Stan and Karen Johnson
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Welcome to the newest edition of Going Global, the monthly newsletter that provides readers with information and reflections on the international experiences of GCC students. 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 Advisors: Justine Simon, Reed Alioth, Pierre Elkoms, Precious Grieco, Jocelyn Halliley, Joel Kearney, Jesse Nelms and Lauren Schoeppner
We hope you enjoy our newsletter! Find us on Facebook (GCC Office of International Education). Visit us anytime in HAL 319!
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By Pierre Elkoms
Let me tell you why studying abroad has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made during my college career. I was on a flight back from Cairo, Egypt in the summer of 2016 when it just hit me, “I don’t want to spend the whole year in Grove City, PA.” I brushed the idea to the back of my head for a while, and then one day I walked into HAL and saw *SURPRISE* it was the Study Abroad Fair. It all came back to me, “I want to study abroad next semester.” I had two weeks to finish all the paperwork but the people at the Office of International Education were so helpful that I got everything done in time. It was all set, I’m going to Greece in 2017!
I was getting ready, and at the same time getting nervous. I didn’t know anyone that is going on the same program, and I honestly wanted it that way. I got on the plane and I was ready to begin my adventure. I landed in Athens and met up with everyone, and we went straight to our apartments. We moved in and we all went out to eat at night with our on-location advisor Debbie, who we soon enough started calling Mama Debbs. The first two days, Mama Debbs took us on a tour with a tour guide friend of hers; we went around the different neighborhoods in Athens and visited the major historical sites around the city. Athens is absolutely breathtaking!
I’m not sure what it is about being abroad in a new country where you don’t speak the language, but in a matter of days, the complete “strangers” that I met for the first time at the airport became family. The group in my program made the travel experience so much better than I had ever anticipated. We just all clicked and learned to put aside our differences and dwell more on our similarities. We experienced Greece all together from the magnificent places to the different cultural norms. Experiencing the culture shock together made it that much easier to cope with.
I was blessed enough to be able to visit a couple islands on the weekends. We were able to go to three islands all together with most of the group. Each island had its unique locals, feel, and some absolutely incredible views! These are some pictures from Mykonos.
One of my absolute favorite islands was Zakynthos, a not-so-well-known island that is just starting to gain attention for its incredibly blue waters and beautiful cliffs. We spent our last weekend in Greece together in Zakynthos and believe me when I say pictures don’t do this place justice!
Towards the end of our stay in Greece, we felt really attached to not only each other, but to Athens as well. It felt really good to come back to Athens after every trip we took. Athens became our home. Leaving was one of the hardest things we had to do while abroad. With a group made up mostly of girls, the room was filled with tears. I’d be lying if I said us guys didn’t shed a tear or two, as well.
Studying abroad, especially in a country that isn’t oversaturated with study abroad students such as Greece, has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made throughout my college career. I learned a lot in the classroom by listening and interacting with people who have completely different backgrounds, but I learned even more outside of the classroom. I learned to appreciate a different culture that I would’ve probably never have gotten the chance to get to know in a similar light. I also learned a lot about myself during my time abroad; I became better with money and time management, and my social skills improved exponentially.
explore LdM opportunities Florence & Southern Italy Restoration Workshop
A 4-week program in either June or July where you will learn and develop practical skills concerning historical painting & restoration techniques. Stop by the OIE for more information on how to apply!
Archaeology Field School A 4 week program run under a team of professional archaeologists where you have the opportunity to learn and work in a real excavation environment while gaining an understanding of ancient Etruscan culture and archaeological methods.
January Intersession A 3-week program in Florence, Italy with the option of taking three to seven credits. This J-term program is the ideal study abroad format for professional development or career advancement.
Summer Session Program This program consists of monthlong courses in June or July offered in Florence, Rome or Tuscania. Three to six credits are offered and you have the opportunity to experience Italian culture as well as attain a meaningful educational experience.
During this course, students from will research, develop, and lead various public health projects including: * Canine Rabies Vaccine clinic * West Nile Vaccine clinic * Women's Health * Gardening/Nutrition * Cardiovascular/Exercise Health seminars.
Work with dogs, horses and more on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Spend the first week on campus and the second week on the Reservation!
For more information, email Dr. Tracy Farone: TSFarone@gcc.edu
Approved OIE Nov. 30, 2017
Top 10 Reasons to Go Abroad
Internships and Missions • • • • • • • • • • • •
Education Special Education Physical Therapy Health Care Men’s Sports Women’s Sports Biosand (water Filtration) Technology Media Microfinance Dentistry Women’s Social Work Men’s Social Work
Students International Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic May 28June 9, 2018
Contact jlgilliland@gcc.edu or the OIE, HAL 319 to sign up or for more information www.Stint.com
Team Leader: Mrs. Jennifer Gilliland from the GCC OIE staff (HAL 319)
Freshman – Seniors eligible to participate!
Germany Czech Republic
Prague Join Dr. McFeaters and Dr. Munson on a faculty led travel course during May of 2018. Email either MRMcFeaters@gcc.edu or PAMunson@gcc.edu for more information $4,950 BUSA 214, HUMA 301, or BUSA/ACCT/FNCE 260
Email MooreSG@gcc.edu for information or to sign up.
Freshmen Welcome!
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Ingredients: 150 g (5.3 oz) of dark chocolate 12 squares of dark chocolate 80 g (5 ½ tbsp./2.8 oz)of butter 90 g (6 ½ tbsp./3.2 oz) sugar 2 tablespoons flour 4 eggs Powdered Sugar Serves 6 | Ready in 20 min
What to do: Set oven to 240 C (around 475 F) Melt the butter and 150 g of chocolate. Mix the batter until smooth with whisk. In a bowl, mix eggs and sugar. Add the flour and melted chocolate, stirring constantly. Butter cupcake tin and fill halfway with mixture. Place 2 squares of chocolate in the center and divide the rest of the dough to go on top. Bake in oven for 10 minutes, serve as soon as they come out of the oven, and top with powdered sugar.