Meghan Swallow [right] and fellow students experiencing the snow in Siena, Italy.
LESSON'S LEARNED
Meghan Swallow studied abroad in the Humanities and Western Civilizations program in Spring 2005. She wrote this article on the plane on her way home from her experience.
This trip has taught me a lot about myself, and even how I relate to others. I think that, although hard at times, I learned most importantly how independent I am and that I can be ok just about anywhere and it is also nice to be able to depend on others.
- Sometimes it is just better to go with the flow, and wandering at large always leads to an adventure. Strangers can turn out to be some of the most interesting people to come into your life, and that the best times are with those new people in new places.
- I learned that doing something on your own can be scary, but that it broadens your horizons more than you can imagine. It was the best thing I have ever done.
- I learned that you can eat great food that is actually healthy-and doesn't include things like Doritos.
- I learned that dinner can sometimes last over 3 hours, and even then asking for your check can initiate a surprised response.
- I learned why Europeans think Americans are always rushing around - because we are. Europeans take time to really enjoy life.
- I learned that it is great to experience something so polar opposite of what you are used to,and feel like you are in another world.
- I have learned that art history is truly one of my greatest passions, and I could walk around the Musee D'Orsay everyday for the rest of my life. (I think I went to the Louvre and D'Orsay at least 5 times each).
- I have learned that sitting on the Champs-de-Mar ith friends and watching the Eiffel Tower light up the first 5 minutes of every hour is possibly one of the coolest experiences I will ever have.
- I have learned that walking everywhere is something Americans don't do enough of, and that it is the best way to learn and appreciate your surroundings.
- I learned that my favorite excursions were not to the tourist trap cities, but to the tiny towns with tons of character and overwhelmingly friendly people. My fondest memories are of our weekend trips to tiny Giverny and Saint Malo, France.
But the most important thing I have learned is that the world is too big and amazing to not explore, and I am very lucky for getting the opportunity to see many different parts of it.
Give something back . . .
Volunteering while you are studying abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in your new host culture and see things from a different point of view. You have a chance to meet new people and leave a lasting imprint on your host community. Opportunities are abundant and usually advertised on campus or through special programs. You only have to ask. Below are a few of the volunteer experiences KU students have had while studying abroad.
Jeff Baumert and Lawrence Settles volunteered with Habitat for Humanity building houses for local people while studying in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Jessica Arthur who studied in Madrid Spain volunteered at an after-school program for children who were learning English. She found out about the opportunity on a bulletin board of "things to do in your spare time." Jessica said, "I loved volunteering with the kids, I think they helped me more with my Spanish than I did with their English, though."
Children at an afterschool program in Madrid, Spain Submitted by Jessica Arthur.
Brittany Simon volunteered for the National Association of Hospital and Community while studying in London, England.
Kate Morrand also helped tutor children learning English while studying in Angers, France. She learned about the opportunity through one of her French instructors at the university in Angers. "Language is definitely a bridge and I think the mere fact that I was interested in learning their language gave them a sense of pride. Working with kids is especially rewarding and an excellent opportunity to enhance your language skills because children are not afraid to correct your mistakes."
Jackie Miller took part in the Elementary School Visit program at Deakin University in Australia.
Amber Webb volunteered for The Phuket Project for tsumani relief in Thailand for about three weeks. She found out about the opportunity while studying abroad in Naples, Italy.
The Denmark International Study (DIS) program has announced opportunities for students studying abroad in Denmark, such as volunteering at a center for asylum seekers, an organization for mentally-impaired persons, a youth club, a leadership seminar, and other sites.
Lindsey Black helped clean up the 2002 Prestige oil spill off the northwest coast of Spain while studying at Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Remember, volunteering can make a big impact on you as well as those you help.
GAINING NEW PERSPECTIVES Justin Waters studied abroad at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea in Fall 2004
I started preparing six months before leaving for South Korea. During this time, I applied for scholarships, completed forms, and met with advisors. The help I received from the Office of Study Abroad made me feel more comfortable and confident during the process. Other than Mexico, I have never left the US. I chose to study a semester in South Korea because I wanted to learn more about East Asian culture for future business.
Justin Waters & friends in Suwon, South Korea.
I studied at Ajou University in the city of Suwon, which is 40 minutes by bus from the country capital Seoul. Seoul is huge, and there are so many things to do and see there. Suwon had great natural beauty and many historic sites. Nearby I relaxed in natural hot springs, hiked rocky mountains, and traveled to offshore islands. The dormitory I stayed in was filled with other foreign students from all around the world, two from the US. We would stay up late and spend time together, walk the streets, try new food, and play games. I gained new perspectives I never imagined before, found a new love for my country, and became more aware of global problems. I even learned how to read and speak Korean with no former knowledge before. I took international business classes taught in English, joined a tennis club, and participated in the International Food Festival where I made hot dogs and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. South Korea has huge malls with all types of cool technology.
South Korea has many tall compact buildings built very close to one another. At night, the streets are filled with lights, and sidewalks are lined with Korean food vendors. Some times the subways get very full and you feel like a sardine. The buses too are dense, people need to stand and hold on to handles to keep from falling as the drivers make quick stops and turn sharply. The people are very friendly and eager to speak to you so they can show off their English skills. The Korean students pay close attention to detail and study very late in the night. The food was very spicy and I enjoyed trying all the varieties. My favorite was kimpop, which is rice, eggs, and vegetables rolled up in dried seaweed. They also serve a spicy pickled cabbage called kimchi with every meal.
In addition to new experiences with food, transportation being an international student, I learned intercultural skills like, in Korea, there are more than five ways to say hello to someone. I enjoyed my semester in South Korea and will never forget the time there.
JAYHAWKS ABROAD
FALL 2005
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