To Antananarivo and Back
Alumni bio: Beau Pritchett attended KU from 1984 to 1989 as an undergraduate, and 1990 to 1993 as a graduate student. He received his B.A. in French and Anthropology, and an M.A. in French. Beau spent the 1987-88 academic year in Besançon France, and as a graduate student, spent the 1989-90 academic year on a Graduate Direct Exchange in Strasbourg, France. After graduate school he spent three and a half years in Madagascar with the Peace Corp, before returning to the University of Kansas to work in the Office of Study Abroad.
When Beau Pritchett began his academic career at the University of Kansas, he didn't know that the option to study abroad existed, and didn't plan to major in a language while at KU. After talking with a professor, and corresponding with friends that were studying abroad, he quickly realized that studying abroad was something he really wanted to do. His decision had a dramatic impact on his life. "Studying abroad opened a lot of doors for me. Essentially it has influenced every major life decision I have made since then."
While in Besançon, Beau found that his academic interests became very focused, and it became an obvious choice to continue studying French at the graduate level. "One year in France was a great experience, but I really thought a second year would help me get my French to a level I wanted. I didn't start studying French until I was 14, so I had to spend more time in France to compensate for my 'late' start of language study."
One result of Pritchett's studies in France, was an interest in learning more about Africa. "I had several African friends I had met while studying in France, and it eventually became a
goal of mine to go and learn about Africa firsthand." While back at KU finishing up his master's degree, he began to look into joining the Peace Corps, with the hope of getting a placement in Francophone Africa. He was offered a spot on a project in Madagascar, a former French colony just off the coast of Mozambique, in southern Africa. "I knew where Madagascar was on a map, but little else." He began learning Malagasy upon arrival, which was essential in being able to communicate with people outside of the major towns of Madagascar. His original two-year commitment was lengthened to three and a half years when he agreed to begin a second project involving training teachers in teaching English as a second language. "Having a master's degree in a foreign language, particularly French, was particularly useful in my work as a language teacher trainer in Madagascar."
Pritchett had a chance to lengthen his stay in Madagascar again though another agency, but declined. "I thought it might be nice to see what home was like again." Soon after his return to the United States, he heard about an opening at the KU Office of Study Abroad that sounded like a perfect fit for him. "I love KU,and working at the Office of Study Abroad seemed like an excellent tie-in to my passion for international education." Pritchett finds that the best part of his job is advising students. "Working with students, trying to find ways to help them achieve their goals is very enjoyable for me. Each student is different, so the job is challenging and very rewarding. That's what keeps me here."
Semester in Scotland
By Karmen Baldomino
Studying last semester in Stirling, Scotland allowed me not only to experience its modern culture and lifestyle, but historical heritage as well. I could not have chosen a more picturesque hailed by many as the most beautiful campus in the United Kingdom) nor resourceful campus to live than Stirling University. Amongst its 330 increage, the campus offers a magnitude of activities and sites to offer its students including a tour of its own castle, Airthrey, followed by a game of golf (if one so desires) on the course surrounding the castle. For those adventurers, how about some kayaking in the loch, or a hike up one of the campus' mountains (a great place to camp and picnic with friends at the top when weather permits). For the historical buffs, try a visit to the centuries-old standing stones located sporadically around campus (believe me, you can't miss them) or a relaxing walk through it's Celtic cemetery. For those Braveheart fans, the Wallace monument, erected in 1869, overlooks the entire campus and if one becomes inclined, a climb of its 246 steps to the top leads to mesmerizing view of the city. While in town, pay a visit to Stirling Castle, home of the Stuarts, offering sightseers a retreat into Scotland's past. Nearby, historic Edinburgh invites visitors on nightly ghost walks through the old parts of town. Further north in Angus, visit the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, otherwise
known as the creator of Peter Pan. Another must see is the Trossachs located in the Highlands offering spectacular scenic views of the lochs and mountains that compose it.
The easiest and least expensive way to travel around the UK is the rail system, which takes you to various places within the UK. While in England, be sure to visit Whitby, an old fishing village which notable people such as Captain James Cook called home and Bram Stoker lodged while writing Dracula and yes, Dracula hunts remain a common theme here. Another place to venture while in England is Leeds for some shopping and a cup of Starbuck's coffee as a nightcap.
Another inexpensive way in which I chose to travel was by joining Stirling University's mountaineer club. For a nominal fee, plus a few essentials such as hiking boots and appropriate clothing for the varied weather conditions, the club ventures to an array of attractions like the Isle of Arran. Here you can hike or climb its various mountains and valleys, camp and visit the isle's castle, Brodick, followed by a stroll through its majestic gardens.
Scotland offers a variety of attractions for those seeking adventure and a different perspective of what the world has to offer. My only regret is that I did not stay longer.
Alumni bio: Kristen Bell attended KU from 1996 to May, 2000. She graduated with a B.A. in Spanish. She participated in KU's semester program in Santiago, Spain in the Fall of 1998, and the KUI Summer Language Institute in Guadalajara, Mexico during the summer of 1999.
I am twenty-two years old, working in an 11th century Moorish castle as a Regional Program Study Abroad Coordinator in Ronda, Spain. I cross a bridge over an 80 meter gorge with an absolutely beautiful view of the sun rising over the Sierra Nevada every morning as I walk to work, and I am able to travel to any of the major cities in Andalucía on any given weekend. How did I get here? I ask myself that question every day.
I first traveled and studied abroad two years ago in Santiago de Compostela. I was a Junior, thought I wanted to go to medical school become a doctor and save the world. What did I know? I had always been interested in Spanish, the pictures of Spain were beautiful, it was only for one semester, what did I have to lose?
That semester was wonderful. I learned so much about myself, another culture; I met people from all over the world and saw sights I could never have imagined. I was like a sponge trying to soak everything in all at once. When I returned, the first question I had was, "Where am I going next?" The following summer I studied in Mexico and it was there that I decided that Spanish was definitely something I wanted to continue studying.
My sights were focused and my goal was set: I wanted to do everything I could to become fluent in the language that I so adored. And so one year later, here I am, working in Ronda and studying to improve my Spanish with the hopes of attending graduate school next year. I have never really had a set plan of what I wanted to do with my life. By studying in Santiago I found something that I liked, something that fascinated me, and something that I wanted to learn more about. And that is exactly what I am doing.
Airthrey Castle at the University of Stirling.
Jayhawks Abroad
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