Emory Abroad Scholars - Europe
Current students abroad:
Kyle Dalton - Limerick, Ireland
Gentry Hamrick - Dublin, Ireland
Will Parsons - Dublin, Ireland
Alexandra Firebaugh
I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad
in Aix-en-Provence, which is in the south of France near the larger city of
Marseilles. I participated in a summer program that lasted six weeks long while
I took two courses for three credit hours each. The town of Aix-en-Provence is
the perfect size for a study abroad experience because transportation is not
really an issue. It's small enough that you can walk anywhere, and it doesn't
take long to learn your way around. I lived in an apartment with my host mother
and another female American student my age. Every weekend we had extremely
inexpensive opportunities to travel in the surrounding area to see beautiful
places and experience the laid-back culture of southern France. It's hard to
explain how memorable a trip like this is, and so I strongly urge you to go
experience it for yourself! Go study abroad!
Sarah Goldwasser
Sarah Goldwasser (c/o 2013) studied abroad at
the National University of Ireland, Galway Fall 2011 through a partnership
between E&H and IFSA Butler. While in Ireland, Sarah immersed herself in
the culture, joining the University's kayak club and visiting the hometowns of
some of her Irish friends. With her Archaeology courses, she also explored
Ireland's ancient past on a number of field trips to historic sites and
museums. These experiences developed Sarah's appreciation for the relationship
between American perceptions of Ireland and the actuality of the country's
folklore and culture. Sarah returned to Ireland Winter 2012 to reconnect with
the friends she made, and she hopes to pursue further academic study at NUIG.
Jarod Kenney
My name is Jarod Kenney. During July and August
of 2012, I studied about "Shakespeare and His World" at the University
of Exeter, and did I have a blast! The program was a fantastic blend of
academic scholarship and social adventure. During the three week course, I not
only studied Shakespeare plays and learned of what the world was like during
his time but traveled England, visiting London, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Bath,
and St. Ives. In London, I attended a marvelous production of "Richard
III" at the Globe Theatre, visited the mummies of the British Museum, met
a few "celebrities" at Madame Toussands, saw a birds eye view of the
shining city atop the London Eye, and marveled at the glittering Crown Jewels
and cawing ravens of the Tower of London. My experience in England was truly
once in a lifetime. I not only learned more about a country which is dear to me
but made dear friends from all over the world. I highly recommend that anyone
who wishes to travel do so, for it is an experience which must BE experienced.
Joshua Lee
Studying abroad in Ireland was an
experience that cannot be replaced. I have to say it was one of the if not the
best choice I have made in my life. I loved living in another country for five
months. It was an experience like no other. Waking up every morning, fixing
breakfast, and then walking to my class to see the different colored houses and
the astonishing green grass was amazing. I found myself walking to class still
being amazed that I was in another country even at the end of my trip. Meeting
new people, gaining new friendships that will last a lifetime, and eating
different foods were just some of the perks to studying abroad. I saw so much
history while I was there. Most importantly I learned that while Ireland was a
totally different country, the country had a lot in common with the United
States. Studying abroad changed my life and helped me grow as a person. I will
never forget the great times I had in Ireland and I hope I can return one day.
I would recommend studying abroad to anyone that even has the slightest
interest.
Martin Stiles
In 2011, I spent 6 months living in France. I
travelled around the Mediterranean region for the summer
before beginning classes at the Institute for American Universities
in Aix-en-Provence, France. During my time in Aix, I lived with a French
family, took language and art classes, and explored the local culture. The highlight
from my study abroad experience was organizing weekly day-tours to local
historic and cultural sights. The opportunity to lead a group of American
students through a foreign country was an unforgettable experience.
Zachary Rhoades
My study abroad experience in Scotland was vital to my education. Not only were the academic settings of this foreign country important to my educational development as a college student
but the cultural experiences were as well, perhaps even more essential considering the global scheme of our modern world and its impact on us as citizens. Although I consider a semester abroad to meet the requirement of a significant cross-cultural encounter worthy of undertaking, it is also the shortest amount of time one can fully experience the potential a foreign country has to offer…Ideally speaking, a year should be the goal, especially since there is so much missed during those months you aren’t living there. Regardless, if you are looking to for a place of great historical significance, a culture that is exceptionally welcoming, and a taste of vast territory then Scotland is the place to go!
Andrea Pasillas
It’s hard to sum up my semester in Sevilla. In two words: challenging and
life-changing. As a Spanish major, studying abroad seemed like the next step in my educational career. Little did I know that I would find my career calling, discover new qualities about myself, and re-evaluate my role as a global citizen throughout those short, four months. During my semester, my program was designed to emphasize ESL/EFL teaching; I had an education practicum in the local schools where I taught English twice a week at the infantil, or Pre-K, level. I had time to travel throughout Andalucía and to Madrid, as well as three cities in Morocco. If you are even remotely interested in studying abroad, do it. Take the chance; take the risk. Spain is truly where I found myself, who I was always destined to be, and I returned to Emory with a renewed sense of self, ready to finish my last 3 semesters.