Office of International Education Newsletter – April 2016

Stan and Karen Johnson

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Going Global

Cesky Krumlow, Czech Republic

April 2016 Welcome to the November edition of Going Global, our monthly newsletter providing readers with information and reflections on GCC student experiences abroad.

Presented By: The Stan and Karen Johnson Office of International Education Director: Dr. Lois Johnson Field Director: Dr. Mark Reuber Staff Assistant: Mrs. Jennifer Gilliland Student Assistants: Caroline Bennett, Kayley Heller, Natalie Webb, Erin Wheeler, Riley McDermott, Phillip Ouweleen, Emily Resler, and Rachel Tuggey

Feel free to connect with us further on Facebook GCC OIE and GCC Office of International Education and come visit us anytime in HAL 319!

Photo Contest Information -

Photographs were submitted from students who went abroad Fall and Winter 2015-2016 Winners can pick up prizes in the OIE anytime after April 26th.

Spring 2016 Photo Contest Winners For Fall and Winter Trips Abroad

st 1 Place

Kirsten O'Steen Antigua, Guatemala January 2016

Faculty Led Travel

nd 2 Place Becca Caswell Roue de Paris at Sunrise January 2016

rd 3 Place Shannon Baird Angers, France January 2016

Faculty Led Travel

Spring 2016 Photo Contest Winners st 1 Place Emily Rothbard Dominican Dreamer in Margarita, Dominican Republic January 2016

ICO Travel

nd 2 Place Alison O'Hearn An Afternoon Siesta in Ampala, Honduras January 2016

rd 3 Place Abby Friel Alajuela, Costa Rica January 2016

ICO Travel

Spring 2016 Photo Contest Winners st 1 Place

David Martin Brienz, Switzerland

Study Abroad

nd 2 Place Connor Smith Sahara Desert, Morocco October 2015

rd 3 Place Amy Mitch Cesky Krumlow, Czech Republic October 2014

Study Abroad

ICO Guatemala

Spotlight by Emily Resler Over Easter break this year, I had the privilege to go and serve at the Hogar de Vida (Home of Life) orphanage in San Andres, Sajcabaja in Guatemala. Every year in the spring, a team of about twenty Grove City College students travels down to serve both the kids and the workers of Hogar de Vida. The orphanage is located in north central Guatemala, approximately 5 hours by bus from Guatemala City. The town of San Andres has a population of about 2,700 people, most of whom are Quichespeaking Mayan Indians.

After a long day of travel, we arrived around 9 pm the first Saturday of Easter break. To our surprise, however, all of the kids were up and waiting for us. As soon as we stepped off the bus we were greeted by squeals and laughter of the kids hugging us and jumping up and down with excitement. It was such a joyful moment to see them meet us for the first time with so much love.

We stayed right on the campus of the orphanage in guest rooms that they had set up for us. Our days consisted of cooking certain meals, washing dishes, doing assorted chores around the orphanage, working on painting and construction projects, and most importantly, playing with the kids.

There are about 15 kids who live full time at the orphanage. Many of these kids have parents who have passed away, but some of them were taken to the home by their parents because they could not afford to take care of them at that time. Sometimes the parents do come back to take the kids home if they can get themselves into a stable financial situation, but often many of the kids grow up at the home.

The ages range currently from 2 years old to 17 years old, but some kids have been dropped off at the home as newborn babies only weeks or days old.

My time in San Andres was something I will never forget. The memories I made and the time I was able to spend pouring into kids was such a blessing.

We take so much for granted in the United States, and to see the people there who have so little, yet are filled with so much joy was so convicting. ICO Guatemala is truly a uniquely wonderful and eye-opening experience and I would recommend any Grove City student who loves kids, is seeking to serve in a humbling way, and loves the Lord to consider applying for this trip next year. You will not regret it.

Question of the Month What is one piece of advice you have for students looking to study abroad?

Do as much research as you can. About the location, the university, the weekend trips offered, how that differs from other programs. Make sure you know as much as you can about the stuff you are in charge of deciding, because once you get there the rest of the semester will be a surprise.

Also pray a lot that God guides you through the process because there are so many decisions to make and ways to go and that can be overwhelming. Enjoy the process!

- Caroline Baker

The biggest piece of advice I can share is not to let fear hold you back! Of course, be wise in making decisions, but don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from experiencing another culture in such a deep and fulfilling way.

- Lizi King

If you have the option, consider staying with a host family.

Though you’re not guaranteed to be placed with people whose values perfectly mesh with yours, living with locals will give you an even more immersive experience in the culture (and language). Some of my fondest memories from my semester abroad in Spain are with my host mom, Marisa, whose warm hospitality, incredible food, and funloving personality made me feel like her daughter, not just her guest. We still keep in touch and I’ll always be grateful for her love and encouragement both during my Spanish adventure and post-abroad life back in the States.

- Emily Rothbard

I spent last fall studying in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France. It was easily the most memorable semester of my life. My main advice for people thinking about studying abroad would be to study in Europe! A lot of people want to study in specific countries, such as New Zealand, or South Africa. Those countries are amazing, but when you study in Europe, the whole continent is at your fingertips. The weekend before Thanksgiving my family came to visit me and I traveled from the south of France all the way to Berlin, Germany and then two days later took another flight and spent two days in Prague, Czech Republic. All in a four day weekend.

You will be able to see so many countries and experience so many different cultures and foods by living in Europe. In addition to that, everything is cheaper for students studying with a student visa.

Most monuments are free or discounted. And there are a ton of cheap flights and other modes of public transportation, along with hostels and airbnbs. All that to say, although I am a little biased, I think studying abroad in Europe gives the eager traveler many more locations and destinations to see! This is me and four of my friends who I studied abroad with, in the Vatican City, waiting to hear the Pope speak on All Saints Day! - Jamieson Weaver Just do it!

- Deborah Tuggy

Go abroad with an open mind and try to experience everything you possibly can. You don’t want to feel like you missed opportunities that you could possibly never have again. I went on a 5-day trip alone and met so many cool people along the way!

- Alyssa Brossman

Meet International Student :

Edwin Mwarangu

Edwin is a junior at Grove City College. He is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and has been living in the United States for the past 4 years. His plan is to continue to study at Grove City College until he graduates.

What were some of your first impressions during the first few months?

“The weather was really difficult. Back home, we could go outside whenever we wanted and it was always nice. Here, it can be cold or even snow. It definitely is a different climate. The way Americans structure their day was also new to me.

Everything is oriented towards time. Things are more planned and exact in America whereas in Kenya, things were more free and smooth.”

“Everything is much more clean and neat in the US. Even in the big cities, things are relatively well taken care of. I lived in Boston for a few months before I came to Grove City, and even that city was clean. Another thing I liked was that the U.S. uses more paper currency than coins. It was annoying carrying around so many coins all the time, since coins have more value in Kenya.”

By Riley McDermott What are the main differences between school in Kenya and Grove City?

“This might sound trivial, but going back to multiple choice was hard at first. The last time I had any multiple choice questions was in 8th grade. We used essay format for most things in Kenya. Another big change was going from a major city like Nairobi to a small town like Grove City. There was always so much going on back in Kenya. It is also very different to be at school in Grove City. I am now in a minority. Back home, I was surrounded by people in my same tribe. They spoke the same language as me and they were all from Kenya. Now I am the odd man out. I can still relate to people here, but it can be very different than back home. And people here are much more individualistic.”

“This school has definitely been great for me though. I am attending a solid Christian college and receiving a good education. Grove City has a great resource pool as well. I have the ability to network and meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet. I can definitely further my career aspirations here. The people are really the best thing about this school. The faculty is great. They are very helpful and willing to talk if you ever need anything. And the students are great too.

They are enjoyable to be with and they really do care about you as a person.”

What does your community/group of friends look like at Grove City?

“I can honestly hang out with just about anyone. Here, people hang out in groups a lot. It can be very cliquey. But back home, everything was very communal.

Everyone would hang with everyone else. I am used to that. So for me, I can just be friends with all of the different groups because I’m used to getting to know everyone anyways. The one thing I do try to avoid in people is negativity. I like to surround myself with positive people. I am excited to grow and complete my four years of schooling at a college like Grove City with people like this around me.”

Exploring Human Origins and Personhood May 21-June 1, 2017........Taught by Dr. Seybold, Led by Dr. Bardy

SSFT 210

ENGLAND AND FRANCE

Fathers of the Evolution Debate in London

St. Paul’s Cathedral Westminster Abbey Downe House Buckingham Palace Big Ben Trafalgar Square

Study Personhood and the History of Man in Paris Eiffel Tower Notre Dame Louvre Museum Museum of Man Institute of Neuroscience & Cognition French Museum of Natural History

Discuss the Topic with French Students at the GCC Nantes Study Center French Church Service Chateau of the Ducs Cathedral of Saint Peter “Oniris” University Cathedral and Chateau of Angers

$3,999 total

$500 Deposit $1,750 due October 31, 2016 $1,749 due February 28, 2017

Contact Dr. Bardy for More Information!

January 3-13, 2017 HIST 231/390 or SPAN 390: Special Topics

Estimated price $2999

11 Days in Nicaragua with Dr. Julio Quintero and Dr. Andrew Mitchell

“Our America Lives. And Dreams. And Hopes:” The Problems and Promise of Nicaragua You may not be able to follow stout Cortez and “gaze with wonder, silent upon peak in Darien,” but it’s the next best thing! An excellent choice for History and Spanish majors and minors, as well as explorers of all disciplines.

A great opportunity to practice your Spanish!

HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • •

Visit the cities of Managua, Ometepe, Leon, Granada, and Estelé.

Join Spanish speaking Christians as they celebrate Christmas—in January.

Get up close and personal with multiple volcanoes, even walking on them.

Observe lush flora and fauna while contemplating the effects of eco-tourism on developing countries.

Learn why building a canal here has fascinated French, English, American, and now Chinese engineers for over 150 years. Why have none of them worked…yet?

Explore the effect of U.S. involvement in politics of Nicaragua - from a Texan who tried to rule the country single-handedly to U.S. support of the ruthless Somoza dynasty.

Contact Dr. Julio Quintero or Dr. Andrew Mitchell for more information.

Approx. $5,550

HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY IN ENGLAND AND WALES – 1750 TO 1900

May Intersession 2017 May 22-June 4, 2017 3 Credits in ENGR 390 OR HIST 390 Led by Dr. Archibald and Dr. Mitchell

Explore

England and Wales by rail, canal, and ferry!

Encounter castles, historic bridges, museums, and much more!

OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL AND LIVE IN A CANAL BOAT For more information, please contact Dr. Archibald or Dr. Mitchell Approved OIE May 5, 2016

By Caroline Bennett

Eaton Mess A Traditional English Summer Dessert INGREDIENTS 450g strawberries, quartered 1 tbsp caster sugar 4 ready-made meringue nests, broken up (or make your own) 400ml double cream, softly whipped METHOD Whip the double cream with the sugar until it is soft and thick (do not whip it too long, as you don't want stiff peaks). Break the meringue into chunks and stir into the cream.

Put half the strawberries into a bowl and crush gently with a spoon or fork so some of their juices are released. Mix into the cream and meringue mixture. Divide the mixture into four glasses, or a large trifle bowl if you prefer.

Put the remaining strawberries and meringue on top as a garnish.

Legend has it that Eton Mess was invented when an over-excited dog accidentally crushed a meringue dessert being taken to Eton College (an elite boys boarding school in Berkshire, England) for a picnic. Today it is a beloved English recipe with crunchy meringue, tart strawberries and rich cream or ice cream!