At the end of this semester I am faced with a dilemma. I want the next week and few days that I have left at Lehigh to go by quickly because I am tired of school work and studying. At the same time, I don’t want this time to go by quickly because I have friends who are graduating, I will be moving out of my sorority house for good, and I will be a senior (SCARY!).
Despite the fact that I am scared to end my third year as an undergraduate, I am excited for summer. I will be traveling to Italy for about 10 days! According to a study, young Americans see Italy as a less attractive place to study abroad and visit because of the Amanda Knox case.
I am not included in this statistic. I absolutely cannot wait to visit Italy! Because I was not able to study abroad for an extended period of time due to graduation requirements, I take vacations very seriously. I use vacation as a time to squeeze in everything sight, sound, smell, taste and experience possible. This summer I will be absorbing all that Rome, Florence and Tuscany have to offer (yes, that includes lots of gelato!).
From doing research for a previous post, I learned a lot about what I can expect to see in Italy. It is really a shame that students are shying away from this historic and culturally rich country as a study abroad option. While the study suggests that the Amanda Knox case is partly to blame for the decreased attraction to the country, it is important to remember that unknown dangers exist in all situations. Pretty much anything can happen anywhere.
Ask anyone. I am not a risk taker. There comes a point, though, where I have to weigh fear against my passions. I am passionate about traveling, learning new things through experiences and adopting aspects of different cultures into my ways of thinking and acting. I will not let fear stop me from achieving my dreams and broadening my horizons, and you shouldn’t either.
As I sit in the library avoiding one of my 15-page final papers, I am baffled that I am already faced with the end of the semester and another round of finals. When did I become an almost senior?! Where did this semester go?
As much as I am feeling sad about the departure of my junior year of college, my friends who are abroad are even more upset. Not only are they, too, going to be seniors with me, but they also are leaving the cities abroad that they have grown to love. As sad as it is to be leaving these magical cities that have opened so many doors for them, study abroad is not the end.
A recent study suggests that students who studied abroad during their undergraduate years are 15 percentage points more likely to work abroad after graduation. The link between studying abroad and working abroad was difficult to establish as an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education explained: “In other words – I surmise – students who study abroad are more likely to come from backgrounds (affluent homes, well-educated parents) that are also associated with a higher-than-average interest in working in a foreign country later in life. That means it’s hard to tell whether the former activity influenced the latter.” The study suggests that students return to the foreign cities where they participated in study abroad programs possibly due to the development of skills that are desired in that country, the student’s fascination with the culture or the return to a romantic partner.
Whatever the case may be, as those of you abroad begin preparing for your journeys home, don’t fret. This doesn’t have to be goodbye. This time away from your study abroad location can be a time of reflection and appreciation. It can help you foster a deeper love for the city you have grown to call home. This can make your return that much sweeter.
Many students and parents have the notion that study abroad is really a semester of no work and just fun. When I talked to classmates who have returned from study abroad, they always complain how hard school is. They say that they didn’t try while overseas and are now struggling with having to study and work hard in classes.
This is not to say that a semester abroad is detrimental to students; it is actually quite the opposite. A recent study from the Georgia Learning Outcomes of Students Studying Abroad Research Initiative found that students who participated in education abroad had higher graduation rates and grade point averages. Students who participated in study abroad had a graduation rate of 49 percent compared to that of 42 percent of peers who did not study abroad. Also study abroad students’ GPAs jumped from 3.24 to 3.30 upon returning to the US, but students who did not study abroad saw a GPA change from 3.03 to 3.06.
According to an article from Western Front Online, “Don Rubin, research director for the group, told Inside Higher Ed News this study is proof that international study does not hinder the academic process in any way.
“’The skeptics of study abroad have always made the argument that it is a distraction from the business of getting educated,’ he said. ‘I think if there’s one take-home message from this research as a whole, it’s that it enhances the quality of learning as reflected in things like G.P.A.’”
It seems that students return home with an improved sense of self and increased motivation. While school may be overwhelming upon return from a semester of seemingly easier work, it is apparent that students are better equipped to handle this pressure and overcome obstacles. This is shown by the improvements in GPA and higher graduation rates. While study abroad can be a semester of fun, it is also a semester of skill acquisition that can improve performance in school and everyday situations.
While France is the number four destination for U.S. students studying abroad, France is not the only place to practice or learn the French language. According to Fast Learn Language, there are 136 million French native speakers worldwide. French is the official language of countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
In Europe, French is the official language in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco. In Africa, French is the official language in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Cameroon, Mali and Rwanda (to name a few). French is also the official language of Lebanon, Haiti and Quebec, Canada.
This goes to show that French is a ubiquitous language. Even if you haven’t taken French throughout your schooling, it is possible to learn French abroad! GoAbroad has a compilation of places to learn French consisting of 182 organizations, which offer 386 language school programs.
So if you are looking to practice your French language skills (or pick some up), think outside the box! As much as I love France, studying abroad in these other places sounds just as enriching and exciting!
While in Paris last summer, my family and I tried our best to attempt the language and assimilate to the cultural practices. This meant that my usual "early bird special" dinner time had to be pushed back until 9 or 10 p.m. So late! During one of our late dinners after a day trip to Normandy, we noticed a lot of commotion on the street. The entire street was being closed off, many people were walking around and large lights were being set up to illuminate the street. During our dinner more and more people began forming a crowd in the area. We started investigating what was going on, and to our surprise, we found out that Woody Allen was shooting a movie steps from where we were eating salad with goat cheese!
The film is titled “Midnight in Paris,” and stars Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard and Carla Bruni, to name a few. The movie will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and to the general public the same day. According to an article from the Cannes Film Festival’s website, “’Midnight in Paris is a wonderful love letter to Paris,’ declared Festival director Thierry Frémaux. ‘It’s a film in which Woody Allen takes a deeper look at the issues raised in his last films: our relationship with history, art, pleasure and life. His 41st feature reveals once again his inspiration.'"
To me, Paris is the epitome of a city full of history, art, pleasure and life. As a true lover of learning, I take advantage of any opportunity to learn (even when on vacation!) One of my favorite activities in Paris was participating in a walking tour of the Latin Quarter. I loved hearing the stories (both old and new) of the streets I had been casually walking for days. Hearing these things from a native Parisian made them that much more intriguing because she was able to answer our questions and point out things that a guide book would have skipped.
I know that “Midnight in Paris” will remind me of all the fun and culturally-enriching experiences I had during my time in Paris – eating pastries, absorbing views of the beautiful architecture and gaining an appreciation for its rich history by visiting churches, museums and monuments. I am so excited to be transported back (even if only for two hours)!
Last year Megan studied abroad in France as a junior. Now as graduation is upon her, she looks back on her study abroad experience as one of the highlights of her college career. See why she liked France so much!
Christine: Why did you decide to study abroad? Megan: Study abroad is something I always knew I wanted to do as a part of my college experience. Also given my majors, GS and French, an abroad experience seemed necessary and fit right into my schedule.
Christine: Why did you pick France? Megan: I have really loved the sound of the French language and the French culture: food, music, art…because of this I started taking French in middle school and have continued my studies thus far into my college experience. Knowing the options that we available to me as a Lehigh student of French, Montpellier seemed like the best choice: smaller city, in a part of France I was unfamiliar with, with a unique and lively culture, with great universities. Montpellier seemed like a great choice for what I was looking for.
Christine: What did you enjoy most about your experience? Megan: Meeting new people from all around the world at my university and having the opportunity to travel around Europe.
Christine: Did you face any challenges (homesickness, language barriers, cultural barriers)? Megan: Yes, I did, but these challenges only enhanced my experience, allowing me grow as an academic, but also as a person. My host mother and I did not get along very well; she was a very stereotypical Parisian woman; she critiqued my lifestyle, made back handed remarks about me, and constantly debated with me. This experience only helped improve my speaking ability and challenged me to stand up for myself in another language, which is not always easy. I learned to be respectful, but to also challenge her at times. In the end I think she came to respect me more because of this.
Christine: Do you have any funny stories you want to share? Megan: My friends and I visited Paris for a weekend. Upon visiting the Arc de Triumph, which is surrounded by a massive rotary, my friends and I, not knowing that it was frowned upon, crossed the street to the monument. The police immediately confronted us, telling us that is was illegal to cross the rotary and to walk on this sacred ground. Little did we know how close we were to heading off to a night in prison. As stupid tourists we were uninformed of this and had to spend an hour explaining ourselves to the French police. We convinced them of the misunderstanding and that we were truly sorry.
Christine: What did you learn? Megan: I learned how to communicate with a variety of different people, overcoming linguist boundaries, depending on the region and generation of the people of whom I was speaking to.
It sounds like you had a great time, Megan! Thanks for your help!
Number of students who studied abroad in France during 2008/2009 academic year: 16,910
Popular cities with study abroad programs: Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Grenoble, Nice
What to see
Paris: Some of the most famous and notable tourist attractions in Paris include climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower; viewing DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum; shopping on the Champs-Elysées, where the Tour de France ends; and seeing the gargoyles on Notre Dame Cathedral from the bell tower. In between enjoying pastries, other things to do include visiting the Arc de Triomphe, viewing the stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle and taking a boat ride along the Seine.
Aix-en-Provence: In the hometown of Paul Cézanne, visitors can tour his studio and view artwork at the Altelier Cezanne. The Cathedral of the Holy Savior presents Gothic and Renaissance architecture and dates back to the fifth century. The Sextius Baths are Roman baths that now have a modern spa on site. Other ways to absorb the culture of this area include taking in an opera performance and visiting some of the outdoor markets.
Grenoble: Top attractions here include the Cathedral Notre Dame of Grenoble; La Blanche waterfall; the Vercors mountain; the Saint Laurant Church, famous for its crypt; The Museum of Grenoble, which features masterpieces of classical painting and of 19th-century painting; and the fortress Bastille.
With so much beauty and culture, it is no wonder that many students choose to come to France to study abroad. I was only here for a two-week vacation, but I absolutely fell in love with the city of Paris. Maybe you will too!
I never expected traveling to have such an impact on me. Last summer I went to Paris with my family for two weeks. When I first got there the culture shock was enormous – I felt so out of place, I thought I would never grow to like the city, let alone, love it. On the last day my entire family was so sad to be leaving the beautiful city we had so quickly grown to love. I came home passionate about Paris. My favorite bakery at home, What’s for Dessert, starting making macarons, and we started taking weekly trips there to pick up our new favorite dessert. During back-to-school shopping my mom, sister and I could not resist buying notepads and decorations featuring the Eiffel Tower from Pier 1 Imports and Target.
I came back from Spain with just as much passion. While browsing the website of Lehigh’s student newspaper, The Brown and White, I found an article about a Spanish tapas restaurant opening in Bethlehem. I am so excited to be able to feel a sense of Spanish culture in my own backyard! My study abroad trip friends and I still organize lunches and sangria get-togethers. Our two week trip had lasting effects on all of us. The individual growths we all experienced as well as our appreciation for the culture have bonded us. This culture is something we want to continue experiencing. Since it is not practical or feasible to return to Spain yet, it is exciting that we will be able to enjoy food and an atmosphere reminiscent of our trip. No matter how many times we reunite, we still laugh at the same jokes and talk about the same stories. The magic and beauty behind our trip seems to be getting more intense the further away we are from the trip.
Just days after I returned home from my study abroad trip to Seville, one of my good friends from both high school and Lehigh embarked on his semester-long study abroad program to Seville. Marco is loving his experiences abroad from living with a host family, to taking weekend trips to other European countries, to immersing himself in the history and culture of Seville. He and I sometimes chat on Facebook and talk about places we both went, experiences we both had, and how (to our surprise) the gossip and silly activities from high school Spanish class actually prepared us to live and survive in a foreign country!
Christine: Why did you decide to study abroad? Marco: I wanted to study abroad because I’ve taken Spanish for five years in high school and three years in college, and I wanted to actually try and use it. Also, there isn’t really any other time in your life when you can just go to Europe for four or five months and travel around on weekends wherever you want with your friends.
Christine: Why did you pick Spain? Marco: I picked Spain because I’ve always taken Spanish classes, so it was either Spain or somewhere that speaks English, which would be a lot more boring. Specifically I picked Seville because it’s a smaller city than Barcelona and Madrid, but it’s still decently sized with so much to do.
Christine: What have you enjoyed the most about your experience so far? Marco: I’ve enjoyed seeing all the different cultures of everywhere I’ve been. Southern Spain is so different from Madrid, which is so different from Barcelona. Also, after a trip to Paris I realized that was a completely different culture as well – just the way people interact, what they do in their spare time, as well as the different types of food they eat.
Christine: Have you faced any challenges (homesickness, language barriers, cultural barriers)? Marco: Every day at lunch and dinner the challenge I face is figuring out what I’m eating. luckily, I’ll eat anything, so I like it all. But I ask my host mom what it is, and she rattles off some Spanish name and some Spanish ingredients that I don’t know because I’ve never learned half the food words. So I just say, “Ohhh sí, sí” and eat it, clueless as to what it is. One day I looked it up afterwards – it was pig’s cheek!
Christine: Do you have any funny stories you want to share? Marco: Our orientation group taught our guide and his best friend a few things about America, like how to pound and be 'bros' so now when we see them they say (in a weird Spanish accent), “What’s up, bro?” It’s hilarious.
Christine: What have you learned? Marco: I’ve learned a lot about food; I can look at a menu now and know what everything is (quite the accomplishment since I didn’t even know the word for menu when I got here)! Also I’ve learned about the culture here: how it’s not normal to say yes please or no thank you. It’s just yes or no. When you say por favor (please) or gracias (thank you) you get weird looks. Also, when ordering at bars here, they all speak to one another with commands, which would be considered rude in the U.S.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Marco! Enjoy the rest of the semester in Seville! (Check back in a few days to read about some exciting news in Bethlehem.)
Major languages: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque)
Number of students who studied abroad in Spain during 2008/2009 academic year: 24,169
Popular cities with study abroad programs: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Granada
What to see
Madrid: The capital of Spain offers a variety of bustling plazas, museums and historical landmarks. The Paseo del Prado, Puerto del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza Oriente offer views of contemporary Spain in historical contexts. Museums display many famous masterpieces such as Vélazquez’s “Las Meninas” in El Prado Museum and Picasso’s “Guernica” in the Reina Sofia Museum. Another top attraction is the Royal Palace, the former house of the royal family that was modeled after Versailles.
Barcelona: The Plaça de Catalunya is the one of the most crowded streets and is connected to La Rambla, which is always busy with street performers and kiosks. The Cathedral is located in the heart of the city, the gothic district. The Montjuïc is a hill with many things to see from the 1929 International Exhibition and the 1992 Olympics.
Seville: One of the most famous attractions of Seville is the Plaza de Toros, the bullring. My favorite attraction in Seville was the Cathedral and Giralda tower. Another favorite activity of mine was getting lost in the gardens of the Alcazar, the royal palace. The Plaza de España in the Maria Luisa Park has many buildings from the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Flamenco shows are also popular here.
Granada: The most famous attraction here is the Alhambra, the most characteristic example of Islamic architecture in Spain. At Alhambra, Generalife was the palace of rest and boasts amazing gardens and the Albaicin neighborhood is the oldest section of Granada. Other attractions include the Cathedral and Royal Chapel and the museum Casa de los Tiros.
Spain (specifically Seville) is where I did my study abroad trip (so I may be lightly biased), but this is a country you cannot pass up!
The other day I came across an article about the benefits of travel writing for study abroad students. The article lists six reasons as to why travel writing is ideal for students abroad. The most attractive of these reasons include possible monetary compensation with a flexible schedule, writing improvements and the compilation of a portfolio or diary to remember the experiences of being abroad.
In keeping with the Italian theme, one of my sorority sisters studied abroad in Rome during the fall semester. While she was there she wrote for a newspaper in her hometown of Chicago. Although she was not paid for her weekly column, the personal benefits and improvements she experienced far outweigh any monetary compensation she could have received. Listen to hear Corielle’s experience!
Of all the people I personally know studying abroad this semester, the most number of people went to Italy. My cousin Ally (a junior at Franklin and Marshall College) and friend Aubrey (a junior at Lehigh) are both studying abroad in Florence. Here is what they have to say about their experiences so far!
Christine: Why did you decide to study abroad? Ally: I studied abroad mostly because everyone I knew who studied abroad had the time of their lives and told me it was an experience I absolutely needed to partake in. I also go to a small school (about 650 students in a grade) I love it but I wanted to get away for a semester to experience the world and meet new people. Every school structures their classes in a particular way so it’s also interesting taking classes of a different style. Aubrey: Originally, I looked into studying abroad because all three of my roommates were planning on doing it, and I didn't want to be at Lehigh by myself. I also didn't really think that I was going to be able to afford it, so originally it wasn't an option. However, after looking into it better, I realized that it was more affordable than I thought, and from that point on I knew that this was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up.
Christine: Why did you pick Italy? Ally: I chose Italy because I have been here before, and I really enjoy it. It’s very pretty and has so much to see and isn’t too far away. Also, studying anywhere in Europe is a great idea because you can do a lot of traveling at a low price. I have already been to Venice, Siena, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. The particular program I am in Italy offered classes I could take towards my major and a program at a small school (NYU Florence) that contains all American study abroad students. Aubrey: Italy is a place that I've just always wanted to go. I guess through watching movies and seeing pictures of Italy, I just fell in love with it. I've also wanted to learn Italian for a long time, but it wasn't offered in high school and isn't offered at Lehigh either, so learning it has been amazing.
Christine: What have you enjoyed about your experience so far? Ally: My experience so far has been awesome – I love meeting new people. Every time I go out I meet someone new. I also love traveling – Venice was beautiful and so was Barcelona. My good friend from school is studying in Barcelona for the semester so I got to see her. We both met in Amsterdam – we saw the Anne Frank House, the Van Gough Museum, the Heineken Brewery, and some other very unusual sights. Then, we traveled to Barcelona together, and she showed me around. The night life there is unbelievable. There are tons of bars and clubs that are literally open all night long. Aubrey: It's so hard to say what I've enjoyed the most because I have honestly enjoyed almost every single second. I've traveled a decent amount throughout Italy (I've been to Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, Verona, and Venice so far). Each and every city was amazing. I honestly cannot believe that I'm lucky enough to be experiencing so many different, yet beautiful, cities. Besides the traveling, the food, the people, and the language have all been great, as well.
Christine: Have you faced any challenges (homesickness, language barriers, cultural barriers)? Ally: There are few cultural barriers but they are very easy things to adjust to. It is a very weird feeling being so separated from life at home. I looked at the top 10 songs on iTunes the other day, and I only knew one of them! Sometimes I want to go home for a weekend to hang out with my friends but I would not call it homesick. Sometimes I crave certain foods or certain activities but there are places here where you can find American things, so it’s not an issue. Aubrey: My roommates and I faced a few language barriers when we first arrived, but besides that I, personally, haven't had any problems with things like cultural barriers or homesickness. The language barrier soon became less and less of a problem because I'm taking an intensive Italian class every day.
Christine: Do you have any funny stories to share? Ally: Well apparently I look Italian? People come up to me speaking in Italian all the time so now that I am accustomed to it I play this game where I just pretend I am Italian and understand what they’re saying then communicate by using the words that I know. I know some Italian, I learn more everyday just from being here, but sometimes I have to give in and tell them I speak English. One time two American girls who did not know Italian very well thought I was Italian. They were looking for directions and said, “Parle inglese?” (Do you speak English) I responded, “Si,” and they spoke slowly and pointed a lot. They thought I was a local. Flying with Ryanair was quite the experience. First of all they have a ridiculous carry-on weight limit. I’m not sure the exact weight, but it’s very light. So people have figured out to put on about half of the clothes they are bringing with them. Everyone is layered up. It looks so funny especially because the day I was traveling was not very cold. The people on the plane were so loud; it was louder than a public bus! They were also just hanging out in the aisles, drinking beers, and singing – at 10am. The flight attendants constantly were coming up and down the aisles handing us items like magazines then taking them back and offering items for sale. When we landed music played like at the horse races and everyone clapped and cheered. Aubrey: Most of the funny things that have happened stem from not knowing the language that well and doing the wrong thing.
Christine: What have you learned so far while abroad? Ally: I have learned to become more spontaneous and adaptable. Things happen that you just can’t control sometimes, but everything always works out. I have also learned that you have to respect other people’s cultures and not fight some of their customs, especially when you are living in their country. Even small things like not paying with a credit card or stepping aside when someone is walking down the sidewalk towards you, you need to abide by for respect reasons. It also opens you up to seeing everything from a broader perspective. A lot of times people get so caught up in their own life “bubble” that they forget how much is out there beyond it. Aubrey: I've learned that Italians are very laid-back and caring people. Everything in Italy is centered around either family, food or soccer. They are very loving and passionate people, and I think that plays a big part in why I love it here so much. I've also learned that I'm more independent than I thought I was. When put to the test, you can do almost anything on your own.
I learned from Aubrey’s Facebook that she will be home 40 days from today! Enjoy the rest of the semester girls! Thanks for letting me use the pictures :)
Number of U.S. students who studied abroad in Italy during 2008/2009 academic year: 27,362
Popular cities with study abroad programs: Rome, Florence, Torino, Siena, Venice and Milan
What to see
Rome: With so much history, art and culture in this city there are countless things to do. Some of the main attractions include the Colosseum, an amphitheater built during the Roman Empire; the Roman Forum, a valley that was used as a political and social center during the Roman Empire; the Pantheon, a Roman temple; the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spanga; the Trevi Fountain; the artwork of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, of which the ceiling was painted almost entirely by Michaelangelo; and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Florence: One of the most distinctive attractions in Florence is the Duomo, the cathedral of Florence with a dome. Near the Duomo is the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Florentine life that features sculptures such as Neptune’s Fountain and a copy of Michelangelo’s David. Another attraction is the Uffizi Gallery, which has a large collection of Renaissance art.
Torino: The site of the 2006 Olympics is home to the Mole Antonelliana, known as Italy’s Eiffel Tower. This city is full of plazas and churches. One of the more interesting churches is the Duomo di San Giovanni. The Shroud of Turin is kept on the altar of this famous church.
Siena: One of the main attractions in this medieval city is the Palazzo Pubblico and its tower. The Civic Museum houses many examples of Sienese art. Being that this city is in Tuscany, wine tours are often big attractions as well.
Venice: Famous for its canal system, Venice offers attractions such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the church bell tower Campanile and a plethora of islands. Burano, Giudecca, Lido de Venezia, Murano, San Giorgio Maggiore Island and Torcello offer cultural experiences such as glass blowing.
Milan: This city is often described as fashion-focused. Besides shopping, the center of tourist activity is the Duomo of Milan. Another famous attraction is Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper.” This can be found in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. For soccer fans, this city is the home of two teams – AC Milan and Inter.
If you aren’t sold on Italy after reading about all these historical and cultural attractions, did I mention pasta and gelato?
