Student Spotlight: Maddison Rhoa, Galway, Ireland
Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Content contributed by Maddison Rhoa, double majoring in English and History, minoring in International Studies. Maddison spent last Spring in Galway, Ireland.
I was on Arcadia’s National University of Ireland, Galway program. It was important to me to go to Ireland, but more specifically Galway, because I have grown up with an appreciation for Irish culture and have had the opportunity to study Irish history, literature, music, and culture even before I left for my study abroad trip. Galway was the cultural and artistic center of Ireland, making it an enriching learning experience for me. As a writer and musician, I found that Galway strengthened my skills – I was surrounded by like-minded people every day. There are so many incredible places to study in Ireland, but my decision was made by talking to Irish people before choosing my program – the vast majority of them said they’d always choose Galway over Dublin because they felt I’d get a more authentic Irish experience in Galway.
I chose the Spring semester of 2015 because I reasoned that returning to the United States would be easier in the summer rather than the winter. I could have more time to myself without the pressure of an approaching semester to re-assimilate myself to American culture. The stress of returning from an amazing semester abroad and only having a few weeks to transition back before school started up again seemed like a surefire way to dive straight into reverse culture shock.
I was open to making new friendships, especially with Irish students and locals. Because of the friendships I established, my Irish friends helped me explore their beautiful country by advising me where I should travel and even inviting me to spend the weekend at home with them. As a result, I found that talking to locals around Galway was more rewarding than joining school clubs or organizations. I learned a lot simply by engaging with local culture, customs, and traditions rather than pushing myself to become involved with a specific group or cause.
Studying abroad made me realize that the negative stereotypes associated with English and History majors are a localized problem. In America, when I tell someone my career goals involve writing, I often get a negative response because writers are not often as appreciated as other areas of study and work. In Ireland, when I was asked what I wanted to do after I finished college, I always glazed over the fact that I wanted to be a writer because I assumed I’d receive the same negative response as I did in America. However, the Irish surprised me by showing genuine support and interest when I admitted that my real goals involved writing as a career. This gave me the confidence to pursue my interests wholeheartedly without caring what other people think about my chosen goals. I received Enrichment Funding for my study abroad experience.
My advice to someone thinking about studying abroad would be to choose a destination you have a genuine interest in – the more passion you have, the better. Do research and educate yourself about the culture and the location at least a year before you go. The more you know about the culture, the more respect you’ll receive when you arrive. Don’t simply go to a place because it “looks cool” or because that’s where your friends are going; go to a place because you want to become a part of that society, not just a visitor.
Studying in Galway made me realize that there is so much to be studied abroad that I don’t get to study in America. I took classes that were new and interesting to me because I was allowed to think outside the narrow box of what is usually prescribed for American students to study.
Though it is very difficult to choose just one experience that impacted me, I was delighted to arrive in Galway and make so many new friends and acquaintances simply because I had a solid knowledge base about Irish culture before I arrived. This made conversation run smoothly and also allowed an intercultural exchange to happen between both parties. Ireland gets a lot of American television and music, so they are very aware of American culture, but they rarely meet Americans who are well-versed in Irish culture. They were flattered to meet an American who had such an interest in their small country that it helped me make some very strong friendships while abroad. I wouldn’t have traded that for anything. Mutual respect is very important and opened a million different doors to me while living in Ireland.
Interested in studying abroad next Spring? Spring applications are due May 1st. All Liberal Arts students studying or interning 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)
Student Spotlight: Gretchen Perhamus, Montpellier, France
Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Gretchen Perhamus, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology, and minoring in French and Music Performance, spent last spring in Montpellier, France. Read more about her experience below!
Content contributed by Gretchen Perhamus.
I am studying in Montpellier, France with the CIC-SPA integrated program hosted through the University of Minnesota.
I chose Montpellier for several reasons. The city itself is a perfect size (large enough to have plenty to do, but small enough to feel comfortable), has a fairly young population, and is not very touristy, making it a uniquely delightful and authentic environment. The location of the south of France is absolutely beautiful. The program itself is long-standing and well organized, with a multitude of great opportunities. For example, you enroll directly with the French university in Montpellier and take classes with other French students, have the opportunity to stay with a host family, and can do an internship.
My decision to study abroad in the spring was largely based on the climates of State College and Montpellier. Going to a much milder climate made more sense to do in the spring, when State College is frigid and Montpellier is regularly in the 50’s. Staying up to date with campus happenings wasn’t too difficult with the many social media outlets available and talking with friends regularly. Obviously you will miss some things, but all of the new experiences you have while studying abroad more than make up for it.
Through the program here I have been able to participate in an internship teaching English to elementary school children. The school I work with is a small, private school in Saint Jean de Vedas, a neighboring suburb to Montpellier. Getting to know the children and other teachers at the school has been delightful, and realizing that I can actually manage a classroom in another language is incredibly empowering.
Right now I am majoring in psychology and sociology with minors in music and French. Therefore, studying abroad and truly advancing my French was very important for my minor. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. While studying abroad is maybe not explicitly relevant to this career path, the experiences I have had while traveling have made me a much more understanding, empathetic, and open-minded person, all of which are indispensable in a field studying other humans.
The College of Liberal Arts has supported me greatly both through enrichment funding (from the College and the Paterno Fellows Program) and through the process of navigating how to stay on track with my academic requirements while abroad. It isn’t easy to stay on track with two majors and two minors while also fitting in a semester abroad, and I have to thank all of my advisers who read and responded to my multitude of panicked emails and helped to get me where I am now.
I am completing my French minor while abroad this semester. While I am not able to complete requirements for either of my majors while on this program, I will still be able to complete everything on schedule.
Studying abroad has been by far the best decision I have made thus far. I have had experiences and seen sights that I never would have had I stayed in State College. Meeting people from all over the world as well as from throughout the U.S. has given me a much more solid understanding of who I am individually and what it means to be a global citizen. That kind of knowledge is valuable in any field, and will never again be easier to gain than right now when there are so many programs to choose from. I urge anyone who has the opportunity to seriously consider going abroad.
Applications for Fall or Academic Year Study Abroad are due March 1st. Spring applications are due May 1st. All Liberal Arts students studying or interning 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)
Student Spotlight: Drew Banker, Faculty Led Study Abroad in Ireland
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!
Content 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)
Human Rights Fellowship, this summer in Prague!
Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
The Vaclav Havel Library Foundation announces The Vaclav Havel Library Foundation Fellowship for Human Rights, a summer fellowship in Prague for undergraduate students studying in the United States. Founded as part of Havel@80, the annual fellowship program will offer students a two week, fully-funded opportunity to learn from and engage with organizations in the Czech Republic working to carry forward Havel’s legacy in the field of human rights.
Learn more about this great opportunity here. Applications are due March 15, 2016.
Student Spotlight: Kelsey Wetzel-Alicante, Spain
Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Applications for Study Abroad are open! If you are interested in going abroad find out more here!
Kelsey Wetzel, Majoring in Labor Employment Relations and Spanish, spent last Spring studying abroad in Alicante, Spain. Read on, to learn more about Kelsey’s experience while she was there!
Photos and Content contributed by Kelsey Wetzel, while she was completing her semester in Spain last year.
This semester, I have had the opportunity to be abroad in Alicante, Spain! I chose Alicante because it’s a smaller program, and I haven’t doubted for a second that I made the right decision. Because our program is smaller, we have the opportunity to do so many things, with study trips included. A smaller program ensures that I’m not caught speaking English the entire time. I have lots of American friends, but I have Spanish friends, too, who include me in their hometown’s festivals and share with me their culture and language. Alicante is a small city, so very few people speak English. When traveling to larger cities in Spain, I found waiters and store owners spoke to me in English, but here, I am able to use my Spanish constantly. Alicante was recently just rated one of the top 10 places to study abroad and feel like a local, and I find this to be extremely true. While the blonde hair and blue eyes sticks out, I am not treated like a foreigner or tourist. I feel like I really do belong and live her. We also have the beach, mountains, and a castle right in the middle of the city, so there is plenty to do and explore!
I decided to study abroad to broaden my knowledge and understanding of both the Spanish language and the culture. Studying abroad is such an amazing, unique experience, and one that I knew I would never have the opportunity for again. I live with a Spanish family, who I spend time with constantly, and have the ability to practice my Spanish as well as learn about Spanish foods, festivals, and the general Spanish way of life. Also, being abroad and so far away from home has taught me a lot about myself. I can plan and navigate trips to other countries, speak to random strangers in Spanish, and so many other things. Of course, there are always a few slip-ups; getting lost in the city for an extra hour on a run, missing trams, and saying things in Spanish that have a much different meaning than you intended, but it’s all a learning experience, and an enjoyable one at that.
Many of these things wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t here for the semester. I see my language skills continually improving over the entire four and a half months. I’m taking a class on Human Resources at the University of Alicante, just like any HR class at Penn State, but with a native professor and students, and college-level textbooks, lecture slides, and exams- all in Spanish. While it’s extremely difficult, it’s a unique experience that I wouldn’t have gotten if I had only been here for the summer. By being here for the whole semester, I have made lasting bonds with my Spanish family, and they’ve already told me I’m welcome in their home anytime, and that they expect me to come back and visit so they can meet my husband and kids in the future. The bonds I’ve created with my host family and the things I am able to experience through them have been one of my favorite parts of living in Alicante for the semester.
My favorite experience in Spain so far has been trekking the Camino de Santiago. Since Alicante is a small program, they are able to offer the Camino as an optional excursion. The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage through northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela which holds the tomb of Santiago, or Saint James. With other friends from my program, I spent five days hiking the last 110km (70 miles) with nothing more than what we carried on our backs. We saw new parts of Spain, met all kinds of people, and learned all about the history on the way. Trekking the Camino is an experience that is hard to explain, but the bonds I formed and the things that I did will forever be an unforgettable memory.
My time in Alicante is quickly coming to a close, but I know I’ll be back! Alicante and my time in Spain will forever hold a piece of my heart, and is an experience that I will have with me for the rest of my life. Studying abroad in Alicante is one of the best choices I made while at Penn State.
Applications are open! 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)
From Global Experience to Career Workshop
Posted by: Career Enrichment Network
Student Spotlight: Anna Lombardo, CIEE Seville
Posted By: Career Enrichment Network
Applications for Study Abroad are open! If you are interested in going abroad find out more here!
Anna Lombardo, English Major, spent last Spring studying abroad in Seville, Spain. Read on, to learn more about Anna’s experience!
Photos and content contributed by Anna Lombardo.
There are several reasons why I chose southern Spain and specifically Seville as my location to study. First, I wanted to go to Spain because I had taken Spanish before, but had not taken Spanish courses at the collegiate level, and wanted to return to the language. With that in mind, I was really drawn to the culture of southern Spain– with promises of flamenco (later learning that the strain of flamenco called sevillanas is actually what is danced there) and of warm weather in mind. Seville is special for these reasons, but also I think for its proximity to northern Africa, which in the context of our international business program made it an especially interesting location to learn about. The city is filled with immigrants from Africa looking for a better life in Europe; in Seville, many of them sell souvenir items (like sunglasses and scarves) in the center of town or sell packs of tissues to cars at busy intersections. The city is a really cool fusion of Europe and Africa.
This particular program appealed to me because it offers a really amazing 4-day trip to Morocco included in the program fee. Again, because of our proximity to Africa, the trip was not far: a 2 hour bus ride, then a 30 minute ferry to Morocco. Though northern African culture and southern Spanish culture are clearly similar, it is amazing the difference in the quality of life between the two. We completed this trip through a program called Morocco Exchange, and through it we were able to talk with Moroccan citizens about the differences between our lives and theirs.
I chose to go abroad during the spring semester. I love the fall at Penn State, not only because of football but also because it is still warm and I think the campus is beautiful during this time. I was not too upset about missing the cold “spring” semester, and in fact was happy to be away for a Pennsylvania winter and instead spend my time in sunny Seville (though January and February in Seville do get chilly at times, especially at night!). I was a little sad to be missing THON this year. I am in a THON special interest organization, and have gotten to be close with the people in it. I kept in touch through Facebook and sites like Onward State, but I still felt distant from it, though I will say that being abroad and talking with students from other universities gave me a broader perspective on the many different forms of community service.
One really cool thing I got to do this semester was volunteer at a local elementary school, where for one hour per week, I would help the kids (between 7 and 8 years old) learn English. It was funny because the kids knew I didn’t speak a whole lot of Spanish, but didn’t realize that I was from the United States until the end of the semester. But it was still fun to go in each week and have the kids speak to me in English as best as they could.
Another thing that I did was sign up to receive an intercambio. This means “exchange” in English, and in the program we used it to refer to a culture and language partner who was born and raised in our host country. My intercambio was a student at the University of Seville, and we got together roughly once per week to spend time together. The goal was for each person to improve their respective second language– for me, Spanish, and for my intercambio, English. We were partnered up through CIEE, and were also provided by CIEE with opportunities to win tickets to different activities: movies, flamenco shows, etc. My intercambio was great, always willing to make plans, and though her English was definitely better than my Spanish, I really benefited from the experience.
Before going to Spain, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after college. As of right now, I unfortunately am not too much surer about this. I will say that I have more confidence now about returning to Europe and that if I do end up wanting to go back and teach (or do whatever it might be), I feel better prepared to do this having already lived there once. There are a lot of opportunities to teach in Spain (and other European countries as well), where they are eager for native English speakers to work in schools and to tutor privately. I am still trying to decide whether this is something I really want to do, or if I would enjoy it just because I would be living in Spain again.
I have always also had an interest in writing. I am still not sure where I could find steady employment doing this, but I had a great time writing a study abroad blog this past semester and wish I had more time to share my traveling experiences through writing and photographs.
I was fortunate enough to receive Enrichment Funding from the College of the Liberal Arts, which covered the cost of my plane tickets into and out of Spain. The decision to go to Spain, and to study abroad at all, was partly inspired and very much encouraged by a conversation with my academic advisor during the previous spring (2014). I was ahead on credits, and had an extra semester on my hands– to graduate early, to complete an internship, or, as my advisor suggested, to go abroad. I am so happy that I made the decision that I did.
For one thing, it made me value my courses at Penn State even more than I did before. I personally did not think the courses at my university abroad were particularly challenging, and because I am a person that really likes to be challenged, I was sometimes frustrated that the courses in Spain were not as stimulating as the ones at Penn State. I wish I had had the confidence to choose a more rigorous program, though I do recognize that it is easy to say that after having already completed a successful semester in a foreign country. It was scary enough (before going abroad) for me to think about being alone, thousands of miles from home, let alone completing extremely difficult coursework on top of that. But, again, having already finished my program and having the privilege to reflect, it has made me realize that I love to take challenging classes and to think critically. I’m excited to return to Penn State this fall for that reason.
One other awesome thing about my program– I lived in a homestay! For me, that meant living in the extra room of a Spanish family’s home. I had a fantastic experience with my family, who not only provided all three meals and laundry but also gave me an opportunity to practice my Spanish, which improved immensely because of them. This was because they did not speak any English; so aside from being an opportunity, it was also a necessity. In order to tell them what I needed, and to make meals less awkward, I had to talk with them. This could be exhausting, but for me was also incredibly rewarding. I developed a close relationship with my host parents and plan to keep in touch with them now that the semester has ended.
In sum– because of the experiences I have had with my host family, my friends, my intercambio, my travels, and my time in an amazing city– I would say that anyone who has the time or at least an interest in going abroad should try to do it. It might be terrifying to step onto the plane that will take you away from the familiar for a few months of your life, but keep in mind all of the new people you will meet and all of the great things you will see and do. I really can’t recommend it enough, and wish I could go back and do it again.
Applications are open! 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) (edit)
Italian American? All Expenses Paid Trip to Italy with The National Italian American Foundation
Italian American but have never traveled to Italy?
If so, you are eligible to apply for a two week, all expenses paid discovery trip to Italy.
The purpose of this program is to strengthen the Italian American identity by bonding young Italian-Americans to the country, culture, and heritage of Italy; to help them gain an understanding of their heritage and a pride in preserving that heritage for the next generation; and to understand the historical significance of Italy and the current contribution Italy is making to the US and the world.
The trip also offers students the opportunity to perform community service in areas of need during their stay in Italy.
Italian American students (that have never been to Italy) must be enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education in the spring 2016 semester to be eligible for consideration. In addition to spending money while in Italy, students that win the trip will only be required to pay the fee to become a member of NIAF ($25) if one of their parents is not already a member and pay a $150 non-refundable fee in order to participate in the program. Airfare between US and Italy, hotel accommodations, motorcoach transfers and escorts/tour guides when applicable will all be funded by NIAF.
The application deadline is January 31st 2016. More information can be found here.
US-UK Fulbright 2016 Summer Institutes Applications Open!
The US-UK Fulbright Commission 2016 UK Summer Institute application period is open! These summer programmes provide the opportunity for US undergraduates (aged over 18), with at least two years of undergraduate study left to complete, to come to the UK on a three,four, five or six week academic and cultural summer programme. Participants in these programmes will get the opportunity to experience an exciting academic programme at a highly regarded UK University, explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK and develop their academic ability by improving presentation, research and communication skills. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.
Theses Summer Programmes available for US students in 2016:
· AIFS Summer Institute atShakespeare’s Globe
· Durham University SummerInstitute
· King’sCollege London Summer Institute
· Queen’s UniversityBelfast Summer Institute
· Scotland Summer Institute
· Universityof Bristol Summer Institute
· Universityof Exeter Summer Institute
· Wales Summer Institute
Full details, selection criteria and application forms are available online.