Stan and Karen Johnson
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
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: 2019: Trevor Tuxill, Emma Hagan, Joy Nave, Brooke Ghiglia, Ben Koerber, Veronica Taylor and JP Popham
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Photos from Southern France 2
The Gift of
Study Abroad
People often ask me how much French I knew before I studied abroad. The truth is, I did feel very comfortable speaking French before I spent four months in France. My courses at Grove City, in addition to the time I spent practicing French in my free time, prepared me well. Even though I felt comfortable with French, I still was not fluent. One of my main goals in studying abroad was to reach near fluency in French by the time I had to return to the States. In Fall 2017, I spent my semester in Aix-en-Provence France, doing things that I knew would put me within the reach of fluency. I lived in a French home, took courses in French, had an internship at a French travel agency, and spoke French as much as possible in my free time. Fortunately, I was able to achieve this goal by making it a priority and by immersing myself in the culture. But my semester abroad did so much more for me than just give me fluency in French‌
1. Studying abroad gave me confidence Even before I went abroad, I was independent. I was comfortable speaking up and leading a group of people. I emphasize people because I was comfortable doing things when I wasn’t alone. At least, not to the extent of alone that I later experienced in France. Through my walk to classes each morning, taking the bus to my internship, or walking through the streets of Aix-en-Provence, my semester abroad gave me opportunities to grow exponentially in confidence. After I realized that I could in fact successfully arrange and follow through on my own travel plans, I realized that I could do just about anything. Because study abroad gave me confidence, I am now more prepared to graduate college and to be launched into the world where I must figure things out—often alone. Despite my newfound love for confidently doing things alone, study abroad also enforced the fact that I love community.
2. Studying abroad gave me friendships I met and formed friendships with countless people while I was in France including professors, classmates, church members, French and other international students, co-workers, fellow interns, my host mom’s family, and the list goes on. Going to France, I was confident I would make at least a few friends. As I went through the semester, I was continually amazed by the people I met. My expectations for the number of deep friendships were far exceeded. Studying abroad created a unique atmosphere in which to form relationships. When the normal comforts of my native language and culture were stripped away, I found myself more open to new friendships. In order to become comfortable with a new culture, I had to be more willing to converse with the people around me. While a lot of elements about a semester abroad can seem daunting, it is important to remember that studying abroad has the potential to be the best thing for a college student.
Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille
Streets of Aix-en-Provence
3. Studying abroad gave me rest College is the perfect time to explore. The four years most students spend getting a college degree can be personalized in many different ways and can have the power to reflect one’s core interests. This time in life is set apart from the rest because of the potential to explore. However, in my opinion, time spent studying abroad is even further set apart. Students have the chance to choose an entirely different location in which to engage in a specific set of interests. I put a lot of thought into my semester abroad and was able to build in specific characteristics. I took unique classes for my French major and got an internship for my minor. I lived with a wonderful host mom and had free time for extra activities. Something about surrounding myself with all my interests gave me the breath of fresh air I did not know I needed. Focusing on French, setting aside time to travel to new countries, and building relationships with new friends from around the world were all things I had planned for and worked into my semester abroad. It is for these reasons that my time in France was so set apart and restful. The gift of study abroad is priceless. Countless opportunities await to provide a life-changing experience both in academics and friendships. So what are you waiting for? Explore the world of options today!
Me after a hike at Montagne Sainte Victoire
Paul Cezanne’s Studio
Expectations by Brooke Ghiglia
On January 1st, I left to study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. I was sitting at my boarding gate and thinking through what I expected to happen and experience in the next 6 months. As the plane took off, I thought about how I didn’t want to have expectations. If you have expectations of a perfect time with no complications, no homesickness, no homework, and just endless funthose expectations are bound to disappoint. I thought through what I wanted my every day activities to look like. I decided the only expectation I wanted to have was to do something new each day. I would take a different route to class, try a new restaurant, take a bus to a new part of the city, or spontaneously book a flight out of the country to explore a new place, I was determined not to let a day pass me by. My expectations surrounded my actions, rather than the actions of others. I should back-up by explaining why I chose to study abroad. I love traveling. I’ve always enjoyed the excitement that comes from visiting a new place. There’s a sense of freedom that comes with travelinga sort of high that kicks in when the plane takes off. That’s a feeling that can’t be duplicated.
One of Scotland’s famous Hairy Coos in the Highlands
Traveling has always pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone, challenged me to try new things and find the beauty in not only the remarkable aspects of various countries but the little details of another culture’s everyday life. When I started college, I set traveling abroad, whether during the summer or studying abroad, as a goal. Flashforward to sophomore year, when I had changed my major three times, was running out of elective credits, and that goal was seemingly impossible. But I was determined. I started researching and daydreaming and discovered a program in Edinburgh. I had never thought about Scotland before, minus a brief memory of the movie Braveheart. The more I looked into this little country, the more excited I was. I had no idea of the rich culture, the natural beauty of the land, and the incredibly kindhearted Scottish people. My plane landed 12 hours later and I was ready to hit the ground running. Taxiing into the city at night, I was unable to get my bearings or glimpses of much. I crawled into my hotel bed with no idea what time it really was, where I was, or what the next few days would look like. I was excited, overwhelmed and very jetlagged, maybe a little nervous if I’m being totally honest, but most of all hopeful. I knew that I was about to experience something that I would never forget yet never be able to fully explain. Everything seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Looking back, the first
two weeks of studying abroad were certainly the most chaotic and haphazard weeks I’ve probably ever had. I was sprinting back and forth to bus stops, straining to decipher English words masked by thick Scottish accents, and above all trying to remember to look to the right first when crossing the street. Nevertheless, a month in and I found myself extremely well settled. The city was full of opportunities. With school for only a few hours every day, and no other commitments, I found myself with an extremely open schedule. My flat mates and I would make breakfast, go our separate ways to classes, I’d meet up with new friends from school, and head downtown or go to the countryside to hike and explore. I think what I loved so much about Edinburgh was that it had it all. It has the busy night-life, the cutest bakeries and cafes, the classic pubs and whiskey tasting rooms, but it’s also steeped in history. It was a rich cultural history I had never studied before. Edinburgh is the perfect juxtaposition of a new and old city intertwined. About two months in, I remember sitting on the upper level of a double decker bus and questioning whether or not I was spending this short time abroad in the best way. The past few weeks had been filled with exams, group projects, a quick bout with the flu, and rather un-exciting details.
The view of Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat
I decided I needed to stick to my resolution and do something totally new that day. I hopped off the bus heading to my flat and transferred to a bus heading the opposite direction towards the beach, about an hour out of the city. I had been meaning to go explore this area, but I put it off for weeks because of the drizzly weather, other more exciting places to visit, and the comfort of exploring with my new friends. But there I was on a windy February day, determined to go to the beach. I jumped off the bus and walked straight towards the beachside boardwalk. I decided to start walking down the boardwalk until I got tired, at which point I figured I would find another bus stop and just figure out from there how to get home. It was so peaceful and serene that I quickly lost track of time and how far I was walking. It was getting into the late afternoon and I was getting a bit cold and hungry and as I had already eaten the last bit of trail mix in the bottom of my bag. I realized
I had been walking for about two hours, and while I was loving this beachside view, I was ready to put my feet up and curl up with a book. I decided to hop off the boardwalk and I scrambled up a hill towards the road to find the nearest bus stop. I knew roughly where I was but since I had never been to the area I only had a vague idea. In a city which has been consistently scored for the most efficient public transportation, I somehow found myself nowhere near a bus stop. So, I kept walking. Another 30 minutes passed. I found myself in a rather industrial area near the port and started walking faster. I was getting a bit
uncomfortable as I realized no one knew where I was, my phone wasn’t working, and dusk was quickly coming. I popped my head into the nearest restaurant I could find and decided it was time to ask for help. The chatty bartenders quickly fixed my internal compass and pointed me on my way to the nearest bus station. I might add this was the cutest quintessential little Scottish inn facing the waterfront with some of my now favorite views. Back to my attempts to head home, I went straight to the bus stop and sat to wait. Another 30 minutes passed. I checked the bus schedule and it should have been there 20
minutes ago. I decided just to walk to the next bus stop, since I now knew where I was and knew another one couldn’t be too much further along the road. The road curved and twisted and started to look familiar. I passed cafes and restaurants I knew and realized I wasn’t too far from my flat. At this point, I found my bus and knew I could hop on it to get home, but I had already walked so far that I decided I might as well walk the last few blocks. Eight miles from that little beach I had visited earlier, and I made it to my flat.
My reason for telling this story is twofold. First, it’s to encourage you to lower those expectations. Travel somewhere and figure out what your plan is along the way. If I hadn’t decided to hop on a bus and start walking, I never would have seen that part of the city. That was one of my favorite days because I met so many kind people along my way, found the most darling beachside restaurant, and took the time to slow down and take it all in. Secondly, while I did just say to figure your travel plan out along the way, tell at least one person where you’re going because you never know when the “no plans” plan will lead you in the middle of a deserted industrial shipping yard with no cell service so you have to wander around completely lost as the sun starts setting (Sorry, Mom). Regardless, I hope you have the best time abroad- I know I sure did! Edinburgh Castle from Grassmarket
A Family Hero By: Ben Koerber
Each year, the GCC engineering students who are studying abroad have the opportunity to visit Normandy for a short weekend trip. They visit the museum, see the cemetery where 9,388 American soldiers are buried, and walk the beaches that were once a battleground. Between sights of bombshell craters, bunkers and the overwhelming field of gravestones honoring our fellow countrymen, the trip
is always an emotionally moving and inspiring experience. But for one student this past year, the program’s visit to Normandy was especially meaningful. Andrew Hamby, a senior electrical engineering student, had a personal reason to be excited for this trip as his great grandfather died in WWII and is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery.
George W. Hamby Jr. was a tank captain for the 735th Tank Battalion of the United States Army. Captain Hamby and his men were leading a siege of La Chapelle, France when the tank he was riding in was hit. The following excerpt was taken from the original telegram Captain George Hamby’s family received recognizing his service and informing his family that Captain Hamby would be receiving the Silver Star award. “For gallantry in action on 22 August 1944 in the vicinity of La Chapelle, France. Captain HAMBY commanded a section consisting of three tanks in support of a combat team in an attack on La Chapelle, France. During the attack the tank in which Captain HAMBY was riding was struck by an 88 MM shell which penetrated the right sponsor at the reinforced plate covering the ammunition rack, exploding the ammunition. Captain HAMBY, although severely wounded, crawled out of the tank and around to the rear. When an enlisted man from another tank dismounted to aid him, Captain HAMBY motioned and told the enlisted man to continue with the attack. Two infantrymen ran to Captain HAMBY’s aid but with complete disregard for his own life, Captain HAMBY instructed the men to take care of the wounded tank crew. When Captain HAMBY slumped and partially fainted the infantrymen disregarded his wishes and carried him to safety. Captain Hamby’s devotion to duty and regard for the safety of his crew, at the expense of his own life, reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of our armed forces.”
Andrew had been excited about the opportunity to study abroad with the GCC Engineering program since he arrived on campus. When he finally got the opportunity to go during his senior year, he made sure that visiting his great grandfather’s final resting place a top priority. “I knew he was buried in France, and as soon as my family found out I was going they told me I should try and go visit. But then of course you land in France and you realize that the country is so much bigger than you thought,” he said. Fortunately for Andrew, the trip to Normandy was built into the program. After talking with Mark and Deb Reuber, the program leaders, they agreed to make a special stop at the section of the Normandy American National cemetery where his great grandfather was buried. “It was really surreal, being there. Just realizing that I was the first in my family to be there. It made history feel a little bit more real to me,” Andrew reflected.
“We had the opportunity to go to the museum the following day, and I got to see the tank that my great grandfather would have been driving, and right across from it was the tank that likely killed him. That was a crazy moment for me.”
Sorrento, Italy CISabroad Psychology & Management
Cailyn Chiarello
Margaret Hosack
Meet our
Class of 2020
San Jose, Costa Rica Best Semester Marketing, Spanish, & Int’l Business Class of 2020
Quito, Ecuador Athena Sociology & Spanish Class of 2020
Seville, Spain ISA Sociology, Social Entrepreneurship & Spanish Class of 2020
Emma Kauffman
Lydia Rothbard
STUDENT ADVISORS
Joy Nave
Ally Davies
Seville, Spain ISA Spanish Education K-12
Chiang Mai, Thailand USAC Entrepreneurship & BARS
Class of 2020
Class of 2020
Seville, Spain API Marketing Management & Music Class of 2020
2019-2020
Anna Cook
Sweet and Savory Crepes Crepe Recipe • • •
1 c. all-purpose flour 2 eggs ½ c. milk
Directions 1. 2. 3.
• • •
½ c. water ¼ tsp. salt 2 tbsp. butter, melted
By Emma Hagan
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water; stir to combine. Add the salt and butter and beat until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using about ¼ c. for each crepe. Tilt the pan in a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes until the bottom is light brown. Loosen the crepe with a spatula, flip, and cook the other side. Serve hot.
Crepe fillings
Sweet Cream Cheese with Berries • • •
8 oz. cream cheese 3 tbsp. sour cream 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
Directions 1. 2. 3.
Beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth Add the powdered sugar Spread over crepe and top with berries and fruit of choice
Savory Garlic Chicken • • •
5 tbsp. butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
Directions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
• • •
2 ½ c. shredded rotisserie chicken 1/3 c. herb and garlic cream cheese 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium high heat with garlic and thyme. Add chicken and cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until heated through. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and divide the chicken mixture into center of each crepe and fold over. Place in shallow casserole dish, overlapping slightly. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over stuffed crepes. Place in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.