Study Abroad Programs Blog

Preparing for Mexico

By Emily Hogge - Guest blogger traveling in Mexico. In the quiet calm of my American living room, it's a little hard for me to believe that in 3 days I will be boarding a plane for Mexico. I've visited a few Mexican border towns before, and even worked in Texas within shouting distance of the border, but this will be my first real venture into the heart of Mexico. And, really, my first time being fully surrounded by a language that is not my own. Even though my friends and roommates joke that I'll return fluent in Spanish and able to salsa like a native, I wonder how much truth there is in their predictions. Will I really speak only Spanish for my entire stay in Morelia? Or, overwhelmed by this foreign language and culture, will I instead seek out other English-speakers to escape it? I would love to speak Spanish more fluently; that was initially the driving force behind my trip. I'm just unsure of the execution of this goal, and if my slightly shy nature will slow my progress. I wonder if Spanish will naturally infuse my daily experiences, or if I will have to be more intentional in my pursuit of it. Still, the prospect of four weeks of language study and cultural exploration seems exciting. I love that I will be living in one place longer than the average tourist, long enough to peer beyond the basic sights and sounds. I am particularly intrigued as to what my host family will be like, and what we'll learn from each other. I wonder if the language will be a barrier for us, and what kinds of food we will eat together. In my final countdown to departure, as I scurry to change the right amount of money into Mexican pesos, and pack the perfect combination of items, I hope that I do not neglect my mental preparation. I would like to enter this trip aware of the challenges, but ready to embrace all that I will experience. I suspect that I will encounter sounds, smells, and tastes that I never have before, and I hope I eagerly soak them up. Let it all begin!

Medical Spanish Program

By Robin Fillner - SALUD Program Guest blogger traveling in Quito. Well, today is my last day because I'm leaving for the jungle in an hour. The real last day is tomorrow. I thought this would be a good time to sum up my experience of the last 6 weeks, 4 of which were with the program SALUD. I am so glad that I came for two weeks prior to the start of the program. I really didn't know hardly any Spanish. My first class, during the first week was a total disaster, well actually getting to Ecuador was a disaster in itself with all the missed connections. But, because I came late, I was placed in a class that had extra room that turns out was way above my head. I didn't understand the instruction for what to do... But, even that has a good ending because I had a lot of notes on Spanish above my head that really helped me out in the next three weeks. Plus, I met some incredible folks that I got to hang out with the next two weekends. Once the program started we were full on into medical Spanish and our guided trips. I haven't ever been one to go for guided tours but it was so much fun. We didn't have to worry about our stuff getting stolen since we were on our own busses, or which bus to catch, or where to get off. It was extra time to hang out without being a little stressed. Plus, we always had guides that spoke to us in Spanish and forced us to return the favor. Our classes were hard and mind boggling. Then we started the volunteering. In the hospital I was a little disappointed at not being able to help out more than I did. Probably, this was my own fault because I didn't try to do more. But, I got to a point where I just felt weird being there. There were so many med students that there really wasn't any necessity for me. And my Spanish isn't up to any level where I can understand what they want, or what they were saying to me anyway. I was put with a nurse Susanna to follow around the first day, but she was busy stocking drawers. So, I just tried to wander around and meet people to hang out with. I did end up meeting some very nice doctors that took time out to painfully talk with me. I even attended rounds almost every day, that at least gave me something to do for an hour at a time. And my eyes had an infection that they helped me out with. But, as the week went on, it just seemed kind of pointless. I really went xxx toward the end. Yesterday, I had a horrible reaction to my yellow fever vaccine, so only stayed at the hospital for about a total of five minutes. And today, I didn't go because I had to study for my comprehensive exam, that they told me today in class, that I don't have to take until I get back from the jungle on Wednesday. But, it's been my life's dream to work in a hospital in a third world country and I think this was a good start. I'd be sad if I never tried again. And hey, for never learning Spanish before now, I think I did pretty good. Today, we had a little pizza party for everyone (I'm pretty sure they did it for me because I had to leave early). It was really nice and Patti, the head administrator gave us a great speech about helping people and learning Spanish. I will really miss her and Kati, and Santiago, and Andreas, and all my teachers. We even got certificates. Mine says that I am now officially a high intermediate! Wow, who would've known. My family was especially sweet. I really love them and will miss them so much. They even gave me going away presents! These words aren't doing them justice because they were so helpful and hospitable and shared themselves fully with me. I really felt a part of the family and have definitely taken a part of them with me as well as left a part of myself with them. All in all, this will definitely be a memorable experience for the rest of my life and if you're interested I highly recommend this trip to you! Good luck! And it's time to catch the 12 hour jungle bus! (I hope my yellow fever diarrhea doesn't pop out on the bus - yuck!)

Going to Taipei?

By Glenn Rigby Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, an island off the coast of the People's Republic of China. It is rife with culture and historical importance. There are many fascinating temples, museums, towers and other architectural features. Let's take a look at some popular sightseeing spots, shall we? * Taipei 101 – The world's tallest building when built in 2004. The design is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with a shape resembling a pagoda. The sectioned tower is also inspired by the bamboo plant, which is a model of strength, resilience, and elegance. * Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A majestic marble monument surrounded by gardens and ponds, the Memorial contains a statue of late President Chiang Kai-shek. A ground-level library displays photos and mementos of the late president's life. Adjoining the Memorial are the National Theater and National Concert Hall, both built in a traditional Chinese palace style. Changing of the Guards: every hour. * National Palace Museum – The National Palace Museum was established in Beijing on October 10, 1925, shortly after the expulsion of Puyi, the last emperor of China, from the Forbidden City by warlord Feng Yü-hsiang. The articles in the museum consisted of the valuables of the former Imperial family and were moved from place to place in the 1930s and 1940s to prevent them from falling into the hands of the invading Imperial Japanese Army. * Confuscius Temple – In contrast to many other temples, the Confucius Temple is a tranquil place that comes to life only at dawn on September 28. On this day every year rites are performed, some of which date back nearly 3,000 years, by school children in ancient costume to honor Confucius on his birthday. * Pao An Temple – A short walk from the Confucius Temple is the 230-year-old Taoist Pao An Temple. The three main deities worshipped here are Pao Sheng, God of Medicine; Ju Lai Fo, God of Luck; and Chu Sheng Niang Niang, Goddess of Birth and Fertility. * Martyrs Shrine – An excellent example of classical Ming dynasty architecture, dedicated to the fallen heroes of China's wars. A majestic archway, tranquil paths, and a ceremonial changing of the guards. Changing of the Guards: every hour, 10 minutes to the hour.