Monika in Australia, Winter 2011 - Post 4

Choosing to study abroad in Australia has been the best decision I have ever made in college. In December, I thought that three weeks was not going to be long enough for me to appreciate living in a new city, or a new country for that matter; but, I could not have experienced more during these past three weeks. I was able to tour the entire city of Sydney, acquire new photography techniques, play with kangaroos, hike the Blue Mountains, spend a whole day at the beach, admire the city’s architecture, watch a male burlesque show at the Sydney Opera House, visit art museums, take a wine valley tour, experience the Aboriginal culture, see trapeze artists perform the impossible on stage, and end the trip under the Sydney Harbour bridge at night on a cruise ship with a glass of champagne. 

All of these enjoyable experiences have truly strengthened my appreciation for Australian culture and have also played a role in my decision to move to Sydney in a few years. I will be an advocate for any program in Sydney, Australia since, in my opinion, Sydney offers the most pleasant weather, exquisite architecture, superior dining, exciting nightlife, unique wildlife, and gorgeous beaches.

Stephany in China, Winter 2011 - Post 4

Studying abroad in China was an amazing experience. One of the biggest take-aways from this trip is the importance of maintaining history and culture as society progresses forward. I had the opportunity to visit the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace yesterday and upon entering those two locations, it feels as if you’ve entered an entirely different world. Both locations are walled off and include such amazing architecture and scenery that you completely forget that you’re still in the huge, bustling city of Beijing. The Summer Palace was an especially beautiful location where I could absorb the magnificence of China’s landscape. Only after viewing such serene sights was I able to fully appreciate the phrase “If you want to see a 500-year-old China, then visit Beijing”. It’s amazing that from there, we can hop on the subway, and just a number of stops away get back to the skyscrapers, shopping malls, and bumper to bumper traffic. I believe this experience has allowed me to have a greater appreciation for history and the preservation of traditional items. When I think of the culture in the U.S., everything seems to push us toward modernism and advancement. It seems at times that we are so determined to quickly move forward that we neglect our pasts and what truly shaped our society.

This experience abroad really broadened my perspective of the world. I hope to have the opportunity to explore other countries in the near future and see how much the culture and people vary from place to place. What I think I’ll miss most about China is the amazing food for really low prices. While here, there were always endless options for places to eat and meals were comparably cheaper than eating out in Maryland. Eating Chinese food back at home just won’t be as satisfying anymore!

 I highly recommend studying abroad in China to anyone who has the chance – if not study abroad, then at least take a couple weeks to visit. There is so much to see, do, and experience that it certainly can’t be all covered in a week. Dress warm, but the sights are well worth it. The people are also tremendously hospitable so although the language barrier exists, the natives are always ready and willing to help. I’m grateful I was able to visit China and learn so much from this trip.

Kate in South Africa, Winter 2011 - Post 3

So after 3 weeks in South Africa I am back in the U.S. I had such a great time abroad I just can’t wait to tell everyone about it and show everyone pictures. Not only was the country beautiful, but I also learned so much in the course. Even though I am a business major and the course was offered through the School of Public Health, I know I will be able to relate what I learned to my major and beyond.

People often overlook the intersection between the health of a nation and the country’s economy.  We learned a lot about how resources are allocated in the health sector. Efficiently allocating requires a business background like I am pursuing, so I found this aspect very interesting.

Learning more extensively about apartheid has forced me to consider race relations in our own country. I think I will incorporate this in my life now that I am back.  In addition to what I learned within the course, simply experiencing another country’s culture forced me to learn a lot as well.  Down the road I know I will encounter people that come from many different backgrounds, having experience appreciating and understanding another culture will come in handy.

I am going to miss a lot about South Africa. I am most going to miss the scenery. It was such a breathtaking place and the weather was so perfect so it was a little hard to come back to the cold and snowy weather. I also really loved being on safari. Seeing animals so close in their natural habitat was so incredible. I am not sure I will ever be able to go to a zoo after being on safari.

I had the most amazing time in South Africa and I can’t wait to go back.

Kate