All 27 members of the Santiago de Compostela study abroad group on a visit to Oviedo, Spain Submitted by Rachel Zupek.
I know I changed in Spain...
Rachel Zupek, a KU student studying for the Spring semester in Santiago de Compostela, Spain relates her experiences of studying abroad.
I compare my semester abroad to my first year of college. I left my familiar home in Iowa for a new environment, new rules, new freedoms, and new people. Only this time, my home was in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where I also had to get used to speaking a different language and living a culture completely opposite of any I had known before. Unfortunately, I didn't get four years there- I only got four months.
Global Awareness Program (GAP)
In those four months, I did things I thought I would have only dreamed of doing. I met people I never knew existed and saw countries, cities, cathedrals, monuments, paintings and museums I had only read about in books. Unfortunately, the things I did I might never get the opportunity to do again. I will probably never again see the many people from around the world I met abroad and I will never be able to convey to anyone the beauty and history of anything I saw in Europe enough to do it justice.
Those first days in Santiago, I cried at the
The Global Awareness Program (GAP) is a new program at KU that offers students a broader view of the world and recognizes undergraduates' international experiences. Students can have an international experience through study abroad, taking classes with an international focus, foreign language study, or participating in international co-curricular activities. Undergraduates in any major can earn global awareness certification. Students completing this program will have their international experience noted on their official KU academic transcript. They will also receive a certificate from the Office of International Programs.
Students who have already completed some or all of the requirements will receive retroactive credit. More than 250 students have already registered and 96 have already received their certification since the program started in Fall 2004.
sound of a familiar voice on the phone. I hated walking to school before the sun rose and returning after it had set. I not only didn't understand the Euro, I loathed it, and all I wanted was my pillow from home to rest my head after a long day. But soon, much sooner than I imagined, things started looking up. I began to meet all the people that soon became my "family" and dearest friends in my new home away from home. My tears of homesickness turned into smiles. I learned to love chorizo, paella, vino tinto and anything flavored jamón. Before I knew it, the semester was over and everyday I found myself saying "this will be the last time I do/see/hear ___." You can ask anyone on my program; I was a mess those last weeks in Santiago. Not necessarily because I didn't want to go home; because I knew that I shared something incredible with amazing people, in an amazing place and I would never be there with them again.
Jane Irungu
Fall Office hours are Monday and Wednesday 10am -12 Noon For more information about GAP contact:
GAP Coordinator
For me, studying abroad was more than conquering culture shock, sightseeing, wine tasting, living with foreigners, or trying new things. It was about personal growth and experience. It is impossible to express the anxiety, uncertainty, happiness, excitement and everything in between to anyone who hasn't studied abroad. Looking back, I know I changed in Spain, but I don't know exactly how, when, or how extreme the change was. I just know it happened. It was the experience of a lifetime, personally, and culturally, and an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
International Programs
International Programs
Strong Hall Room. 300, Tel. (785) 864-7265
gap@ku.edu
www.international.ku.edu
Fall Office hours: Every Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 12
After being back in the States for three months now, I have gotten over the culture shock of America and the excitement and anxiety of seeing all the people I missed so much throughout the semester. But, it has also begun to sink in a little bit just how great my experience was and how much I miss it. How much I miss café con leche, siestas, tapas, and my view of the cathedral from my bedroom window.
Jessica Casterline & fellow students in Santiago de Compostela with the famous cathedral in the background.
Katie Jackson and fellow students in Florence, Italy.
Have the time of your life!
Study Abroad tips from Katie Jackson
Study Abroad tips from Katie Jackson. Katie Jackson studied abroad on a student-initiated program with Drake University and the Institute of Italian Studies in Florence, Italy in 2005.
Studying abroad is one of those experiences that is indescribable. But the study abroad process can be overwhelming and everyone needs advice about how to get started and what to do when you get there.
Tips for Studying Abroad:
Getting started is the hardest part, so start your research early. Talk to a study abroad advisor, other students and search Web sites. There are many different programs out there to fit your individual needs and goals of your experience.
There is a lot of paperwork and preparation once you do chose a program. Do not put it off. The due dates will creep up on you.
Depending on your program, you may need to find your own housing. Ask your program coordinator for advice.
When you are packing, pack conservatively, but remember that you may not be able to find products that you need where you go. Be prepared for all types of weather, occasions and traveling. Pack casually for travel, you will be glad you did.
When you get there, it may be overwhelming, but immerse yourself and wander around your city to get acquainted. If your program offers activities, try to participate. Meeting new people from all over the world is an experience you will value. Try to learn about the culture of your city or country and experience the traditions of the natives.
Planning trips can be confusing. Do not worry, it will take time, buy a good travel guide and utilize the internet for cheap airfare, hostels and other travel deals. Traveling can be expensive so try to compare prices and do your research, but also remember to be safe.
The best way to communicate is by cell phone. Buy them when you get there they are incredibly cheaper than buying them in the U.S. Calling cards are also a great way to call home.
My most important goal was not to regret anything - try to take full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. Just remember that coming back will be different from the culture you were in and try to get back into a routine to get readjusted.
JAYHAWKS ABROAD
And do not forget...Have the time of your life!
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FALL 2005