Stan and Karen Johnson
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
The Rocky Coast of Brittany, France
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, and Emily Resler
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!
This month we are especially thankful for the opportunity Grove City College provides students to travel and experience different cultures around the world!
Spring/Summer 2015 Photo Contest Winners: Faculty Led Travel
Place The Rocky Coast of Brittany, France
st 1
By Carrie Anderson
nd 2
Place
Santorini, Greece By Samuel Archibald-Gutshall
“Like many of the towns on Santorini, Fira perches on the rim of an ancient volcano. Fortunately for travelers, a twisting stairway, comprised of 588 steps, zigzags up the 300 meter cliffs. For 5 Euros we were able to ride donkeys all the way up. It was quite the adventure. The donkey's climbed up in packs, sometimes racing each other along the edge. All the while the views grew better and better. It was a magnificent experience.”
Nafplio, Greece By Allison Bimber
Syntagmatos Square
“Our group was simply passing through Syntagmatos Square on our way to dinner one evening when I saw these two boys playing soccer. It was just before the town would come alive with the bustle of tourists and locals exploring the Greek night life. These boys were enjoying the last minutes of sunlight and calm before being called home, and the scene struck me as a sincerely authentic moment of everyday life in Greece.”
Greek Island of Patmos
By Ryan Braumann “The picture is of the inner garden of the Chateau d’Angers in Angers, France. Aside from the beautiful architecture of the castle walls and the breathtaking gardens, Chateau d’Angers is home to the Apocalypse Tapestry, a set of tapestries depicting the Book of Revelation. I wanted this picture to be a memory of one of my last sights while studying in France; it has served as a great reminder of the time I spent abroad with the College’s FacultyLed Trip program”
rd 3
Place France
By Nicholas Wargo
Spring/Summer 2015 Photo Contest Winners ICO/Redbox/Student Research
st 1
Place
Dumbrava, Romania By Alexia Skoriak
“My photo was taken while walking the streets of a Roma village in the mountains of Transylvania in Romania. I was there on a Red Box trip helping at a community center to teach English and Bible lessons to the children from this village. I walked the streets of the village one afternoon, with my companion, and was stared at most of the time – an obvious outsider, yet not avoided. Most of the Roma people sat outside their homes interacting with others, often staring straight at us and sometimes conversing with us as we walked by. This grandmother had a particular peace, friendliness and almost welcoming air about her, and also didn’t seem to mind having her picture taken, which is rare and encouraging. The photo shows the contrast of old and young together, as well as the context of a larger community (the families in the background behind the woman). I hope the photograph gives a picture of Roma life, while also telling her individual story.”
nd 2
Place
Roman Forum By Vincent Michael
“This photo was taken at the Geghard Monastery in Kotayk, Armenia. Geghard was founded in the 4th century by the famous monk, Gregory the Illuminator, and was carved out a single part of the surrounding mountains. I visited several monasteries in Armenia, but Geghard was the most breathtaking. It is set in a gorgeous mountain range, and visiting these monasteries made me feel so profoundly connected to God and the body of believers, especially in a country where the most people’s faith is lukewarm at best. It was incredible to think of people worshipping God in these places for over one thousand years. “
“I was perusing through the Capitoline Museum by myself one afternoon while in Rome. Earlier that day I had been in the Roman Forum, when it was sunny, hot, and crowded; in general, it did not seem as majestic as I had expected. However, while I was in the Museum a storm began to brew over Rome. By the time I reached the balcony of the Capitoline and looked out over the Forum, it seemed its character had completely changed with the weather. The crowds had largely cleared. It had a sublime and melancholy grandeur, calling to mind at once the splendor and the power that was once centered in that place, along with the reminder that even the greatest of the worldly accomplishments of man shall pass away in time. I think I pondered this sight more than any of the sculptures in the Museum. Soon after, the people still there were scattered by the rains.”
Kotayk Province, Armenia By Abigail Genzink
Reiti, Italy
By Eloise Smith
LA
By Slater Simek
rd 3
Place
Spring/Summer 2015 Photo Contest Winners Study Abroad
st 1
Place Mumbai, India By Sarah Klein
“While living in Mumbai I had the opportunity to see firsthand the unexpectedly vibrant community residing in a slum just down the road from my residence. On the first day of the monsoon season I walked out to experience the rain and saw several young boys splashing and shouting in a large metal bin. Their joy in the simplicity of the downpour really touched me, and made me appreciate anew the beauty of nature evident even in the crammed city of 21 million.�
nd 2
Prague
By Mallory Ruml
Place
Lucerne, Switzerland “This summer, I worked for Roche based out of Basel, Switzerland! During the week, I worked in the Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development department, and on the weekends, I explored towns in Switzerland, encountering many other cultures and enjoying all that Europe has to offer. I took this photo during my first weekend trip. I traveled to Lucerne, a quaint Swiss city located along a lake in the Swiss Alps.�
By Jocelyn Seaton
By Caroline Bennett
Place
Arenal, Costa Rica
rd 3
Highlands of Scotland
By Carrie Howe “While exploring the Scottish Highlands, I came across a group of red deer. These graceful animals were extremely calm as I pulled out my camera and snapped a few photographs from only a few feet away. This deer embodies the strikingly beautiful natural surroundings I experienced during my time in the mystical Highlands of Scotland.�
Question of the Month
“If you could return to any one location you visited while abroad, where would you go and why?” “If I could go back to anyplace I visited while studying abroad, I would return with Tristan Slater and Deborah Tuggy to the beautiful mountains in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. They overlook the stunning Grey Glacier and a lake full of icebergs while condors soar overhead. That was the defining experience of my travels abroad in Chile and one that I would recommend to anyone traveling in South America!” -David Hindman “My favorite place we’ve been in France is a small fishing town called Pornic. It was one of the first places we visited outside of the place where we’re staying, and it was just a short train ride away. I loved it because it was very different from being in a small city, and it was our first time seeing more of France. There was a beach there that was a bit of a hike to get to, but it was so amazing because there were these huge rocks & cliff-like areas that you had to be careful around where you could see where the water gets low & high from the tides. The town itself was precious – there was an amazing ice cream place & a bunch of little shops, but there was also this beautiful castle right in the middle of everything. I would definitely go back because it was a nice reminder that France is more than the stereotypical Paris or countryside you might picture. France is just as diverse in landscape as America is, and that was an amazing part to experience first in Pornic.” -Courtney Justice
“I would love to go back to Kamwenge, Uganda to be with the students and teachers again. I have some lifelong friends there who have changed my life forever. In fact, I am returning for a third time in January! This school is certainly blessed and I cannot wait to return.” -Megan Rowley
“I would definitely return to Poland. Before I visited, I never expected the country to be anything special. However, when I began to explore Warsaw, I discovered one of Europe’s hidden gems. The city was rich with history, beautiful architecture and friendly people. Poland is far less widely traveled than Western Europe, and I loved the feeling of being there before the secret becomes known!” -Sarah Sites “I would love to go back to Scotland! While studying abroad I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Edinburgh and tour the Highlands. It was a phenomenal trip and I loved every minute of traditional Scottish bagpipers, castles, whisky, hairy coos, Loch Ness, and countless magnificent views! -Caroline Bennett
Featured Travel Location Study Abroad Reading, EnglandStudent Spotlight Riding in the front seat on the top of a double decker bus, you are able to look out over all of the homes in Reading, England. Taking the short ride from your campus dorm to the inner city, you ride past school children walking home, sheep grazing in the fields, and shoppers walking home after a busy day. In a few short weeks, their home has become your home as you get to explore the town of Reading.
Reading, England is the largest town in Berkshire, and is about 20 minutes away from the heart of London by train. London offers days filled with excitement and entertainment, but as more of a country-mouse myself, I loved at the end of a busy day being able to take the short train ride home to my place in the countryside.
In Reading it is easy enough to get into the city to see a show or attend a movie premiere, but it isn’t always a necessary trip. Reading has a multitude of its own attractions to offer, from concerts, to flea-markets, to sports games. Reading is home to the Reading Festival, one of England’s largest music festivals, as well as the Reading Football Club.
Reading would always surprise me. I would be walking through the crowded business streets to a local bakery, take a wrong turn, and stumble across a large park area, complete with a playground and football fields. Reading is the perfect balance between English city and country life. You can go shopping in the Oracle (similar to a mega-mall), step out the back of the store, and sit down for dinner on the River Kennet. It is so easy to transition from trains and shopping centers to walking along the River Thames. While I was hosted at the University of Reading as a dorm student, I felt so included in both the school community and the community of Reading itself. I could wave to people in the town as I traveled through neighborhoods on the way to the store.
There are so many ways that you can invest and be involved with the town of Reading. While I chose to join the campus Christian ministry and coffee-house music group, my dear friend joined the community Rowing Club. There are opportunities available to meet new people both on campus and off. Even though I was thousands of miles away from home, it was so comforting to me to have the normalcy in many aspects of life. I could still go to potlucks after church and play soccer with my friends in the park, then go grab burgers for dinner. After traveling Europe on the weekends, Reading was the best place to return to, as it had quickly become my home. If you get the opportunity to stay a while, do so, and have a cup of tea for me!
By: Erin Wheeler
International Student Highlight: Joseph Sang
1. Where did you grow up? I was born in South Korea. At 2, my parents, who are missionaries, and I moved to Australia for a while before we moved to Yemen. Then I moved to Germany in 7th grade to attend the Black Forest Academy, and my parents moved to Jordan, which is where I would go on breaks. My parents are now here on furlough until January and they hope to return to Yemen in the future, if the opportunity arises. If not, they’ll go back to Jordan. 3. What is your favorite part about being at Grove City or living in the United States? At Grove City, I really enjoy the personal relationships with professors. They care about who I am. I also like how my RA wants to bring us together as a family. As far as being in the states, I love the nature. This part of the country is beautiful. I love the trees, the wind and the air. I also like being around people with authentic American accents.
2. What year are you and what is your major? How did you discover Grove City College? I am a freshman English major. My guidance counselor at Black Forest Academy in Germany (where I attended since 7th grade) suggested GCC to me, but I mostly researched it on my own.
4. What has been the most challenging thing to adjust to and what is something that you miss about Germany? A lot of times I miss my peers and underclassmen who are back at my old school. There are times when I’m in the cafeteria when it’s quiet and I start to think about them. I miss the frigid air of Germany. I like the nice weather here, but I do miss the cold and jogging around. I also miss my dorm mom’s cooking.
International Student Highlight: Joseph Sang
5. What are some of the major cultural differences between here and Jordan? For one thing, Jordanians don’t complain about food. Everything is bigger in America, but Jordan is becoming more westernized. You also don’t eat pork in Jordan. People are openly Christian in the states. Photo taken in Amman, Jordan
6. How many languages do you speak? I mostly speak English. I am fluent in Korean and know enough Arabic & German to get by. I am taking my fourth year of French, but my French professor says my level is about that of a 2 year old. I want to keep learning French though so that I can read Les Miserable. I also want to learn Latin to read Utopia and the Republic. 7. What are you most excited for about your time at Grove City and where do you see yourself after college? I hope to finish the final draft of my first novel. I also look forward to developing deeper relationships with professors. I would like to be a writer living in England—but that’s my own selfish plan. If I hear God’s voice calling to go somewhere, I will follow. I’d like to travel like Hemingway did in Africa. But then I also think if I were to go to Africa it would be for missions. I want to go back to Europe, because I feel that although I went to school there I am somewhat uncultured.
England France Amsterdam May Intersession 2016
SEDU 101: Exceptional Learners or EDUC 488: Issues in Education
Price with 3 Credits: $6,383
Contact Dr. Culbertson (ldculbertson@gcc.edu) or Dr. Genareo (ppgenareo@gcc.edu) for more information
Travel throughout the UK for HUMA 202 and English 290: Theatre in England
Intersession, May 16-28, 2016
Contact Professor Craig or Messer for more information Experience York, Bath and Stratford too!
Cost: $5450
January Intersession 2017 HUMA 302 with Dr. Robert Clemm and Dr. Erik Bardy January 4-17, 2017 $3,699
Nantes Normandy Verdun Paris
(European Study Center)
Visit the OIE for more information or contact Dr. Bardy to sign up!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 (4 pound) whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces 1/2 (2 pound) rabbit, cleaned and cut into pieces 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled 1 tomato, finely chopped 1 (15.5 ounce) can butter beans
Directions:
1/2 (10 ounce) package of green peas 1/2 (10 ounce) package of green beans salt to taste 1 teaspoon mild paprika, or to taste 1 pinch saffron threads dried thyme to taste (optional) dried rosemary to taste (optional) 4 cups uncooked white rice, or as needed
(Prep time: 30 minutes, Cook time: 90 minutes) Heat a paella pan over medium-high heat, and coat with olive oil (note: truly traditional paella is made over an actual fire, not a stove). Add the chicken, rabbit and garlic; cook and stir until nicely browned. Move the browned meat to the sides of the pan, and add the tomato, butter beans, peas, and green beans. Season with paprika, and mix well. Fill the paella pan almost to the top with water, measuring the water as you put it in. This is to help you to determine how much rice to add, as paella pans come in different sizes. Bring to a boil. Simmer for about 1 hour to make a nice broth. Season with a generous amount of salt, and just enough saffron to make a nice yellow color. Season with thyme and rosemary if desired. The goal is to make a rich tasting broth that will soak into the rice to make it delicious. Stir in half as much rice as the amount of water in the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.