Stan and Karen Johnson
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
Chateau d’Angers
Angers, France
March 2016 Welcome to the March 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, Philip Ouweleen, Emily Resler and Rachel Tuggy.
We hope you enjoy our newsletter! 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!
Veritas Christian Study Abroad offers students a very unique opportunity: Help to grow the kingdom while continuing to further your education abroad. Veritas sends “missionswilling” students abroad to several countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, England, France, South Africa, South Korea and several others. Areas of mission opportunity are varied and include campus, children’s, orphanage, and refugee ministries, special needs and elder care, English clubs, worship leading, and more. Why study with Veritas Christian Study Abroad? You will have opportunities to work with local ministries while you earn college credit toward your degree. Serving others in the host culture for a semester or on a summer program will enhance your immersion experience and give you a broader understanding of the joys and challenges of cross-cultural ministry beyond the experience of a short-term mission trip. Many students have been faced with a choice: Study abroad, or go on a Missions trip. Get academic credit, or spread the kingdom of God. Now, thanks to ISA's mission minded addition to their study abroad business, students no longer have to struggle over that dilemma. Students will be able to work with local ministries within the community to intentionally develop leadership, cross-cultural relations, another other necessary aspects of being a well rounded human. This is all possible for students while still working on their education and degree -there is no reason to sacrifice anything . "Serving others in the host culture for a semester or summer program will enhance your immersion experience and give you a broader understanding of the joys and challenges of cross-cultural ministry beyond the experience of a short-term mission trip.“ The mission of Veritas Christian Study Abroad is to provide college-level study abroad programs at host universities while helping students develop as mission-minded Christian leaders as they learn to live and serve in another culture. ISA has identified a need in the Christian community, and in the purpose driven youth of our culture today and thus decided to do something about it. Having provided study abroad opportunities for students for over 28 years, ISA found this unique chance to both widen their business appeal, fulfill a need in the community, and help spread the love of Christ through out the world in an engaging, unique, and evolving way. Interested? Check it out at www.veritasabroad.com!
Student Testimonials Costa Rica
"Veritas Christian Abroad was the best decision of my life. I left
for Costa Rica for three months and halfway into the second month I decided to stay for a second semester. God really changes you through the abroad experience, more than just school and mission work He uses every single little part of it to capture you and reveal Himself to you. I had an amazing adventure for 8.5 months in Costa Rica with 6 of them being for Veritas Abroad and I can honestly say I would do it all over again. Highly recommend abroad life to anyone!!" Kelli B., California Baptist University, Costa Rica 2015
"As an individual constantly seeking adventure and new experiences, my time in Spain with our mission mentor and Veritas peers was more than I could have possibly imagined. It was not what I expected in any capacity but challenged and stretched me in ways that I didn’t know I could be challenged and stretched. I feel a sense of humility and gratitude at being given such an experience and can only pray that other students had as meaningful as an encounter with such a vibrant culture." Maddison M., Evangel University, Spain 2014
South Korea
Spain
"Veritas has helped me grow in my spiritual faith and as an individual. Prior to coming to Korea, I was very dependent on my family. Every circumstance was an opportunity for me to grow here. I know God was behind everything and I could trust him every step of the way." Alicia V., University of Northwestern-St. Paul, South Korea 2014
Interview: Visiting French Students I was given an opportunity to interview Enza, Clemence, Claire, Marie-Anne, and Camille, the French students who have attended classes at GCC for the past month. During this time, they stayed with Directors of the European study center Dr. and Mrs. Reuber, and they were very eager to share about their time here! Shortly after the interview, they left for New York City, where they visited for a few days before returning to France to complete their remaining schooling.
From left to right: Camille, Claire, Dr. Bardy, Marie-Anne, Clemence, and Enza at the Incline in Pittsburgh.
Briefly explain how you came to be in the United States: Enza: “We had to fill out an application process just like you would if you came to Europe to study abroad. We had to have already completed an internship in production and have written reports, then we filled out an application very similar to the one that students fill out when they apply to go to Nantes at the ESC.” Then the students were interviewed, 3-4 at a time, to test speaking ability and ability to hold a conversation.
What was your first impression of the U.S., and did that impression differ from your expectations? Camille: “Everything is big, and we even saw guys in cowboy hats in the airport in Pittsburgh. So it was similar to the movies.” Clemence: “Roads and cars resemble the movies, it’s a silly example but it reminded me of the movie “Twilight.” Marie-Anne: “There’s a lot of space between houses, it was very strange to see. I did not expect that.” Claire: “I thought there would be more skyscrapers and more buildings. Instead, there’s a lot more landscape than city, even just outside the city (Pittsburgh).” Enza: “Americans are very welcoming; we didn’t really realize that was a possibility before.”
By Philip Ouweleen What has been your favorite experience in the U.S. so far? Clemence – “Getting to see the Grove City College Orchestra. It was beautiful.” Enza – “I really like that there are a lot of events and clubs. We tried ballroom dancing, swing dancing, and we even went to the talent show. One Sunday after church, we had brunch at home with Mark and Deb and it was a great atmosphere. Mark put on bluegrass/country music which we really liked. It was a very simple day, almost the American dream.” They all nodded in agreement; this was one of their most treasured experiences. Marie-Anne – “Going to see the Amish. It was a beautiful sunny day, and it was cool to be able to see how it was long ago. It felt like looking into the past, the way my ancestors would have lived.” Claire – “Going to a gospel church in Pittsburgh, I really enjoyed the environment there and the spirit of the people that attended.” Camille – “The very first day was something I’ll never forget, just the amazement at anything and everything we saw.” They all chimed in that the snow was something they had never really gotten to see, and they loved being able to enjoy it here!
What about your home country do you think would surprise Americans most? Claire – “It is much easier to come to U.S. than it is to come to France. People are much more private in France, and people are very welcoming here.” Enza agreed heartily, noting that people smile a lot in the U.S. and are more open and friendly. Marie-Anne – “The landscape of the towns and cities would be most surprising I think. There are more “cute” places/shops, much more history, and much denser cities.” Enza – “At our campus, there is very little outward show of school pride compared to GCC. Everyone here wears Grove City College apparel, and people are very proud to attend school here. Because of the spread out layout of the ONIRIS campus, there is very little sense of community.” Clemence – “The structure of meals. There is a much more rigid structure of meals and they take a very long time” Camille – “Subject taboos. In the U.S. it’s a very open discussion. You can talk about anything including religion and politics. This is very much not the case in France.” Claire – “You can eat much more here. The food is sweeter, richer, and bigger.”
Have you enjoyed your time here? All – “Yes, very much!” They wanted to thank everyone profusely for all their time over the past month! They said that the people here really made the experience for them, because they were welcomed so graciously by the Reubers, the students, and the professors!
Greetings from Abroad! Greg Acruri, Bethany Thomson, and Marley Kropp are currently studying in Seville, Spain for the Semester. Marley and Bethany traveled to Ronda, Spain
Greg Arcuri, Bethany Thomson & Marley Kropp
Question of the Month Can you share an experience you had or a memory you made with a local from the country you studied in? What was your relationship with them, and what did they teach you that was meaningful while you were there? My favorite local was the granddaughter of my Host Momma. Paula was 11 years old when I was in Granada, pictured here with my roommate and me. We spent nearly every afternoon together. She showed me the cool places to shop for clothing, we did each other’s nails, and we even helped each other study. Spending time with Paula taught me that some things surpass cultural differences. She would get embarrassed when Host Momma (her grandma) asked her about boys, she was obsessed with makeup and hair tutorials on YouTube, and she felt some of the same concerns and uncertainties about growing up. All my time with her just showed me very obviously that we weren’t limited because she’s from Spain and I’m from the US, but that we were both human and have similar experiences even though we grew up in different worlds. -Lizi King
While studying abroad in Florence, a place that is known for their panini’s, I became fast friends with a local panini guy named Michael. I learned about this hole in the wall from my cousin who had studied their 5 years previous. My first visit was about 3 weeks into my program and I fell in love. It was a five minute walk from class and I went there everyday for the next 3 months. Michael began to recognize my face and we soon became fast friends. It was always a kiss on both cheeks and a Come stai? (How are you?) when I saw him. “Due Fratellis” means two brothers, and the Italian style of fast food restaurant has been around since 1875 and always run by two brothers in the family. I began to know all of the family members and quickly became obsessed with their hot, soft goat cheese, with sun dried tomatoes and basil panino. It was one of the best things I have ever eaten, which I clearly never got sick of because I must have had over 100. Michael really taught me the importance of friendship and building lasting relationships, even through our unique cultural barrier. It made my Florence home to me and I looked forward to seeing those familiar, friendly faces every day. At the end, he gave me a complimentary Chianti and big hug/ two kisses. I will forever be grateful and think fondly of Due Fratellis. -Kaleigh Trowbridge
By Emily Resler An experience? Can I only chose one? I think my favorite experience so far has been with my host mother Rocio (Greg is currently abroad). A few of us students in the house have some dance experience, and our host mother was a world renowned flamenco dancer and teacher at one time. Her daughter now carries on her legacy, but she found out that we wanted to experience the local culture through dance, and she almost cried. Every Monday and Wednesday, we now dance with a group of locals and for the first few times she came with us. I had the privilege of dancing with the legend, and dancing with her was amazing. She was light as a feather, but she started crying because the last time she danced the flamenco with a guy was with her husband who died in a car accident ten years ago. The moment was one that I will never forget. - Gregory Arcuri While I was studying in Wales last summer, I spent a day wandering in Bangor, which is a town on the water in northern Wales. I met a couple who owned a tiny café that was perched on the Bangor pier. I ate fantastic homemade seafood chowder while we chatted. Based on my perception of the kind of people who lived in a town as remote as Bangor, I thought that we were going to have a conversation about the weather and maybe about fishing. It turned out that the man who owned the cafe used to be a professor at Bangor University, and the couple had traveled to all kinds of interesting destinations in a little boat. We had a fascinating conversation about their travels and about the history and politics of Wales. As clichéd as this sounds, that Welsh couple taught me never to judge a book by its cover. They also taught me that the best seafood chowder in the world comes from a little café on a pier in Bangor, Wales. In the picture, the café is the small, round building with the pointed roof on the pier. –Marley Kropp During the Fall semester of 2015, I studied abroad at Grove City College’s European Study Center in Nantes, France. There I met not only one of my best friends, but an individual who I consider to be a spiritual role model and mentor to me. Mel McFarland, originally from Northern Ireland, grew up in Nantes, France during her middle and high school years. She happened to be the Resident Director of the program, thus the memories we experienced were many and unforgettable. Specifically, one weekend Mel, my good friend Madi Mitchell, and I took a short excursion to St. Malo, a popular vacation spot for locals of the Bretagne area. While in St. Malo, we visited the city’s ancient ramparts, aquarium, and beach. Mel truly taught me that God is present in all areas of the world and that He is doing a great work in the lives of His people. –Victoria O’Brien
“Our America Lives. And Dreams. And Hopes:” The Problems and Promise of Nicaragua January 3-13, 2017 Credit for History 231/390 or SPAN 390: Special Topics
Join Dr. Julio Quintero and Dr. Andrew Mitchell for 11 days in 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!
• • • • • •
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.
Estimated price only $2999 Informational meeting Thursday, March 31st at 6:00pm in HAL 323
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!
Approx. $5,550
International Recipe: Welsh Cakes
by Erin Wheeler
While in England, I took a short train ride over to visit Cardiff, Wales. On that sunny Saturday, I visited an outdoor market which had table after table of fresh pastries. The Welsh cakes were my favorite! A welsh tea-time treat, they are similar to a scone and come in many different flavors. This recipe is for the traditional Welsh-cake, most commonly served on March 1st, Saint David’s Day. Eat these with cinnamon-sugar, butter, or jam!
Ingredients: Makes about 20 - 2 1/2 inch cakes. 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup granulated white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground mace 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced 1/2 cup currants or raisins 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup milk
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Welsh Cakes: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and mace. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture. Stir in the currants and mixed peel. Add the beaten egg and enough milk to form a soft dough. 1. Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface and roll to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (5 mm). Cut into rounds using a 2 1/2 inch (6 cm) cookie cutter. 2. Heat a griddle, heavy bottomed frying pan, or electric frying pan to medium hot (about 350 degrees F). Lightly butter and then cook the Welsh cakes for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown, but still soft in the middle. 3. Immediately after baking, sprinkle with granulated white sugar or powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.