Blogger
Edward
Edward's Bio
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.
