McGlothlin Study Abroad Award Recipients

Study Abroad Essays

Summer 2006

By Charlotte Powers- Ireland/Italy 2006

            Being a social work and psychology major, I looked at studying abroad as an opportunity to broaden my education about individuals and cultures, hands on rather than from a text book.  While overseas I was able to escape from the “America is the best, the only country that matters” ideology and finally have other countries to compare it to. That was the thing I loved most about this program was that I got to experience not only one, but two foreign cultures that differed not only from each other, but also from the United States.  It also allowed me to see how other countries see the United States, and either integrate that into my new worldview or explain to them how it actually is. For example, one man in Ireland told me that he learned from Judge Judy that all Americans get divorced. I explained to him that actually about 51% of Americans get divorced, not all of us. He then explained to me that divorce is very uncommon in his country and that was why he had made such a rash generalization based on a TV show.

            This experience also allowed me to grow as a person in ways that I would have not been able to in the United States. I was away from the people that influence me and my thoughts the most, which allowed me a lot of time for thought and reflection. I realized that a lot of ideas that I held to be the truth were actually false and that I wasn’t the person I wanted to be, but rather what I had been molded into over the years. Now, back at home, I have challenged quite a few assumptions people had once made about me, and they are shocked that the “new Charlotte” isn’t who they thought she was. However, I have explained, to many friends, that this isn’t a new me, rather is the old me breaking out of my shell. I would have never been able to do this had it not been for this amazing experience, and I will tell anyone that they should study abroad at least once in their college career because they won’t regret it.

By Heather Jarrell- Australia 2006

            My study abroad experience consisted of spending three weeks in the beautiful country of Australia. I absolutely fell in love with the place and am already planning a visit back there in the near future. Although this trip cost quite a bit of money, with the help of my study abroad scholarship, I was able to benefit in several ways from this experience.

            It was amazing to see how another culture lives. Although there was no real language barrier their dialect was much different and sometimes hard to understand which made for an interesting experience. Australia is much like America in many ways, especially in the city, however I was able to notice how much more friendly and laid back Australians were compared to Americans. I loved getting to meet the people and learn through them rather than reading about Australians and their culture in a book. Not only was I able to learn about Australian culture, I was able to notice much more about American culture that I did not notice until I was placed within a new culture.

            Studying abroad is also very beneficial in that I was able to see much more of the country than I would have probably seen if I had visited the country on my own. We didn’t spend our time in one particular place. We traveled from Sydney to the Outback to Cairns and then back to Sydney. I was able to experience the city life, camping in the Outback, and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. I was much more open to trying new things because I knew that I most likely would never get the chance to do so again. I was able to try different types of food such as kangaroo, camel, emu, octopus, and other types of seafood. I also signed up for this trip not knowing a single person and ended up leaving with some amazing friends. I would definitely recommend studying abroad to any and every person that has a chance to participate in any study abroad program. Not only do you get to experience another culture and country but you get class credit for doing so.

By Rachel Nuffer- Greece 2006

My Study Abroad Experience in Greece

            Because I’ve never been to a foreign country before, this trip benefited me greatly.  As soon as we arrived in Athens, I could tell that the culture was going to be a lot different from American culture.  One of the very first things that I noticed about Greeks was that they don’t think staring is rude at all. Usually in America if you catch someone staring at you they turn away, but in Greece they just keep staring.  While we were on the way to our hotel I could see that even driving was different, because even though there are lines on the road, people don’t always stay within them. I don’t think I would ever want to drive in Greece.  Going to Greece taught me so much about how other cultures are different than my own, in both good and bad ways.

            One part of their culture that I really liked was that the cafes stay open so late just because people are still there.  In America, restaurants and bars close at a set time, whether you want to stay or not.  In Greece, it’s like people are so much more laid back and take more time to just hang out, unlike in the States where everything is rushed.  There were some times though, when I wanted my food a little faster than the waiters wanted to bring it.  I didn’t like how I couldn’t get free refills and I had to pay for the bread.  I guess it doesn’t matter to the Greeks because they are used to it, but it seems like it’s weird to them if you order another coke. One coke just isn’t enough for us I guess. 

            Another aspect of the Greek culture that was very unusual to me was that Greek guys are so forward.  Most guys said things like “beautiful eyes, beautiful hair, and I love you,” and sometimes that was all the English they knew.  It was hilarious when they made the kissing sound because you would never see that in America.  The guys will say exactly what they feel, and to be honest it was a little freaky and I got pretty sick of it by the end of the trip. 

            When I got to Greece I expected to hear techno music for some reason, but that was never the case.  Every club or “disco” that we went to, all we heard was either American music or Greek music and I actually heard one café playing Johnny Cash.  I was somewhat disappointed about the music because we wanted to hear Greek music being that we were in Greece, but if we came into a café they would turn on American music.  It’s funny because some Greek people can by really rude to Americans and say that they don’t like us, but then they listen to our music and rely on us as tourists to buy their stuff.  Whenever I had to ask how to get somewhere or how much something was, I felt like I was being annoying or that they didn’t really want to answer me.  You would think they would want to be nice to us, considering that we contribute to their economy, but I don’t think they see it that way. There were some times that I just wanted to walk out and not buy anything because of how rude some of the store owners were.  

            One thing that really amazed me about Greece was the showers.  I thought that the hotel had made a mistake when I walked in my bathroom and saw no shower curtain, but a lot of the hotels were the same way.  I didn’t really like flooding the bathroom and spraying the walls, but I couldn’t help it with there being no shower curtain.  At first I didn’t really like having to put my toilet paper in the trash can instead of flushing it, and sometimes I forgot to, but after a while I got used to it.  Also, I thought it was weird how in some public bathrooms we had to leave a tip for the woman sitting at the door just because she folded up a piece of toilet paper for us.  If the bathrooms had been really clean or something I would’ve felt more inclined to tip her, but they were never clean.        

            My experience with Greek food was both good and bad.  I soon realized that food in America is not the same in Greece, even though it sounds the same, like hamburgers for example.  If you ask for a hamburger in Greece all you get is a patty on a plate with no bun.  After I realized this I always asked what food looked like or what was on it before I ordered, because I knew it would turn out totally different then what I thought.  Spaghetti was like that also, because it was much sweeter and sometimes they didn’t put sauce or anything on it, which I didn’t like.  I did find out that I love feta cheese on practically everything, especially tomatoes.  Another thing about Greek food is that they don’t really have breakfast like we do in America.  I love my bacon and eggs but usually all we ate in Greece was bread and butter for breakfast, with the exception of a few places.  The orange juice was not the best because it was sourer than I’m used to.

My experience in Greece benefited me greatly because I learned more than I ever could’ve learned just by sitting in a classroom.  I loved seeing a totally different culture than my own and it made me want to travel even more.  Seeing all the sites was very cool to me because I’m very interested in archaeology and have never been to a place that has so much history.  You can see pictures of Greece but it’s nothing like being there, and I would’ve stayed longer if I could’ve.  This trip showed me that there is a whole world out there to see and I will definitely be traveling more in the future. Greece was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.

Rebecca Nuffer- Greece 2006

The trip to Greece affected me in many different ways and my overall impression of Greece as a good one. When we first arrived in Athens, it seemed like just another dirty city like those in the U.S. and I wondered what could possibly be so fascinating about it, but when we hiked up to the Acropolis I realized how much history was behind the city and the entire country. Before the trip I had always known about the ancient ruins such and the Parthenon, but I never realized exactly how much the Greeks shaped so many aspects of human civilization from our language and culture to our buildings. I also had no idea the size and complexity of so many of the structures that we visited, including the size, weight, and height of the structures and exactly how they built them. The site at Knossos, for example, was amazing due to the fact that it was once five stories high and covered six acres. It is still hard for me to fathom exactly how structures such as these were built in ancient times without the technology available today. Another thing that helped me realize how Greeks shaped my history was the visit Olympia. Seeing the track where the Olympic Games began and the other places the athletes competed was so interesting because those same games have lasted from 777 BCE to current times. It shows that without Greek inventions and culture, the world would be completely different, we would talk different, have different sports if any, think differently about the origin of our existence, and have different designs for buildings and houses. When we visited the sites at Corinth and the Agora where Socrates actually taught his students, I was amazed that I was standing in the same place where some of the most historical events and people had been. Being at the exact site where John the Baptist was thought to have preached to the Corinthians was unbelievable because I had heard that story and read it in the Bible several times. Besides the historical sites, the people of Greece also left a big impression on me. Most of the Greeks I met were very kind and willing to help me when I needed to find something or if I was lost. When I met some who didn’t speak much English, which was rare, they were very eager to learn some English so they could communicate with me. I was very impressed at how the older women wear black to mourn the death of a loved one and also when they are widowed to show respect for the deceased. A lot of the Greek men were a little too forward for me, especially in Athens, but after I got used to the comments I realized its just their way of expressing how they feel and it was usually harmless. The food didn’t impress me as much as the sites and the people of Greece. I ended up liking the Greek salads after I got used to them without dressing, and I loved the different bread dips, but the breakfasts were hard for me to get used to. Once our group discovered pitas, we all fell in love with them and probably ate them about three times a day. Most all of the restaurants were amazing, especially the Italian restaurants, but the service in many places was very slow which definitely taught me to have some patience and not be in such a hurry. Some of my favorite parts of the trip were the beaches, which were so fun and beautiful. Several beaches were very secluded with hardly any tourists and it seemed that we had the whole beach to ourselves. Other beaches, such as the one at Iraklion, were much more crowded with people playing soccer and music everywhere. I loved observing how the Greek people our age act and interact with each other and I wasn’t surprised to see that they are so much like us. The discos were also very fun even though there weren’t many people our age because it isn’t tourist season yet. I was surprised to learn that they play so much American music because before I came I thought that I would hear nothing but Greek music. After I talked to some Greeks, I learned that American music is pretty popular and they know a lot about American musicians and celebrities. When I asked, however, which music they liked better between American and Greek, they definitely liked Greek better. I began to realize also that American movies are basically the only movies that they watch in the theatres which helped me see how much bigger the U.S. is compared to Greece and why Greece doesn’t have their own movie production companies and abilities to produce the mass amounts of entertainment that the U.S. does. Throughout the entire trip, I learned so much about the country and about my country, and what I love and dislike about America. Everyday I learned something new and saw sites that I thought I would never get to see. The people in our group were also amazing and they made the trip that much better, we all got along so well and I made a lot of new friends. Since this trip was so awesome, I as well as others from our group have already talked about traveling more next year in different areas of Europe. Without having gone on this trip to Greece, I would have never thought I would be able to travel anywhere over seas and am very happy that I got to experience it. Greece is one of the countries with the most history that a person could see in only three weeks time and it really opened my eyes as to why we do what we do today and how it all began. Every part of the trip was awesome and I never thought I could learn that much about art history, Greek people, the culture, the food, and the geography that I learned in those three weeks.

Debra Kearns- Greece 2006

            There are no words to describe my experience studying abroad in Greece this past summer.  Simply put, I had the best time of my life.  As I prepared for my summer abroad experience I was somewhat unsure of what to expect.  I anticipated seeing some amazing archeological sites and learning a great deal about the Greek culture, however, I had no clue that I would have the experience of a lifetime.

            Immersed in the customs and traditions of the country I saw life in a way I never knew possible.  This trip opened my eyes to various lifestyles other than my own.  Having grown up in the same area my entire life, it was an amazing experience to witness a different way of life.  Through this I learned a great deal about myself and became much more excepting of others routines and traditions.   

            While traveling throughout Greece we visited the famous sites such as the Parthenon, Olympia, and Mycenae to name a few.  What I enjoyed most however, was the opportunity to visit several less known sites that a typical tourist would probably miss.  While traveling with a group we were able to view some amazing works of art and some landscapes that I now believe to be the prettiest in the world. 

            As a Special Education student I took this class simply as an added elective.  Having a very little background in art history I was somewhat apprehensive about the material we would be learning.  The pre-departure lectures helped me feel confident that I would catch on quickly and eased my fear.  As a future teacher I feel that this trip benefited me in that it broadened my perspective on diversity.  While most students on the trip were art history majors I feel that this trip is beneficial to all students. 

            In the end I was not ready to leave Greece.  The food was absolutely amazing, the people were very friendly, and the scenery was breathtaking.  I truly believe that I learned more in the three weeks I studied abroad than I have in some classes.  I strongly recommend studying abroad in Greece and can only hope that I will sometime be given the opportunity to return to the country that I fell in love with. 

Heather Rose- Scotland/England 2006

I had an amazing experience in Scotland and England. I liked Scotland the most and I think that I learned a great deal from that country. Our tour guide, Jenny, definitely made the trip valuable and meaningful. I learned why stairs go up clockwise for protection and that railings were curved for the ladies hoopskirts.

The landscape was wonderful and I wish it would look just a beautiful in pictures as it did in person. As a group, we saw so many castles and abbeys; it was almost too quick to take in. Even the restaurants and pubs were a different experience. I thought it was much more efficient with the tip and tax included in the price. It was nice to know what the exact price was going to be and to have the money ready when the bill came.

It was pretty easy to get used to the currency. I did notice that when I came back to England, a couple of businesses did not really like the fact that I had Bank of Scotland bills but it was accepted. Some of the English don’t like the Scottish, and vice versa, from the centuries of conflict and war that they have had. I became well-acquainted with all the transportation in Europe; it was my first time using a taxi, bus, and double-decker bus. I also flew in an international plane and rode a train for the first time.

London had glorious buildings and outstanding architecture. They had very nice markets that sold fresh meat and fruit as well as markets that sold clothes and other items. Two of the best markets there were Camden and Portabella Market.

York was a very quaint, small town that offered many friendly faces. It seemed to be the perfect place to step back into history; it did not look like it had ever changed from how it was in the earlier centuries. Our guide was also very nice to us and very knowledgeable about the city’s history. Going to the York Minister was breathtaking and I learned a great deal from the tour. I did not really understand the meaning behind stained glass and the designs until then; it made me truly appreciate the men and women that thought of the ideas and created the projects which took years and years to finish.

The weather took a while to get use to because it was very random. The first couple of days were extremely hot and then it started to cool off a little. I did not really get to experience the typical cold, rainy weather of England and Scotland because we were there during the heat wave. It did take me a while to get use to the timing of the sunrise and the sunset compared to Virginia. Most of the time the sun rose at five a.m. and set around ten p.m. Jenny told us that during the winter it was the opposite and there was only about six hours of sun a day.

I learned to pay attention to my surroundings a lot better. I do not know how many times I got lost trying to find something that was within a five mile radius of my destination. I am very glad that I purchased a London and Edinburgh guide before I left and it was also very helpful to get free maps of the cities when we went to each of the hotels. Later on, I became decent at being able to navigate around the city by using the bus routes and the city map that I had. Living in the country, I did like the convenience of that walking a couple of blocks to a store or internet café at any time of the day.

Overall, I had an exceptional time and will always treasure the memories of being there. Even if I do return to Scotland of England, the memories that I had experienced this summer will always be the best.

Heather Rose

Scholarship Recipient for Scotland/England Trip

Jenny Williams- Malawi 2006

            It seems impossible to summarize my experiences and memories from Malawi into one page—it has been difficult for me to speak about my time there as well because I know that my words and photographs will never be able to adequately paint a picture of how amazing my time there truly was.  If I had to narrow down the ways this trip most affected me they would include my realization of what it is like to be in the minority and to be misunderstood, a better understanding of the importance of ensuring that the basic human needs discussed by Abraham Maslow are met, recognition of how “easy” I have it (as an American citizen from an upper-middle class white family), and a better understanding of true love.

            Until this study abroad trip I could not have honestly said that I have ever felt like I did not belong or fit into my surroundings.  I had never been to a place where I truly felt that I stood out among all others.  I have to say that the most challenging cultural difference was the language barrier.  Though I did my best to learn bits and pieces of Chichewa, the language spoken in the southern part of Malawi, it was still obvious that I did not really know what I was saying.  It is the first time that I had been to a country where people did not speak English as their primary language.  This barrier made me realize how difficult it must be for non-English speaking families coming to the United States from other countries, and how horribly difficult it must be for students in our schools who are trying to understand content in English when they do not even understand the language itself.  I was also reminded how students with learning disabilities may feel when teachers are introducing content but they just cannot quite grasp the concept. 

            I witnessed first hand the poverty in a third world country and the many forms in which it presents itself.  I saw hungry children who walk to school in unbearable heat everyday and who also do not have access to safe water to quench their thirst.  I breathed in the same air as the people of Malawi which contains pollutants from open air fires containing plastic and other trash.  Maslow would note this as a lack of physiological needs, which are certainly the strongest of one’s needs.  The safety needs of females are not always met as they are at risk of being raped or sexually abused which is a contributor for the wide spread of HIV/AIDS.  Females also do not achieve a sense of self-worth and belonging due to their families “selling them off” into marriage and childbirth at young ages; this practice decreases their opportunities to fulfill vocational and professional dreams because they are often pulled out of school.  Due to circumstances like these the people of Malawi struggle every day to get by.  It made me realize how insignificant things such as political power, higher education, or big bank accounts are, and should be, to some people of Malawi when so many of their people need more fundamental things like food, water, and security.  The same is true for many rural areas in the United States. 

            This trip made me realize how easy I have it.  I am a citizen of the most influential country in the world.  I cannot recall a time when my needs have not been met as well as the majority of my wants.  While in Malawi I discovered many things that I take for granted every day.  I would have never thought to be thankful for a glass of Brita filtered tap water with ice, water pressure while in the shower (or the presence of water when you turn on the faucet!), fabric softener, quilted toilet paper, vegetables and fruit, boneless/skinless chicken breasts, walking downtown after the sun goes down, free public education, and getting college degrees in my native language.  I need to be more appreciative of what I would have considered, up until my trip to Malawi, the simple things in life.       

            Lastly, one of the most important things that were reintroduced to me was true love.  As silly as it sounds I fell in love with many people on this trip, primarily the 60 students in my class at Malemia Village School.  I was with them for a little under two weeks for about four hours a day yet my first day in the classroom was like visiting with old friends.  I did not know their histories or their preferences.  I did not know what they did after school each day.  And they did not know anything about me but they were so welcoming and so happy that I was there.  They made me feel good just because I walked into the classroom.  Each of their personalities was so different and great.  The students in my class were a beautiful group of people, in every way possible, with such happiness and hope.  On my last day there I was filled with so much emotion because I felt like I was leaving behind a part of me at that school.  Walking away from Malemia made me understand how in such a short amount of time, I had developed the purest love for the people of Malawi.  When you feel that type of bond and love it is a wonderful and promising feeling. 

            My study abroad experience has been the greatest adventure of my life thus far.  I gained so much from being there and I only hope that I left them a portion of what they have given to me.  I truly hope that Radford University continues to support a study abroad site in Malawi so that others can have the same type of rewarding experience. 

Elaine Fenwick- Scotland/England 2006                                                                                                                 

Study Abroad, how I benefited

I have been very fortunate by being able to go on the summer study abroad trip through Radford.  I have been doubly fortunate by having received a scholarship to be applied to the cost of the trip.  Being able to go back overseas was like going home.

            I spent my childhood in Germany, and traveled extensively over Europe while I was there.  Having lived in Europe and the United States, I can say that there is a different taste in the air.  Things are done differently over there, but even the air is different.  I like it. 

            Going to London was like going back to where I grew up as a child.  It smelled like a European city; which in many ways signals home to me.  Also, going back to London was letting me complete a life dream that I had.  When I was 11 years old I visited London and I wanted to climb to the tops of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  I was only able to make it halfway to the top when I had to turn around and go back to meet my parents.  Going back to London, I was able to fulfill my dream of climbing to the top! 

            My trip also went to Scotland.  I think of any of the places I’ve ever traveled to, I love Scotland the best!  I learned a bit about my family clan, and was able to view places that I could only dream about.  When I got home, my aunt said, “Because of your new found love of the highlands, I’m entrusting this complete copy of the works of Robert Burns.”  I was so thrilled!  The book was a family heirloom, and is over 150 years old. 

            Being in the city of York reminded me a lot of my family.  Our walking tour guide reminded me of my grandfather.  The tour guide in York Minster reminded me of my grandmother.  The Shambles reminded me of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.  York is such a beautiful city! 

            When I applied for this scholarship, I made the point of being able to see England through the eyes of an adult rather than a child.  Being able to go back and see what I’ve seen before at an older age has given me the opportunity to really examine what I was really looking at all those years ago.  It has really given me the opportunity to soak in the true significance of what each building or artifact represented.  Especially by coming back to this country with a better understanding of the different periods in their history, I have enjoyed it even more. 

            If it hadn’t been for the RU study abroad program, it would have been probably another 10 years before I would have been able to take this trip.  It would have been a shame if I had to wait that long to go back to England.  It would have been a double shame because I probably would not have gone to Scotland.  You know, I’ve decided that I’m going to go back to Scotland two years after I graduate.  Now I know the places to go and where to stay!  This is a huge benefit!        

Joseph Anderson- Malawi 2006

The ability to go on the Malawi, Africa study abroad will be extremely influential on my future career and me as a person and a rising professional.  Teaching English and literacy to a classroom of students with limited English language proficiency in an extremely poor school gave me a unique opportunity that could not be experienced in America.  As an undergraduate elementary education major, the ability to teach students of various cultures was a huge plus.  Being able to use what I have learned from the study abroad program will help my future development as a teacher.  My experiences have given me a foundation through which I will bring resources and unique perspectives to my classroom during discussions and activities with the children.  Also, they have improved my understanding of what the term “culturally responsive curriculum” actually means. 

            The greatest personal impact of the trip came from the bonds that are formed with the other students and the realization of the actual purpose of the trip.  After being abroad for a week I began to realize that the benefits from the trip was not going to be based on merely being in Malawi, but what I actually did while I was there.  Having the chance to impact the lives of people half way around the world and left me with a great sense of accomplishment.  This was a unique opportunity to develop creative strategies as a future teacher.  When I was placed in a classroom that paper and pencils were difficult to find, I learned ways to make up for the lack of available supplies.  This created an entirely new appreciation for the way of life here in the US where we can get anything at pretty much any time.  The skills and memories that I have gained through the study abroad program will be remembered and enhance my perspective on life for a very long time to come.

Laura Pynn- Germany 2006

Dear Mr. McGlothlin,

    I would like to thank you so much for awarding me a $500 scholarship to study abroad. I really needed the money and it came in very handy as it was a little more expensive in Europe than I had anticipated. Thank you for starting this foundation.

    I had a really good time studying in Kassel, Germany. I had a good match for a host lady and the town of Kassel was just paradise. It had an efficient tram system to get around the city and all necessities were within walking distance. The University did a good job of keeping us all together on planned trips to Berlin and to the Buchenwald Concentration camp and Weimar. They also did a good job of planning afternoon outings and get-togethers. The RU students were well-behaved and did attend classes.

    The one most astounding thing I took away from Europe was their commitment to sustainability. I understand it is an EU initiative, but the way that the Germans embraced this initiative was remarkable. They truly recycle everything and it was nothing to see someone bringing a big basket of glass bottles on the tram to return them to the store of purchase. There were recycling boxes everywhere and we were charged a fund to get a bottle of anything, even a cup of coffee. No one balks about having to pay an extra Euro for the bottle because they know they will return the bottle. I wonder if Americans would be so willing to fork over an extra buck for the bottle. The German local government highly discourages cars because their tram system is so efficient; but as the Germans get more affluent, the more cars are on the road and it is becoming a problem for them. Most stores have already converted to wind power and some are converting to either wind or solar. They are studying the thermal impact of concrete and ways to preserve the heat that concrete puts out.

    I am extremely interested in sustainable management practices and I wish to share my knowledge with an American corporation to bring it in line with the EU initiative. We all need to be on board to protect our planet and to limit our impact on the environment.  I truly believe that our energy practices are adversely affecting our climate. Global warming is not just a theory of the tree huggers as I had once supposed.

    Thank you again for giving me this award and I can tell you I am a changed person for studying abroad. It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much more than if I had just taken a summer school class. It is one thing to read it in a book. It is quite another thing to see it in practice. Sustainability will stay with me always.

Sincerely,

Laura J. Pynn

Kristen Segui- Greece 2006

            Having the opportunity to study abroad this May was an experience I will always treasure.  I gained knowledge and a new appreciation for art history, a subject I didn’t know much about prior to the trip.  It is easy to learn about these remarkable feats of man kind, but actually standing in front of something like the Parthenon was indescribable.

            The Greek people we’re welcoming, friendly, and made delicious food! One of my fondest memories of the trip was talking to these high school students aboard the ferry to Aegina.  We talked about everything from school to music, and they taught us how to do Greek dancing right there atop the ferry boat.

Greece is a unique country where history and mythology came alive.  The combination of the mountains, hills, and sea made for commanding views.  It was as if the scenery from a postcard and the stories from a mythology class all came alive.

I learned that living in a different culture was a little bit of give and take. I of course missed flushing toilet paper down the toilet but I also grew to love eating gyros.  It took some time to get used to not carrying around a cell phone, but it was freeing not being annoying by the constant ringing. It was a good time to be out of touch with the US and in touch with the experience.  It was difficult to walk around and not know where you are going, but equally exciting at the same time. 

Having the opportunity to explore another culture was beneficial and the most important part of my college experience.  Spending time in Greece was more rewarding than any classroom lecture I’ve ever taken part of.  I came back a different person with priceless, unforgettable memories. I left Dulles expecting to meet new people and instead made 23 new best friends; I left home with an open mind and returned with a full heart.

Patricia Barth- Singapore  2006

My decision to study abroad with Radford University was one of the smartest decisions I have made in my academic career. In the past I always dismissed the idea of studying abroad, mostly due to financial constraints and lack of interest on my part.  However, when my Graduate program offered a three-credit course on Intercultural communication in Southeast Asia, I could not ignore this opportunity.  Even after making the decision to study abroad, I still had no idea what an amazing experience this trip would be.

            First, I benefited from this trip by earning three credits towards my Graduate Degree with Radford University.  These credits were earned in an environment and through experiences that cannot be achieved in a classroom.  I was able to learn about other cultures by seeing them firsthand and living in these countries for a short time.

            I also feel that traveling abroad will benefit me not only academically, but professionally.  I was able to meet several professionals on this trip and gain some great contacts.  This will no doubt help me with my future endeavors and is encouraging for a soon-to-be college graduate such as myself.

            Aside from the academic and career benefits, studying abroad has also proven to be very personally beneficial to me.  For instance, I experienced a great deal of personal growth because of the trip.  Traveling abroad, especially backpacking, teaches you a great deal about yourself.  Your strengths, weaknesses, abilities, fears, and true personality traits are exposed.

            Another personal benefit of studying abroad for me was the friendships I made.  I not only became great friends with my fellow Radford University students but with many of the locals of the countries I was traveling in and other travelers from all over the world.  These invaluable and diverse friendships could not have been achieved without studying abroad.

            When I reflect back on my study abroad experience my thoughts are flooded with good memories.  This experience has taught me not only what one would expect to learn from a three credit course but so much more.  I gained priceless knowledge about other cultures, professional contacts, personal growth, and priceless friendships.

Jessica Stone- Singapore 2006

I never imagined myself backpacking through five countries in Southeast Asia but it was an experience of a lifetime.    

We started our trip in Singapore and then made our way through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.  As the trip progressed, we traveled deeper in Asia and life turned less and less Americanized.  I benefited from this trip in ways that I cannot describe.  I know this trip has made a major impact on my life and I will never forget it.

On the surface everything is different in Southeast Asia.  The weather is extremely hot and humid; the driving is crazy and at times resembles a NASCAR race. The people speak different languages, and sometimes you have to pay to use the bathroom.  I learned how to appreciate cultures that are different from mine. I gained a worldview on life and got the opportunity to see how other countries and cultures viewed Americans. I learned how to observe people with an open mind without passing judgment and  

One of the most eye-opening experiences of the trip was a train ride from Taman Negara, the oldest jungle in the world, to Thailand.  We rode with Malaysian workers, schoolchildren, and local people who were traveling.  This train ride showed me how people really live in the country of Malaysia.  It was a long train ride due the numerous stops but we saw the houses, schools, and livestock of the Malaysian people.  During this long, hot, and bug-infested ride I realized how much of my life I take for granted.  Air conditioning, personal transportation, and clean running water were just a few examples that came to my mind at the time.  It made me appreciate the things I have and I realized how lucky I am to have the life I do.

I benefited and learned the most in Thailand.  The people were extremely friendly and willing to explain their culture to you.  The King of Thailand is the most loved and respected figure in the country.  A woman at one of our Public Relations meetings told us the life story of the King which explained why the Thai people thought so highly of him.  It was truly moving to see her get emotional over the King and it showed me that the love and respect for the King is sincere.  The concept of a king is very different from how we run our government here in America.  Speaking with people of Thailand really helped me open my eyes and truly understand and appreciate why their King is so important to them.

I discovered that the best way to grow and learn about yourself and others is to get out of your “comfort zone” and explore. I benefited most from the places that made me uncomfortable at first and I had to adjust my thoughts and actions. 

One of my favorite destinations was Siem Reap, Cambodia. We visited a “lost” city of ancient religious temples that was absolutely breathtaking. The most noted temple was Angkor Wat which is the largest religious monument in the world.  Outside the amazing temples were Cambodian people and children selling tee-shirts, books, and souvenirs.  They were selling tee-shirts for $3.00 and sets of 20 bamboo bracelets for $1.00.  They did not hesitate to ask you to buy something and some children follow us as we walked around. 

This experience made me appreciate my childhood.  It was difficult to see young children selling books and souvenirs for a dollar when they did not even have shoes on their own feet.  They were smart children who spoke good English and could name the capital and the President of the United States.  They had learned these facts to impress tourists in hopes of selling something.  Though at times it was frustrating because they were very persistent I respected them for doing what they have to do to survive.  The Cambodian people are recovering from civil war and genocide; they live in a poor country that is finally reaching some political stability and deserve much more respect than they are given.

The hardest place that we visited was the World War II Museum in Vietnam.  I was exposed to another perspective of WWII and saw first hand the hardships that people went through.  People from all over the world signed and wrote comments in a guestbook at the museum. There were many comments in the guestbook and some were very negative comments about the United and States and President Bush.  I read what other people thought of Americans and it was informative and helped me gain a somewhat objective perspective of our country and the actions we take.  It was informative to get unbiased view on Americans and see what other people though of us and our actions.

I am so thankful to have received the McGlothlin Scholarship to study abroad this summer.  The scholarship allowed me to enjoy my time abroad and also helped me stay in Southeast Asia for an additional week and experience Cambodia and Vietnam. This trip was the most amazing experience of my life and I cannot wait to go back.  I know I will return to some of the same places again in my life and I cannot to wait to see how they have changed and grown.  

Jennifer Orrock- Spain 2006

    My study abroad experience consisted of spending six amazing weeks in Spain; four in Madrid and two in El Puerto de Santa Maria. Throughout the six weeks we traveled to numerous other places within Spain; everywhere we went was very different and it was very interesting to see these differences within such close locations. The cultures, dialects, traditions and many other aspects of every day life appeared to be different.

    Before I left for Spain, I hadn't been really open to new experiences and was very judgmental about other cultures and customs. I feel that this experience to Spain helped open my mind to other cultures and not be as stereotypical about these other cultures or even other people. During our classes we would often discuss the many stereotypes that Americans had for the Spanish people, the Spanish way of life, and Spanish traditions, and vice versa; most turning out to be just that, stereotypes.

    By actually submerging myself into another culture, I was forced to open my mind to new ideas and new customs. I am so glad that I had this opportunity to experience something different. I learned to be open to trying new things, especially food. I also learned the fun in spontaneity. We took a few spontaneous day trips, as well as weekend trips to places that weren't on the schedule. I am so glad we had the freedom to get out and experience the culture and the country on our own because I know I would have regretted not taking advantage of these opportunities. The biggest benefit is the fact that I am now comfortable speaking to native speakers in Spanish. Before this trip I wouldn't speak outside of class, but now I like to try to speak it whenever I have an opportunity.

    I had an amazing time and I definitely recommend studying abroad to all students. I would not have traded this opportunity for anything. I learned a lot about other cultures and customs, as well as a lot about myself.

Christy Jackson- Singapore 2006

My study abroad experience was truly a remarkable event. Seeing a culture that was so different from what I was used to truly opened my eyes. I am now acutely aware that Americans are not the only inhabitants of the Earth. Seeing another culture, while it definitely caused me to recognize differences, also caused me to realize basic similarities. People are just people. Regardless of whether or not they live in America or Asia or wherever, it appears we all have the same basic desires and needs. Everyone wants to be happy, healthy, and to live up to their individual definition of success. However, I would be lying if I said that this trip didn’t help me to realize that some cultures definitely have an advantage in achieving these things. Seeing the women in Bangkok who are willing to sell themselves to try to help meet their families’ most basic needs most definitely gave me reason for pause. For me, an outsider, the whole idea of this seemed outlandish. However, to those living there, it was nothing more than a normal, yet sad, part of their reality.

 Traveling to Southeast Asia has definitely sparked my desire for more international travel and I look forward to my next destination.

Jennifer Schanz- Malawi

I do not think I could list all of the ways that I benefited from studying abroad.  When my friends and family ask me about Malawi, I try to give as many details as possible, but I know that I will never be able to fully explain to them the impact it had on me.  Teaching the children in the primary school definitely opened my eyes to international education.  As a future teacher, it was great for me to see how other students learn, the school atmosphere, as well as how the teachers went about preparing and teaching a lesson.  The children in Malawi are precious, and they will forever be in my heart.  I will never forget how excited they were to see simple classroom supplies, such as crayons and markers.  In my future classroom, I will definitely use what I learned in Malawi.  I hope I can portray to my future students at least some of the many things I learned while studying abroad.

  One thing that still amazes me to this day is how grateful and content the people of Malawi are with the things they have.  Seeing their daily lives reiterated to me how blessed I am with all that I have.  When you study abroad in a poor, third-world country, you come back realizing that you have everything you need, and you do not have to struggle to find the basic needs that will help you to survive to the next day. 

            I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad.  Learning different aspects of another culture was just amazing to me.  I loved being there, and I loved the whole experience.  As I said before, I do not think I will ever be able to fully explain the impact Malawi had on me.  I will always remember their friendly faces, their wonderful smiles, and their kind spirits.  Without having this experience, I would not have been familiar at all with any sort of international education, which I think is a huge bonus to have knowledge of, especially in the teaching field.        

Sonia Ait Oumeziane- France

I first want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience a wonderful study abroad trip. I benefited so much from studying in France. My French became so much better because it was spoken all day in school  and outside in the street. I experienced the different culture, and life of the French people.  The food , he music, the politics, and even the people were new for me. I loved  seeing super small cars everyday, and  eating French bread for lunch and dinner. I felt like I was from a different world. I was always be amazed to learn new things about the French culture.  I made so many friends over in France, and we still keep in touch through internet and phone. They showed me around and thought me a lot about their culture, but they were always astonished when they found out that we, Americans didn’t have the same everyday life like the French. They always imagined Americans to be big powerful, people. Of course I made it clear that we have a powerful military, but we’re ordinary people.

 I never thought that  the French can be so much different than Americans. Never the less,  this whole trip made me appreciate the United States, its people, and culture. I knew that I lived  in a country of opportunities but I never really knew how much it meant to me until I traveled to France and I met people from there. We have such a  unique style of life, clothing, and food. I noticed that our clothing fashion was different, and out food was not the same as well.  I noticed that customer service didn’t play a big role in France, but it’s very important in the U.S. in almost every businesses.

The school system in France is also a big experienced benefit that I gained knowledge of. I had class from 8:30 am to about 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. I’m not used to attending class that often, usually it’s twice or three times a week, but I guess the French school system does it differently. The homework is not as important as it is in our school system. Throughout my experience that homework is very beneficial because it helps understand the material, but the French don’t really care about it that much, and it’s not assigned very often.

I just want to say that I don’t regret going on this trip at all. Not only I traveled overseas, but I got to study there and experience life there just like the French do. It’s an experience that I would recommend for anyone to do. I can’t wait to graduate in two years and apply my experience to my job. it is a dream of mine to become an ambassador for the state department and studying abroad helped my motivation to reach my goal. Thank you again for giving me the chance for such an experience.

Frank Leighton- Malawi

When I reflect back to actually being in Malawi this summer, I think about how improbable and lucky I was to be able to participate in this study abroad in Africa, with many fashions of it continuing to feel like just yesterday or a dream.

I remember looking out the bus window as we initially traveled from Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, to Zomba, the small town near were we would be teaching, thinking I couldn’t be half a world away from my home of southwest Virginia and in one of the most poverty stricken areas of the world. The vehicle check points along the road. The many dirt roads. The small villages dotted with thatch-roofed homes. The hundreds of people walking along the roadside as darkness approached with no visible sign of lighting ahead for them. No, I couldn’t be in Africa. Even a couple weeks later as we rode both boats and jeeps thru a wildlife reserve at Mvuu, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys only yards away, I again felt this surrealism as the sun slowly set, leaving an awesome display of color in the sky. And looking back at the breathtaking views at a waterfall near Mt. Mulanje and the clearness of the nighttime sky sitting on the beach at Lake Malawi shortly before we left, I again questioned could I really be in Africa?

Walking through the crowded third-world downtown market of Zomba, the reality of being in Africa and how blessed we in the US actually are started to become very visible and real as people approached trying to sell EVERYTHING: fresh fruits and vegetables, fabric, wood carvings, hand-made tin buckets, and animals, from “live” chickens to pieces of what I assumed to be goat meat, with the pungent smell of fish prevalent all around. Inside one of the local fabric shops, I looked up above the entrance and spied a design on some material, feeling my stomach knot and my breath dissipate as I shockingly saw fabric etched with a print of Bin Laden and the Towers burning in the background visibly displayed. Outside the few small grocery stores that existed, there was always a crowd of people and small children begging for money as we bought safe water to drink. As I now walked these dirt streets, I definitely knew now I wasn’t in America.  

But each morning as I got off the bus at Malemia, the school were I taught and helped while in Malawi, the most awesome feelings in the world began. The kids would come running across the barren dusty schoolyard to greet us as the bus approached, their excitement and chants filling the air. They walked with us to their classrooms, a somewhat challenging task as they surrounded us, asking questions, giving greetings, and many just wanting to walk hand-in-hand with us. When we finally neared the classroom door, every child quickly made their way into the room and found their seat, rising in unison with huge smiling faces and anticipating eyes as we entered the room, being greeted with the words, “Hello Sir (or Madame). How are you today?” I was so unprepared for this and to have students bow on a knee before me as they presented their assignments and tussled to see who could get their work graded first. As lessons were taught, their attentiveness was not distracted by having over sixty plus students in the classroom, without electricity, running water, or lunches, blackboards marred and next to impossible to read, and only about 10-11 textbooks for all to share. The low literacy rate of the boys and especially the girls (less than 50%), the near 10% reported cases of HIV and AIDS, and the overall poverty of these kids and their families (Malawi being one of the poorest countries in Africa and the world) was not seen in the faces of these kids as they eagerly sat and thirsted to learn. As we played and danced with them in the schoolyard, it became apparent that these children did not know what possessions they did NOT have but instead were proud of their own riches, as they came to school each day, barefooted wearing their often stained uniforms. The only exception to this lack of having material possessions may have been on Monday’s and Thursday’s, porridge days, when they each received a cup of the boiled cereal mixture, a time when I think many displayed signs of true hunger.

Though we tried to do many things for these children and their schools, teaching, leaving books and supplies, painting blackboards, etc., I don’t think there was, or ever will be, anyway I could ever return to them the blessings and value of time and experiences I gained from the unselfish students, teachers, and people I met and worked with in Malawi. I hope to share these experiences with “my” future students and hope to return to Malawi someday to renew the friendships and again help these kids and their schools.       

John Fornecker- Spain

I spent 10 weeks in Spain, exploring different cities, learning a new language, meeting people from all over the world, living on the beach, living in a huge European city, eating new foods, watching Italy win the World Cup, seeing a bull fight, seeing a flamenco, seeing many famous artists, such as the work of Picasso, visiting huge cathedrals, shopping in marketplaces, seeing the tomb of Christopher Columbus and much much more. 

Spain opened my eyes to so many new things I did not even think I would enjoy.  Futbol is a new interest of mine.  I was lucky to be in Barcelona with my friends when Barcelona won the European championship.  I didn’t know the Spanish were such fanatics for futbol. 

I spent eight weeks of my time in Madrid.  Madrid gave me a new confidence I don’t think you can get until you live in a huge city.  I had many obstacles to overcome while in Madrid.  However with time I was able to understand more of the culture in Spain.  This city helped me realize so much about myself and about people from a different place.

We saw many other cities in Spain, from the north in Barcelona, to the south in El Puerto de Santa Maria, to the east in Alicante and all the way to the west in Salamanca.  Barcelona has the most stunning buildings, designed by Gaudi.  El Puerto de Santa Maria has the friendliest people.  Salamanca is home to the oldest University in Spain.  Alicante offers the best beaches.  Those are only a few cities I was fortunate enough to see. 

The most important thing I will take away from this experience is my new found love to travel.  It was a memorable experience that I wish I could have done earlier in my college career.  Who knows maybe I would have done more study abroads programs.  Now I know traveling will be a big part in my future. 

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