January 14, 2010
Learning to become global citizens
Students blog about their experiences living and learning around the world.
As part of the 2010 Sophomore International Experience, 130 Bryant students in three groups are traveling to Costa Rica and Panama; Germany and Greece; and China during Winter Break to immerse themselves in different cultures. In addition, six students are visiting Italy with College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Lux.
The participants blogged about their experiences so far…
Costa Rica & Panama | Italy | China | Germany & Greece
Wednesday, January 13
“Buenos tardes!
"Today was definitely the most relaxed day of the trip so far. We boarded the bus at 9 am and headed for a seafood market. Despite the smell, it was interesting to see all the fish vendors with all of their different fish. We didn't stay very long, considering there wasn´t much to look at, but it was a beautiful day out. On top of the seafood market there was a restaurant that serves fresh fish that they catch themselves. It was only about 9:30 in the morning when we arrived, however, so no one had a chance to experience any of the food.
“After we left the fish market, we headed to an Artisans Market down the street to do some shopping. The market was full of unique, colorful souvenirs that we were able to purchase and barter for. There were items such as bags, wooden artifacts, paintings, t-shirts, and much more. We spent approximately 2 hours combing through the different sections of the market.
"All the items were relatively inexpensive, especially after you negotiated a lower price. The market is also called YMCA by many of the Panamanians because it is in a building that was formerly owned by the YMCA. Around noon, we loaded up the bus once again, and headed back to the hotel to grab lunch and have free time for the rest of the day and night.
There are 40 students participating on the Sophomore International Experience trip to Costa Rica and Panama. Here is the group in Panama City.
“We´re so excited for tomorrow´s trip to the Panama Canal. It´s hard to believe that it is our last day in Panama, considering all of Friday will be spent travelling home. It´s been a great, busy trip so far and tomorrow looks like it will be fun as well!
“Hasta Luego!”
Megan Goodnow ’12 (Lancaster, MA)
Michaela Phillips ’12 (Georgetown, MA)
Monday, January 11
“Tonight we went to a restaurant overlooking the water. We watched the sunset before sitting down to eat with alumni from Bryant University. We all enjoyed a fabulous meal of pasta! We could choose the different sauces we wanted as well as the different noodles and additional toppings. This was by far the best meal we have had so far!
"We got to spend time with the students on the SIE trip, as well as some alumni who now live and work in Panama. We met a few alumni who majored in management at Bryant and graduated in the 1980s. This was very interesting because we got their prospective on the working environment in other countries such as Panama. They both were originally from Panama and traveled abroad when attending Bryant. This was helpful to some of the students who may be hesitant to study abroad or work abroad in the future. We all had a great time and were excited to make connections with those who have been in and out of Bryant and are now in the business world!"
Lindsay Jubb '12 (North Hampton, NH)
"Hola!
"Today (like always) was a pretty full day. After a breakfast at our hotel we drove about 30 minutes to Dell Panama. When we got there, the lady who was going to give us a tour us wasn't there so we had to drive back to the hotel. Thankfully, the director of the Panama America Chamber of Commerce was willing to accommodate us and gave his presentation in the morning instead of the afternoon. He talked about the economic, social, and political aspects of Panama. It was very interesting because he is very knowledgeable on the subject. After a brief lunch break we got on the bus and drove to Dell.
"At Dell, we toured the massive offices and labs. In almost every place we went, there were hundreds of cubicles of tech support people, accountants, and marketing employees. We learned about some of the responsibilities of the Panama branch through our tour. Apparently, all US-based employees of Dell get their paychecks processed in Panama. Who knew?
Students getting a tour of Doka Coffee Estate in Costa Rica.
"After our visit to Dell we were given a quick opportunity to change. We then drove to a very picturesque coastline in an area known as the Causeway. The Causeway led to a series of islands which are full of hotels, clubs, and restaurants. We went there to see the sunset which was really, really pretty. Unfortunately we only had about 15 minutes to be there before our next scheduled activity.
"At a restaurant nearby, we were to meet Bryant alumni who have successfully established themselves in Panama. There were three alumni, all graduates in the 80s, who walked around and talked to students about themselves, Panama, and whatever the conversation led to. Also, two current Bryant students made a brief appearance before disappearing into the Panama nightlife.
"After this final event we came back to the hotel and I took a nice 30 minute walk around the city. It was interesting to see all sorts of people walking around looking at shops, eating, and going out.
"This is it for today. Tomorrow we get to go to the Colon Free Trade zone."
Bakhtiyar Baidaralin ’12 (Cranston, RI)
Sunday, January 10
"Unfortunately, this was the last day in Costa Rica. I woke up really early (at least for my standards) around 6:50 am. I am very glad that our tour guide Esteban was nice enough to push our scheduled canopy tour and zip line from early in the morning to 10:30 am so that we could go to the beach early in the morning.
"The beach, as expected, was absolutely beautiful. For those who know me, I had to take many pictures so that I can show all my family and friends. Also, the water was perfect for swimming. Even though I have been to the beach in Ecuador many times, I must say that the water in Manuel Antonio had even better water temperature because our SIE trip falls into the ideal beach season in Latin America.
"For me “beach and zip line day” was by far the best day I have experienced so far in the SIE trip. The waves were perfect for bodysurfing, which I did not know what it meant until I learned it from Bakhtiyar and Erik.
The view from the beach in Costa Rica.
"For the Titi canopy tour, we drove as three little groups down to the zip line area. Then, the tour guides, with funny animal names, such as mosquito, monkey, and cricket, helped put on our harnesses and helmets so that we would not fall into the forest. After that, the tour guides showed us the ropes and how to zip line properly and the “hard” signals for slowing down and continuing. Then, finally we began to zip line…
"As I was waiting in line, I became increasingly nervous because I forgot to mention one little thing - I do not like heights. However, once I had to use my muscles and jump for the tour guide to put my cord to the zip line, I became a speed demon.
"Soon I forgot about the height (at least on the shorter stations) and I actually enjoyed it. In fact, on the last station, everyone finally got a chance to see a squirrel monkey. Also, I am quite happy that I experienced 1,500 feet of zip line (even though I absolute hated waiting in line on the shaking staircases for the next station).
"After the canopy tours, we had around three hours of “here and there” naps on the bus until we reached Orquideas Inn once again at Alajuela. Everyone then headed to the midterm review (which was quite useful because it refreshed everyone as to the different companies we were visiting). Lastly, I then went to eat at a restaurant named “Fresas” after a long journey with the taxi to find a restaurant that was safe and actually open unlike “Calula” restaurant. To sum it all up, it was an awesome day.
"Buenas Noches!"
Marcia Chong '12 (Milford, MA)
“It's hard to believe that more than half of the trip is over, but as we flew out of Costa Rica this morning it finally started to sink in. We were up and on the bus at a fun 5:15 this morning and arrived safely (after a bit of a bumpy ride) in Panama by 10:45 am. From the moment we stepped off the plane everything was different. The bus is smaller; the rainforest was nowhere in sight. And then there is Panama City . . .
"It was a short drive to the city, which has a huge skyline like NYC or any other major metropolis. It is still visibly a city in a developing nation (the water is very polluted and we passed some slums and broken down houses on the drive), but it also has everything you’d want from a city: great restaurants, shops, beautiful hotels, and all that jazz.
"Our hotel is called the Riande Granada and it’s located in a very central area of the city. The rooms are simple, but very nice and I’m happy to report that room service (along with seemingly everything else here) is SO INEXPENSIVE! Well, comparatively anyway. Our favorite example of this is that you can get a filet mignon delivered to your room for only $12. Crazy, right?
The group outside of the Phelps Dodge Corporation, a company that produced copper cables, in Alajuela, Costa Rica
"We checked into our rooms then headed straight to the old downtown area, the historical Casco Viejo, where we had a couple of hours to shop, walk around, eat lunch and take in the sights and sounds. And let me tell you, we took TONS of pictures. I’m sure you’ll be seeing them on our Facebook pages very soon so I’m not going to ruin the fun by telling you all about it right now. ;)
"After we returned to the hotel we had the rest of the evening off, which I personally used to shower, hand-wash some clothes (it’s amazing how fast you go through them in this heat), and then walk around and have dinner with some friends. We’re all exhausted so I’m staying in tonight and looking very forward to the next 4 days and all of the exciting things we have coming up! This is my last blog entry for the week so enjoy everyone else’s perspectives and we’ll be back on Friday to tell you ALL about it in person!!!
"Buenos noches (or as they say in Costa Rica, Pura Vida!)"
Makena Sage '12 (Austin, TX)
Thursday, January 7
"I have been a facilitator/chaperone on the SIE Latin America trip for the past 3 years and today's experience was, by far, the most rewarding and moving I've had in all three years.
"Today we took our 40 Bryant sophomores to Las Obras del Espiritu Santo, a community service agency that helps the poor of San Jose, Costa Rica and, in particular, children, orphans, and the elderly. Our students were able to work in many different areas. They assisted in the kitchen cutting beets and hot dogs, cleaning tables and chairs, and washing many, many dishes. They assisted on the farm with cleaning out some of the animal pens, cleaning the water tubs, and picking up trash.
"They all worked very hard on the construction site where they shoveled dirt and rocks, put it into wheelbarrows, and brought it to the school that the people of Las Obras del Espiritu Santo is currently building. The students were also able to work in the nursery, playing with students and teaching them when possible, and in the orphanage where they played with the children, gave them extra attention, and read with them.
Shannon Caldarola '12 (Massapequa, NY) with a few of the children from the school and orphanage Obras del Espiritu Santo in San Jose, Costa Rica.
"From a staff member's perspective, I can honestly say that I have never had an experience quite as moving and emotional as the one I had today. Watching our students -- all from different families, backgrounds, countries, states, and classes -- push wheelbarrows in the hot sun, teach four-year-old children how to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," or give clothes out to senior citizens who are in need was a truly amazing experience. I was also privileged to watch as many of our students put the Spanish language they've learned to good use as they spoke with children, the elderly, and the workers at Las Obras del Espiritu Santo, and even sang with them in Spanish.
"Through many fundraisers on campus during the fall semester, and through the generous giving of many of our students, we raised $400 to donate to Las Obras del Espiritu Santo. At the end of the day, three of our students presented this money, along with some gifts we brought from Bryant, to Anna, who was our contact and the person who coordinated our trip to Las Obras del Espiritu Santo. During this presentation, and during the words of thanks we received from Anna and the priest who founded Las Obras del Espiritu Santo, there were many emotional moments shared between the groups.
"I can honestly say (although I'm not sure they'd all be happy that I'm sharing this), that all four of the facilitators and many of our students were in tears at the end of the day when we reflected back on the work we had done today. I (and the rest of the facilitators) left there so extremely proud of our students for giving their all today and for putting their hearts and souls into helping the children. I had teary moments many times throughout the day watching our students work with the children and put their all into what they were doing.
Jason Fortin '12 (Pomfret, CT) with a child from Obras del Espiritu Santo, a community service organization/orphanage in San Jose, Costa Rica.
"At the very end of our day, twenty or thirty of the children from the nursery and the orphanage filed into the room and handed every one of us a thank you letter, gave us a hug and a kiss, and sat with us for a few more minutes. Watching our Bryant students hug the children, give them all of their love, and seeing the bond that had formed in only one day was something that truly warmed my heart and made me so very proud to be an educator at Bryant University.
"In Costa Rica, the traditional phrase that the people use is "Pura Vida," which is translated to "Pure Life" and means living a good, pure life and appreciating what you have. Today, I am proud to say that 40 Bryant students and 4 staff truly experienced Pura Vida and that it shone through each one of us during our time at Las Obras del Espiritu Santo. Thank you to our amazing students for your hard work, for not complaining even when you were hot and tired, and for putting your hearts and souls into our activities today. I am forever changed because of our experiences today and am glad that we were able to experience today's events together."
Meagan Sage, Assistant Director, Center for Student Involvement
Editor's Note: The accounts above written by the students and staff on the SIE Latin America trip represent just a portion of the blog they have written about their experiences. (To read more visit, SIE Latin America Blog.)
Monday, January 11
“Through the fall semester, a group of six students prepared for our special study trip to Italy by completing a course in Italian history (History 385: Patronage and Culture in Italian Art and Architecture) that focused on the development of Italian art and architecture. In addition to learning about the history of Italy, each of these students developed plans for a project to complete during the course of our travels.
“We’ll start our tour of Italy in Florence, where we’ll take a close look at the city, as well as the art and architecture. From Florence, we’ll also make day-trips or excursions to Venice, Fiesole, and Siena before we move on to Rome. In Rome, we’ll visit such well known sites as the Vatican Museums, the Basilica of Saint Peter, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Capitoline, and the Villa Borghese.
(L-R) Brian Reynolds ’11 (Natick, MA), William Nette '10 (Norwalk, CT), Caroline Barletta ’12 (Valley Cottage, NY), Meghan Buisson ’11 (Providence, RI), Sara Haslbauer ’11 (Levittown, NY), and Derek Castello ’11 (North Providence, RI) in Venice.
“Of course, we’ll also make special arrangements to ensure that each of the six students on our trip gets to visits the places that are critical to developing the materials for completing their project plans, which include:
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Caroline Barletta ’12 is interested in Italian Romanesque architecture, and the visits to San Miniato al Monte and the Baptistery in Florence were a high point for her.
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Brian Reynolds ’11 has a project focused on public spaces – the squares, piazza, and campi. The Piazza della Signoria in Florence, the Campo Polo in Venice, and the Piazza del Popolo in Rome are sites he’s interested in visiting.
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Meghan Buisson ’11 has a similar interest with her project focused on artworks created for public places.
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William Nette ’11 has challenged himself to define the “best” works he can find by Brunelleschi and Bernini.
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Derek Castello ’11 developed an interest in the aqueducts of Rome, and he’s focusing on how their “reconnection” during the Renaissance changed the urban landscape of Rome.
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Sara Haslbauer ’11 has a special interest in how art is displayed, and she’s given herself the task of tracking down paintings by Caravaggio that are still hung where the original owners placed them."
David Lux, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
“During the fall semester we learned that art is a part of daily life in Italy. My project this semester was focused on the artist Caravaggio and seeing his religious paintings in the original churches for which he painted them. It is amazing to see the art and architecture in person and relate what we learned in class to what we are seeing on this trip. This was the best trip I have ever been on being in such a beautiful country with so much history. We know so much of the history and the background for the sites we are seeing. This makes Italy so much more interesting.”
Sara Haslbauer ’11 (Levittown, NY)
“On our first full day in Rome, we went to Vatican City. This walled city was absolutely unbelievable. The Vatican Museums have some amazing artifacts and paintings. I truly enjoyed our visit to the Sistine Chapel. The work of Michelangelo is everything it is hyped to be. The ceiling is extraordinary, and I especially enjoyed actually seeing his depiction of Judgment Day, which is on the altar wall. Getting to see what it took to restore Michelangelo’s ceiling was shocking. I had no idea how much damage art can suffer over time. In class, we heard a lot about Michelangelo and all of his work, but seeing these works in person gave me an entirely new perspective on Renaissance art.”
Meghan Buisson ’11 (Providence, RI)
(L-R) William Nette '10 (Norwalk, CT), Meghan Buisson ’11 (Providence, RI), Brian Reynolds ’11 (Natick, MA), Sara Haslbauer ’11 (Levittown, NY), Derek Castello ’11 (North Providence, RI), and Caroline Barletta ’12 (Valley Cottage, NY) on the spiral staircase at the Vatican Museums in Rome.
"My favorite part of the trip so far has been the first Vaporetto ride we took in Venice. These Vaporetti are the water buses of Venice. Traveling down the Grand Canal and watching the passing boats and the gondolas made me feel like I was taking part in a scene straight from some of my favorite movies. The weather was sunny so we had a clear view of the entire city as we passed through.”
Derek Castello ’11 (North Providence, RI)
"I have never seen such an incredible building as Saint Peter’s Basilica. The sheer magnitude of the building on one hand, and the details of the architecture and art on the other hand, really struck me. I was especially glad we had studied the building, as well as the extraordinary story behind its creation. What we learned in class made this experience my favorite of the trip so far.”
William Nette '10 (Norwalk, CT)
(L-R) Caroline Barletta ’12 (Valley Cottage, NY), Sara Haslbauer ’11 (Levittown, NY), and Meghan Buisson ’11 (Providence, RI) at the Piazza del Popolo in Rome.
"Florence is more than a beautiful city, it is an experience. We saw a lot of Florence, and we actually got to look over the city from the heights of three different locations. The first was from the top of the mountainside town of Fiesole, several kilometers north of Florence. Then we looked down on Florence from the steps San Miniato al Monte, the extraordinary Romanesque church on the heights just south of the city. Finally, we had the opportunity to look directly down on Florence from the top of the Duomo, the cathedral that dominates the historic center of the Florence. Despite the fact that we viewed the same city from each location, we actually saw distinct perspectives and differences that gave each view its own majestic qualities.”
Caroline Barletta ’12 (Valley Cottage, NY)
"Today we visited the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. This was a surreal experience for me after reading so much about St. Peter’s and spending so much time learning about the history of Rome. This massive church accommodates up to 60,000 people for religious services, and after more than 350 years of use, it still remains one of the largest churches in the world. The interior is filled with impressive artwork and the tombs of the deceased popes. For me, the most impressive and elaborate part of the Basilica is the high altar with Bernini’s massive bronze Baldichino (canopy). These are directly under the massive dome, and directly over the tomb of St. Peter in the crypt below.”
Brian Reynolds ’11 (Natick, MA)
Sunday, January 10
“So where do I begin? China is amazing! I’m so glad that I choose to go to China for Sophomore International Experience. It hasn’t even been a whole week yet but I don’t regret coming at all. Beijing was awesome. Some interesting times, some fun times, some awe-inspiring moments, and much, much more.
"The Great Wall had the most beautiful scenery! Of course, I have been sore all of today for walking so much on the Great Wall but it was worth it! I was amazed at all of the traffic in Beijing, as well as the hour long rides to our destinations. I had never realized that Beijing was that big. I was surprised how eager both the elementary students and college students were to practice their English with us and to learn as much as they could about America. Now I also have a better understanding of what Chinese food is, not the American version of Chinese food."
Rebecca Ptak '11 (Rocky Hill, CT)
“The first five days in China have been a very good experience. It is one experience that I will always remember. Studying China through seminars and books is nothing compared to actually being immersed in the culture. I talk to the locals every chance I get. It is a very interesting feeling being the minority. It is something that I have never felt before. I think this is a country that cannot be even slightly understood in a two week visit. I think the culture here is so rich that it would take years and traveling the country to understand what it is truly like to be a part of the culture. I have an interest in learning the language and have asked many questions about different words and their meanings.”
Brett DuBreuil '12 (Middletown, RI)
There are 34 students on the trip to China. Here they are in Beijing.
“This trip has been such an amazing experience for me on so many levels. First of all, all of the opportunities that I have had on this trip are truly once in a lifetime. I am so happy that I chose to come to China because originally I was apprehensive about the trip, and this was a very big step for me personally. Now that I have done this and had all of these great experiences, I feel like there is nothing I can’t do.
"The thing that I really love about this trip is the blend of different experiences that I am having, from sightseeing and climbing the Great Wall, to more cultural experiences such as talking to a range of students from eighth grade to college. Every day was so packed with fun activities. After every one I keep thinking to myself that the next event can’t top the ones I just did, but they always do.
“The other things that I am very grateful for on this trip are the people that I have met. Coming into this trip I only knew one or two people very well, but now we are almost half way through the trip and I have made a lot of new friends. We were talking about how strange it is that six days ago we didn’t know each other and now it seems as if we have been friends all year. This is such a different experience for everyone involved, that it creates such a great bonding experience.
“So far this trip, the best experience for me was climbing the Great Wall. This was an experience that not many people get to do and it really made me appreciate the opportunity that I have in front of me. As I was climbing the Wall and looking at the view around me I was awestruck. It really boggles my mind that the Great Wall was built so long ago and is still standing in all of its glory. Overall, this trip has been nonstop excitement, fun, and laughter. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip has in store for us.”
Sarah Perlman '12 (Ridgefield, CT)
The Bryant students had a chance to interact with students from the Business College of Beijing Union University.
"We have just left Beijing, and we are on our way to Guilin. We are very close to the middle of the trip, and so far, I can only describe it as amazing. In only six days, we have learned more than in any of our classes, because we have had the wonderful opportunity of experiencing the cultural differences firsthand. I believe that this trip has helped most of us understand, not only the Chinese culture, but it has also given us a very good idea of the existence of cultural differences.
"In my personal opinion, there is no other way to really understand culture shock until you experience it firsthand. Through the program that has been organized for us, we have had plenty of chances to experience the culture on our own. This trip has also taught us not to be so self centered and believe that the western culture dominates the world.
"I consider myself lucky to have had such an incredible group. We have become very close in only a few days. I met people that I didn’t even know, and thanks to this trip, I know that we will still be very close once we get back home. The faculty has been great, and it has been extremely helpful to have native Chinese people lead our group because we get very local and authentic opinions and advice. Overall I am extremely happy. To be honest, I did not expect to have such an amazing time. Now I almost don’t want to go home."
Ricardo Gimbel '12 (Mexico City, Mexico)
Some of the students biking in Yangshuo.
"This trip has been unbelievable. When I reflect on my experiences they almost seems indescribable. We have had five jam packed days and every experience has been one to remember. The most impactful event in my eyes was when we got to be a part of the Dandelion School. This school of young migrant workers’ children had so much energy and drive. These children have little to nothing and are fortunate to be accepted into a school that promotes education and growth. The teachers are remarkable people. They wake up every day before 6:30 am to get the children up and ready for school. They feed, teach, play with, and support these students.
"Our group was lucky enough to experience their classroom setting and talk to them in English. These students were so smart. They all knew English, some better than others, and it was amazing to see how eager they were to learn more and experience Americans. It was an incredible feeling to help these children. This experience is something I will never ever forget.
"As for our other activities, the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace were all places of astonishing architecture and history. The Great Wall was a tough hike but well worth it. The scenery of snow top mountains was breathtaking. This world phenomenon is something most people will never experience in a lifetime.
Students on the Great Wall
"The Forbidden City had so much history that I couldn’t stop asking questions and learning. The Summer Palace was a gorgeous site with amazing detail. I thought the manmade lake and the history of the young emperors of China was very interesting. This entire trip has made me feel so lucky. I am learning so much about myself, my country, and other cultures in the process.
"The food is something I didn’t quite expect or prepare for. I love Chinese food in the United States but the CHINA Chinese food is very different. The restaurants we have been too are fabulously decorated and traditional. I love the presentation of all the food and the way we get to share with everyone by spinning the huge plate in the middle. I am very excited to keep trying new things in the next places we go to.
"Beijing is a place unlike any other and I am so appreciative of Jerry (guide in Beijing), the Bryant faculty, and my parents that I got to experience it. “
Margot Becker '12 (Franklin Lakes, NJ)
"It would be an understatement to say that China has been an eye-opening experience for me. My favorite part about the trip thus far was definitely going to see the children at The Dandelion School. They seemed so excited to see us, meet us, and even show off their English to us. Their great humor combined with eagerness and a twinge of nervousness made the experience even more rewarding for me because we seemed to completely make their day.
"I was so proud of my classmates who decided to donate to the school. It just proves how great of a group we are, and how the Bryant community as a whole can come together and make an impact. I believe that anyone else at Bryant would do the same because we are taught to make a difference. I am so happy to know that three children will be able to attend the school for a year without their family having to worry about cost. Some day if I ever get the chance to come back to China, I will absolutely be visiting The Dandelion School because it meant so much to me.”
Casey Butler '12 (North Easton, MA)
Students had the chance to try their hand cooking a tradition Chinese dinner.
"Thus far, I have been truly amazed by the opportunity I have been given to experience such a unique and rich culture. I have been especially intrigued by the historical locations that we visited. Coming from America, we learn little about the history of the Far East. However, we learn enough to know the significance of some of the locations we visited. Being able to visit them in person was a terrific opportunity to learn more about them and get a closer look at their brilliant structure and design. I was particularly amazed by the architecture that I saw in Beijing. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Olympic Village were much more impressively built than any buildings that I have seen in America.
"Also, this trip has demonstrated to me that there are perhaps misconceptions of this country which are relayed to us in America through our media. Talking to our tour guide Jerry has been very interesting, as he has given us a local perspective on things that have been topics of conversation in America.
"For example, the way that the Olympics were portrayed through the American media made it seem as though the Chinese people were extremely oppressed. However, Jerry described to us that through the eyes of the Chinese people, the Olympics have brought nothing but good. Also, it was my belief that the government played a large role in everyday life, perhaps restricting the freedoms of the Chinese people. However, thus far, I have not noticed anything of the sort. People seem to be free and happy.
"In conclusion, our journey around the great city of Beijing has shown me that I have a wonderful and unique privilege to experience the best this country has to offer. The service, the people, the architecture, the history, as well as many other aspects have been tremendous and interesting. I will certainly speak highly of my experience in Beijing, and recommend to my friends and family at home to visit if they ever have the opportunity."
Peter Mariner '12 (Auburn, ME)
The group in China Hiking in Yangshuo.
"My personal experience on the Sophomore International Experience in China has been outstanding. Everything from the airplane ride all the way to the outdoor adventure in Yangshuo. The part of the trip that we most bonded as a group so far has been going to the Great Wall. I feel like we are were equally amazed to see the Great Wall for the very first time and to see with our own eyes something that we only see in history books and pictures.
"Another activity that we did that I feel we most cherished, but was unexpected, was the outdoors adventures. Even though we did not realize how hard it was and how dirty we were going to get, we appreciated the activities and had a lot of fun. We now realize how diverse China’s culture is and how different every city in China really is.
"After all these experiences, it is hard, but I have finally chosen a favorite activity and it was to see where the Olympics were held. I think that the Olympics is very respected and has a lot of amazing history to it. For us to see where these games were actually played made me feel very special. This trip is very well rounded and full of nonstop activities. Every day is filled with fun and exciting experiences that I don’t want to leave. I wish the trip was longer so I can stay and learn more about China’s beautiful culture and history."
Mark Shub '12 (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico)
Friday, January 8
"Since arriving in Germany, I have had many late nights and fun times with my fellow classmates. I have been able to experience German nightlife, cuisine, history, and language in ways I never imagined possible. One of my favorite experiences thus far has been immersing myself in the culture by interacting with the locals. I have ordered food, asked for directions, and even purchased music where people only speak German.
"Although it was a little nerve-wrecking the first time, I quickly became comfortable interacting with the locals and have tried to communicate with them as much as possible. When we went to lunch with Professor Robert Seigel and his (Ludwig -Maximilians-Universität München) students, I was able to taste new foods and a beverage I was unfamiliar with called Apfelschorle, which is a mix of apple juice and sparkling water.
"Being a vegetarian in Germany was a major concern of mine before arriving, but I have been able to manage just fine by explaining to the waitress at each restaurant that I do not eat meat. In fact, the options I have been able to choose from are significantly better than I could have imagined!
"Not knowing the language has certainly been a challenge for all of us on this trip. Getting to destinations has been difficult, especially because many of my peers have been nervous to ask for directions since they cannot speak German. In many instances, I have taken initiative and asked locals for directions by saying key words or the names of places or people.
There are 56 students taking part in the SIE trip to Germany and Greece. Here they are at the former site of the Nazi party offices.
"For instance, when looking for the strip of popular clubs, I approached a German teenager and asked “clubs?” While this wasn’t a full sentence, he certainly understood and responded in German, gesturing the direction with his hands. In just a few minutes, we had arrived at the nightclubs.
"Another thing I am particularly proud of is that I have found some new favorite music. I turned on MTV the first morning in Munich and found myself watching music videos from Ke$ha, Green Day, Usher, Britney Spears, and plenty other American artists. Suddenly, a hip hop song came on which I had never heard but enjoyed very much. It wasn’t until about 30 seconds into the song that I realized the group was rapping in German! I had, at that moment, become a fan of a group called Culcha Candela and their single “Monsta.”
"I asked one of Professor Seigel’s students where the best music store in Munich was and he suggested a store, very similar to a Best Buy, called Saturn. I went to Saturn and purchased two Culcha Candela CDs as well as a House music compilation, a techno compilation, and a David Guetta deluxe European edition box set.
"This trip has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I am definitely looking forward to experiencing Greece in just a few days! When I get home, I will have so many stories and pictures to share with everyone. Germany has been nothing short of amazing. The food, the people, the architecture, the scenery, and the culture have all contributed to making this one of my favorite travel destinations!"
Kevin Javier '12 (New York, NY)
