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Your stories help bring to life the real-world value of international education. Storytelling also plays a big role in helping us drive the national debate on the issues that matter to you, and to encourage newcomers to join Connecting Our World.
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The best stories are personal. Keep it short, and add pictures or videos if you can. See a list of tips for the best stories…
- Your study abroad experience, or your dream of studying abroad. Why is studying abroad important? How does it change lives and educate students for the future?
- Your experience as an international educator. Tell us about one of your students, a unique program, or how your community is positively impacted by international education.
- An international service learning experience such as the Peace Corps or exchange program.
- Your immigration story. Tell us about what it’s like to be an undocumented student, or how the DREAM Act would help someone you know get access to higher education.
- Your experience as a foreign student or scholar in the United States. How has it affected you personally and academically, or changed your understanding of America or your host country?
- Why you are an advocate for international education.
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One of my students arrived for a study abroad advising meeting. Our conversation was a bit “all over the map” at first, and I began to sense that we weren’t yet talking about the thing that was really on her mind. Ultimately, she finally, hesitatingly, asked if there was a way for her to study abroad without having to have a passport. It turns out that she doens’t have a passport and is unable to apply for one because she is an undocumented student. She arrived in the States as a toddler, brought by her undocumented parents. She is here at this excellent liberal arts institution, where over 60% of our students study abroad, and, because of our broken immigration system in place, she was unable to join her peers in this hallmark experience. I told her that she should not leave the US, but that I can help her find a domestic program offering cross-cultural experiences, and she thanked me -- and never came back to my office.
my nam is juan , l came to U , S A, when l was 18 years old . since l was a boy l over heard from many people that , this country is given a lot of opportunities . some how true , now i’l 43 years old , happy married man , with a wonderful women , and l have daughter, an a son , my daughter currently in the first year of state university , both of my kids born here , by the way , english is my second language. never been in school, l learned just by watching tv , and also listen radio in english , at this point l’m still undocumented, and unfortunately unemployed due to the E verified , its very hard to leave under shades at all times , some times ,l even dreamed that l’m been deported , l worked for 22 years in a company , wich l achieved lot of goals , never been any problem with law , l contributed a lot to this country in many ways , my daughter currently study inmigration law , and the reason is , she wanted to help a lot of people , because , she knows the feeling , how this broken inmigration law , separate families , even do hasen;t been happened to us , but when they where little . they always scared to be separated from Mom and a Dad , l strangely believed , if happened a bill , reform , or whatever we need to call , U S A will benefit in a lots of ways , as well , we will live in peace , LOVE U S A , FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEARTH . JUAN D
A story of a student that would have benefited from the Dream Act.
While working at a Community College, I recall a high school student who made an appointment with me to ask about applying to the school. When I found him in my office, it was obvious that he was very nervous. A quick look at his transcript made it clear that he was a top student with a 4.0 GPA and college prep students. Why wasn’t he applying at a top ranked university, I wondered.
Instead, he asked me if he could speak to me confidentially. After I agreed, he told me nervously about how he had no immigration status and was wondering if we would accept his application to our school and if so, was there a chance we would report him to immigration?
After reassuring him, he told me about how his family brought him to the US when he was 9. I’ll never forget what he said next which was, “I was young and didn’t know the language that well so I wasn’t clear about what was happening. But I should have known better.”
“You were 9.” I said. “What could you have done?”
I think about that young man from time to time. After getting an associate’s degree, how could his parents afford the out of state tuition at any university in order for him to get a bachelor’s degree? And even if they could, what would he do with it? No green card, no job prospects. Could he return home? He had virtually no memory of his home country and didn’t even speak the language.
Despite being valedictorian at his high school, he graduated with no prospect for a good education, job, or income. He can’t even get a driver’s license. And all because of his parent’s choices when he was the age of 9? There have to be pathways for young people who are stranded in our country, prove themselves to be valuable contributors, and who have literally no other options.
International education should always incorporate economic diversity if truly to represent our global village. The United States Student Achievers Program (USAP – http://www.usapglobal.org ) works with cohorts of highly-talented, economically-disadvantaged students at EducationUSA advising centers to negotiate the often forbidding and confusing world of admissions and financial aid.
Not only will Clive, a USAP student, begin at Duke this Fall, but he will begin confidently, with the support of USAP students who are already at Duke as well as his cohort, such as those in this photo, who will be attending Wesleyan, Bryn Mawr, and Harvard, etc, all on full scholarships. When Clive feels challenged, this family will be there to share in the experiences of cultural adjustment, particularly those issues specific to first generation, low-income international students.
Outside your Comfort Zone: the Study Abroad Experience
When I had stepped off the plane and entered the Heathrow airport three months earlier, I had immediately thought to myself, what have I just gotten myself into? I am a small-town Wisconsin girl who prior to my study abroad experience in London had barely traveled outside the state, let alone left the country. I am from a town no one has heard of unless they either live there or have a relative that lives there. Back home we have dial-up internet, my parents refuse to get cell phones, and we have the simple 10 channel television. Even the college I attended was not near a big-city experience. Yet somehow I had decided to study in London for five whole months.
After the initial shock wore off, I began to love the differences in culture, pace, and ideas. I learned so much about myself and the world that I never could have learned without leaving my home state. My time abroad was the scariest, craziest, and best experience of my life. Yes you are going to have moments where you are uncomfortable, or when you simply have to laugh and embrace the awkward. But that’s what truly makes the study abroad experience: these moments when you are forced out of your comfort zone and are able to experience another culture that is completely different than your own. These are the ones that will stick with you for the rest of your life and create your experience. I will never regret my decision to step out of my comfort zone and study abroad because it was the best of my life, filled with adventure, challenges, and (of course) the beautiful awkward.
In college I majored in Humanities including interdisciplinary studies in Spanish, African and African American Studies, as well as History, and I minored in Latin American Studies. I had also obtained an advanced competence in the Spanish language, but I had never really put my abilities to use outside of academia. As a result, I was very familiar with other cultures –at least on paper.
In my final semester at KU I was accepted to study abroad in Nicaragua for six weeks. The program focused on learning the language and culture of the indigenous Miskitu people of the Atlantic Coast for four of the six weeks. In addition, our group spent a week in Granada (on the Pacific Coast) with host families and several days on Corn Island in the Caribbean, so I was able to utilize my Spanish skills too.
My next thought was how can I do this again? Since I had graduated and didn’t have the money to go to graduate school immediately (student loans… they are a pain in my backside), my boyfriend and I decided to travel, but get paid this time. After a long, grueling search, we found a couple’s position teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea. We have been here for a few months now and really enjoy the culture and we are slowly, but surely learning some Korean.
After many interesting adventures thus far, I have decided that my career goals include working in a Study Abroad Office after graduate school, either as a Program Coordinator or a Student Advisor. But for now, next up on my global agenda is to go back to school to get my Master’s Degree. Only this time, with no regrets; I will study abroad again and again and again.
I was 4 years old when I came to the United States with my parents. My life is here. I am currently in 10th grade, and I know that soon everything is going to become difficult for me because I will not be able to go to college or even get my drivers license.
I fear that people will ask me, “Why aren’t you driving yet?” and I will have to lie to them and make up something because that’s not really something that is supposed to be out in the open. My life is here. My family immigrated here because they wanted to give me a better future and now everything is going to get stopped because I don’t have a social security number so I can’t receive scholarships, or go to college, I can’t drive, and I don’t have health insurance.
My parents are hard working people that do everything they can to give me the opportunities to have an education, but this is something they can’t control. If the Dream Act was to become a law it would most definitely change my life for the better. I want to go to college and be like everyone else and not have to lie to my friends or anyone for that matter so please pass the dream act-my future depends on it.
I applied to Semester at Sea’s Short Term “Engineering a New Tomorrow” Voyage knowing that it was the opportunity of a lifetime and a dream that I had cast off as unachievable. I am an engineering student and set to graduate in 4 years with no chance of taking a semester away to study abroad and yet that had been the one goal I set for myself in choosing a college. When I found out that Semester at Sea was not only offering a summer study abroad option but providing engineering classes and taking a Latin America route, I was sure fate was trying to scream in my face, “Allison, now is your chance.” I applied to Semester at Sea and various scholarships, and my dream came true. I traveled to 7 countries in less than a month, met some truly incredible students and individuals with passion, and started a voyage that will continue to shape my future for many years to come.
During the Fall 2011 semester, I got the opportunity of a lifetime to travel and study in fourteen countries. After speaking with my advisor at Mount Ida College, I looked into the Semester at Sea program because he went on the voyage when he was going through school. Never being outside of the United States before, I had no idea what to expect while abroad, but I knew it would be an incredible experience.
Going into this voyage I was expecting to not only help others as much as I could, but I wanted to be able to find out more about myself. One of my favorite days during the entire voyage was when I got the opportunity to help out at Operation Hunger in South Africa. I knew I was helping out people for the day, but i did not expect to fall in love with all of the people that I met that day. I hope to soon be able to go back to visit all of the people that I met. This study abroad voyage has not only changed my outlook on life, but it has also helped me realize that throughout my life I want to help as many people as possible.
I would encourage everyone to go on the Semester at Sea program because it is such an eye opening experience, that has helped me out so much. The locals you meet, stories you acquire, and friends that you gain are just the start of the possibilities that come out of doing this study abroad program.
Try to See the World Beyond Your Front Door: Sydney, Australia
The day I arrived in Sydney, Australia was indubitably the greatest day of my life. My arrival unlocked intellectual doors that I believed would remain locked forever. Monmouth University helped extend my English education across the Pacific. While at Macquarie University in Sydney, I studied Australian literature among other courses such as Australian Sociology, and Aboriginal Studies. However, upon my departure from Sydney, I came back to the States with an entirely different perspective in life. No longer did I feel that I was a small, narrow-minded American content with a humdrum, mediocre life; for my dreams and desires in life changed entirely. I no longer felt that the major I was in at the time was how I planned to spend the rest of my life. I yearned for a career that would understand, question, and analyze the world, I knew that I aspired to be a writer; a profession that I believed could truly influence, aid, and contribute to people’s lives.
While in Sydney, I realized that I was obligated to break free from my comfortable life. I knew no one, knew nothing of the city, and I felt like I was abandoned. Yet this feeling of abandonment compelled me to meet people from all over the world from every ethnic and religious background. I gained a broader more accepting world view and all the while I was living the dream. While in Sydney, I did things I never dreamed I would have done before like: swimming with sharks and skydiving and although some condone such as activities as reckless, adrenaline-filled stupidity; I finally had a rupture of identity, and realized who and what kind of person I was meant to become. Departing Sydney was one of the more traumatic experiences of my life and I am grateful for the time I spent there and the knowledge I attained. My experience has become the cornerstone and foundation of my education at Monmouth and will continue to influence me on my path of life.
I spent an academic year in China, and it feels like a dream. My video illustrates this much better:
I spent an academic year in China, and it feels like a dream. My video illustrates this much better:
I truly enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Argentina for 5 months with API in 2010. I did the early-start intensive language option when I first arrived, which helped me to acclimate so well to the language that I placed into a high enough level of Spanish to take all of my classes in Spanish during the semester. This was after just 5 semesters of Spanish classes prior to studying abroad (unlike many people I know, I didn’t take the language in high school)! I also lived with a host family, which was not only great language immersion, but was a great way to really experience the culture and people of Argentina firsthand.
One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was getting to travel. Argentina is about 1/3 the size of the U.S., so there is so much to see! I saw deserts (Salta and Tucuman in the northwest), waterfalls (Iguazu Falls in the northeast), penguins in the wild (Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world), hiked snowy mountains (in Bariloche, also in the south), and even went to Oktoberfest (in a quaint town near Cordoba called Villa General Begrano). And that’s just some of the more major trips. API does a bunch of really cool excursions, both within the country and to Colonia (in Uruguay).
Buenos Aires is amazing as well. I don’t think I could have gotten bored even if I had never left the city at all! My favorite thing to do was to go to the weekend markets, and I also really enjoyed going to shows, taking tango classes, and the night life (which is unbelievable). I did a 3-month internship at a start-up while I was studying as well, which I loved.
To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of Argentine food. I will say that they have some of the best steak I’ve ever tasted, and the wine, empanadas and medialunas (sweet croissants) are delicious. But other than that, I found the food to be very bland and flavorless. It’s a lot of pasta, pizza, and TONS of beef which is all great, but I got bored of it quickly. That being said, most of my friends loved the food, so maybe I’m just spoiled/picky.
API was amazing, from the application process to the support staff in Argentina and even keeping in touch with students when we returned. Whenever I had questions during the application process, they always responded super promptly, and their online toolbox had more than enough information so that I felt completely prepared when I left (the language resources were especially great for last-minute brushing up on the plane).
When I arrived I was greeted by Carmen – our resident director – as well as a couple of API staff members who were visiting for the week, and some of the other students in my group. Carmen spoke to us in Spanish from day one (only translating when need be for the students who were learning for the first time), and became like a mom to us while we were there. She had everyone over to her apartment for a huge dinner the first night, as well as hosting us for several more dinners and events in her home and the API office. Gabby – who helps lead some of the tours and trips with Carmen – was also amazing. She knows more about Argentina’s history and culture than I think most history professors there probably do! She is also an amazing tango dancer, and took us to the milonga for our first lesson.
We were a small group of about 10 students, which I loved, because we became like family while we were there (unlike the huge programs some of our friends were in, which tended to be a lot more clique-y). I still visit with several of my friends from abroad at least a couple of times a year, even though we live all over the U.S. Another great thing about API was that they take so much care with choosing host families that live very central. So although the school was in a residential area, everyone in my program lived right in the middle of the busiest shopping/night life areas. That meant a longer commute to school but it was totally worth it for the conveniences that came with such a central location.
It would be impossible to articulate all the ways studying abroad changed me in just a few words (in fact, I’m probably not even aware of many of the ways I’ve changed!). That being said, I think the broadening of my horizons/perspective shift I experienced is the change I’ve been most conscious of. The mixture of seeing a completely new part of the world and immersing myself in the culture/history/politics/language, and meeting people from all over with fascinating stories – some traveling around the world “just because,” others working remotely so they could live anywhere – was very eye-opening. I was reminded of how big the world really is, but at the same time, how where you go and what you do is really only limited to what you can imagine and set your mind to.
If you love adventure, want to learn or improve your Spanish and are looking for a truly unique and exciting study abroad experience, look no further! I highly recommend Argentina with API.
I’ve been in the field over 35 years and yet I still talk about my first international experience -- in the ’70s- as a graduate student in the SIT international career program [now the SIT Graduate Institute]. My internship with the Gandhi Peace Foundation in New Delhi changed the course of my life. It opened a window on the world that, up to that time (and I was already 27!) was closed. It was not easy for my parents to fully understand why I had decided to travel so far as part of my educational experience in Vermont. Of course, there was no internet and virtual “connectivity” which now softens the isolation and distance between students and their families. But the challenges I faced, and they were personal and political at the time, strengthened my resolve and convinced me that I should further explore a career that would continue to widen my worldview. And that’s exactly the gift I gave myself…
During my Semester at Sea voyage, Fall 2011, I had the privilege of being a part of the first group to participate in the Xhosa Cultural Cooking Day and Township visit. When we arrived to the township we were immediately welcomed by Mama Nokuzola, a single mother who made a living selling handmade jewelry and hosting students. As we all sat down for Rooiboos and Amagwinya Mama Nokuzola told us her life story. Her husband had died at the six years ago, making her the sole provider to her two children. She was able to make ends meet, but lived in a shack until across from the township because she couldn’t afford to have a house built there. Miraculously, someone heard her story and anonymously paid to have a house built for the family. The house wasn’t that big, but it was what she called home. In order to make sure that she could keep her house she quit her job as a jewelry designer to go into business for herself. She later had to pick up hosting home stay visits just to “stay afloat.” I asked Mama Nokuzola what are her ambitions in life and she state that “I want my children to have some that I never had, education.” I was moved by her story because I could relate in many ways. I shared with her that my father struggled raising my sister and, stressing that education was a means of “escaping.” Something else that I noticed was that Mama Nokuzola let anyone in the community walk in and out of her house as they pleased. She mentioned that in some cases she has up to twenty people in her living watching TV because they can’t afford it. She even feeds them. I was amazed at the fact that this woman is willing to give more than she receives.
In my Global Studies class, we said that economic equality is one of the biggest challenges of globalization and development that we face as a world. There has been a disparity in incomes among the poor and the rich, especially in South Africa. We discussed the idea of why the poor are poor and the rich, rich. The answer to the question varied depending on whether you agreed with the Modernization Theory or Dependency Theory. The Modernization Theory suggests that the poor are poor because they fail to modernize in ideologically, technologically or institutionally. Whereas the Dependency Theory suggests that the poor are poor because they are dependent. Due to the Apartheid, black South Africans were moved from their “native land” to the outskirts of the city. Their resources are low and many rely on the government for assistance; here resides the root of the problem. Mama Nokuzola and many like her are great examples of people who will remain dependent despite the fact that they are independent.
I found out that the mamas who participate in the home stays and cooking days only received a small percentage of the money. I thought it was unfair, but after taking a closer look at the situation, I realized that our purpose for being there had little to do with money. I had shared my life with Mama Nokuzola and my professor was even able to put her daughter in contact with administrators at Western Cape University. It was at that moment that I finally understood the responsibility of being a global citizen. Our responsibility is not to make a significant change in the world individually. It’s merely impossible because you can’t help everyone nor can you solve the world problems all at once. You can however, create change by focusing on a smaller group with the intentions that they will help someone else out. This process is called lifting while climbing.
I was aware at an early age that I possessed an interest in diverse cultures and travel. I can not even begin to discribe the impact travel, and study abroad specifically, has effect not only my decisions, but may way of thinking.
When I was 20 years old, I went on my first overseas trip to London with my father. My father recieved frequently flyer miles due to his career. I have been fortunate enough to take advantage of those miles myself. I admit when I first landed in London, England I experienced what is known as culture shock. However, the next day the feelings of homesickness had dispursed and as I began my journey throught England, visiting sights such as Stonehendge and Big Ben, I had decided that 5 days was not nearly long enought to explore the great City of London. Lets face it, Ive currently been living in Philadelphia for five years and have only uncovered the tip of the iceberg in the city of brotherly love. It was at this time that I decided that not only did I need more time in London, travel was so easy and cheap with the contenent of Europe.
The following year I had decided to spend an entire semester abroad in London and enrolled in classes such as drama and sociology to fully experience the cutlure of England and to use London as a hub for travel. While “stationed” in England, I traveled to Italy, Paris, Amsterdamn, and Germany. It was at this time I decided I enjoyed going off the beaten path and wanted to experience the true culture of each country.
To this day, I have brought my best friend to London to share the same experience I had. Also, I will be going back to London next week to share this experience with my boy friend who has never been out of the country.
I would spend time going into great detail about how my thought process has changed significantly. I focus more on humanity as a global issue, which greatly infuriates my republican father!
Ive gone as far as to recieve a master degree in global and international education and presented a thesis on the impact of the completion of study abroad prgrams (or traveling abroad) and produced emperical evidence on how it effects ways of thinking. I wish I was able to post the power point!
I currently struggle with whether or not I would like to have childern ( I currently work in social services so I feel like I have 35) because I can not imagine my life without these experiences. However,
I think I have come to the concludsion that my future child, or children, are not stationary…
My semester abroad was hands down the BEST thing I have ever done. It was such an incredible and unforgettable experience. I was on the Summer 2005 voyage of Semester at Sea and had no idea how much those 3 months would change my life. Seeing, tasting, smelling and touching our world first hand is something everyone should do. It gives us the ability to create our own perceptions, open our minds, be advocates, build relationships, and learn about the world around us. As globalization continues to flatten the boundaries and connect every part of the world, it is increasingly important that everyone have a global understanding and cross-cultural sensitivity that can only be obtained on the front lines.
I’ve told our story in my blogs on the Summer ’02, Summer ’05, and Summer ’06 voyages, which I then self-published in ‘blooks.’ They are also still available on Blogger if you search for Kathleen Dixon Donnelly. Happy to help!
Politics are a hot topic of conversation these days. It is the great that citizens in our country can debate, and ultimately have an impact on political discourse. Debated topics often are often international of nature: Should we invade country “A”?, Should we isolate country “B”?, should we send aid to country “C”? Should apologize to country “D”?
I think these are all great questions to talk about but the problem is that most people involved in the conversation have never traveled outside of our country. How can you engage in a productive conversation about another country, another culture, another way of life if all you have ever known is your own?
I think this leads to a lack of empathy, a lack of open-mindedness, and a general lack of understanding to what is actually going on in the world today. The citizens of the United States have power beyond their own recognition to affect the lives of others outside of our borders and it is a shame that this power is being misdirected by ignorance.
Only through travelling abroad and experiencing other cultures can a person put “a face to the name” with regard to their understanding of the way the world works. Headlines of international tragedies or triumphs become something that elicits emotion rather than cold indifference.
America is a great country but I think it would surprise many people that the world is beautiful beyond our borders. I wish that every student could have the motivation and opportunity to travel abroad during their education. It would make our country a better place.
“Truth is, I’ll never know all there is to know about you just as you will never know all there is to know about me. Humans are by nature too complicated to be understood fully. So, we can choose either to approach our fellow human beings with suspicion or to approach them with an open mind, a dash of optimism and a great deal of candour.” -Tom Hanks
-Bob Manix Cramer
Goethe Institute ’04
College Year in Athens ’06
Semester at Sea ’08
Highlights Of My Voyage on Semester at Sea
“Recalibrations”
Fall 2011
I would like to share what Semester at Sea has meant to me, and on what I have learned as I circumnavigated the globe, twice. I have realized that the highlights of this program for me are multiple. The overriding theme of these highlights is being immersed in our increasingly interdependent world. Art, literature and religion are the subjects that resonate most for me, and my explorations have sought to deepen my absorption of the cultural gifts the world offers to each of us.
My first and foremost highlight is the ship’s community as it forms during the voyage. This formation of a like-minded body of travelers, who have the shared goals of exploring the world and of gaining a greater global understanding, is hard to describe with the intensity of emotion that it creates in its participants. Sailing around the world for four months with a community of learners of all ages allows for the creation of a unique community that is a microcosm of the world. Faculty and staff bring their dependent children who are home schooled on the ship. Life long learners take classes with university students and adopt them into “extended families.” A shared Global Studies class makes sure that everyone on the ship understands the focus of our studies both on the sea and during our land-based port visits. Life long learners also travel with students, faculty and staff on Field Excursions and Faculty directed practica. Evening seminars, clubs, musical events, and fun shipboard traditions, like Neptune Day, the Sea Olympics and the Alumni Ball join us all together socially as well as academically. Our ship’s community is unmatched in its impact on all of our lives.
The second highlight for me is the chance to take classes with a world-renowned faculty who are absolutely the tops in their disciplines. My World Religions, World Music, Women’s World Literature, Sacred Places, and Japanese Modern History classes have exposed me to ideas and cross-disciplinary enquiry that will continue to challenge my worldview as I continue my studies. I still carry my notes from World Religions class with me as I travel. The voyage is an unparalleled opportunity to be able to attend these classes with university students and older voyagers as well.
The third highlight for me is to be able to travel to so many ports around the world and to experience entry by sea. The experience of sailing the world’s oceans, seeing and smelling the water and glimpsing its inhabitants, adds depth to the experience. Sharing this space with other members of the shipping world, constantly adds variety to the vista of the ocean surrounding the ship. It is totally fascinating to watch the pilot boat arrive before docking and to glimpse the pilot leaping from his bobbing vessel into the open door on the side of our much larger cruise ship. In port and at sea, one is made aware of the variety and number of carriers that ply the waters daily to deliver goods and services around the world. The sea and the sky surround you at all moments and the drama of that natural presence is constantly astounding.
A year to the date from the start of our voyage, our prof mails us the essay and we are to post it on our mirror. As we brush our teeth each day, we reflect on this person, and others we have met along the way, focusing on how the voyage has impacted our lives and our sense of our place in this shared world – powerful thoughts to inspire us for days to come. On my Spring ’10 voyage, my goal was to “recalibrate.” My World Religions class allowed me to see God in the world in ways I had never sought before. I found it a challenge to change my usual hectic pace and to reflect, but realized the importance of doing so. My Fall ’11 voyage allowed me to share this global experience with my husband. Seeing him hand in hand with a gang of children in rural India, as they led him to a village temple, was worth the difficulty of finding the spot. Parent trips to Kenya and Tanzania, watching classical Indian theater in a private Brahmin temple in Kerala, touring the vineyards of South Africa with our daughter and listening to the heartening words of Desmond Tutu in Cape Town will always be memories I cherish. And then there is Japan. . . . All I can say is, “I must have been Japanese in another life.” The beauty of this culture will always astound and inspire me as I seek to develop my artistic practices. My “recalibrations” are still in progress and change with each year and its new challenges. However, I hope I never lose my fascination with our planet and its people and that I continue to grow artistically and spiritually as I continue to explore our interdependent world.
In Fall 2005, I embarked on a journey around the world with Semester at Sea. Studying abroad offered me the opportunity to see and understand the world in a more nuanced way, and gain perspective on the role that I wanted to play in our world — all right at that time in young adulthood where all of us are trying to decide who we want to be. The sights I saw were incredible (the Amazon rainforest, many pagodas and temples, the Great Wall of China, Hiroshima, to name a few), but what stayed with me most were all the people I met along the way.
I saw how much I had in common with people from far-away places whose lives, on the surface, looked very unfamiliar. And I gained a new perspective on the position of privilege I have as a college-educated American; I knew after my voyage that “giving back” needed to be a focus of my life. Being in an unfamiliar environment--with limited contact to home--showed me that I’m capable of taking big risks and making big decisions independently. In the 7 years since my voyage, I’ve gotten involved in several volunteer organizations, and I’m earning my PhD in psychology studying the development of kids adopted from orphanages(no doubt inspired by the orphanage visits I did in several countries through Semester at Sea). My goal is to focus my career on improving orphanages and other early rearing environments for children around the world.
Studying abroad was easily the best decision I’ve ever made, and I have no doubt that more good would be done in this world if more students had the opportunities that I’ve had to see the world.
I left for Semester at Sea Maymester in Central America thinking “okay awesome this is going to be pretty cool to see so many places.” And I left a completely changed person. Travel opened my eyes to real humanity. To the basic needs of people-to be loved and supported-to have a place to sleep and eat. I did not only learn to open my mind- I learned to open my heart. I have a connection to Central America now-it has been my teacher-it has re-purposed my life in many ways. I have gained the confidence to travel and the wisdom to absorb the essence of a culture. I will travel for the rest of my life. There is no where in this world that I don’t want to experience. Let your voyage mold you.
Candelario, the 16 year old who risked everything to travel to the US at age 9 to locate his mother who fled Honduras after the worst hurricane in 200 years hit Central America. He endured 6 feet of rain in four days, deathly mudslides, and the loss of many lives in his tiny mountain town of Mar Azul.
To this day, there is no electricity, medical care, or law enforcement in Mar Azul. After all this, Candelario now has a 4.0 GPA in an IB high school. This video will inspire you!
As I watched Cedric, my roaming gnome, tumble off the top of the tower, I found myself wailing, “No!” I had received him as a Christmas gift from a friend, who knows my affinity for gnomes ,with the assignment of taking a picture of him in every place I visited while abroad. But now, it seemed that I had lost him forever.
I wanted to immediately run down to search for him. However, my travel companion made me wait a few minutes. We had just climbed the 300 steps to the top of Altar Peter in Munich and she wanted to get her pictures worth. It wasn’t her fault that I accidentally knocked Cedric while trying to take a picture of him in front of Marienplatz. When I was finally allowed to leave, I raced to the bottom prepared to comb the street for him. But I didn’t need to. He was lying on a stone outside of the church, almost as if someone placed him there. However, I wasn’t grateful for long. I was upset by the damage: no legs and he lost his suitcase! Cedric was no longer perfect. How was I going to take pictures of him without legs?
However, the damage to Cedric provides a perfect metaphor for my own study abroad experience. I had arrived in France with the illusion that the entire semester would be perfect. I was so excited by the possibility of studying abroad that I never thought that I would have any problems. But they started immediately. It had been about a year and a half since I had taken any formal French classes or even spoken the language. And unfortunately, it seemed I had forgotten an immense amount of material. During our orientation in Paris, I was completely overwhelmed by our residence director only communicating in French. It also didn’t help that I disembarked the plane with a nasty virus. The language barrier became more pronounced when I arrived in Grenoble. I was living with a host family, attending classes completely in French, and all of the locals spoke French. I was convinced I made the wrong choice. My decision had come down to France or Ireland, and at this point in my experience, I felt that I should have gone to Ireland. I had visited Ireland twice and thought I would feel more comfortable there. France terrified me.
I also didn’t feel comfortable in my host home. I never knew if I was doing the right or the wrong thing and just desperately wanted my host mom to like me. However, I always felt she went back and forth on if she did like me. When home, I usually just stuck to my room and only saw my host family at dinner. Even then, I was always nervous about speaking and finding things to say. While I appreciated the cultural aspect of living with a host family, it caused me a significant amount of stress.
The most difficult thing I dealt with while abroad was my parents’ divorce. About three weeks after my arrival, my mom called to say that she had filed the divorce papers. I was blindsided by this development and felt overwhelmingly alone. While I had made friends within my API group, it was still the beginning and I wasn’t particularly close to anyone. I had told two girls about it, but it wasn’t the support I was looking for. I desperately wanted to be at home or at the very least, my college to be surrounded by my usual support system.
Like Cedric’s accident, it would seem that these problems would set me up to have a horrible semester. My dreams of a perfect study abroad experience were dashed. However, I kept trying. I went to all of my classes and I spoke at dinner. My situation with my biological family was tense, but I was lucky not to be in the midst of it for the moment. As time went on, I did become much more comfortable abroad. My French remarkably improved. I spoke in class, I had conversation with locals when out, and I even bought Harry Potter in French! My host family situation continued to be a constant rollercoaster. It wasn’t the ideal family for me, but I appreciated the French food and learning about the French culture firsthand. By the end of the semester, it felt perfect. I was so distraught about leaving and convinced that I would never be as happy as I was in France. I had moved on from my initial problems and as my dad told me, “completely changed my tune”. He actually had to remind me that I had such a tough time in the beginning!
Like my semester, Cedric required some extra work on my behalf in order to take the pictures. I learned how to prop him up just right so he could stand on his own. At the same time, I learned how to prop myself up so I could also stand on my own. I conquered a new city, in a new country with barely knowing anyone else there. Rather than letting these obstacles define my experience, I made them one aspect and not the entire thing. I may have been naïve to think my experience would be problem-free, but in the end it was perfect to me.
As for the Cedric pictures? Some of my favorite ones are those where he doesn’t have legs. He truly is a testament that imperfect things can be perfect.
I can recall several instances throughout my education when I would stare with an inquisitive face at the laminated pages of textbooks which held pictures of the Circus Maximus, Buckingham Palace, Coliseum, and other monuments which marked the history of human civilization. I would do projects on Greek mythology, be quizzed on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and practice art of the French Renaissance. However, the array of rich cultures and beliefs taught to me in the confines of my classroom was just not enough; I had a strong urge for a first-hand learning experience.
The summer going into my third year of college, I decided there was nothing to wait for; I had to seize the opportunity to study abroad and fulfill my passion to travel. I was ready to step out of my comfort zone, and submerge myself in an entirely alien environment. Luckily, I found Academic Programs International.
I arrived in Madrid emotionally, mentally, and physically drained. I could not understand it at first, and it frustrated me; I had been waiting for this moment ever since I could remember, and yet there was something mundane inside of me. I put on a great show, seeming enthusiastic to finally be acquainted with all my peers and walk through all the great sites I dreamt of for so long. I kept wishing for this grievance to fade and my journey to begin. However, as time went on, the cultural barrier seemed to only frustrate and alienate me more. Upon arriving in Granada, my host city, I still felt out of my element. It was then I realized that this semester which initially seemed so opportune, was in fact going to be hell.
For the first month, I cried almost every day. I tried to become engaged in the classroom, have fun with my peers, and converse with the new locals I was meeting every day. Although I would go out and experience the nightlife, explore the Moorish barrios, admire the monuments, and sample the cuisine, I felt a void. I did not feel myself, and as much as I knew these scenes should be dazzling me, I just did not feel the emotion. Then one night (February 16th, 2011 to be exact), my friends Allison and Patrick forced me to come out for the night. It was getting warmer in Granada, and they wanted me to come explore the city. I talked with them for hours about all of woes, and once we stepped out, something amazing happened. Suddenly, the lights which gleamed from La Alhambra seemed a bit brighter, the fountains sounded more serene, and there was a certain charm in all the couples walking their dogs through the lit marble walkways which seemed to extend towards the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the background. It was instantaneous, the feeling I had been waiting for; I was in love.
From that point on, I took every bit of culture, knowledge and religion for what it was worth. I attended mass at the most beautiful cathedral each Wednesday evening, and experienced a new restaurant, café or bar with my friends nightly. I became much more engaged in controversial debate within my classroom where I studied the Spanish language intensively, creating an unbreakable bond with my two professors Rosana and Carmen, a bond I kept throughout the four months I was there (I still keep in contact with them, even though I’m back home!) I toured La Alhambra about four times, and spent many sunsets at San Nicholas in the Albayzin with my two best friends. I became genuinely social amongst my peers, and spend the warm afternoons lazily in el Parque García Lorca, reading Spanish literature while speaking with locals, API interns, and other international students.
Without realizing it, something amazing was happening within me throughout these months. I pushed past a language and cultural barrier, and with my settlement in the society of Granada came a sense of accomplishment. I loved how all the Spaniards who had seemed distant from me initially gradually became more personable. The strange stares and frustrated scoffs I would get from the workers, pedestrians, and dorm mates due to these barriers seemed to dissolve as I immersed myself more within the culture. I adored how I could engage in a conversation with my peers, host mothers, or how I would talk casually with the lady who owned the shop I bought coffee at each morning before class. I loved when my American friends and I would only speak Spanish to each other whenever we went out, and all the Spaniards we met and established relationships with together. I learned to accept and adapt to their cultural norms, and celebrated the local holidays with the utmost fervor. I was cheering from the sidewalks at the processions for Semana Santa, watching in awe as gypsies would dance the Flamenco perfectly, and got slightly queasy when I witnessed my first Corrida de Toros. I cheered on the Spanish National Futbol team against the Czech Republic, and ventured to the Costa del Sol a couple times to dip my toes in the Mediterranean. And the most unexpected feeling for me came when I would make my other travels throughout Europe, and would have an urge to return to Spain as soon as I could! Granada became my second home, and it was the best feeling I had ever experienced.
Leaving Granada to come back home left me once again with bittersweet emotions. It was somewhat amusing to me when I arrived in Granada, I dreamt of the day I could return come now that the time had come, I felt as if I was being torn apart from this spectacular lifestyle and environment which I had grown to love and live by. Granada enchanted me in a way which no place has ever before, and I know this past semester was the first of many times I will travel to that beautiful, offbeat, cultured and serene city. I think about the people I met there, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only did I finally embark on the journey of a lifetime, but I learned so much about myself. I now know that not only can I break through a language and cultural barrier under any circumstances, but beyond that I can adapt to any culture which I submerge myself in. I plan to return to Spain upon graduation from college, and hopefully my perseverance will lead me to a career abroad.
San Joaquín de Flores, Costa Rica Spring 2011
Although to any average onlooker the picture above may only appear to show a group of uniformed, smiling fourth graders, yet each time I look at it I am reminded and immediately taken back to an incredible learning experience that will forever leave an impact on my life. The four months spent living in and traveling throughout Costa Rica were full of unforgettable adventures, each providing their own opportunities for learning. Along with gaining fluency in the Spanish language, and creating a lifelong relationship with my host family, helping to teach English at the Complejo Educativo San Ángel private school in Heredia was one of my most treasured and valued experiences in Costa Rica. Spending time each week with the students and staff members of the school offered real-life teaching experiences, while I simultaneously gathered insights about myself and the world around me.
First and foremost, teaching English at San Ángel has shown me what teaching English as a Second Language classes might really be like. Each day brought new and exciting challenges. I learned to look at the English language in ways I never had before. I was asked by the English teacher, Lisseth, each week to bring in a small lesson that pertained to the current unit. I enjoyed planning each lesson and thinking of creative ways of making it exciting and easy to understand for the students. The students were very eager each week to ask me cultural questions about life in the United States, just as I had similar questions for them about their lives in Costa Rica. The classroom seemed to harbor a feeling of mutual interest, curiosity and appreciation as the students and I helped each other to learn and grow on a regular basis. This kind of learning I experienced made me incredibly excited at the thought of creating a similar environment in a classroom of my own someday.
Teaching the fourth grade English class at San Ángel also contributed significantly to my own personal growth. Before going to study abroad in Costa Rica I knew I had a passion for the Spanish language and education. I still, however, had my doubts about how effectively I could communicate with, teach or develop relationships with people who natively spoke Spanish. Spending time in Costa Rica and, especially, at San Ángel instilled in me a newfound confidence. I realized that not only was I understood by the local Costa Rican “Ticos,” but that I could impact them in a way that was truly meaningful. I will never forget my last day of volunteer work at the school when the students gave me the warmest hugs and the teacher Lisseth tearfully bid me farewell as she thanked me for teaching the students and her so much. I could only hope that they had learned as much from me as I had learned from them.
Finally, I had come to Costa Rica expecting to learn more about Spanish, the culture and the country itself. What I had not expected, however, was to come away from the experience learning more about my own country and the international community as a whole. The way the students seemed to marvel at my description of a cold, snowy winter in New Hampshire which I always used to dread, made me appreciate its beauty. Listening each day to the Spanish chatter of the students as they filed into the classroom put me in awe of their quickness in speech and their abilities to form sentences with ease. I laughed to myself as the students played hide and seek, kicked a soccer ball, and played “Pulpo,” their own version of the game of “Sharks and Minnows,” on the playground just as I had once done many years ago. It was in those moments I was awakened to the overwhelming thought that, although we may live in different countries, speak different native tongues or come from different backgrounds, we are the same people who are learning together, sharing together and living the opportunities provided by our world.
It was a beautiful night on my last night in Seville, the air warm from the blazing heat of the day and the sky clear dancing with stars. I attended a block party in the heart of the city solely with my Spanish friends. We danced Sevillana, a traditional Sevillian dance that I had learned weeks before in order to participate fully in Feria, a week-long festival that occurs once a year in Seville, ate my favorite tapas, sang Spanish songs I had come to know, and shared laughs with a group of people who had welcomed me like an a friend from the instance I met them.
With two hours left before my plane would take off, I told my closest friend María I could stall no longer and that it was sadly time for me to leave. Walking with María to the street to hail a cab, I turned around to see tears in her eyes growing bigger and falling faster with each blink. After a few moments, she choked out, “I don’t want you to go,” a statement she would continue to repeat until my own eyes were blurred. I looked down at my wrist at the gift she had given me earlier that night. It was a bracelet identical to hers, a bracelet that was the reason we became friends. On my first day of class, I had gone up to her to compliment her on a simple strand of beads around her wrist with hopes that I could spark conversation and make a Spanish friend—the one thing I had deeply desired to do in coming to Spain. Despite my fumbled compliment filled with grammatical errors and quivering words from nerves, she smiled at me and asked if I wanted to hang out that weekend.
From then on, I would spend almost every weekend with her, meeting her friends, seeing all parts of Seville, and learning about her life as she learned about mine. Without that bracelet, I may not have gone up to that girl who had become not just my closest Spanish friend but one of my closest friends ever.
“Eileen,” she said, “I want you to have this.”
I stood there shocked, staring at the second gift she had now placed in my hands, this time an item that was part of her life, as it had been her favorite purse that she used daily.
The fact that she was willing to give up something she loved because she knew it would make me happy exemplified just how kind she was and always had been to me. From the times she brought me to barbeques with her friends, helped me with my Spanish, let me borrow a dress to wear for Feria—she had done countless things that were beyond caring and here she was acting more thoughtful than anyone has ever been to me.
With my things now filling María’s purse, I reflected on the symbolism of this purse that would remind me forever of our friendship and keep us connected, just as the bracelet also served to do. In that moment I realized how kindness is not limited to one culture or one people, but is within the capacity of all humans and more importantly can be shown to those who may be the most different from us. I saw then too that what we call language and cultural barriers do not have to hold us back. They can be broken down, hurdled over, and understood.
I chose to double-major in Spanish and Communications for my love of people and connecting with others, as I believe our ability to better understand and relate to one another will lead to a more peaceful world. In my Spanish friend’s selfless act, I witnessed firsthand how important that connection truly is and how powerful it can be. It made me realize I want to continue to make that connection happen, not just for my own personal benefit but on a more global level.
Without having studied abroad, without having pushed myself to talk to a Spaniard on my first day of class, without loving people like María, I would not have learned this amazing lesson that impacted me then and will reside with me forever along with a purse and bracelet I will always treasure.
Eileen Giudice is a senior at the University of Michigan.
Before I arrived in Cuba, I planned to run a half-marathon on November 21st and trained religiously August to October. Naturally unsure if I should go through with it, my friends encouraged me so I decided, although I wasn’t entirely prepared, I was going to do it anyway. I went to register and retrieve my race number a couple days before the run, but, though I had temporary residency and student IDs exempting me from paying, I still had to pay 60 CUC I didn’t have. Shouldn’t you pay me? Luckily, someone heard my cry of dismay upon understanding I wouldn’t get a t-shirt. He asked if I wanted one, established a price (all the money I had— clearly kismet dealing), and told me to wait outside the antiquated. He appears with a bundle tucked under his shirt, tells me to open my bag, slips it in as I give him money and bids me a nice day.
Expectedly, things got difficult. I went out Thursday where dominó and impromptu parties got the best of me, and, before I knew it, I walked in the door at 5am. I volunteered at 8am.
Friday evening, I wanted to sleep. We went to a friend’s to play Capitolio – Cuban Monopoly. Before I knew it, I walked in the door at 1am.
It came down to a game-time decision.
I awoke day-of at 5:50am and decided to run 13 miles. I hadn’t prepared: no food… no problem! Ibuprofen is the breakfast of champions. I sipped some water and left to catch a cocotaxi (imagine if a bumper car morphed with a yellow coconut.) We arrived to hordes of runners and began a gorgeous run: breezy, cool, perfect weather; sunrise bathing beautiful old buildings with rose-champage light. We continued to the Malecón where the ocean lapped peacefully, then ran past the zoo to Ciudad Deportiva to Plaza de la Revolución under the gazes of Che and Camilo. Looping close to the university, we finished at the start: the Capitolio. Surprisingly, I felt well til 1 km left. I could have used food, but still had enough to beat the guy next to me. I also got a semi-respectable time and a medal. Not too shabby!
This symbolizes my experience in Cuba; nowhere near prepared, I decided to do it and enjoy it. With that said, I’m glad I finally slept.
When I graduated from college in 2007, I was adamant about working overseas. I had spent a semester studying abroad in Japan. After graduation in 2007, I bought a one-way ticket to Singapore, gave myself a budget and two months and promised my mother I would return if I didn’t find a job before either ran out. (Deep down inside, I promised myself I wouldn’t let either run out). In three weeks, I had five job offers. The last job offer I was waiting on was from Toyota. For three years, I worked for Toyota in Singapore as the only Caucasian in the 250 person office, with my main projects in the Philippines and India.
I’m now running OneWhiteFace.com which is a platform for globally-minded young professionals to bridge the gap between international education and the working world. By connecting International Ambassadors, professionals under 30 that have worked overseas for more than one year--especially alumni with students, I hope to utilize the knowledge of this untapped resources to improve international education with the goal of sharing skills sets that enhance global competitiveness.
Working and studying overseas as a young professional had been invigorating, both personally and professionally, like obtaining all of your five senses again. That is why I’m an advocate of international education.
Universities or companies looking to partner on my quest to build a society of global young professionals, I welcome your inquiries. hilary@onewhiteface.com
One of the most significant opportunities I had through OneWorld Now! was the Congressional Page Program, where high school students are sent to Washington, DC for a semester to work for congress on the House of Representatives floor. After my semester as a Congressional Page, I was invited to stay for the rest of the year to be a role model for the new pages in the spring semester. It was truly an honor to be able to work in the same place as the people who serve our country.
I am grateful for OneWorld Now!’s focus on global leadership and awareness, which has helped me expand my previously nascent global perspective. OneWorld Now! encourages its students to think about the limitations in our world as being created by ourselves. My experiences in the global leadership courses have inspired me to become a catalyst for social change and to help others realize their goals.
I spent my first year at OneWorld Now! learning Mandarin Chinese, and, while other programs were incredibly expensive, OneWorld Now! provided me with a full scholarship. I am particularly excited that OneWorld Now! provided me with the opportunity to spend my entire senior year of high school in China! Now, after my experiences, I know what I want to become: a US ambassador working to make a change in this world through serving nations. I am confident that OneWorld Now! has given me the skills and instilled in me the values that will make my dream a reality.
We had “International Student Advocacy Day” in the foyer of the College Union on campus at OCCC this last Wednesday during International Education Week. International students brought food, wore traditional dress and displayed posters, artifacts, paintings, clothing, banners and other items from their home country. Countries represented were Sri Lanka, China, Ghana, Cameroon, India, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Colombia, South Korea, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Spain. The entire event was dedicated to international student advocacy.
Part of the event had a focus on “Connecting our World,” dedicated to promoting advocacy efforts in Oklahoma. We displayed posters that focused on the significant economic, cultural and intellectual contribution made by international students and scholars in Oklahoma and break down of campuses across the state. Other posters focused on the importance of domestic students gaining a global perspective and having the opportunity to study abroad.
We developed signup sheets by the advocacy tables to be available to students, faculty, staff and community members to apply for membership to “Connection our World.” Many people completed the forms and we will be entering them online so individuals can get directly involved, make a real world impact, and gain information on current events in policy and legislation. Last year, we had a lap top available but this year we had more of a response by letting individuals fill out the form and drop it off. Some took the form with them and will either return it or enter the information themselves from home.
Please take a moment and visit the link I provided! I posted pictures and a blog on our International Connection, a social network site for international students attending OCCC. If you click on the link above, that has my name and title displayed, it will take you directly to the link.
Thank you so much,
Sunny Garner
In 2004, I studied abroad with the American Institute of Foreign Study in Granada, Spain. Six years later, I am returning to that beautiful country with a Masters in International Education and a job teaching English with the Spanish Ministry of Education. Studying abroad changed my perspective on education; I returned home an advocate for education abroad and worked as a Peer Advisor for my institution’s International Studies Office. Pursuing a graduate degree in Comparative & International Education allowed me to focus my passion, and prepared me for this new position abroad. In addition to academic success, my time abroad over the years has forged friendships and created networks among many different people, countries and organizations. Study abroad is not only an opportunity to learn more about others, it is also a chance to learn about yourself.
]This fountain greets you as you ride through the city center of Grenoble, France, on the infamous green tram. I saw this fountain every day for five months while studying abroad with API (Academic Programs International) in the spring of 2010. My experience was unforgettable, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Grenoble is a college town. The majority of the population are international students so it’s a great environment in which to meet people not only from France but also from all over the world. I had friends from Sweden, Germany, Brazil, and China while living in Grenoble. Being surrounded by such a diverse group of people without being in such a busy town as Paris was a great alternative for experiencing French and international cultures.
API also made the experience a lot smoother. While culture shock will affect everyone, API provides a support network that helps their students deal with the problems associated with culture shock.
The combination of a great city and an excellent study abroad program provider made my study abroad experience incredible. I would recommend Grenoble and API to anyone.
If you have any questions regarding API programs, don’t hesitate to contact a program manager or a peer mentor directly from their website at http://www.academicintl.com/.
Happy travels!
A Cross-Cultural Experience at the Stadium
Have you ever experienced an instance where time just seems to stand still? This happened to me, and the pause gave me time to step back and take in all what was happening in the moment.
Our football Head Coach Bailiff, wanted to do something special to make the international students on our campus feel welcome, since so many come from so far away. He invited up to 250 of our students to sign up for a welcome tailgate party / football clinic. On their arrival to the event, the students, representing about 40 countries in total that evening, were very excited. Most had never even been to a stadium before (even though some had been in the USA for a few years already). They were greeted by the head coach, the uniformed football team, cheerleaders, other coaches and members of the football program. A welcome video was made by fellow international student athletes who greeted them in their native language. Even the wife of the Rice University President, born in China, did an official welcome in Chinese!
As the football players served the meal and talked to the students, there was an immediate energy that filled the stadium. The cross-cultural interactions were fantastic!
The international students were taught by the football players (and fellow students) to simulate plays, basic rules of the game, what tailgating means, the spirit of football, the fight song, etc. The football players then took the students on a tour of the football training and locker rooms and then proceeded through the hall where the international students all ran out on the field with the team. On the field, under the fantastic stadium lights, the team taught football skills and drills to all the international students. Everyone was interacting, talking, laughing and having a wonderful time!
I really don’t know who was more enthusiastic. . .the international students, who had a spectacular US cultural experience, or the football players and coaches, who got to meet and learn from the fantastic students from all over the world! This was one of the best cross-cultural experiences I’ve seen!
This dynamic and unforgettable first annual event was graciously initiated, invited, and lead by Head Coach Bailiff. That night was so rich in opening two worlds – the football team and the international community -- to one another that most of us began the countdown to next year. . . . only 364 more days until we get to see this intercultural delight happen again!
On a side note: My husband warmly questioned on the way home from that evening, “I wonder how many international bridges were built tonight, and how many conflicts were averted as a result of so many people from different worlds meeting and interacting one another?” I thought to myself that this is the core value of international education exchange, and why what we do is so rewarding.
Adria Baker, Ed.D.
Rice University
Executive Director
Office of International Students & Scholars
I dreamt of far-off places; there were no limits to my imagination, only in my means to arrive at these destinations (at least, that is what I thought at one point in my life). It was not exactly negativity holding me back, just my concept of my ability to overcome the financial obstacles related to traveling abroad. You see, I am a first-generation college student from the lands of Appalachia. The idea of attending college was somewhat far-fetched early in life, much less crossing international borders. Fortunately though, with hard work, determination, and a few gracious people, I was accepted into a university.
It was mid-way through my college career that I met some amazing people from Spain, one who actually lived in the same dorm as me. That first semester with them flew by and the thought of having to say good-bye did not sit well with me. We all knew that we wanted to see each other again someday; we just were not sure about the details: the when or the where. That “where” stuck in my mind. Through much encouragement from my friends and teachers, I decided to take a chance and apply to study in Spain.
To be honest I never thought that I would be chosen, but luckily there were some people who did believe. One year ago, in August 2009, I set out on my journey to Castellon, Spain. I spent a short four months there, but that was all that I needed to change my life. During that time, I learned the language, learned from the people whom I had met (those from Spain and many others from around the world), learned that things which once seemed impossible are not all that out of reach, and most importantly learned about my potential.
Months have passed since my return to the States; I have told my stories to anyone willing to know more, especially to my students in the UBMS program who are potentially first-generation students like myself. I try to encourage others to take that chance, no matter how scary or impossible it seems, and to study abroad at some point in their lifetime. What you have to gain from experiencing life abroad will outweigh any of those fears or misconceptions. You have the ability to learn and to grow in ways you never even imagined.
Leaving Russia in the late nineties was not very popular and was considered unpatriotic by some Russian orthodox believers and artists.
Seven years of perestroika and utter anarchy in government gave the Russians taste of the long awaited privilege of “the open doors.” Open to all: good and bad.
Perhaps that’s why some Russians saw a dire need in protecting what was left of “Russian.” (I wondered about that all my life.) In some minds, Russia was still an unadulterated and unspoiled land of genuinely good natured and sincere people, who had to stand fast against the corruptive power of the West. Russia’s bête noire -- America -- was not the cold war threat anymore; however, was blamed for the things known…and unknown. Unknown – therefore – feared.
Living in Russia for three decades was a monumental experience of the kind: atheism, poverty, and cultural richness…that could not be duplicated in any other environment on the face of the earth.
Stale air of the continuously suppressed human rights & corruption permeated every nook of the Russian society. Freedom of artistic expression was rarely a priority, due to the daily struggle for simple survival. Privileges (to be educated, hired, etc.) were bought and sold left and right without any shame or guilt.
So, true to the word, there always was a certain group of visionaries who chose to be unpatriotic just so they could make their dreams come true…in a different place. Why America? Because that was the only land of free in the mind of each aspiring visionary.
Becoming an international student in America, I guess, was more free indeed, than being literally free in Russia. Pre-9/11 America was a rather welcoming and friendly land. Americans seemed flawless, perfect people, who never made any mistakes and did all right things at the right time. The problems of racism (that were so grotesque in Russia) seemed to be non-existent in The Land of Free. Capitalism, yes, seemed to be the only cure from the nightmares of the socialistic experiences. Could a wounded psyche of a Russian soul ever heal from that? That remains a rhetorical question.
Is the USA really void of racism and problems? Of course, not, but what makes this country so distinct from any other is evident – it is the people’s drive to live up the legacy left by the forefathers. The legacy of love, hard work, justice, and freedom. America remains a unique country. Thousands of people migrate or strive to get their education here exclusively for the purpose of realizing their dreams. Well, maybe not every single person, but the majority.
The number of the foreign students, in the post-9/11 America, is again on the rise. During 2006, about 583,959 foreign students came to America to get their education.
My personal path has been full of unexpected twists and turns. School, volunteerism, and desire to make difference in my own life and the lives of other people have kept me going.
http://rccjournalism.blogspot.com/2007/11/awards.html
Viewpoints, Inland Valley News students win 16 SPJ awards
“Inland Valley News field producer Marina Kochan won first place for her television news story ‘Stem Cells.’”
When I was 17, I spent the summer living with a Japanese host family through Youth for Understanding (YFU). I remember being picked up by my host mother and brother on that hot, sticky night, riding a very crowded train from Tokyo to Samukawa, a small town in Kanagawa Prefecture, where I would spend the next two months. When we arrived home, I was told by my host brother, the one in the family who spoke the most English, that I would be sharing a room with Obāchan, his grandmother.
Obāchan was in her late sixties, her jet black hair was swept up in a bun, and when she smiled, I noticed that her front teeth were rimmed in gold. Obāchan didn’t speak any English, and I didn’t speak any Japanese, yet we had no problems communicating. We became fast friends- we watched Tokyo Giants games together, enjoying our favorite snack, Mitsuya Cider (kind of like Sprite) and spicy rice crackers. Obāchan would tell me jokes, hit me on the back and say “Ne, Jennifa-chan,” “isn’t that right, Jennifer.” She liked to sing enka, Japanese ballads, at a karaoke studio. She took me shopping and I could tell when she was talking to her friends about me. She took me to an Onsen (hot spring) resort. We enjoyed the baths, the meals, and evening walks around the grounds. Obāchan cried when I left that summer, and I was determined to go back to Japan and speak to her in Japanese.
I chose my college because I could major in East Asian Studies and spend my junior year studying in Japan. It was a great feeling to finally speak with Obāchan in Japanese. I returned to Japan after college to teach English, in graduate school to study Japanese again, and to do research for my doctorate in anthropology. I truly know how an experience abroad can change the course of your life, because that one summer in Japan with my special Japanese roommate, had changed mine. I now work with American and International students to facilitate their international educational experiences and couldn’t have picked a more rewarding profession.
Jennifer Creamer
Dean, International Studies
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Never underestimate the power of cereal in getting your day and your international life off to a good start. My study abroad experience started with cereal boxes.
Growing up in the Buffalo, New York area, on the US/Canada border, my father took his family for inexpensive vacations north of Toronto where he fished for muskellunge and I sat in awe at the breakfast table reading the cereal boxes in two different languages--English (Canadian version) on one side, French on the other. This is so cool, I thought. Why don’t we do this in the US?
Living next door to friendly Canadians with a “Peace Bridge” joining us at the mouth of the Niagara River, I was given the opportunity to see that separate nations can get along and can share their cultures and their economies to each other’s benefit. This is so cool, I thought. Why don’t we do this with every country?
I got lost in college, found clarity in graduate school and moved to London, England where I worked for three years for a local authority. I got the chance to travel throughout the UK and Ireland, visit the continent, spend a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Moscow, and visit a month in Africa; I had lunch in Khartoum; I got the chance to live next door to myriad representatives of the former British Commonwealth and expose my palate to world cuisines; I got a chance to look back at the US and appreciate what we do so well, and also wonder why we lag so far behind other nations in other efforts. This is so cool, I thought. Why can’t we peacefully share our awarenesses together?
I realized finally that I needed to learn another language to expand my personal thinking and my world understanding. I studied Spanish in a short term program in Mexico and learned to read great works in that second language, offering me new insights into life’s mysteries. I have volunteered for a bi-national border mission program in Arizona, US/Sonora, MEX for the past 20 years, and have volunteered in the field of international education for a similar amount of time. This is so cool, I thought. I am a helper being helped, a giver and receiver both, learning from the people I have come to assist.
International experience helps me to find goodness in all people. It helps me to share in the creation of good works and kind deeds with all people. It makes me more a friend to and less fearful of all people. It helps me to be--it insists that I be--more flexible, flexible, flexible. This is so cool, I think.
Other than the long hours, the occasional frustrating complications, the fact that I don’t get paid to do this, and the reality that I am getting older and that I don’t bounce back as quickly from a 20 hour day anymore, international education is a great experience that everyone should have!
I am certainly glad it happened to me, however it was it happened to happen to me this way. This is so cool!
Howard Henry
Retired Lecturer Active
International Educator
SUNY Buffalo State
Where to start? There are so many memorable experiences that I acquired over the years studying as an international student in different countries. However, there is one particular incident that I would remember all my life I guess. I want to share that with all of you.
It was back in 1992 when I first went to Cyprus for my undergraduate studies. I, along with 20 other Bangladeshi young students, arrived in Limassol on February 3 as our class commencement date was 5 February. It was chilly weather and very new to all of us as Bangladesh winter is nowhere as cold as it was in Limassol.
It was a nervous and exciting beginning of my international student life and I believe for all others who were from other countries studying abroad for the first time. We (5 Bangladeshi boys) rented an apartment close to the campus and immediately bought motor cycles for transportation between our house, campus and work place (part time work at nights).
We were trying hard to settle in amidst the most common problem any international student encounters which is “homesickness” I believe. However, we were also relishing the new way of life and newly achieved independence. We started spending time together with other new friends both fellow nationals and other nationalities. Time was going well and we started feeling home away from home.
21 February is one our Bangladesh’s most memorable days in history as on this day in 1952 many Bangladeshi people lost their lives on the street. These martyrs were protesting against the west Pakistan regime (Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan that time and West Pakistan was ruling East Pakistan) who wanted us to speak “Urdu” instead of “Bengali” which is our native language. These people were shot dead on the street on that fateful day. We commemorate this day as “Language Day” since then and few years ago United Nation declared this day as “International Language Day” thankfully.
All of us wanted to do something for our language martyrs on 21 February in Limassol but we were cluless as what to do. Being very young and in a new country we were nervous but confident at the same time. We planned to wear same attire (long shirt called “Panjabi” that we usually wear in Bangladesh), recite poems and sing the special song (Amar Vai er Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami ki Vulite pari -- How can I forget the blood that our brothers shed on 21 February).
We wore the clothes and started our travel to college auditorium which was little far from where we used to live. On a motor cycle with light clothes was difficult as we felt very cold obviously. Our determination and passion to commemorate 21 February in the right manner helped us fight the cold.
Once we arrived on campus, we were so delighted to see that the hall was almost filled up with students and faculty members. We did not expect so many people to come for such an event. It made us feel so better and confident that we immediately started the proceedings. One of our friends recited a poem especially written for the day and we started singing the special song.
This was the time when I felt how deep in love we were with our beloved country, Bangladesh. As soon as we started singing, some of us started crying and it affected rest of us as we all had tears in our eyes. There was pin-drop silence in the hall and we all felt like 21 February had touched everyone’s heart.
I learnt few things on that day. We all love our countries but maybe we do not realize it until we are away from our homeland. Culture is something that has no boundary and that connects people nicely.
Most of all, international study experience is a unique thing that moulds us in such a way that we relish and take the experiences for shaping our future.
Utah Valley University has been known for its ethnic diversity. Students from across the globe flood the campus hoping to receive a top rate education. However, Najib Niazi, an international business major, is the first to make it here from Afghanistan.
Born in Kabul and raised in Mazar-isharif, Niazi faced unimaginable hardships.
“When people ask me about Afghanistan and my life there I don’t know what to say,” Niazi explained. “There were so many bad things that happened, but there were also sweet things.”
At the age of 19 Niazi met an American by the name of Scott Carrier. Carrier, now a professor at UVU, was in Afghanistan writing about the struggles of the country and its people; Niazi became his interpreter.
The time Niazi spent with Carrier was no more than 20 days, and although it helped Carrier write a successful article, it put Niazi’s life in danger. An Afghani warlord put a hit out on him for helping the American reporter. To escape this danger he moved to Kabul and got a job at the United Nations office.
Niazi worked in the office until his past caught up with him then decided to flee the country. It was then he thought of Carrier and asked for help.
“He was in a dead end [in Afghanistan],” Carrier said. “Either way, I wanted to get him out. I can’t say for sure he would have been killed if he stayed, but it seemed like a definite possibility.”
Carrier got help from Bill Cobb, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at UVU, along with Integrated Studies director Scott Abbott, and in December of 2006 Niazi landed safely in Salt Lake City. Since that time he has been studying and working at UVU.
Niazi now speaks five languages and is working on his sixth. He enjoys soccer, tennis and driving at night with the stereo blaring. He aspires to master the art of cooking and feels at home in Utah.
“Salt Lake City looks like my country. It has four seasons, the same mountains full of snow,” he said. “I like it here.”
At first Niazi didn’t want to go back to Afghanistan, but he said he’s decided now that he will return, after completing his bachelor’s degree at UVU and a master’s degree in the U.S.
“I want to go back to Afghanistan to help make the world a better place,” Niazi said. “And if given the chance, I will one day run for president of my country.”
Anxiety started to sink in as I boarded the bus in Seoul, South Korea with Kaesong, North Korea as my destination. I was not afraid of being captured or being killed, but more so of the unknown. When I travel, I do my research. With my Lonely Planet, emergency numbers, extra copies of my passport, and itineraries in hand, I feel confident and secure going just about anywhere. Now imagine being told to leave your cell phone and other electronics behind, with nothing but American money and directions to ‘follow directions’ reiterated time and time again. Once cleared through South Korean security, we had to wait for the North Korean authorities to give us permission to enter. From then on, everything was a privilege, not a right.
Upon entering North Korea, we were all stunned by it’s beauty. The mountains were impeccable. We were led to our first main destination, the Pakyon Waterfall. It is said to be one of Korea’s three most famous waterfalls, and it’s reputation did not disappoint. Standing on the landing, getting sprayed by the mist, took us out of the Korea that we know, and into a mystical land.
The water is so pure that a quick drink was the only thing that refreshed us from the beating sun. That was the first chance that we had to communicate with the North Korean tour guides and local vendors. Most were very polite and would pose for pictures with a smile, while others seemed to have some issues.
Onward, we went to lunch,where we were served as royalty. We ate an authentic Kaesong meal, which included rice and soup, along with thirteen different side dishes per person. This was unfathomable, as in South Korea, we were used to eating family-style, with side dishes to share. To respect the North Koreans that do not have the luxury of eating proper meals, we were told that we should eat the meal to its entirety. This was quite the challenge. After filling our stomachs, we had the opportunity to get a view of the massive Kim Il Song bronze statue.There were strict rules on how close we could get to the statue, as we would not give the appropriate respect deserved.
We then headed towards the city center, which housed Kaesong’s department store and the Kaesong Namdaemun. Looking at the streets of North Korea’s past capital city, you would be surprised by the lack of people, automobiles, and advertisements. It takes one back to an old movie set from the 1930s.
A mixture of reality and the faith of stories told by past generations was left for us to judge. Jung Mong-ju was assassinated by Lee Bang-won in 1392 on the Sonjuk Bridge. We witnessed viewing his blood stains, which still remain today, 616 years later. With the stone bridge being protected by a peripheral boundary, and bamboo trees symbolizing loyalty now growing around the bridge, it is now referred to as the Sonjuk Bridge.
Our final attraction was the Koryo Museum, which holds over a thousand different relics, many stone pagodas, and exhibition halls. This was also the stop to buy souvenirs or post cards. I was prepared with over thirty addresses in my back pocket, and therefore, spent my entire allotted time writing post cards with help from friends. A sore arm and sixty four American dollars later, I either sent thirty two of the most unique post cards that my family and friends back home will ever receive, or I was scammed by the most obvious scheme in North Korea. I am not sure how long I will wait until I know which holds true.
A North Korean policeman is a human traffic light, directing few cars between occasional lane circling of the intersection.
Leaving North Korea, we drove through the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which looked all too familiar. You could see the green stripes of a Family Mart glowing from afar, and we knew we were heading back to the chaos of Seoul. We made it through immigration with only a few people’s cameras and bags getting searched. An immigration officer having a good day even stamped our passports, and that is something most people in this world will never have.
The privilege of stepping into Kaesong, North Korea for a day was an experience that I will never forget. If you have the time and money, I highly suggest opening your eyes to North Korea, as it is a mysterious, yet influential part of the world as we know it.
Poland in 1966 was a communist country all right, but it was not a North Korea by any mean. With some luck and a lot of cunning I was able to beat the system and get to Columbia University. Curiosity and professional interest were behind my decision. After a most intensive year of study and a well deserved (A- average) Master degree in hand I headed back to my country.
There were many successes and disappointments over the years; live and work in a number of countries, long political exile, changes of professions, return to interesting and satisfying positions. However, it was not so much the knowledge that I gained at the School but the American attitude and believe in an individual’s worth that helped me go through many rough turns in life. America changed the way I look at things.
Currently, in semi retirement, I am involved in a program promoting internationalization of higher education called “Study in Poland”. Having a firsthand experience in study abroad, and equipped with an “American” positive attitude, I can now serve as a strong advocate of internationalization of higher education in Poland.
Hello, My name is Mahmoud “Moody” Abdul-Fattah, I am international, by each and every sense of the word. I was born in a country other than my own and I was raised somewhere else that is completely different. Furthermore, I also went for my higher education in another completely different country. I must say that I found that coming in contact with a number of different cultures and customs to be very educational and enriching to me physically and psychologically.
I truly consider my self very lucky because throughout my life, I have not settled in one place or region, I have been studying abroad throughout my entire life. I personally think that is an experience that I have enjoyed tremendously and that this particular experience has made me a well educated and well rounded individual. I would advise any and everyone to take advantage of this opportunity or at least take the time and effort to explore it.
Thank you
Mahmoud “Moody” Abdul-Fattah
I came to the U.S. as an international student from India almost 19 years ago to become a pharmacist. I was 18, fearless and had $150 dollars on me. I knew that higher education in the U.S. was a sure way of building a great future for me and my family. Well, I wasn’t disappointed. After a wonderful college career at the University of Kansas, where I eventually ended up with a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, I worked briefly for the University of Minnesota. I left Higher Ed in pursuit of a glorious corporate life and spent the next 9 years working in a variety of environments from a Fortune 500 to a start-up.
Eventually, a little over a year ago, I decided to re-commit myself to the field of International Education -- a passion I’ve always had. So I founded a company called Gen Next Education, Inc. Our mission is to enhance the quality of and access to education for people around the world. Being from India, I’m primarily focused on helping develop the higher education system in that country -- a much needed effort.
In this global economy, no one can afford to not have a truly global educational experience. Universities are trying to internationalize their campuses so they can graduate a globally competent student. But it can’t be accomplished without creating significant opportunities in the emerging markets like China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey etc.
So now I find myself in an uniquely qualified position to help U.S. universities reach out to the rest of the world. I am fortunate to be a product of the U.S. higher education system and now it’s my turn to expand its reach internationally. I am excited about partnering with international educators around the world to make it happen.
I agree with IIE that “As technology opens borders, educational and professional exchanges open minds.” I’m calling out to everyone out there who would like to help us accomplish our mission and prepare the next generation of leaders. Visit us at http://www.gennexteducation.com
Sincerely
Girish Ballolla
CEO
Gen Next Education, Inc.
At age 16 I was a junior in high school and bored to death with suburban America. I heard about the chance to go abroad with AFS Intercultural Scholarships and completed an application. When asked where I wanted to go I replied, “As far away as possible and for as long as possible!”
Costa Rica may not have been terribly far from the US in the geographic sense but it was as different culturally as I could have expected. I lived for one year with a Costa Rican family, learned Spanish, and completed my senior year of high school. That was in 1970. We continue to be in contact. Both of my daughters have visited my extended adopted family in Costa Rica. Last year my wife and I spent Christmas with them.
I had the opportunity to study abroad twice in 2008 and 2009. The first time was through the program at Sam Houston State University to Puebla, Mexico from June 3-July 1 of 2008. I knew that it was a good opportunity to improve my Spanish because I was a Spanish major. It did more than that. It allowed me to see firsthand the culture of Mexico and the importance of family. I took two classes at the Universidad Iberoamericana and I learned in depth about the history of Mexico and made new friends while I was there. The second time was in Vina del Mar, Chile in the summer of 2009.I had graduated from Sam Houston in May 2009 and I felt that it was the best time to do it. I had taken two classes at the Universidad de Vina del Mar in June and did an internship at a marketing company from July 1-August 14. Even though I had an understanding of Chile, this trip allowed me to see a different side of Chile that I had never known before. I fell in love with Vina del Mar and one day I would like to return there again to live. In these two experiences, Puebla, Mexico changed my worldview forever and Vina del Mar, Chile expanded on it.
I saw this young college student from Chicago on the subway in DC this morning. I told him I wouldn’t include his face in the picture, but he said he didn’t mind. Made me realize that the DREAMers who are in town this week are doing more than standing up for one piece of legislation. They also serve to remind us of the promise of America: a place where you can speak your mind without fear, and the circumstances of your birth do not determine your destiny.
I am so fortunate to have the best job in the world! I have the great honor of meeting the best and the brightest international students and scholars who come to study and do research in the USA, and specifically at Rice University every year. I have never had a boring day as an international educator, and encourage anyone who enjoys meeting people from other countries to consider this area of work.
One particular story of a short-term visiting research student illustrates the core of why international education is so important:
About three years after 9/11, university international offices were still grappling with the many new laws mandated by the government for supporting national security. Some countries’ international visitors to the US experienced higher levels of security clearance requirements.
“Ali” came from one of those countries of hightened scrutiny to conduct research for about four months at our institution. He has several obstacles while settling in, however everyone at the university was very friendly and helpful to him. His first day upon arrival he looked tired and hungry from his long trip, so I took him to lunch and listened to his story.
He told me that he had seven brothers, and his parents and brothers all begged him not to come to the USA as we were all “terrorists”. However, he convinced them to let him come, as this research was important for his degree completion back home.
During his four months with us, he made many friends and even visited a mid-high school, presenting on a panel of international students about his home country and about his research.
On his last day before he left to return home, he came to the office to say goodbye to our staff. He said that his parents and brothers had heard all the stories of how friendly and helpful people were to him and were so impressed. They said that their next family vacation was to come to the USA!
It is truly the people-to-people friendships, and communication provided by students interacting with one another in education, that makes a WORLD of difference. Getting to know students from other countries who come to study in the USA provides a great insight to them, and their families and friends when they return to their home countries, as to what the USA is really about.
Adria Baker, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Office of International Students & Scholars
Rice University
As someone involved in international educational administration, I have the opportunity to hear how global learning affects all the stakeholders – international students, domestic students, and faculty. I’d like to share the story of how a young woman from a small town in Kentucky had her eyes opened by interacting with international students on our campus. I’d also like to share some reflections by a professor who finds a deep satisfaction by being involved in global education. Such stories are what keep us going and keep us committed to improving international education opportunities for everyone.
Cornell H. Menking, Ph.D.
Kentucky State University
Assistant Vice President for Int’l Affairs
Office of Global Education and Programs
Whitney Driskell, a student at Kentucky State University, share with me the following:
Dr. Edwin L. Conner, English Literature Professor at Kentucky State University, reflects on his work in the area of global education:
The skinny, six year-old stood up on her seat, stuck her whole upper body outside the sunroof, spread her arms wide and boisterously exclaimed, “HELLO WORLD”! Briefly stunned and weary from two weeks of travel around New Zealand’s north island, my friend and I turned toward one another and vowed to adopt the spontaneous outburst as our mantra. I still strive to live life with that “hello world attitude” I adopted during my time as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar studying at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. That motivation now plays an important role in my professional mission as Executive Director of the Global Scholars Program at Georgetown College, which is to connect students with global opportunities that expand their horizons.
The importance of international education is invaluable. The intimate conversations and sometimes challenging dialogue with classmates from around the world expanded my global perspective and it will continue to impact me for the rest of my life. My journey not only broadened my intellectual horizons, it helped me develop more compassion for diversity and deepened my belief in the power of cultural exchange for international peace and understanding.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on theses accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of humanity and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad (1869)
My first experience of travelling outside of the US was in 1999 after my junior year in high school. My school offered 20 students the opportunity to travel to China for three weeks and live with a Chinese family for the duration. After that trip, the wanderlust hit me and I knew that I would continue travelling around the world as much as I could for the rest of my days. Three years after my trip to China, I decided to study abroad in England for one year. During that year I met the man who would eventually become my husband!
It has been seven years sine we first met and we are now living happily in London where I work at an international university, where only 3% of our student body are from the UK. My job is so fulfilling as I get to watch students from all over the world interact with one another, and that in itself will be one of the greatest learning experiences for them while they are here. I can’t even begin to explain the vast amount of knowledge that I have gained from studying and living abroad. My eyes have been opened up to a world that is full of beautiful countries and cultures. I am truly blessed to have been raised in the US, but I hope that more Americans begin to take the time to discover the many other great lands and people that exist around the globe!
Living in a small town, I wanted to bring a broader world view to my family (we have 2 daughters) and my school (I was a school librarian.) We have hosted over 30 international students in our home and participated extensively with our sister school in Lohne, Germany for a number of years, hosting many wonderful students and leading a group to Lohne once.I worked briefly in Caracas, VE. Now that I am retired from full-time teaching, I am working on a blog called Mother of 35: Lessons in Global Understanding. http://motherof35.net/ I would love to find other ways to work for world-wide understanding.
Connecting Our World has a wonderful mission and vision that I have supported as a volunteer host and traveler for over 30 years as a Servas member. Servas is a 60 year old international organization of 16000 volunteer hosts in over 100 countries on 5 continents 0riginally called Peace Builders. As a host in San Francisco, California I host visitors for the US Department of State, Fulbright and International students/visiting scholars enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley. I meet so many people from different countries and am enriched by sharing homestays visits and day visits and by our good conversations.
Checkout http://www.usservas.org
Welcome
Mary Jane