Liberal Arts Voices

Read the perspectives of our current students

Fulbright Week: April 11-15

by

The University Fellowships Office is hosting Fulbright Week (April 11 through April 15). Each day, events are scheduled to share information about various types of grants offered through the Fulbright U.S. Student program. These opportunities are available in over 100 different countries and are available to U.S. citizens to begin after they graduate, as alumni, or as current graduate students.
Learn more about Fulbright Foundation opportunities:
  • Study Grants
  • Research
  • Teach English
  • Schuman
  • National
  • Geographic
  • UK Summer
  • Institute
  • STEM Canada
Schedule of Events:
Monday April 11
11:00 am–1:00 pm HUB Commons
Information table

Tuesday April 12
5:00 pm–6:00 pm Simmons Hall Piano Lounge
Information session with Dr. Tanya Furman

Wednesday April 13
12:30 pm–1:30 pm 233b HUB
Presentation on scholarship opportunities and conversation with Penn State Fulbright students

Thursday April 14
2:00 pm–4:00 pm 212 Boucke
Drop-in info session
4:00 pm–5:30 pm 410 Boucke
Meet and Greet: Penn State Fulbright students and alumni (Collaboration with Global Programs)

Friday April 15
11:00 am–1:00 pm 212 Boucke
Plan your application with Fellowships Office staff (information and assistance)

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Patterson, Madrid, Spain

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Content contributed by Kelesy Patterson, English and Spanish Major.

25257460813_9a97c629bf_o

I chose the IES Abroad Madrid program. I knew I wanted to study in Spain because of my Spanish major, but beyond that I had to narrow down where I wanted to study. There are many options to choose from, but eventually I chose Madrid. It’s a big city with a diverse blend of cultures and I knew I would never be bored. Also, with its location in the center of the country, it would be easy to explore the rest of the great country.     

I chose to go abroad in the Spring semester, the fall semester holds many events that are near and dear to my heart. Of course there are the football games that I never like to miss, but many opportunities to meet new members of my clubs and organizations also occur during this semester. Even more exciting, I never like to miss a canning trip for Thon! If you add in the fact that the weather will improve during your time abroad, doing a spring semester was a no-brainer!       

One of the most memorable moments that I had in Madrid was when I was able to take part in a ground intercambio, where a few other American students and I joined up with Spanish students from all around Madrid. Each Tuesday we would talk about a variety of topics, sometimes political and sometimes just silly things. We were able to learn about differences in our cultures, and even teach the Spanish students about ours. Half of the hour was in Spanish, the other half in English, this way both halves of the room could work on their skills.                  

My career goals have always been to work in editing and writing, so when people would ask why I had my Spanish major the answer has always been that I would like to improve my language skills as much as I can. Of course, living in Spain for four months improved my Spanish greatly. It’s a far cry from fluency, but I would be more secure in using Spanish in an office environment with what I’ve learned now.    

The College of the Liberal Arts supported me, as I received Enrichment Funding, as well as money from the Spanish Department.

My advice to students planning on going abroad is: 1.) Don’t upgrade your phone before you leave! The newest iPhones are big targets for pick pockets. If you have an upgrade before you leave, save it for the end of your travels or let a family member use it.2.) Likewise, don’t keep valuables in the back pockets of your pants or bookbags. They’re also easy targets for pick pockets. 3.) If it’s an option, always stay with a host family. Always always always! 4.) There is free wifi in McDonalds, Starbucks, and tourist offices. If you don’t have data (don’t get data) then be sure to always know where one of those are! 5.) If someone comes up to you asking for you to sign or read a random plea for aide, quickly rebuff them and walk away. 6.) If you’re walking to your art class and there are a ton of police blocking a major street in town, don’t just assume it’s something boring. Ask a police officer; they’re nice. If could be that the president of Colombia is coming to visit, and if you stay five more minutes you can see him drive by! Your art professor will understand.

5304150566_a1475d4287_o

And lastly, Challenge Yourself. Always try something new, consider a fresh take on an old idea, quiet those fears and anxieties in your head. Of course, stay level-headed and logical. Don’t do something stupid! But leave room for spontaneity and rushed decisions. Book a six-hour bus ride to Sevilla the day before it leaves just because you want to. Try the food at the restaurant that the waiter won’t explain because he fears you’ll not want to eat it if he does (you’ll think it’s blood sausage, you’re right). One day, walk across the city instead of taking the metro. Your feet will survive, and you’ll be better for it. Climb the Eiffel Tower in the face of your fears. I promise, you won’t fall over the edge.

In Spain I was able to take more courses that focused on different subject matter than I am used to. For example, I took two art history courses when I had previously taken none. It was necessary for me to pay attention to and remember hard facts, and to analyze more than the books I was used to, helped me to move beyond my literature background. Not to mention, taking a class in a world-renowned art museum twice a week was nothing to scoff at, either. Being able to see famous pieces of art in the flesh, in an environment suited for them, is something I will rarely be able to replicate. It also improved my ability to listen and comprehend Spanish in a more natural environment (with more background noise and less chances to think up answers).

For spring break, I decided to travel alone. Of course, it took a little bit of persuading for my parents, but eventually I planned a 12-day trip that took me from Madrid to Paris to London, by myself. My first night in Paris, my flight in had already been delayed an hour, it was stressful trying to get to my hostel, and the language barrier was already freaking me out. Not the best start! Eventually I checked in, dropped off my bags, and decided that since the Eiffel Tower was within walking distance, I would just walk. The weather was turning a bit dreary, but I persisted. As I walked north towards the tower, I began to see hints of it peek over the rooftops of the tall buildings around me. As I got closer, the hints got bigger.

Suddenly, I was out of streets and the Champ de Mars was right in front of me. Behind it, the Eiffel Tower. All of the build up had led to me seeing one of the most beautiful monuments of the world, and something I have wanted to see in person for years and years. Now, originally I was just going to take pictures of it. Mainly because I have an extreme fear of heights. But as I stood there, taking it all in, I thought of how completely stupid it was to come all that way and not do one of the biggest attractions just because of a little fear. Once I saw the small line to buy tickets, I knew I had to do it.

4829850431_27d51bdff8_o

Of course, my fear didn’t diminish in the twenty minutes it took for me to wait in line, not even in the five additional minutes it took for me to get to the second level (which was as high as I wanted to go), but I survived. Obviously. It was an hour and some minutes of me being absolutely terrified of the heights, but also completely awe-struck by the city laid out in front of me. I even got to experience the tower twinkling for five, horrifying, minutes. It was nice–once.

When I finally descended back to safe earth, I had been on the tower for over an hour, and it was pushing eleven at night. I hadn’t eaten since a sandwich in the airport for lunch, but I was barely even hungry. I was too excited! Already I had done so much on my vacation, and there was still so much yet to do! Along with that, I had conquered (kind of) one fear, and had reaffirmed that I could totally spend those days on my own. Although the day hadn’t started out the best, it ended perfectly.

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: Maddison Rhoa, Galway, Ireland

by

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. 

299012110_29babb9c22_o

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.

2471315117_7b49394eb2_o

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: Matthew Body, Nanjing, China

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and content contributed by Matthew Body, studying Labor and Employment Relations, after he returned from the Embedded Course he took in Nanjing, China last Maymester. 

MBODY2

I was extremely fortunate to be a part of The School of Labor and Employment Relations’ pilot study abroad program in the Spring of 2015.  I enrolled in, “”LER 497G: “”Managing Human Resources in China”” which took place during the 2015 Maymester.

If you are interested in international business, China is an excellent place to start because of the scale of their economy.  Along with attending lectures at the Nanjing University Business School, our group toured four companies in entirely different industries which gave us a taste of what it’s like to work, and do business in China.

MBODY1

It is important to note that I had never previously left the country and it was not until one of my mentors and my student services coordinator both convinced me this trip was going to be huge for me both professionally and personally.  This was the chance of a lifetime for me to travel to another country with support from my university and earn credits directly related to my career trajectory.

The course was during the Maymester 2015, and it was perfect!  We were in China for about two weeks directly after the Spring Semester ended, and we were back in time to pursue various internships.

I would like to eventually work for a large multinational corporation. This trip opened my eyes to the possibility of living abroad and building an understanding of another world.  Traveling to China has helped to build my awareness as well as my appreciation for the perspective of others.  Living in a foreign country is like putting your life on a more challenging setting, which I think anyone can benefit from if they fully embrace the opportunity.          

MBODY3   

I was very fortunate to gain support through Enrichment Funding, the LER School, and Alumni from my program and the Office of Global Programs.  Penn State is an extremely generous University in terms of investing into their student’s future.  The money is available, you just need to make your case known and ask.

I continuously find myself referencing something back to an event from my trip.  Your study abroad will be an adventure you will never forget.  Wherever you go, immerse yourself in the culture.  Only eat the food you don’t understand and always use chopsticks.  Make new friends and build relationships with people whom you would otherwise never meet.  Don’t use your phone (except to take pictures of course).

I would tell any student who is thinking about studying abroad to DO IT!  How many students have you met that studied abroad and advised others not to go afterward?  It’s a life changing experience for all and I would not have traded it for anything.  Every student wants to study abroad for their own reasons but it will change you for the better, no matter how many hurdles you have to jump to actually get there.  Definitely the cherry-on-top of my college experience.

Earning academic credits in another country while having them relate directly to my career path is a platform that not every university offers. Living in another part of the world gives you an appreciation for other cultures, a dynamic that cannot be gained by staying in your comfort zone.  Also, simply being able to connect with students who attend school in another country makes you appreciate the volume of educational opportunities available in the United States.

MBODY

All the food was phenomenal (eel, frog, birds on a stick, and all kids of noodles).  Being in a foreign country like China makes you appreciate many things you do have back home like non-censored internet, having siblings, air quality, etc. It depends on where you go but getting to view the world from a different perspective is an incredible blessing.                                                                                             

 

United Kingdom Week Events and Activities

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Sponsored by the University Fellowships Office

 Events are open to all Penn State students

Learn more about opportunities to study in the U.K. including:

  • Rhodes
  • Marshall
  • Fulbright
  • Mitchell
  • Gates Cambridge
  • NIH-OxCam Scholars
  • St. Andrews Society

Events:

Monday March 28th

11:00 am – 1:00 pm in the HUB Commons

  • Information table

Tuesday March 29th 

7:45 pm – 8:30 pm in Atherton Hall C-9

  • Information session featuring Dr. Song Tan & Dean Chris Brady

Wednesday March 30th

11:00 am – 1:00 pm in 233b HUB

  • Presentation on scholarship opportunities and discussion with Penn State students on fellowships in the UK

Thursday March 31st

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in 212 Boucke

  • Drop-in info session

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in 410 Boucke

  • Panel “Studying and Living in the U.K.” (In collaboration with the University Office of Global Programs)
  • Tea and snacks with U.K. students and Penn State students who have studied in the U.K.

Friday April 1st

11:00 am – 1:00 pm in 212 Boucke

  • Plan your application with Fellowships Office staff information and assistance

Student Spotlight: Brisa Marie Smith Flores, Seville, Spain

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and content contributed by Brisa Marie Smith Flores, last spring while completing her semester in Spain.

Rabat, Morocco-Brisa Marie Smith Flores, Spring 2015-CIEE Seville, Spain

Brisa Marie Smith Flores, triple majoring in Art History, History, and Global and International Studies with minors in Latin American Studies, Latino Studies and African American Studies, spent last spring in Seville, Spain.  Read more about Brisa’s experience below!

What is unique about this program, CIEE- International Business and Culture program in Sevilla, Spain, and more specifically CIEE is the ability to really create and customize your study abroad experience. Through this program I am able to participate in many excursions to other countries and cities such as Rabat, Morocco, and Cadiz, Spain. In addition to the trips, CIEE IBCP students also have the opportunity to find internships and interact with companies while abroad if you so choose. The staff and faculty are extremely helpful and open to ideas, which was extremely important to me because I am not a business major, I am more interested in the culture and language. This type of openness allowed me to volunteer at local schools and teach English to primary and secondary school age students. This interaction alone not only helped me with my language skill but also gave be a completely different understanding about the Spanish culture, education system and family structure. It is amazing. Essentially anything you can dream of can be found here. In fact the first month I was here, I participated in Silk Aerobics course!

Barcelona, Spain-Brisa Marie Smith Flores, Spring 2015-CIEE Seville, Spain

 

I teach 16, 15, and 11 year old students in English Conversations, I also tutoring English outside of the school. I also have the opportunity to work with one of my professors abroad with developing an international sports conference that will be held in the next two years.

Barcelona Spain, Brisa Marie Smith Flores, Spring 2015-CIEE Seville, Spain in ChefchauonI am still trying to find what I want to “be when I grow up” but study abroad has changed how I view my future. Before studying abroad I thought living abroad was strictly a retirement goal, however now that I am here I really love it! I hope to work in a Latin American country in the near future. In fact because of my abroad experience and desire to go to graduate school, I am not preparing to apply for Fulbright Scholar fellowship. I was extremely unaware of the types of opportunities and jobs that are available to some one who can speak more than one language and now I feel an entire new world full of diverse and different opportunities has opened up to me.

I will say academically it has been a little challenging because the grade system is a little different in Spain. Although the work is not difficult the grading is. However this style of grading has really caused me to focus on my language skills and helped me advance quicker than my peers.

Brisa Marie Smith Flores, Spring 2015-CIEE Seville, Spain in Granada, Spain As a student of color studying abroad meant something completely different to me compared to my peers. I had the opportunity to no longer feel like the minority, here I am able to speak my mother language and have my religious and cultural beliefs celebrated and respected. Instead of learning about a completely new culture, I was able to understand, that my culture is actually not all that much different to others. Abroad I have felt accepted and included and I have grown to gain pride in who I am culturally. Similarly our trip to Morocco for many was a completely new and unfamiliar culture but to the few Muslim students abroad with me, it served to be a liberating and self-assuring experience that may not be readily available in our hometowns. In conclusion studying abroad did not necessarily change how I view the world but instead reinforced the beauty in individuality that is not always celebrated in the United States.

Interested in studying abroad next Spring 2017? 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)

Summer Enrichment Funds – Applications Open

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Are you participating in an internship, study abroad, or research experience this summer? Looking for funds to support your enrichment experience?

Apply for Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds!

Please note that we have 2 deadlines for summer 2016:

  • Priority Deadline: May 1, 2016. Full consideration will be given to applications received by the priority deadline. Applications received after will be considered on a funds-available basis.
  • Final Deadline: June 1, 2016. We will NOT be able to accept summer applications after the June 1 final deadline this semester because of the switch to Lion Path.

Because the summer semester is often unique compared to the fall and spring, we have developed some important summer FAQs all applicants and award recipients need to know.

Visit the College of the Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds website for general guidelines, application instructions and requirements, and the link to the online application system.

97% of applicants last academic year received an enrichment award. Don’t hesitate to submit your application today!

Summer Enrichment Funds Awarding FAQs You Need to Know

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Summer is typically the time of year we see the most Liberal Arts students participating in internships and study abroad experiences. In the Career Enrichment Network, we love to see the types of enrichment activities in which our students participate, almost as much as we enjoy providing funding to help make those experiences more affordable.

We have a general list of enrichment funding FAQs on our website to assist applicants. But because the summer semester is often unique compared to the fall and spring, we wanted to clarify some specific questions we tend to see in the summer.

Here are some important summer FAQs you need to know:

Q: Are there application deadlines for the summer?

A: Yes! We have 2 application deadlines this summer. Our priority application deadline is May 1, 2016. Full consideration will be given to applications received by the priority deadline. Applications received after will be considered on a funds-available basis. The FINAL summer application deadline is June 1, 2016. Applications received after the June 1 deadline will NOT be considered for funding.

Q: Does it matter how many credits I am registered for in the summer?

A: Yes, it absolutely does! This part is really important: all our awards are processed through your student bursar account, SO the number of credits for which you are registered in the summer may impact the disbursement of your award – even if the Penn State courses you are taking have nothing to do with your enrichment experience!

You can still receive enrichment funds in the summer if you are registered for fewer than 12 credits, or even if you are not taking any courses! But there may be things you need to do to help facilitate the disbursement of your award. Here are a few things you should do:

  1. If you will be in part-time status in the summer, you need to declare your part-time status indicator in eLion in order to receive your award.
  2. If you decide to drop a class in the summer, even if the class is not related to your enrichment experience, you should contact the Career Enrichment Network (lanetwork@psu.edu or 814-865-1070) immediately. Changing your number of credits (e.g. from 6 to 3 credits) may impact the disbursement of your award.
  3. If you decide to withdraw from your summer classes, you need to contact the Career Enrichment Network immediately (lanetwork@psu.edu or 814-865-1070)! You might have realized those on-line classes you thought you could take in addition to your internship are just too much. But withdrawing from your summer courses will most definitely impact your summer award. Contact our office immediately and we will see what options we have to disburse your award.

Q: Why has my award not been disbursed?

A: This is where things can get complicated! Here are a few scenarios:

  1. Are you registered for Penn State credits in multiple summer sessions? If so, your summer award will disburse on the first day of the last summer session for which you are registered (unless your award is posted after this date) – even if the course for which you are registered does not relate to your enrichment experience.
  2. Have you changed the number of credits for which you are registered in the summer? Read through the previous Q&A to see the details on this one.
  3. Did we ask you to write a thank you letter? If you were asked to write a thank you letter to the donors responsible for your award, you need to submit the letter by the deadline indicated in your initial email notification.

Please make sure to view our website for other important enrichment funding information and FAQs. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Student Spotlight: Alice Greider, Rabat, Morocco

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Photos and content contributed by Alice Greider.

IMGP0296Alice Greider, double majoring in International Politics, and Global and International Studies with a minor in French, spent last summer in Rabat, Morocco. Read more about Alice’s experience below!

I studied in Rabat, Morocco with the IES: Francophone Studies program during the summer of 2015. I wanted to improve my French more than anything, but did not want to study in France. Morocco offered me much more on a cultural scale than France could have done. I got to experience Ramadan, living in an Islamic culture in general, learn a bit of Arabic, experience an entirely new geography, and witness a scale of poverty among Morocco’s poor that was truly shocking. I chose Morocco over France because I wanted to pick a country where the experience of studying and living there would be entirely different from the experience a tourist would get visiting on vacation. The aim is not to be a tourist the entire semester, but to live like a local as much as possible and really integrate into society and learn what ordinary life is like there. I went to Morocco to better my French, when people asked me why, I answered, “Because it’s not France.” Morocco would challenge me more and studying and living there would open me up to more than I would get by just visiting as a tourist.       

IMGP1267    

I chose to study during the summer of 2015, mostly because I have another study abroad trip lined up for spring 2016 so this was the only free time I had. I worked jobs back home for my first summer and thought the whole time about how I wanted to improve my French through immersion in a foreign country during the next summer. However, I would encourage people to study abroad earlier in their college career because your junior and senior year are vital times for leadership positions, research opportunities, thesis work, and to take those classes you’ve only just discovered. Studying abroad earlier also leaves you more room if you discover you want to use your experience to shape your academic or professional career more.

We got to do some volunteering in Rabat that I really enjoyed. First we took plastic bags down to the beach to pick up trash. It was so nice to get calls from males that weren’t cat-calls, but calls of thanks. Multiple people came up to us and thanked us directly, and one bloke even asked if he could help as well. A few people out rightly asked why we were doing this, confused as to why American students would be cleaning up a tiny beach in Morocco. My favorite though was the entire class of schoolboys who swarmed around us and each picked up a few bits of trash to put in our bag on their way leaving the beach.

IMGP1075Then a few days later we went to the Moroccans equivalent of a soup kitchen that makes and serves an iftar (the meal that breaks the Ramadan fast) for those who are homeless or who cannot afford a large iftar. We helped prepare food and set the tables for 144 people. Each table had to be set with dishes, glasses, milk, yogurt, orange juice, a hunk of bread, and napkins, and then we prepared all the plates (with a wedge of cheese, egg, dates, shebeka, those bread cake things, and meat pitas) and bowls of harira soup and set them at each spot in time for everyone to come rushing in. We helped everyone cram into a seat, made sure everyone was taking their fair share, and then went around with tea and coffee at the end. Everyone was very appreciative and thanked up in a variety of languages. However I think that this association has lots of groups come and volunteer for them so the recipients were more used to foreigners helping here. I was in my element because it was essentially a more chaotic and less structured version of the restaurants I work in at home, so it was a brief gap of familiarity for me.

IMGP1583IMGP1338I really enjoyed the fact that we had the opportunity to give back to Rabat a little. People appreciate benevolence anywhere you are, and it was refreshing to be the ones giving; when you’re away from home in a strange place the hospitality of where you’re staying gives so much to you. And it just reminded me that there is need everywhere in the world. While volun-tourism isn’t exactly the most helpful thing for a place sometimes, there is never a time when you shouldn’t be looking to help people. However, it was mostly just nice to be showing people a good and giving image of Americans. I study diplomacy, but I’m convinced that no matter what relations are like between governments and heads of state, the real international relations is between the everyday citizens.

I study international politics primarily and want to work for the UN, the EU, or an international organization, so French, and hopefully one day Arabic, will be vital for me in my career, hence my determination to improve it in the first place. I also will benefit from my broader perspective into a Muslim country and the workings of North African politics, history, and the particular place they are in regarding the European Refugee and Migrant Crisis. I received Enrichment Funding which I used to help pay for my flight.

IMGP0682

My French improved by leaps and bounds, particularly on the more practical side of explaining future plans, describing events, and expressing emotions and needs. My other classes, taught in French, also helped quite a bit. My Politics of North Africa class gave me insight into the unique history and colonial experience of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and I’m using concepts I learned in my Sociology of Migration class in my thesis research already.

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: Jamie Quail, Perth, Australia

by

Posted By: Career Enrichment Network

Jamie Quail, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Inquiry, spent last spring in Perth, Australia. Read more about Jamie’s experience below!

This pair of bronze kangaroos are a feature of Stirling Garden in Perth, Western Australia.

This pair of bronze kangaroos are a feature of Stirling Garden in Perth, Western Australia.

The program that I went on was, CIEE Perth Arts & Sciences in Western Australia. I chose this location because Australia is a place I figured I would never travel to on my own time, like I would with European countries. Perth is known for its environmentally conscious lifestyle and sunny weather, two characteristics I cherish about places I live. This program included many activities that allowed me to experience the natural beauty of Australia as well as immerse me in the new culture, so my transition into a new lifestyle was smooth and exciting. I was also attracted to the types of courses (units) available for me to study at Murdoch University, especially the Sustainability courses that I couldn’t find at Penn State. And the highlight of choosing Murdoch has been the Northwest Trip that they offer to study abroad and exchange students that consists of camping for 10 days while visiting amazing sites such as Coral Bay and the Ningaloo Reef, Monkey Mia, and Karijini National Park – all at an amazing cost.

I chose the first semester (second semester for Penn State) because I had a prior commitment to TA at Penn State the previous semester. Some of the classes I wanted to take at Murdoch were also only available during this semester, so that made the choice very easy. I participate in the Buddy Program Murdoch set up between local students and study abroad students which has connected me to Australian culture in a fun and enjoyable way.               

My career goal is to become a licensed counseling psychologist as well as an environmental advocate. My experience abroad has most influenced my environmental advocacy goals by offering me hands on experience with sustainability projects in a place (Western Australia) where many sustainability efforts are being made. I hope to one day own my own Wellness Centre and the experience of me studying abroad on my own has helped me to become more independent and financially responsible, two major characteristic necessary for opening my own business.

3205585171_29f13867a9_oI received Enrichment Funds from the College of Liberal Arts which helped me pay for school supplies such as textbooks and an extra course. My Academic Adviser has helped me determine what courses will transfer back to Penn State which was extremely stress-free and informative.

My advice (to students considering study abroad) would be to spend a lot of time researching your options and really consider the atmosphere of the university you’ll be studying at. I would have liked less of a laid back academic atmosphere that Murdoch offers and my accommodation didn’t really immerse me enough with Australians as I would have liked. Also Perth is very far from other Australian cities so I wasn’t able to explore Sydney or Melbourne. So look into what programs meet your academic needs first, then what programs have the best trips and proximity to other amazing cities.

Academically, Australia is very laid back. You have your unit (class) once a week usually and have very few assignments making each assignment/exam worth most of your grade. This kind of learning style has me doing a lot of work on my own, especially a lot of reading, and has taught me to keep up with each lesson and manage my time better. The Northwest Trip has been the most incredible experience of this entire journey because it provided me with experiences that I could only have in Australia. I snorkeled with sea turtles, reef sharks, and 12 foot manta rays, camped out in Karijini National Park and swam in natural gorges that most Australians won’t even see themselves. I met students from all over the world including Germany, Denmark, Canada, and Japan, and connected with them on our love for nature and new experiences.

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)

Skip to toolbar