in particular because the financial aid package that I get at Hampshire covers the entire cost. My first choice was going to the University of Cape Town but that wasn't possible and so I went with what I could afford to do. The idea of going to school in Mozambique wasn't much of an option either, only because I've been studying in English since I was in fifth grade and I don't think switching to Portuguese will work out too well.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy reading, sewing, knitting, dancing (Latin dance) and volunteering. I'm particularly interested in working with children from disadvantaged communities. Community development projects are also a big interest of mine, at times because of their positive impact and other times because of the lack thereof.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
Favorite Books
- We Killed Mangy Dog by Luis Honwana;
- Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe;
- The End of Poverty by Jeffery D. Sachs
- Surviving the SlaughterThe Ordeal of a Rwandan Refugee by Marie Umutesi;
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde;
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel;
- Native Son by Richard Wright.
Magazines
- VIBE
- Cosmopolitan
- The Economist
- The New York Times Magazine
What type of music do you listen to?
R&B, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Hip Hop and Pop.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
TV shows
- Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Colbert Report
- CSI: Miami
- Grey's Anatomy
Movies
- Blood Diamond
- The Lion King
- Lord of War
- Love and Basketball
- Elf
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with one famous person I think I'd pick Jeffery D. Sachs, economics professor at the Earth Institute at Columbia University. Sachs' work as an economic advisor to the United Nations, IMF, World Bank has been inspiring to me. He is very much interested in the well-being of people more than just the economic models that he proposes. As an economist its hard to factor 'the people' into one's decision-making but Sachs has managed to stay grounded and incorporate 'the people's' experiences and recommendation. He is a true genius and his resume is proof of that.
If Jackie's insights peak your interest, check out her blog and ask her what it's like to come back home.
Sahana Sharan
Studying in New York City, from India
Sahana is a 24-year-old graduate student from Karnataka, India taking classes in America at New York University (NYU), Windsor. When asked how she felt about being selected as a BlogAbroad.com blogger, she responded: "I feel that sense of responsibility and accountability to my own self has grown many fold...Guess I will be seeing things in a different light and perspective... I shall make the best use of this opportunity to communicate and convey my experiences in the best possible way with whoever reads it." And then, just to make us feel good, to help us realize our dream of helping others realize their dreams, she added, "I had dreamt of writing articles and people reading them all over the globe one day....Well, well... I see that happening now!
We asked Sahana some personal questions and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog :
What about your time in America are you looking forward to most?
I would describe the feeling to be Exciting and Overwhelming at the same time!! Meeting people who think and feel the same but look and dress different; learning a new subject - Public Administration - that is totally different to my undergraduate major, which was in Medicine; "The Place" - New York; doing the balancing act of managing things A to Z all by myself and at the same time trying to Love what I do...Its all about trying to achieve and stand out of the crowd to represent my country, India.
What made you want to study abroad?
As a girl, initially I can say, the sheer 'glamour quotient' attracted me to the West...Dreaming of becoming like my uncle one day - a doctor rich and famous in the US...With time and maturity, I realized 'exposure in a different land' leads to a whole new process of learning to gain an extra edge over the rest.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
Well, being selected to study as a scholar at a university like NYU makes you do things which are unimaginable and sometimes weird...I had settled for Purdue university for the Health services management course before the scholarship was announced...One fine morning, I woke up to read an e-mail stating, "Congratulations!!! You have been selected for the 'Leadership In Public Service Scholarship' in the Public Administration program at NYU Wagner."
That was a feeling and moment I shall never forget...I even decided to change my major from Health administration to this one!! Convincing myself that it is a much better program with a wider scope and applicability...Tailoring my dreams to suit the present situation!! What a turn around!!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I go 'gaga' over music and love to dance...the best way to unwind. I am learning Classical music (Hindustani) and tapping my foot at weekend classes of Salsa. Both are poles apart (let's see if I can Salsa to the tunes of Hindustani classical...new fusion to be called "Classy meets Sassy."
What are your favorite books and magazines?
'Readers Digest' makes me feel human and makes me feel so connected with the characters in the real life stories...Its a lovely magazine and I recommend it to anybody who can read English.
'Angels and Demons' by Dan Brown is an amazing novel. Treating delicate subjects of Science and Religion, the author leaves us a lot to think about and it finds relevance in the present and ages to come by.
What type of music do you listen to?
Light and romantic numbers in English and Hindi always turns me on.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Discovery's Woman's Hour is a must watch when I am at home on weekdays. I love watching interviews and talk shows, they reveal a lot about the person in the limelight. HBO's Sex and the City, though primarily a great comedy, leaves you a lot to introspect and sometimes I have even identified with the on screen characters!
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
It would have to be Princess Diana...An ageless beauty, a great human being...For the first hour I think I would be awe struck by her beauty simply because she radiates from within. I would then probably gain myself and discuss about her plans for the less fortunate. I am sure I would have struck the right chord with her discussing my plans to help them.
If you are interested in hearing what this fascinating Indian women thinks of America, especially New York city, then jump straight to her blog.
Gabrielle DeNevyn
Studying in India and Fiji
Gabrielle is a 26-year-old senior at Humboldt State University in Northern California, where she says, "they'll have to drag me kicking and screaming to the podium and cut off my funding to get me to graduate--what can I say? I'm a lifer." She lives and attends school in Arcata, California, but is spending the fall semester in India and then Fiji on a School for International Training (SIT) program.
Before leaving, she told us, "It is hard to pick just one aspect of my coming semester that makes me most excitedbut, in this case, I would have to say it is the fact that I will be able to live and study in Indiasomething that I have dreamed about doing since I was a kid."
We had a short question and answer session with Gabrielle to find out a little more about her and her personality. Here is what we learned:
What made you want to study abroad?
I had many reasons for wanting to study abroadbut the main one is that I love to travel and, in the past several years, I've felt the call of the open road (so to speak) more and more strongly. As I am committed to finishing my college career, I looked for options which would allow me to combine these two interests.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I traveled through India in Dec-Jan of 2004-2005. I loved the country and people so much that I wanted to go back and experience life there, not as a tourist, but on its own terms. I want to actually live within the culture and experience it from the inside. By learning these things, I cannot only understand another culture but I can better understand my own.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Travel! I am also very active on the Internet and blog semi-daily as well as admin work on several websites. I'm fairly active and outdoorsyI love yoga, tai chi, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, swimming, and anything having to do with the ocean. I love to read, write stories and poems, and all kinds of art and dance. In school, I am currently working on two combined majors. My main interest is to tackle modern social problems on a global level and therefore my first degree will combine the disciplines of International Studies: Globalization, Religious Studies, and Philosophy. My second major relates to the two problems I've picked for myself to work on at this time: environmental ethics and women's studies. In addition, a philosophy component will be added on which the two majors will hinge.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I don't really read magazinesbut I am a huge bibliophile. I have a weakness for 1940s science fiction like Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Robert Heinlein. I also really get into all sorts of textbooks/non-fiction from the social sciences, historical fiction, and other socially/environmentally conscious literature. Some of my favorite books include: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, The Story of B by Daniel Quinn, Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, The Dune series by Frank Herbert, The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman, and many many (many!) others.
What type of music do you listen to, and what are you favorite TV shows and movies?
I have rather eclectic taste and hence listen to everything from World Music to Hip Hop. Right now I am really enjoying Indian pop music, Bollywood remixes and Punjabi rap. However, I also have a penchant for strong female singers and I love classic jazz like Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway.
I also love all types of movies and some television. I enjoy foreign moves, particularly from India or Japan. I enjoy movies that make me think or pose new and interesting possibilities or ideas. There are simply too many favorites here to list.
Though I try to restrain myself from watching too much TV, I do enjoy all kinds of educational shows, especially historical documentaries. I also enjoy crime shows like Law and Order, CSI, The Closer. Etc. Finally, I love science fiction in all formssome of my favorite shows are The X-files, the 4400, Eureka and etc.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with one famous person, it would be Gandhi. As Einstein said: "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth." It would be my honor to meet and share a meal with "such a one as this." I would like to ask him, "What can I do to help?" Yes. I am aware that Gandhi is famous for NOT eating--to eat with him would mean that "the maddness has stopped."
Finally, she had one final thing she wanted us to know about her:
I'm smart and fun. I have a great sense of humor and I'm not afraid to say exactly what's on my mind. I am endlessly creative--I seem to do everything "my own way," and I don't just march to a different drummerI have a whole other orchestra! Unique, quirky, and eccentric are three words that describe mebut kind, honest, and loyal are three more. In all things, especially life, I strive to be the best that I can be. This isn't a competitive thing, however, the only one I compete with is myself.
If her semester interests you, check out her blog now.
Joe Barresi
Studying in Jordan
Joe is a 20-year-old from Windsor, Connecticut. A junior political science Major at University of Richmond, he is studying abroad in Jordan on a School for International Training (SIT) program and looks forward to viewing, "the issues of the Middle East from the perspectives of Arabs. No matter how many books and newspapers a person reads, I feel that there is only so much an American can learn about this region unless he travels there."
A quick Q & A session with Jeff on his general interests produced these results:
What made you want to study abroad?
I have always been interested in foreign cultures, and I could not pass up this opportunity to see what living in another country/culture is like.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
The Middle East's being both a geopolitical hotbed and a crossroads of civilizations has made me very interested in this region since my freshman year of high school. Ever since then, I have read many books and articles on this region; however, I felt that I could never gain a true understanding for the Middle East unless I traveled there.
Politically stable and relatively moderate without being too Westernized, Jordan appeared to be the perfect fit for me in this region. All SIT programs include an independent study project over the last month, so I was really attracted by the fact that I will be spending my last month in Jordan primarily outside of the classroom. Also, allowing me to spend time in a country run by a dictatorship, my program's week long excursion into Syria attracted me very much as I will be in a political system that is the antithesis of America's.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I am obsessed with both soccer and politics. I am also a quasi-movie expert, especially when it comes to trivia. My hobbies range widely as I enjoy playing sports, hanging and partying with my friends, reading avidly, and maintaining an extensive DVD collection that also includes many foreign films.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
Books: The Great Gatsby, A Peace to End All Peace, The Grapes of Wrath, What's the Matter with Kansas? As you can see I enjoy either non-fiction books or fiction books that possess a lot of social commentary.
Magazines: The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, Sports Illustrated, Foreign Policy
What type of music do you listen to, and what are you favorite TV shows and movies?
I like all forms of music, except for country; however, after having gone to school in Richmond for two years now, that music style is starting to grow on me.
My favorite TV shows run the gambit from the very serious to the very funny: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, Family Guy, The Simpsons, Pardon the Interruption, Charlie Rose, News Hour with Jim Leher, The OC (My guilty pleasure!)
My favorite movies have a wide range of styles and genres. My top pick is Cinema Paradiso, while my favorite American film is The Godfather. Some other favorites are Fargo, No Man's Land, Osama, Syriana, Dr. Strangelove, Rocky, and Silence of the Lambs.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I would pick our current president, George W. Bush. First off, I would like to have dinner with somebody who is powerful and with whom I disagree, so that I could debate him and have the chance to change his mind on important issues that affect the world. I would also like to really understand how the world "works" and find out which forces really govern the world's geopolitical realm. In addition, I have heard that Dubya is a very personable man.
If you want to experience the Middle East from "the perspectives of Arabs," check out Joe's blog.
Michal McConville
Studying in France
Michal is a woman; yes a woman. A 20-year-old (almost 21) woman from Mount Vernon, Indiana who attends college at Purdue University in West Lafayette and is studying abroad at Paul Valery in Montpellier, France
She is a senior dual majoring in English literature and French language and literature and who had this to say about studying abroad:
"The aspect that makes me most excited about my upcoming semester is that I am going to be totally immersed in another culture. Every preconceived notion I've ever had is going to be tossed out the window, and everything is going to be a new experience. I am determined to be completely open-minded when I arrive in France, try every new thing I come across, and meet every new person I can. I think it is going to be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of my life.
But I am really nervous that I might look stupid in certain situations due to language barriers or lack of knowledge. I was warned that it might be common for French people to ask me my opinion on current US political decisions or governmental policies, so I have been listening to plenty of NPR and reading the news to try and keep myself informed. I realize that there will be many instances in which I will not know certain things about French culture or language, but I would like to know everything about my own culture so I can answer their questions."
We sat down with her to ask her questions about herself, and this is what we learned:
What made you want to study abroad?
I became interested in Study Abroad when I picked up French as my minor. I thought it would be the ultimate experience to learn as much as I can about French and get to meet other students who share my same interests. I have also been approached to teach English in France after I graduate, so I decided that I had better go there to see how much I like it. That way, I will know upon graduation if I would be interested in moving there for a few years to teach.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I chose the program in Montpellier at the very last minute. Originally I had been looking into a program in Paris, but after meeting with my Foreign Language advisor, my decision became very clear. The Montpellier program will allow me to be in a real French University and take classes with real French professors as opposed to the Paris program which has courses specially designed for American students. It was important for me to choose a program that would allow my language to improve drastically during the course of the semester. With my program, I will live with a French host family and have classes where French will be the only language spoken. Plus, it's in the Riviera near the beach and the mountains...there's really no downside.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to read, which I suppose is a good thing since I am a literature major. I also really love to write poetry, although it has not been determined if I am actually any good at doing so. I really like finding new music, so I read a lot of music magazines and check out a lot of concerts. My dad and I are really into the same type of music, and we went to the Siren Music Festival in New York last year. I really love meeting new people, so I try and go to some parties and coffee shops to hang out with different crowds. And also--I hate to admit this--I like to do crossword puzzles. I'm a dork at heart.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I like a lot of classic literature. My favorites are The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway and The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald. The best book I've read recently is Everything Is Illuminated by Foer. I like books that talk about the meaning of life, and I especially like it when the end is left really open, so I can decide what happens next. I like to read music magazines like Spin, Magnet, and Filter. I think most women's magazines are crap, but I really enjoy Nylon. Last, I like to read Esquire when my dad gets it in the mail. It has really good articles!
What type of music do you listen to, and what are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Oh gosh. I love to listen to music all the time. I listen to mostly Alternative and Indie music. I don't listen to the radio very much (unless I'm listening to NPR.) I like to watch Project Runway every week and make bets with my mom on who will get kicked off next. Obviously Alison is going to win. I also like watching Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives along with the rest of the free world. I like a lot of different movies, but I hate horror movies. I have a nine-year-old brother, so I do end up catching most of the kiddie movies, and they're not so bad. My favorite movie is Amelie, which is fabulously French and very uplifting. I'll watch just about any film.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
If I could eat with anyone, wow. It is going to become apparent that I am a huge nerd after answering this question, but there's no turning back now. I would eat dinner with Alice Paul. She was a huge women's rights activist who devoted her whole life to making the future better for women. I would love to meet her and ask her about all of the things she put into her campaigns, her personal life that isn't included in much of the history, and also what she thinks of women's rights today. I wonder if she would think that women have come a long way since her time or if she would think that we have ruined some of the things she worked so hard to achieve.
Interested yet? Good, then read her blog.
Judd Hower
Studying in Germany
September 1 marks Judd Hower's 21st birthday. He will spend it in Germany.
Living in South Hampton, NJ, studying German and political science at the University of Delaware, and studying abroad with Rutgers University at University Konstanz in Germany, this college junior is spending a year on the other side of the world.
We spent some time with him before he left to learn more about him:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
There are probably three things I look forward to most. Meeting new kids is something I very much anticipate. I'll be living in what is called a Europahaus, which is an apartment building that houses exchange students from all over the world. The prospect of meeting kids from so many different places is very exciting. I also look forward to living on my own in Germany. I visited Germany two years ago and fell in love with it. I would like to live and work there once my tenure at the university is over, so living abroad next year is like a dream come true. Finally, I am a huge football "soccer" fan. Unfortunately it is not so popular in the United States, but in Europe it is borderline religious. I plan on attending a couple of matches in Germany and England during my stay.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
I'll most definitely miss my friends and girlfriend...oh yeah and my family, a little bit. I am really close with all my friends and of course with my girlfriend. Being without them while abroad will be rough. On the bright side, my girlfriend will be studying in Paris in the spring, so right on!
What made you want to study abroad?
It was a culmination of a few things. I've loved learning German since I started taking it in high school. Languages, in general, interest me and I would like to be able to speak many fluently. I've always thought there was something special about a person who can communicate through many different languages. What sparked the fire on the whole study abroad endeavor was my trip to Germany though. I had so much fun and I can't wait to go back.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
In all honesty, I would have liked to study in Munich because of it's outstanding university and the city's environment. Sadly, I couldn't find a program located in Munich that fit what I wanted. Konstanz, where I'll be studying, is a beautiful city and the program, which is run by Rutgers University, allows me to spend a year abroad. It is important to me that I spend the entire year in Germany. Doing so will no doubt improve my German, as well as present me with the opportunity to become more familiar with my hosts. I am studying to become a diplomat and I believe it is most important to get to know the German people as best I can.
What are your hobbies and interests?
As I said before, I love soccer. I am a huge Manchester United supporter. I like to play soccer as well and hopefully I'll have the chance to have some pick-up games or possibly join a recreational team while in Germany. I am also a drummer. I've been playing for ten years, and I have been in several bands since I started. Listening to music is another hobby. I had the ideal job last year while in school. I worked at an indie record shop. It was amazing because it was laid back, fun, and I got to listen to music all day. I just hope I can get my boss to rehire me when I get back.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
I like all types of books, but as of late I've been reading many books by Anthony Burgess, (Clockwork Orange, One Hand Clapping, The Doctor is Sick) and Irvine Welch, (Trainspotting, Filth, and one book aptly named Porno, but it is not as perverted as it sounds.) I also enjoyed the Gunslinger series by Steven King, but the ending was heinous. To end it like he did after seven books was like a kick to the face. Magazine wise, pretty much just Four Four Two and United Magazine. They are, the both of them, having to do with soccer.
What type of music do you listen to, and what are your favorite TV shows and movies?
My musical taste is pretty eclectic. I like everything from Beethoven to Bone Thugs, but I mostly listen to Indie Rock bands like The Shins, Ladytron, I Can Make a Mess..., Camera Obscura, stuff like that. I also have a soft spot in my heart for German Rap, call me crazy. And Daft Punk is probably one of my favorite bands of all time, so my musical tastes are far reaching. TV, to be honest, I don't watch to much, but Daria was good when it was on MTV back in the day. I am in love with movies, comedies mostly. Snatch, Transpotting, Wedding Crashers, Lock Stock, are all very good movies indeed.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I'd like to say someone profound like Abe Lincoln or Ghandi, but after five minutes I'm afraid my attention deficit would get the best of me and make playing with my food the highlight of the meal instead of talking with my dinner mate. It would be interesting to have dinner with the guys from Daft Punk because I'm sure they would also play with their utensils and we'd end up making a catchy little tune playing solely on our forks and wine glasses. It really depends on what mood I'm in, and being that it is 12:30 at night and I am tired, just a quiet dinner with my girlfriend would do just fine. I don't know though, ask me again in the morning.
He is more awake now, so have a conversation with him at his Read Judd's Blog.
Sarah Berkowitz
Studying in London, England
Read Sarah's Blog
Sarah, who turned 21-year-old on January, Friday the 13th, is an English major concentrating on theater (or as the British spell it, theatre) with a minor in psychology. She attends Barnard College, Columbia University, but will be studying at King's College while in London. Interesting fact: Kim Gradel, one of the inaugural members of the BlogAbroaod.com team, studied at King's College for a semester, and cites it as one of the greatest times in her life. Read Sarah's blog to find out if she feels the same way.
While very excited to be studying literature in England, before leaving she admitted that, "I'm not wild about having to make all new friends when I get to London. Because I'm going to be at a British university (as opposed to a program comprised entirely of other people who are studying abroad), and because I'm arriving mid year, I realize that everyone will have already made friends and I will be stuck coming into a program where everyone already has friends and I'm made to feel like I'm back in middle-school."
Her Q & A on general interests taught us:
What type of music do you listen to?
Okay, you caught me. I'm a huge dork, and that really shows in my choice of music. I love Broadway show tunes above all else, my favorites being by Stephen Sondheim, who I'm convinced knows how to walk on water. I also love the golden oldies: songs by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and those Gershwin boys. When it comes to vocals, no one beats Ella Fitzgerald. I've actually been moved to tears by her simply because I think her genius is so huge. I listen to Opera as well; my favorites are Mozart and Puccini, though I also like baroque opera, and baroque music in general (Bach being a personal favorite). If forced to pick someone from my own generation I'm really into Ani Difranco though I admire her equally as a poet and musician. And I would have to throw in Joni Mitchell as well, she's another singer who can give me chills just because parts of her songs are so perfect they frighten me.
What are your hobbies?
I sing (hence my attraction to Opera and other vocal music). I'm a coloratura soprano, and I used to study privately but now I do mostly choruses. I hope I can find a chorus to join in England because I've found it's a great way to meet people. I also used to act, but I've been trying to wean myself from the theater by degrees, and recently I've been doing more stage managing, which isn't as glamorous, but is just as fun.
Favorite books/magazines/TV/movies?
Gah, this is a tough one. In terms of magazines I tend to read only the New Yorker, and that's because I got a gift subscription. And I don't watch much TV, though when I did I enjoyed West Wing and Gilmore Girls because I love well written banter. But books and movies are tough: I'm omnivorous and insatiable in my appetites for both. I love reading works from the 19th century, I think my favorite books at the moment are Bronte's Jane Eyre and Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway (I know, I'm such a girl) but I love all kinds. The best book I read recently was The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. My favorite movies are North By Northwest, Singin' in the Rain, and A Streetcar Named Desire. I swear I'm not forty, I just have really old taste.
Finally, Sarah would like to leave everyone with this small bit of insight:"I have a tattoo of the Sir John Tenniel illustration of the Mock Turtle from Alice in Wonderland on my right shoulder blade. I tell you this to illustrate that I can be both rebellious and geeky at the same time."
Jeff Samotny
Studying in Prague, Czech Republic
Jeff is a 20-year-old Junior at Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia who lives in Northbrook, Illinois, just 20 miles north of Chicago, but is studying abroad at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic on a CIEE program. He's double majoring in economics and anthropology, to which he says, "Two different ends of the academic spectrum, I know, but it's been a blast to learn two completely unique ideas of thought."
When asked what he was most looking forward to about his semester in Prague, he responded, "You know that feeling when something just clicks in your head? Those moments of insight when a mess of information you've accumulated finally begins to make sense? I think the scientific term for these few seconds of absolute clarity is the 'Ah-ha Moment.' I'm most excited about all the 'Ah-ha' experiences I will have in Prague and throughout all of Europe (and hopefully Russia, too).
"After years and years of textbooks and pictures, movies and lectures, I'm finally going to see central Europe, really see it. Sure there will be the hundreds of students I will meet while studying in Prague and the dozens more while I am traveling throughout Europe on the weekends and after the program, and of course the great beer the Czechs are famous for, but all that, for me, just adds to my 'Ah-ha' moments. You see, from these people I will meet and study with, and from the people I live with in Prague, I will learn the most. Not from the classes or the museum tours, not from the Rick Steve's books I've been going through on this winter break, but from the people is where I will learn about Europe and about myself. There is nothing more important to me than self-discovery, and while I look forward to the 'Ah-ha moment' in a painting or a lecture, I am most excited for the 'Ah-ha moments' in which I learn about myself."
A quick Q & A session with Jeff on his general interests produced these results:
What type of music do you listen to?
I am a huge radio fan. Yes, we still exist. In Atlanta, at Emory, I listen to 99x, the alternative rock station, and if anyone asks my biggest pet peeve, it is that the music I like is called alternative rock. You see, in your head is a picture of a punk rock grunge kid from the 1990s listening to heavy garage band music, and that isn't what it is. So let's call it light alternative rock, but that doesn't sound too good either; I guess I don't like the word 'light' associated with my music. Regardless, it is Franz Ferdinand, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, and whatever is hot at the moment. And my latest odd music trend (because I believe everyone should have one at every moment in their lives, at least when in college) is Matisyahu, an Orthodox Jewish reggae and rap artist. Don't laugh, check him out. He is awesome and I was able to see him live in Atlanta and write a report on him for an American Studies class I was in. It was a great privilege.
What are your hobbies?
I started swimming in college for fun because the workout room was always too crowded and the treadmill started to bore me. Then I got serious and took a swimming class and now I'm a regular fish. At least when the weather is nice. I've been spending a lot of time in the pool because it is a great workout and a great place to meet people, especially fun collegiates hanging out poolside in Atlanta where it is only cold for about 3 months of the year. Besides the pool though, I love being outside hiking, trail running, and on the water in a canoe. I've had some great opportunities to do all three living in Georgia and have become a huge hiker, spending a lot of weekend afternoons on quick day hikes.
Favorite books/magazines/TV/movies?
Books - Move over Roald Dahl, Tom Wolfe has replaced you. Seriously, on both accounts. The first is that Tom Wolfe is my current favorite author and the second truth is that Dahl was my favorite author even in my third year of college. Matilda, come on, greatest book of all time. The girl could move her eyes and nose and send the principal into paranoia.
TV - L O S T is the greatest television show of the moment and the only one I have to sit down and watch, or rather Tivo and watch sometime late at night before I fall asleep.
Movies - I like American documentaries. No, not weird ones about sharks and airplanes, but things like Devil's Playground about the Amish and their heading out into the 'real world.' I also like Super Size Me and Spellbound. To me, these are the original and true reality shows and show the world in a different light and let me see parts of the United States I wouldn't otherwise see.
If you want to know any more about Jeff (or hear him go into a rant about the last three books he's read, all of which were by Tom Wolfe), ask him in his blog and he'll be more than happy to begin a discussion with you.
Tammy Newcomer
Studying in Costa Rica
Tammy is a 21-year-old junior environmental science major at University of Maryland, Baltimore Country. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland but studying in Costa Rica for a home-stay with School for Field Studies (accredited by Boston University) and then Nicaragua, Tammy is participating in two very different aspects of studying abroad. She is spending one portion as a typical college student on a campus overlooking San Jose, and the second half immersed in a new culture, living with a foreign family.
When asked what she was most looking forward to about her time abroad, she answered like one would expect from a political and environmental activist:
"For me, the rainforest has always been a distant fantasy. Something mysterious filled with wonderful endangered species, vast canopies with insects that have yet to be classified, and plants that can be used to cure disease. I am a little bit afraid that I was born too late and it will already be like a mini United States; my study abroad advisor told me he was very disappointed to see a Taco Bell the last time he went to Costa Rica. But maybe through being kind and humble, I will have the chance to learn about Costa Rican customs so that I can share them with others via BlogAbroad.
"Globalization is a powerful agent of spreading knowledge, ideas, medicine, and technology. However, it can also wipe out indigenous cultures and customs when they are exposed to the western way of life. Without globalization I would not have this opportunity to study with Boston University's School for Field Studies. Yet without it, deforestation and other pressures would not be threatening the Costa Rican rainforests.
"It's one thing to theorize about a place and another to know, understand, and love it. It would be easy to say that I am looking forward to photographing the beauty of Morpho butterflies, poison dart frogs, and cascading waterfalls. It sounds strange but I am most looking forward to the unknown. What is it going to be like to use a cold, outdoor shower everyday, hike and camp in Costa Rican National Parks, confront issues like the illegal extraction of heart of palm, and connect with people who may only see an American as a dollar sign and hopefully let them see that we are real people too? I'm somewhat overwhelmed by the opportunity and the unknown of the months ahead in Costa Rica."
We asked Tammy for a few insights into her general interests in this Q & A:
What type of music do you listen to?
A truthful answer would be whatever my friends pick. As a result, I now enjoy Queen, Bob Marley, the Beatles, Incubus, Jeff Buckley, OutKast, the Beach Boys, Shania Twain, Alanis Morrisette, and oh yeah, Celtic Bagpipes. Weird, huh? Generally, I like to listen to music that makes me happy and is fun to dance to. (I'm a lefty so I'm not exceptionally coordinated, but I have a lot of fun and smile a lot so most people don't seem to care). I'll admit to knowing the lyrics to practically every Disney song, and I adore musicals. My favorites are Chicago, Rent, and anything by Andrew Lloyd Webber. As far as specific songs go, my favorite is Pachelbel's Canon. I love it performed either with a full classical orchestra or when a group of my high school friends play it with electric guitars.
What are your hobbies?I believe that to live well one must nurture a healthy mind, body, and soul. To develop a sharp intellect I study hard, read a variety of books, and try to keep up to date on current events so that I can debate with my friends. I also enjoy the occasional logic problem or old school Nintendo video game.
To maintain a strong body I used to row for UMBC's crew team but now I enjoy taking studio yoga, kickboxing, and core-ab classes. I'm antsy and I don't sleep as well if I don't exercise so I also like to lift weights, swim laps, run outside, take dance classes, and boulder. And I'm really excited about going Scuba Diving in Costa Rica as I haven't dove anywhere besides dark, cold quarries in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Another less intense physical activity that I love is gardening! At home during the summer I grow an awesome garden full of tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, peppers, zucchini, and other yummy veggies (I can whip up one mean zucchini bread and a really tasty spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes). I'm looking forward to working in the School for Field Studies on-site organic garden.
To fulfill my soul I enjoy volunteering with a plethora of organizations. My favorite charity would have to be Habitat for Humanity. I really like that they require their homeowners complete sweat equitya required number of hours spent renovating the houses. This gets the community involved and helps them develop a sense of ownership. I'm a committed advocate of urban renovation. If cities are strong and attractive then people will want to live in them instead of contributing to suburban sprawl and paving over more paradise. Other organizations I volunteer with are the Baltimore Believe campaign, Parks and People, the Timberland Community Builders Tour, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Favorite books/magazines/TV/movies?
Books: My three favorites would have to be Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small, and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. Goodies that I have read in the past six months include Aldo Leopold's absolutely beautiful Sand County Almanac, Greg Critser's Fatland, Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, Rachel Carson's classic Silent Spring, Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire, Ann Brashares' Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, John Grisham's The Street Lawyer, Pete Fromm's Indian Creek Chronicles, Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, and Dr. Ben Carson's inspiring autobiography, Gifted Hands. Next up on my list are Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, Vaitheeswaran's Power to the People, and Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel. Let me know if you have any other good recommendations. One of my favorite things about school breaks is being able to read whatever I want. I love disappearing into a good book and being able to travel vicariously to other times and places. I am so excited to be actually going to Costa Rica instead of just reading about it in a book!
Magazines: I like Time Magazine, Newsweek, Vegetarian Times, and I occasionally read CosmoIt's junk food for the brain.
Movies/TV: If you haven't guessed yet, I'm a big geek so I love Whedon's Firefly Series and movie Serenity. Other movies I like are Supersize Me, Office Space, Erin Brockovich, and anything that isn't too scary or gory.
And, just to prove that she wasn't lying about all of her charity work, we'd like to point out that the picture on her blog is part of a larger photo from, "when I organized the club I lead, Students for Environmental Awareness, to teach paper making to the kids at College Gardens. College Gardens is an after school program for underprivileged children from Baltimore City Public Schools. I was extremely impressed with the enthusiasm and creativity that the 5-12 year-olds displayed. To make paper to give to their parents as holiday gifts, they experimented with using different colors and adding leaves, herbs, and glitter. They were very well behaved; when I taught the lesson at the beginning, they did not speak unless I called on them when they raised their hands. The purpose of my lesson plan was to share with them their impact on the planet and how they can help limit pollution by following the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. My favorite response was when I asked them how they could minimize waste, a shy, little guy with short, curly hair answered, You should always clean your plate because when you eat meat animals give their lives to make you strong and healthy and it's not very nice to throw part of them away.'
"Why do some adults lack the simple logic that children pick up so easily? Anyone who believes that Baltimore City and its public schools are hopeless would change their mind if given the opportunity to work with these bright, inquisitive pupils."
See this good-natured humanist in action at her blog
.
Taylor Benjamin-Britton
Studying in Tokyo, Japan
Taylor was already on her Temple program in Tokyo, Japan when we chose our BlogAbroad.com bloggers, so we had to let her know she was one of the four via e-mail. In just a matter of minutes she sent us this:
"I'm sitting in my hotel room window at 4 a.m., waiting for the sun to rise over Tokyo Tower and the other skyscrapers because I can't sleep - and I must impress the delight of a change of scenery, having become accustomed to Philadelphia - and I receive this letter. How excellent. Now I can show the world, and especially my fellow coddled Americans, what the view is like from out here. This is only the first step. Changing the world is on the horizon."
A bold goal to be sure, but not at all impossible to accomplish for from this 20-year-old West Chester, PA resident dual majoring in political science and Asian studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
A quick Q & A session with Taylor before she left garnered us the following on her general interests:
What type of music do you listen to?
Everything but Hip-hop/Rap is fair game. I really like rock, both American and foreign, but I'm also into a number of Japanese pop groups right now and hope to hit up some concerts over the next few months.
What are your hobbies?
Drawing, singing, writing (I'm working on a novel right now), traveling and getting souvenirs from each place I visit, going to concerts, and taking pictures!
Favorite books/magazines/TV/movies?
God, that's tough. Let's just say The Daily Show sums up my sense of humor, and leave it at that. America the Book, anything by Al Franken... I spend a lot of time on Comedy Central's streaming broadband site and can repeat a lot of what's been played on Friday Night Standup at will. I also watch Adult Swim, my favorites being Harvey Birdman and Family Guy.
I don't care much for magazines, but I have been known to pick up anything from National Geographic to Vanity Fair if it's been left out and flip through the pages. As for movies, I like a lot of indy films, such as I Heart Huckabees, Garden State, Mirrormask, and Millions. I adore British films, comedies especially, like Snatch. But I also fall for the big sellers like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. I'll watch anything I've heard is decent. I like to go see all the movies that are playing and be able to recommend what's good to anyone who asks, aka "movie maven". I'm still in the process of catching up on the classics, though.
And finally, perhaps filed into the category of "too much information," Taylor adds, "I'm a big nerd. I went in costume to the last Harry Potter movie premier. Take it or leave it. I hear cute girls can get away with being nerds."
If you agree with her, check out her fascinating blog now.
Jonathan Jackson
Studying in Dunedin, New Zealand
Jon is a 20-year-old Junior at Rice University who lives in Ben Wheeler, Texas but is studying abroad in Dunedin, New Zealand. His major is Cognitive Sciences, with an emphasis on psychology or neuroscience, and while abroad, he will be taking two cognition courses, one on Maori Society, and another on New Zealand Literature.
Before he left, he said, he is most excited about, "The complete uncertainty that awaits, the number of unforeseen challenges and triumphs that will undoubtedly arise. Whether it's something small like figuring out how to mail something, or a challenge to my worldview, positive or negative, it will all give me goosebumps." He was most anxious about, among all things, the cold weather. "I have difficulty dealing with the cold. It's a psychological thing; most homes don't have central heating, so it's kind of hard on a guy from Texas walking around in his flat wearing three layers of clothing."
A quick Q & A session with Jonathan on his general interests garnered us the following:
What type of music do you listen to?
Ah, music. I love all kinds of music, with the possible exception, ironically enough, of country and western. At the moment, I have an obsession with hip-hop and alternative, though that will undoubtedly change before the end of the semester.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include reading, hiking (while in New Zealand, at least), sports (especially basketball), socializing with old friends and making new ones, cuisine (both cooking and eating), and the occasional introspection.
Favorite books/magazines/TV/movies?
Books--The Harry Potter series, anything by Douglas Adams, Ayn Rand, Roald Dahl, Mark Twain, and Robert Jordan.
TV--New fan of House, M.D. and Gray's Anatomy, as well as most cartoons.
Movies--Five of my favorites, in no particular order: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Blues Brothers, The Princess Bride, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
If you want to know any more about dear Jonathan, ask him in his blog and he'll be more than happy to begin a discussion with you.
Vanessa Ruiz
Studying in ten countries on Semester at Sea
Vanessa is a 22-year-old photography major and artist at the Rhode Island School of Design, although she hails from Miami, Florida. She is studying abroad with Semester at Sea, a unique program in which students live and take classes on a cruise ship while visiting La Guaira, Venezuela; Salvador, Brazil; Cape Town, South Africa; Mombasa, Kenya; Chennai (Madras), India; Yangon, Myanmar; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Hong Kong; Kobe, Japan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Diego, California. Amidst all the sight seeing and soul searching she will also manage to take classes in Global Studies, Abnormal Psychology, Small Business Management, and Women in Religion, all courses she says, "I am very interested in and which will be enhanced by my travel."
When asked what she was most excited about, her answer was:
"I guess I am most excited about meeting people from around the world, learning about their culture and how they interact with their world and other cultures. You can learn a lot about cultures from a classroom in the US but meeting people and experiencing their culture in person gives you a new understanding and appreciation for the world and its diversity. I'm especially interested in meeting the children in the countries I am traveling to... and of course photographing everything."
When asked what she was most anxious about, she had two very serious, very pressing issues she wanted to discuss. She is most anxious of:
"Getting bitten by a piranha while in the Amazon. Or maybe the credit card bill."
Her Q & A on general interests produced these results:
What type of music do you listen to?
I love all kinds of music, from Rap like Missy Elliot to more
classical music like Sarah Brightman, but my absolute favorites are
Shakira and Dolly Parton. Dolly above all, who has influenced my life
in more ways than I can count. I have the Dollywood butterfly tattooed
on my shoulder...long long story.
What are your hobbies?
Photography is my passion. I'm also a poet and
a closet science geek. I would say my life has been led by a desire to
help others and I hope to always travel and do some service to
children living in difficult situations. I've found great joy in
traveling to orphanages in other countries and teaching