Crystal Cobb

Scotland and England Study Abroad

Studying abroad was something that I really wanted to do here at Radford, but I did not think that it would be financially possible for me. However, I decided that I would probably regret missing this opportunity for a lot longer than I would regret repaying a loan. I chose to go to Scotland and England with the History and Political Science Departments and was lucky enough to get the $500 Study Abroad Scholarship through the International Education Office. Thanks to receiving the award, I was not only able to go overseas; I was actually able to participate in a lot of activities and buy a few souvenirs!

We started our trip in London, England. London is a great place to study history as well as being a good example for urban development. The majority of our Political Science experience came from here. We toured the East End of London on the hottest day in May they had in fifty years. While we were tired and a little uncomfortable, the tour was very informative. The historical places such as the Tower of London are amazing and show Americans how new our country really is.

York, England was somewhere that really did not interest me before we left for our trip, but I thought I could manage two short days there. It exceeded all my expectations. The people in York were very kind and helpful, and they put a lot of time and effort into making their attractions exciting. They are very proud of their history, and they present it in a fun way. One of the places that I visited there was the York Dungeon. This was an example of something I might have missed out on without the Study Abroad Award, and I am so glad that I went. A large group of us went to the Dungeon together, and we learned about the more gruesome (and more fun) parts of York’s history. York ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip, and I was sorry we had to leave so soon.

Scotland is amazing. We had so much fun in the city of Edinburgh, but our bus trips out to the Borders and Highlands were incredible. Learning about national heroes like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce from the locals was really interesting. We visited Melrose Abbey, the place where Robert the Bruce’s heart is buried and we stopped at Scott’s View. This is the place Sir Walter Scott liked to sit and enjoy the view, which was quite beautiful. Scotland’s history, especially in relation to England, is very interesting and it was nice to experience each side of their struggles with one another.

Knowing what I know now about study abroad, I would have been very disappointed had I not gone. This was one of the most exciting and rewarding things that I have ever done, and I learned so much without ever sitting down in a classroom environment. The experiences that I had and the new friends I made will stay with me for years to come. Due to financial aid and the study abroad award, I did not let my financial situation keep me from having this experience, and I recommend that no one allows money to be a barrier from this opportunity.

 

 

School Psychology Study Abroad: London and Edinburgh

 

          In an effort to better understand how school (or educational, as they are called in the U.K.) psychological services are delivered in other countries as well as the role educational psychologists play in schools, a small group (myself included, of course) of 1^st and 2^nd year school psychology students visited numerous schools in both London and Edinburgh.  During these visits we had the opportunity to visit with students, teachers, headmasters, and educational psychologists.  Not only were we exposed to the differences as well as the similarities between the U.K. and the U.S. in their approach to special services, but also to the philosophical differences and similarities between England and Scotland.  In addition, and perhaps most importantly, these visits served as glaring clarifications that not every situation can be handled in a “cookie-cutter” type fashion. Due to the uniqueness of child, I learned that full inclusion is not ALWAYS the answer.  With the benefit of the scholarship, I was able to further open my mind and learn new things that will surely be of benefit to myself and the children I endeavor to help as I pursue my future in school psychology.

 

Elizabeth Williams

Radford University

McGlothlin Study Abroad Award Recipient

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Weeks in Paradise: Hawaii

“Hula is the language of the Heart, therefore

The Heartbeat of Hawaiian People” - unknown

 

            In May 2005, the Radford University Dance Department took 12 students and Dr. Peggy Hunt on a three week educational trip to Hawaii.  We stayed 11 days in beautiful Honolulu and began our adventure by going to the Bishop Museum and Pearl Harbor.  We spent an entire day at the Polynesian Cultural Center where we were able to see 7 different Asian Pacific Islands and their native songs and dances.  We were able to see a Canoe Parade, taste native food, and watched tapa cloth be made from bark.  We even got to learn dances from the performers.  That night we attended their night show “Horizons, Where the Sea Meets the Sky” which wrapped up the day giving us one more glance at the islands that we had learned about earlier.

            Also while in Waikiki, we were fortunate to be able to take a hula class with Kuma Hula Michael Pang.  He taught us the basic steps of the hula and one complete traditional dance, including some chants.  We were very lucky and honored to have gotten to work with him.  After our class, we headed off to a secondary school hula competition where we were able to see many different styles of hula which included the basic steps that we had just learned.  WE also attended Germaine’s Luau which served traditional Hawaiian food and another performance of more hula dancing.  We attended a children’s performance which allowed us to experience the Hawaiian culture in a more simple way.

            We also visited two other islands, Hawai’i and Maui.  In Hawai’i, we visited the National Volcano Park which was breathtaking.  In Maui, we stayed in a hostel and met many other young people who were also traveling.  We saw another show “Ulalena” and were able to take time to explore more of this island.  We took a 6 hours adventure through majority of the island and experienced fresh water caves, black sand beaches, and the untouched mountains of beautiful Hawaii.

            While this was mostly a dance trip, we were still able to enjoy other aspects of Hawaii by snorkeling, surfing, horse back riding, and kayaking.  We most importantly got to experience a wide variety of dances as well as other aspects of the Hawaiian culture.  It was a trip that none of us will ever forget.  We all have a new outlook and respect toward other cultures and their way of dancing which proudly celebrate their heritage.