Stan and Karen Johnson
OFFICE OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS
Welcome to the newest edition of Going Global, the quarterly newsletter that provides readers with information and reflections on the international experiences of GCC students. Presented by: The Stan and Karen Johnson Office of Global Programs Director: Mrs. Jennifer Gilliland Field Director: Dr. Erik Bardy Safety and Security Advisor: Dr. Andrew Markley Global Studies Assistant: Mrs. Maria Morin Student Advisors: Caelan Ulke, Cameron Fahs, Madison Miller, Gracie Slye, Kacy Mann, Kate Claffey,
Jenna Crampsey, Sarah Matthews
We hope you enjoy our newsletter! Find us on Instagram (gcc_ogp) Office Location: HAL 319
Northern Italy 2
Study locations in
The Charm of Prague, Czech Republic
By Jenna Grinde
I should start by explaining that I knew absolutely nothing about Prague before I decided to study there fall semester my junior year. In fact, the only thing I knew was that it was about as central Europe as you could get, I and have special place in since my heart foronNorthern thata was perfect for me traveling weekendsspecifically was my number one Mai, priority. Thailand, Chiang where I lived for a
semester. I attended Chiang Mai I had already filled 4 weekends withUniversity trips to (CMU) through the program provider, and had a other countries before landing on USAC Czech soil. marvelous experience. The Istaff forI fell us students However, from the moment got tocared Prague very well and every bit of help possible, as in love with theprovided city. they were able. This picture was taken on a trip provided by USAC to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Prague is unlike any other city I have ever been Thailand. Mali, the Thai woman and USAC staff in to, thisrich with lively people and delicious food. picture, I discovered to be a sister in Christ and quickly But what stood out most was the architecture. became a very dear friend. We spent a great deal of you go in Prague you feel like you time together as she introduced me to much of Everywhere the are in a medieval fairytale. The city spans as far Thai culture and traditions. We attended her church as the eye can see in perfectly unified with together, met throughout the week to get meals, study each building's red roofs. Scripture, talk, laugh and share hearts. We just lived life Old Town Prague was my favorite, between the together and it was a beautiful meshing of lives, culture and faith. We stay in touch regularly and hustle she and bustle of people popping in and out restaurants, bakeries, and bars to Old Town will come to the States to spend this Christmas withofme Square, a large open area surrounded by and my family! What a gift she is! breathtaking old buildings and the old clock, in relationships. the center of Prague, the There is nothing more valuable or meaningful to meAstronomical on this earth than The most place just had relationships a magic about with it. others. I am important being my relationship with God and then from that,
certain that the only thing going to heaven with me will be the other souls that believed Jesus to be Lord of their lives as well. In light of that, I live my life investing in and cultivating these relationships. Learning how to love people well is the greatest joy the Father has given me. My existence revolves around relationships with other human beings. My understanding of this and ability in making relationships has been heightened and strengthened since the time I spent studying abroad.
Life in Thailand
My roommates and I spent many a night walking down by the water and enjoying the view of the ancient Prague Castle asAit Study sat atop Abroad a hill looking Experience by Anna Cook over the city as it glowed warm and bright. We Living Thailand was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever would in walk acrossfor thea semester famous Charles Bridge, had. Thailand has some in of hand the rarest trdelnik, a Czech delicacy, as we treasures enjoyed all thrown into one nation. Not only is it situated in the center of Southeast Asia, so it is a perfect home base for other out of the stunning views.
country travel, but it also possesses some of the wildest adventures one could have this side of heaven. I like to refer to it as a tourist’s dream. From motorbike riding in the backpacker’s haven of Pai, to snorkeling or sailing on a Pirates ship down in Krabi, to the beautifully intricate temples of Chiang Rai, to the absolutely delicious and spicy cuisine found in the eastern provinces, to the roar of exciting city life in the country’s capital, Bangkok. There is so much rich culture to experience, breathtaking sights to see, and exceptionally kind people to meet anywhere you visit in Thailand.
I have a special place in my heart for Northern Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai, where I lived for a semester. I attended Chiang Mai University (CMU) through the program provider, USAC and had a marvelous experience. The staff cared for us students very well and provided every bit of help possible, as they were able. This picture was taken on a trip provided by USAC to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. Mali, the Thai woman and USAC staff in this picture, I discovered to be a sister in Christ and quickly One of the best parts about being in Prague in the fall semester however was once the leaves started became a very dear friend. We spent a great deal of to the change and the air got crisp and sharp, time together as she introduced me to much of Christmas spirit exploded all over the city. Prague Thai culture and traditions. We attended her church home to one of the largest Christmas markets in together, met throughout the week to get meals, is study all life of Europe and the whole city transformed Scripture, talk, laugh and share hearts. We just lived almost overnight into a winter wonderland. Little together and it was a beautiful meshing of lives, booths are set up all over the city with handmade culture and faith. We stay in touch regularly and she treasures and trinkets. The Christmas markets will come to the States to spend this Christmas with me were a perfect way to end a magical semester. and my family! What a gift she is! There is nothing more valuable or meaningful to me on this earth than relationships. The most important being my relationship with God and then from that, relationships with others. I am certain that the only thing going to heaven with me will be the other souls that believed Jesus to be Lord of their lives as well. In light of that, I live my life investing in and cultivating these relationships. Learning how to love people well is the greatest joy the Father has given me. My existence revolves around relationships with other human beings. My understanding of this and ability in making relationships has been heightened and strengthened since the time I spent studying abroad.
2020 OGP Photo Contest Winners We want to thank all GCC students who traveled abroad with us in the 2019-2020 school year and submitted a photo for the contest. We received many amazing entries! Winners can visit the OGP (HAL 319) in the Spring, 2021 semester to receive their prize.
Category: Long Term
1st Place Mackenzie Klie
On the northern coast of Italy, Cinque Terre is made up of 5 little villages full of unique views like the one in this picture. Stacked cliffside houses all painted in vibrant colors line the hills, and a hiking trail connects each of the villages. My mom had come to visit me for a week, and we travelled all over Italy together. Our first stop was here, and it was perfect. We spent the day hiking the seaside cliffs, exploring the streets and shops, and drinking wine. The wine there is really unique, because it only comes from the grapes grown in the 5 villages. The village in this picture is Manarola, but we also went to 2 other villages: Riomaggiore and Vernazza. Each village has a slightly different feel to it, which is really cool. I can’t wait to find myself back in this magical place someday!
2nd Place
Madison Miller This photo was taken in the Scottish highlands! When I took this photo it was homecoming weekend at Grove City and I was missing home a little bit, but this sight and this trip to the highlands was so incredible it helped me to forget I was ever homesick. The highlands are the most breathtaking place I’ve been.
Jill Albers I took an hourlong gondola ride from the town of Zermatt up into a glacier at the top of the mountains. The gondola zigzagged around gigantic, snow capped Swiss mountains and jagged ridges. I’m not sure what the purpose of this building was but it was the only one up there! It was rugged and wild and there wasn’t a soul in sight!
2nd Place
3rd Place Alyssa Ward I took this photo on top of a medieval Castle just outside of Arcos de la Frontera, a town about an hour south of Sevilla. I still don't know exactly where this overlook was or if it had a name because we stumbled upon it unexpectedly. The best part of traveling is finding hidden gems that exceed your expectations. Sometimes the most beautiful views are the ones that aren't found on a postcard.
Zachary Dunkley This photo was taken in Luchon, a small town tucked away in the Pyrenees Mountains along the southern border of France. I spent the fall semester of 2019 with the study abroad program for engineers in Nantes, France. We were given an opportunity to spend a weekend traveling locally and myself and a few of my friends decided to visit the Pyrenees. The weekend finally came and we took a plane, then a train, and then a bus to arrive at our destination. It had to be one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. We spent most of the weekend walking around and taking it all in, between the gorgeous scenery and the local culture, there was so much to see! I was unsure at first if I even wanted to go on this trip, but as you can see, it was well worth it. Thank you for letting me share this amazing adventure!
3rd Place
Category: Short Term
Jacqueline Netschert
1st Place
The eagerness that day when my group and I were going to see the Colosseum was indescribable. I specifically remember that when we stepped out of the metro station I looked both ways to see where the Colosseum would be but there it was right in front of me. My jaw dropped open as I saw one of the most prominent pieces of architecture in history. I captured this gorgeous structure and after I took the picture I saw a bird flying right in front of the structure. I thought to myself “I hope this bird didn’t get in the way.” But as I looked at my picture, the bird was pictured perfectly in the top right hand corner.
2nd Place
Lisabeth Stewart
2nd Place
Johanna Gamble This staircase is in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK, and it leads to offices above the main floor. Though spiral staircases aren’t rare, the pure simplicity found in this small part of such a grand building was noticeably peaceful. I liked that this design provided the leaders of the church solitude to study and pray, as well as encouragement for a visitor to continue looking upwards.
We spent most of the trip in Rome, except for the 2 days we spent in Florence which is where this photo was taken. This was in the late morning on our way into the main city of Florence. We were spending some time on Ponte Vecchio, a famous bridge into Florence featuring local artisans and expensive stores. What really took my breath away was how clearly the multicolored houses reflected on the river. I loved how something so simple and so understated was so breathtaking. That’s how traveling through Florence was, most of the time it was the cobblestone streets or moss covered cafes that made Florence and Italy such an enchanting place to visit.
Nick Buonaugurio
3rd Place
“This view of Paris from the top of the Galeries Lafayette was breathtaking. It was amazing to see the French architecture and Christmas decorations along with historical landmarks like Palais Garnier and the Eiffel Tower all at once. Seeing the beauty of Paris and experiencing its rich history was an unforgettable experience!�
3rd Place
Maggie Corey The emotions surrounding this photo were those of pure happiness. I felt so incredibly blessed to be in one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen and my eyes were constantly filled with wonder the entire time I was in Italy. It is a sort of beauty that you do not see every day in the United States and the experience and images that I have taken away from this trip will forever leave a mark in my memory.
Led by Prof. Michael Coulter and Prof. Elizabeth Baker and organized by Polish native Mrs. Maria Morin, this trip will lead you on a whirlwind tour of all the beauty and history that this majestic land has to offer. Visit Warsaw, the old town in Krakow, hike the Koscieliska Valley, ride the funicular to Gubalowka and experience Polish food and folk music. From spectacular castles to touring a concentration camp, you will experience the trip of a lifetime in Poland!
HUMA 200 | POLS 101 | POLS 390
$3,750 includes tuition, transportation, lodging, tours, entertainment, most meals Email Dr. Coulter for information or MorinMA@gcc.edu to sign up
Photo Credit: https://www.thespruceeats.com/polish-kolaczki-recipe-1136953
Polish Kołaczki Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) 1 1/2 cups butter (room temperature) 3 cups all-purpose flour Jelly or pastry filling (raspberry, apricot, prune, etc.) Confectioners' sugar for dusting 1.In a large bowl, beat with mixer cream cheese with butter until fluffy. 2.Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix well. 3.Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 4.Heat oven to 350 F. 5.Roll out dough 1/4-inch thick on a silicone mat or a surface that has been dusted with equal parts confectioners' and granulated sugars (not flour) The granulated sugar will help keep the dough from sticking. 6.Cut into 2-inch squares. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon filling on center of each square. Brush a tiny bit of beaten egg white on one corner and press the opposite corner on it, pressing the dough together lightly to seal. 7.Using a spatula, transfer the filled cookies to a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes (longer if baking from frozen) or until corners start to brown. 8.Using a spatula, remove cookies from the baking sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. Serve and enjoy!