Liberal Arts Voices

Read the perspectives of our current students

Student Spotlight: Kristen in Besançon, France

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and content contributed by Kristen Sanchez.

Kristen Sanchez, who is pursuing a double major in Comparative Literature and English, as well as a minor in French spent last summer studying abroad on the faculty led program in Besançon, France. Read about her experience below.

Studying in a small town was a very reassuring factor while being so far from home. The safety and comfort of Besançon made studying there that much more enjoyable. My group and I were able to get to know the town for all it was worth, and by the end of our stay I truly felt as though it was our own hometown. Not only is Besançon a great area in itself, but it’s also only a train ride away from Paris and Switzerland—both beautiful places that I’m grateful to have been able to easily visit multiple times during my stay.

I feel that the summer semester that I chose to study abroad was the best possible decision for me as a transfer student. By the time I transferred to Penn State, I felt that my dream of studying abroad would be impossible if I wanted to graduate on time. However, this program fit perfectly by offering me the final 2 French classes that I needed for my minor without disrupting my other academic plans for my final 2 semesters in college.

Having a program that coordinated day trips during weekends was an amazing traveling experience that really helped when traveling on our own became too exhausting both financially and physically. As a less expensive alternative, we ended up making more friends from the university and were kept in the French-speaking mindset. It becomes all too easy to start speaking English when you’re only with your group and you leave the areas where French is the primary language. I believe that staying involved with the local university, and local French students was extremely beneficial and important to my overall experience.

Studying in France has helped improve my French in ways that undoubtedly no American classroom would be able to. Interacting with locals forced me to expand my vocabulary as well improve my comprehension skills in order to get by. If one day I end up in a career that requires the French language, I will be much more confident in my abilities than I would have been otherwise. Being able to answer questions out of a French textbook is a great place to start when learning a language, but knowing how to actually communicate with native-speakers comfortably is definitely necessary if you want to work with it in after graduation.

I received Enrichment Funding through the College of the Liberal Arts, which helped me greatly and helped alleviate some of the stress of taking out loans and figuring out overall finances for such an extended trip like this.

Choosing to study abroad on this particular program was the best cultural and academic experience I have had so far in my college career. I could not imagine this program having anything other than an incredibly positive impact on anyone who is looking for such an experience!

 
Interested in studying abroad this summer? Applications for Summer 2017 are due this coming Wednesday, February 1, 2017.  All Liberal Arts students studying abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

Summer Study Tour of Rome, Information Session- Monday, January, 23, 5:45pm

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Interested in studying abroad this summer in Rome? Come learn about the Study Tour in Rome with the Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies department.

This faculty-led program offers 3 or 6 credits in the study of Roman history and archaeology (CAMS/HIST 199 and 499), with visits to: • the principal monuments and museums of Rome • the ancient harbor town of Ostia • Pompeii and Herculaneum under Vesuvius • the Naples Archaeological Museum • Greek and Roman Paestum

Summer Study Tour of Rome, Information Session- Monday, January, 23, 5:45pm in 102 Weaver

Program Spotlight: Puebla, Mexico- Spanish Language, Art, and Mexican Culture

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and Content contributed by Adrienne Thompsonadrienne-thompson-puebla-mexico-4

Adrienne Thompson majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish, took part in the summer faculty led program in Puebla, Mexico. Read more about her summer abroad below.

I studied abroad on the Puebla, Mexico program which focuses on Spanish language, art and Mexican culture. It was important for me to pick this location, because as a student trying to master Spanish I knew that Mexico was one of the few countries that speak true to the language. By that I mean it is one of the easiest to understand. I learned this through one of my Spanish classes. Additionally, I love the Mexican culture, and wanted to experience it firsthand. It was very easy for me to get better at Spanish as well as understand the culture. I also wanted to see the country in the eyes of someone native there. This trip is very real, and non-touristy which is what I benefitted the most from.

 

I chose the summer session because I did not want to miss an entire semester at Penn State. There were many personal reasons regarding school, work and family that made me choose summer. Additionally, this program was in the beginning of the summer which made it possible for me to complete an internship for my other major once I returned.

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For those considering studying abroad, I would tell them that getting out of your comfort zone is a sign of growing do not fight it. Going abroad to different places can be scary sometimes, but do not let the difference impact your trip. Change is good, and is a great learning experience. Embrace it.

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One of my favorite experiences during the program was my host family. They were such loving and caring people. I can remember my host mom being really upset that I had to go, it almost brought me to tears. My host brother was always willing to help and even brought me around on his own will to make sure I felt at home. Myhost father was always helping me with Spanish and wanted me to succeed. Also, I honestly fell in love with their dogs, they were precious. Traveling to different places was such a great experience. Although to some, USA is a nice place, but all of the places in Mexico were incredible. Anywhere you go you could sense the love.

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Academically this experience was great. Although reading in Spanish can be difficult, the professors really made sure I was trying my hardest and I ended up getting very good grades.

At Penn State I am involved in many things. I am currently the Founder and Editor in Chief of Sovereign Magazine, Mentor Coordinator of BLUEprint peer mentoring program, a sister of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., and employed at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center as a program/marketing student. In these organizations I complete different community service events. I also used to be the PR Chair and Secretary of the Student Minority Advisory and Recruitment Team (S.M.A.R.T.), member of Multicultural Women’s Forum, member of Ambitions Dance Team and member of Penn State Thespians. I plan on being one of the top reporters in the world. I want to possibly have my own show. With that I would love to travel the world and experience different cultures, and life while being a journalist. Studying Spanish is very relevant as it is one of the next leading languages. Also, by traveling if you know another language it will be easier to get around and not be seen as a tourist.

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I received funding, and advising form at the College of Liberal Arts which I am very grateful for. Studying abroad was one of the best things I’ve done.            

Liberal Arts Enrichment Funding from the College, this funding is available to all students with at least one major in the College. To learn more about study abroad, be sure to attend the Education Abroad Fair this Fall, taking place in the HUB on October, 12 from 11am-4pm. You can also schedule an appointment with Jackie Smith (jds54@psu.edu ), Global Experiences Coordinator on Network Symplicity

 

Student Spotlight: Drew Banker, Faculty Led Study Abroad in Ireland

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Drew Banker, English Major, spent last summer in Ireland on the Faculty Led program “Representing the Irish Landscape, Literature and Visual Arts.” Read more about his experience below!

6933613891_0ecbc242e1_zContent contributed by Drew Banker.

Ireland was the perfect location for this program because its beauty and literary history inspired our visual and written art, respectively. Ireland itself is worthy of study, and it is necessary to physically be there to understand the nuances of its history and culture. Also, we met a number of artists, writers, and poets in person due to the program’s wonderful connections–an experience that would be impossible had we not been abroad.

I chose to go to Ireland because my family has Irish roots and because a number of students, over the years, have urged me to take advantage of such opportunities, and I’m glad I have.  I went the summer going into my fifth semester. I enjoy spending my time on Penn State’s campus but also wanted to explore. I realized I could study abroad without forfeiting a semester on campus by joining a summer program.  

My goal is to become a professional writer and teacher, an ambition which studying abroad I suspect has furthered greatly. It is crucial to interact with a variety of texts and people, and exploring the world is a perfect way to do that. I received important career guidance from the College of the Liberal Arts, whose recommendation that I apply for the program directly led me to the experience. Although studying abroad is a great deal of fun it requires hard work and tenacity. I would advise prospective study-abroaders to be aware of this. If it is within the realm of possibility, do it. I’ve yet to meet someone who wishes they hadn’t and I’ve met many who wish they were still abroad. The experience pushed me to my academic limits, as the excursion tested not only classroom intelligence but the situational, day-to-day wisdom that is needed to thrive in a foreign setting. I am more confident both at home and abroad. My host father was an avid visual artist, a talented painter of landscapes, who had recently experienced a stroke and, upon my arrival, was still in the process of recovery. Although he was physically limited I was motivated to witness his continued drive to produce works of art. He was of the mind that not only is art always possible, but always necessary.

All Liberal Arts students studying or interning abroad are eligible forEnrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

Faculty Summer Study Abroad Info Session

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Last semester, we featured a Spotlight Series which highlighted all of the Liberal Arts Faculty Led Study Abroad programs here at Penn State. Student Alumni from the program shared their reflections, and each highlighted the benefits of going on a Penn State program!

If you are interested in studying abroad this summer please come to the Faculty Led Study Abroad Info Session this Thursday, January 13 at 6pm in 104 Thomas.

You will have the opportunity to meet all of the faculty leaders and have your questions about financial aid and the application cycle answered.

Come to the Study Abroad Info Session, Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 6pm in 104 Thomas! 

To learn more about faculty led study abroad program check out the Spotlight Series Blog Posts below:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Athens, Greece

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Besançon, France

Dublin, Ireland

London, England

Puebla, Mexico

Reggio Calabria, Italy

Rome, Italy

Ronda, Spain

Todi, Italy

Vienna, Austria

Tel Akko, Israel

Zagreb, Croatia

 

 

 

 

Summer Study Abroad with Liberal Arts- Info Session! Thursday, January 14 at 6pm

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Have your questions about study abroad answered the first week of the Spring Semester!

Thursday, January 14th at 6pm in 104 Thomas, Liberal Arts Faculty Leaders, Education Abroad Staff and a representative from the Office of Student Aid will be on hand to share everything you need to know about study abroad!

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Program Spotlight: Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

One of the college’s most popular faculty led study abroad programs is, The Netherlands: Dutch Criminal Justice in Comparative Perspective. This program will take place during the month of July. Students are required to enroll in 6 credits of CRIMJ 499, European Criminal Justice.

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This program is designed to introduce students to concepts of crime and punishment in the Netherlands and to provide an opportunity for direct exposure to a system very different from our own. The students will observe Dutch ideology and practice in the design, rationale, and implementation of criminal justice. The Dutch society has a long-standing tradition of tolerance, diversity, and consensus-based politics. This translates into a specific approach toward crime and justice issues that is known around the world. Examples of this approach can be seen in various fields, such as the legalization of prostitution, the legalization of soft drugs, the medical instead of criminal justice approach toward hard drugs, and the way in which issues like juvenile crime, euthanasia, and gay marriage are dealt with.

Experience a first-hand view of what it’s like to study on Amsterdam, Netherlands: Dutch Criminal Justice. Created in cooperation with the 2013 participants, the YouTube clip titled, “Deep Down Under“,  delves deep into the nitty-gritty topics students study in Amsterdam.

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For more information about this program, please contact Howie Smith  in the College of the Liberal Arts.  You may also schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.

Applications are open for this Summer 2016 and are due on February 1, 2016. All Liberal Arts students studying abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

Program Spotlight: Belo Horizonte, Brazil

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

The college of IST and the Portuguese Department in the College of the Liberal Arts are offering a brand new summer faculty led program this summer in Brazil! Belo Horizonte, Brazil: IST and Portuguese Language will run from May 26-July 3, 2016.

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Besides being known for Samba and Soccer, Brazil also has a growing economy, vibrant culture, and cutting edge research. The program will take place in Belo Horizonte, the 3rd. largest metropolitan region in Brazil with a population of 2.5 million people. Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon in English) is a young and vibrant city known for its strong economy, industry and sports.

Students will take a required IST Entrepreneurship class and one Portuguese language class according to their level (beginning, intermediate or advanced). The Portuguese language course is required to ensure that students will have a meaningful cultural experience during their stay. There is also an important link with the Intercollege Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI). The IST 299 course is equivalent to IST 237 Digital Entrepreneurship and could substitute for it in the required courses in the Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation cluster. Students who have already taken IST 237 will be able to take a more advanced entrepreneurship course.

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For more information, please contact Fred Fonseca, the faculty leader for this program in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. You may also schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.

Applications are open for this Summer 2016 and are due on February 1, 2016. All Liberal Arts students studying abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

Faculty Led Study Abroad Information Sessions!

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Posted by Career Enrichment Network

The ocean stirsthe heart, inspiresthe imagination& brings eternaljoy to the soul

If you are interested in going on a faculty led study abroad program, consider attending these info sessions!

And after the Thanksgiving Break:

Faculty leaders from the programs will be on hand to answer your questions!

 

 

Program Spotlight: Besançon, France

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Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

The department of French and Francophone at Penn State offers a variety of resources when it comes to studying the French language and culture abroad.  One faculty led  program that the department has been running for many years is the French Language Studies program in Besançon, France. Eligible students must have already completed 2-3 semesters of French  and have a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Besançon, France French Language Studies-Summer 2015

Besançon is located two-and-a-half hours southeast of Paris, in the Jura Mountains, near the Swiss border. A city of 120,000, Besançon is near numerous small medieval towns and castles and also within three hours of a variety of interesting major cities, such as Basel, Lyon, Dijon, and Strasbourg. Students may plan weekend excursions independently or join trips organized by the institute. They must have completed at least two semesters of elementary French to be accepted into the program.

Besançon, France French Language Studies, Faculty Led Program-Summer 2015

The French language program at Besançon was established to provide this ideal environment for intermediate-level students of French who want to make a quantum leap in their oral language proficiency. Program participants enroll in the intensive French program at the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée, which is part of the University of Franche-Comté. Proficiency is developed through classroom work related to French language and civilization, with an emphasis on the culture of the region, French culture both high and popular, and life in contemporary France and within the European community. Small classes that meet five days a week, combined with host family lodging, provide students with an environment that promotes rapid progress.

For more information about this program, please contact Heather McCoy  in the College of the Liberal Arts.  You may also schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.

Applications are open for this Summer 2016 and are due on February 1, 2016. All Liberal Arts students studying abroad are eligible for Enrichment Funding. To learn more, please schedule an appointment via Network Symplicity or email Jackie Smith, Global Experiences Coordinator (jds54@psu.edu)

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