生活无 国界
Meet an International Student Niall McGowan Why did you decide to come to the United States? Or more specifically, Grove City College. I am currently on a business scholarship called Study USA by the British Counsel which was established in the 90s, after the Troubles, which offers Northern Irish students the opportunity to come to America to give them exposure to academics in America as well as experience with American students. The program offers 70 colleges, and my priority was to go to a Christian school. Also, I have friends who went to Grove City, who had incredible experiences here. I feel like this was a decision that I made quite quickly, and God has blessed me in this decision, most importantly with the relationships I have made here.” What have been some of the greatest cultural differences in the United States as compared to your home country? People over here are a lot more focused working hard towards the goals they want to achieve, especially at Grove City. In general, we are more laid back in Ireland. Also, there is a lack of selfbelief in Ireland as compared to the US. Something which has taken me a while to come to grips with is the excessive work load at Grove City College, but I have come to accept that if one adapts then you will ace it. Also, it’s exciting to experience new sports we don’t have at home. What about your home country do you think would surprise Americans most? Probably what would surprise you the most is how similar it is to America. The main differences are that we are more laid back, small towns, and a greater diversity with the mountains/cities/and ocean in such a close proximity to one another. With a population of 1.7 million and the ability to drive the expanse of Ireland in 7 hours, one should expect some fundamental differences. What is the strangest/funniest experience that you have had while living here? When people have misconceptions about Ireland, for instance, I was once asked, “How many stars and stripes are on your flag?” Best decision you have made while at Grove City College. My best decision has been to not reserve myself, and instead involve myself with as many people as I can. It would be easy to stay with a select group of friends, rather, I have tried to meet as many people as I can. Anything else? This is a very unique college to go to, people here are so privileged, and it is easy to forget how blessed you are. If I had an opportunity to go to a college like Grove City back home I would have, 100%. It is easy to view this experience as “the grass is always greener on the other side,” but I truly believe that the students at Grove City have been offered an excellent opportunity.
Welcome Back Reception for the students who went abroad in Fall, 2014!
An Interview with French Students at GCC by Catherine Bacheldor
Jeanne Dupuis, Yoan Le Claire, Tiphaine Bougouin, and Lara Lambert For the month of February, Dr. and Mrs. Reuber have been hosting four students from Oniris university in France here at Grove City College. As one of the French students explained: “We were able to come because each of us have already completed our one month training program (in France). This training is in the food industry, on the production line, where the purpose is to see how a factory works, as well as interact and work alongside the other employees, by engineering and working on projects.” So because the students did not have to complete an internship, they were able to come to Grove City College to experience life at a private college in small town America. They will write a report about their experience in the U.S. and also include some observations on American food products and student food habits. Briefly explain how you came to be in the United States:
“Each year the Reubers invite four or five French students to come to Grove City to practice English, see the campus, and get exposure to the American way of higher education. Our exposure to the United States’ system of higher education includes sitting in on a variety of classes at Grove City College. We have attended courses such as Civ. Arts, SSFT, International Communication, Modern Politics, and Marketing. The variety is nice, because our university at home only has courses related to our major. Marketing is probably our favorite.” What was your first impression of the U.S.? Tiphaine – “Everything is bigger. We flew into Pittsburgh and all of the buildings were so much larger than at home. Also, the people here were/have been very friendly.” Lara – “The town of Grove City is like the movies, all of the little houses in a row. I was also surprised how many people here are Christian, which is unusual for us because in France not a lot of people are Christian. The influence of faith obviously takes a big place in the life of the people at Grove City College. Also, it is easier to make friends here but in France the friendships are deeper.” Jeanne – “The blocks and set up of the city is very square. Very different from the layout of our cities / towns back home.”
What about your home country do you think would surprise Americans most? Lara – “No goldfish crackers, our community transportation is more available, and we don’t have high buildings.” Tiphaine – “In France the cities are close together as opposed to America where you must drive everywhere.” Yoan – “In France we have many old buildings. It is very interesting how in America you build buildings to look old.” What is an interesting experience that you have had while living here? “When we visited Pittsburgh, we went to a black gospel church. It was a great, funny, peculiar experience.” “We went to the Ganza. They threw hamburgers at the crowd.” Where will you travel in the United States besides Grove City? What has been your “cultural experience? “We already went to Pittsburgh and next weekend we are visiting New York City.” “We visited a very large super market (Giant Eagle Market Square). Our assignment was to find a product that does not exist in France, talk about it, and discuss differences. We also went to a gun shop, which don’t exist in France. At home we have strict licenses for hunting, really only policemen carry guns. Have you enjoyed your time here? A resounding, “Yes!” Lara – “Thank you for this opportunity.”
Featured Program Provider: ISA By Meg Van Til
Studying Abroad; in short, living an adventure in a new country. But alas! Before one embarks on a semester or year abroad, the question must be asked: which program is right? In a world where traveling has become a popular form of education, there are tons of programs to choose from, going to almost every country imaginable. Do you want to go to Thailand? Or maybe Spain‌. Possibly Argentina or Australia. The options are endless! As important as the location you choose, however, is the program provider that you pick. A provider can either make or break your time spent abroad, and if you want the best experience possible, ISA (International Studies Abroad) promises and delivers a fantastic experience, no matter where you want to go. It all begins with location: where do you want to go? ISA makes it easy to check out a ton of different cities and countries from around the world. Once you wade through all of the options, you are off and running, with ISA to guide you every step of the way. They make the application process simple and straightforward while being incredibly helpful throughout the entire procedure, from picking out classes to filing endless forms. The associates at ISA are always ready to answer any questions you might have, via phone or email. Once you arrive at your destination, ISA is there to help you no matter what you need. Whether you need to be picked up from an airport or simply want advice on the local cuisine, they can help you out. The program directors are friendly and accommodating, and the office is always open. Most importantly, all the individuals who work for ISA work towards developing relationships with the students they frequently interact with. No matter where you go, the staff has an intimate knowledge of the culture, utilizing the know-how of the locals in order to maximize the experience of living in a new country. While there are many companies in this thriving industry to choose from, there are few with the same knowledge and passion that ISA has. Their dedication is not merely to their own company, but to the study abroad industry as a whole. Their focus is on encouraging students to spend time in another country, no matter which program they pick. And when you find a business that believes in their students as much as in the services they provide, and is more concerned with the welfare of the individuals than anything else, it might mean you found the perfect people to lead you on the experience of a lifetime.
Florence, Italy
The eye is immediately drawn up, up to the sweeping, Gothic panels, the intricate detail of this place of worship—jade and dusty rose provide a stark contrast against the pearly white marble. A series of smooth steps lead to gates that could provide hours of isolated study, scenes of Old Testament drama captured in the expressive stone. It wears an enormous cap of red, drawn to a culminating cross, the Crucifix of Christendom. Hundreds of tourists gather in tight knots, their necks craned toward the sky, the reckless snapping of shutters humming above the Tower of Babel chatter. Their faces reflect the grandeur of this feat of engineering. It is a marvel of the past that overshadows the street vendors with their splat balls and imitation designer bags, the men with their marionettes and maps. Each progression down the cobblestone corridor brings greater depth to the scene, more colors to the canvas. The cheerful pitch of an accordion complements the melody of a violin, while an artist rests on his chalky knees and elbows, the breathtaking work of an afternoon smeared across stone and forehead. Her huddled form stretches prostrate across the ground, wrinkled hands folded together in plea provides striking juxtaposition to the giants of fashion whose windows boast the latest styles.
Outdoor theater black box dining outlines the perimeter to the right; while a happy carousel turns to the left of a beautiful archway, flanked by twenty other smaller siblings. Colorful mountains of gelato draw young and old alike—just a few euros for a dripping cone. Walk still further and the horns of impatient taxi drivers and bicyclists begin to sound, but the people seem not to mind, their noses too overwhelmed by the musky scent of leather, their eyes too overwhelmed by the carts piled high with little treasures. A slight veer to the left brings a body to a halt. Masses gather around the work of men, sculptures brought to life under the tools and delicate touch of masters’ hands. They are gods, characters of epic proportion, huddled together under the protection of a home of arches and pilasters. This is an open air gallery of art and its admirers have come to stand in the coolness of the statues’ shadows. This, in all its ancient glory, is Florence. If you ask me what I know about the city, this is what I’ll tell you: I know that those 70 steps to the top-floor apartment never got easier and that the mosquito massacre never reached a conclusion. I know that lines do not exist in Italy, but exact change wins you a smile. I know that my shoes were never made for cobblestones and sundried clothes are an acquired preference. I know that it is easy to become numb to the wonders around us, the ancient Duomo that squatted on the left of my walk to class or the corner fresco that faithfully guided me home.
But there’s more than that. Here’s something else I came to know during my four month stay: if you go to Florence, and you should, you will not regret getting yourself lost in those winding, suffocating streets. The Renaissance and Florence, in particular, represent a confluence of ideas—ideas that took hold of the world’s shoulders and shook them, long and hard. Out of it came the movements of the last centuries and from those, our small corner of the world was born. Yet the Cradle of all of this is not just ideas and there is where the beauty lies. Those streets are real, gritty and alive. There is vibrancy to life. Florentines grabbed at more. Reckless, barefooted disturbers of the status quo—they reached for the heavens and staged a confrontation with the magnificence of God. It is reflected in the sweeping Piazza della Signoria, in the defiance of the Duomo, in the emotion of the David. Maybe the city will do that to you too, if you let it.
Question of the Month: What was your favorite food you tried while abroad that you had never eaten before?
Chelsie Peterson – “Raclette! It was amazing, I had it when I visited some old family friends in Switzerland. It’s so simple, yet so tasty.”
Elizabeth Parsons – “On my
Megan Rowley – “My new favorite food is cassava in Uganda. It’s a huge root that tastes like potatoes but better!”
last night in Venice, I ordered “McDonald’s Pizza,” just because it ended up being pizza with fries dumped on top of it.”
Lizi King - Churros y chocolate is the best! It’s far better (and much thicker) than nesquik or hot chocolate, and the churros are both perfectly fluffy and crispy.
Emily Rothbard – “I’d say cazón frito was one of my favorites. I tried this succulent fruit of the sea (“dogfish” in English, part of the shark family) in Granada.”
Deborah Tuggy – “Chorrillana (from Chile) is so good. French fries and assorted meats and sausages all marinated in a red wine reserve, topped with a sunny side up egg.”
Steven Thomas – “My
Caroline Baker –
favorite food was “Currywurst”, a Berlin street food staple.”
Natalie Webb – “My
“In Costa Rica I got accustomed to eating a rice and bean meal for breakfast called Gallo Pinto. It is rice, beans, cilantro, peppers and assorted spices with a special sauce used there called Lizano.”
favorite exotic Korean food that I tried was sea snake. My favorite Italian “exotic” food has been Buffalo Mozzarella.” Compiled by Darren Masters
Study Abroad Student Spotlight: Chelsie Peterson By Rachel Pullen We asked Chelsie to tell us about her study abroad experience at the Grove City Study Center in Nantes France during the fall of 2014 and here’s what she told us: Why did you choose to study abroad in Nantes? Being a Mechanical Engineer it was really the only option for me, but that’s not to say that I didn’t actually want to go there! I really had an interest in France, and never having travelled abroad before, I was eager to experience daily life I was not used to. What about the culture in France surprised you?
How similar it was to American culture! No really! There were a lot of differences in food and language and historical culture, and of course there are some cultural societal things they view differently than us, but in a broad sense, the French people really think like you and I do. People say they’re mean, but they’re really just naturally more reserved and quiet than Americans, which to us can look sort of rude. How did your time abroad affect your perspective on the world? Well I’ve never travelled abroad, so it really made the world seem so much smaller to me. I mean, I have friends in France, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands. I even know someone in Japan right now (I grew up near a military base, so it’s easy to have friends that move to foreign countries). I used to think about those places like they were so far away, part of a totally different culture and time. I facebook message some of the French people I met during my study abroad trip all the time now. With the benefit of hindsight, what might you have done differently in regards to studying abroad? What experience would you say you learned the most from while abroad? Save your money! You can do it cheap, but you won’t want to. With the (Grove City) study abroad program it’s nice, because you can go for close to the same amount as tuition, but you’re going to want to travel to all these exotic and fantastic places, and sometimes they’re not super cheap. What is your favorite memory of the semester? When we were in Santorini, we were on a boat with all of these middle aged people on anniversary trips or women who decided to travel together. Regardless, we were about the youngest people on that boat. It was in late November, so it wasn’t very warm, but we were determined to swim in the hot springs, so when we dropped anchor and they told us we could swim everyone kind of looked around like that wasn’t really a great idea. We started taking off our jackets and jeans with our bathing suits underneath and dove off the side of the boat into the cold water to get to the hot springs. Well after the six of us jumped in I think the rest of the people on that boat decided that if we could do it they could, and about eight more people ended up coming in after us. It just struck me as funny.
Visit tropical forests, an active volcano, gorgeous Lake Atitlan, Mayan ruins, shop local markets and work with Christian ministries!
Study in Guatemala – January Intersession 2016 Interdisciplinary intercession offering: SCIC 203 or SOCW 342 Approximate Cost: $3500 for SCIC (4 credits) or $3350 for SOCW (3 credits) Contact Dr. Kriley, Dr. Hosack or Seùora Ligo for more information
Two students who study abroad in the Fall 2014 with CIEE will get a $1,000 scholarship! Cheaper programs: - Berlin, Germany - London, England
A Sweet Taste of Italia: Tiramisu By Jason Skyrm Fun Fact: The translation of the word “Tiramisu” is “pick-me-up” because this dessert provides an extra kick from the coffee and sugar to wake you up when you need it. INGREDIENTS: • 3 egg yolks • 1 egg white • 3 tablespoons of sugar • 400 grams mascarpone cheese • 1 teaspoon of rum flavor • Savoiardi (lady finger) cookies • Coffee • Cocoa powder INSTRUCTIONS: Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until foamy. Add the mascarpone spoonful by spoonful, blending it in slowly with a whisk. Gently add the egg white whipped to “snowy peaks.” Add the rum. Dip the lady finger cookies into bowl of coffee quickly. Lay them next to each other in a pan. Add a layer of the above mixture. Sprinkle with cocoa powder. Continue making layers like this until you finish with the mixture and cocoa on top. Keep in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. Buon appetito!