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Social Work: One Month In!

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Diana, an Auggie currently studying abroad on the semester program, Social Work in a Latin American Context.

It is hard to believe that we have been in the beautiful country of Mexico for a little over a week now. It feels much longer and I owe it to the new experiences that have been brought to us. One of the biggest highlights for me has been getting to know other students from across the US at Casa Augsburg. Along with the staff and our IRA, Diana, have played a huge role in making sure that we were all comfortable in our transition to living in Mexico for the semester. They have all been so kind and welcoming. As we’ve settled in, we have had the chance to explore our neighborhood and surrounding towns. One thing that I think we all can agree on is how the food is a big part of understanding the culture. Trying different traditional foods, apart from my mothers cooking, has been an experience that I have enjoyed.

Continue reading “Social Work: One Month In!” →

Reflections from My First Month in Northern Ireland

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Iz. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Reflections from My First Month in Northern Ireland: A Journey of Learning, Connection, and New Beginnings

As I reflect on my first month in Northern Ireland, I am struck by the profound sense of growth, both personal and academic, that I’ve experienced so far. The opportunity to be part of the Augsburg CGEE Peace, Conflict, and Transition program has been truly transformative, and I’ve found myself developing deep connections not only with my fellow group members but also with this beautiful, yet complex, place.

One of the highlights of the month was our retreat to Corrymeela in Ballycastle, a serene and reflective space that allowed us to open up and talk through our thoughts on social activism, our interests, and how these fit into the larger scope of the program. At Corrymeela, we were encouraged to take time to reflect, build meaningful relationships with one another, and start understanding the impact of our work here in Northern Ireland and back home in the U.S. Continue reading “Reflections from My First Month in Northern Ireland” →

One Month In: Reflections from México

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Alyssa. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Liberal Arts, Migration and Social Change in Mexico.”

We are almost a month into our programming and I have been taking some time to reflect on our experiences thus far. When I was applying to study abroad, I was looking at all the programs available to me. Augsburg in México immediately stood out to me. My initial hesitation was why chose a program in a country that I have been to already, so many people were urging me to choose a European program. I am Mexican-American and had visited México before but upon further research I knew this was the program for me.

I am double majoring in International Studies and Spanish with a concentration in migration studies. This program has been perfect for me, giving me so many beneficial opportunities. I get to not only take Spanish classes that are making me feel more confident in my speaking skills, but the classes are also teaching me about my ancestry and México’s history. Alongside my Spanish classes I get to take an immigration class learning about migration policies between the U.S. and México.

The hospitality we’ve been shown has been so welcoming and I am so thankful for it. The staff here in Cuernavaca is amazing and we have already created so many memories! Every speaker has been so insightful and these “oral texts” have become such important learning experiences for us. Our first weekend we had an excursion to the pyramids of Xochicalco and then as students we planned an excursion for ourselves to Ciudad de México! It has been an amazing month and I am looking forward to what’s come! For those who are applying to study abroad programs, look into Latin America :)!

 

Final Weeks in Northern Ireland

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

And we’re back, coming to you from Northern Ireland!

Everything seems to be moving so quickly these last couple weeks here in Derry. As we near the end of our semester, we bring our internships to a close, saying goodbye to coworkers and friends, and saying hello to the semi-annual thrill all students anticipate: final papers!

That aside, we’ve had a very pleasant November (almost too pleasant, I miss the Minnesotan chill). A couple weeks ago, Nigel took our seminar to Roe Valley, where we took a turn along the River Roe after brunch. The autumn colors have turned so beautifully out there, and us four Americans were glad for the time to relax, chat, and take it in.

a scenic view of a river with trees of green, red, and orange

My internship moved along quickly. This month featured a number of music artists performing in our space: Ruá, Frankie Archer, Súil, and Elephant Sessions. Mostly modernized trad, setting up for the events and then either working or attending them was a lot of fun, and it was great to see these both local and national talents work their craft. The Elephant Sessions performance (think almost Scottish trad music rave) even worked out for everyone’s schedules, and I brought some of the American flatmates for a night out! That said, I was sad to be wrapping up my internship. I was able to finish up the report I’d been working on about previous intern experience and hand that in. I also got a chance to sit in on one last flute workshop at the local primary school, helping my coworker Andrew with quizzes and focus games. On my last day, the office came together for a little send-off over tea. It was so cute, and I’m so grateful for the time and welcome they shared with me. I hope to keep checking in on them from time to time. Continue reading “Final Weeks in Northern Ireland” →

Update from Derry~Londonderry!

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Halloween at New Gate (my internship) went off without a hitch, and I am now the happy owner of a DeLorean photo op! For my part in the performance, I threw on a Hawaiian shirt and rattled away on a prop piano (pronounced: broken, out of tune piano) with strobe lighting above and highland dancers below. Over the 3 nights we had probably thousands of people watch, grooving along to Johnny B. Goode and The Power of Love, and I was even able to swap out with a coworker’s daughter to watch the performance myself. It was incredible! I’m so proud to work with these incredible artists, and I hope events like this can continue to enrich the arts here in the Fountain neighborhood.

A college student with long hair and a Hawaiian shirt sits in the drivers seat of a classic 1980s DeLorean car

October also featured our group’s week away to the southern border counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Armagh. With a stop to the Ulster American Folk Park, Nigel (our program director) released us back to the wilds of the States, treading out the journey of migrants from the Emerald Isle to the New World. So many cute era shops, but more importantly a great sense of the history binding these Ulstermen to the proud Scotch-Irish we know back home. We got a pretty incredible tour, and heard some great stories from local period actors. We even got to burn some peat! Incredible earthy smell, but all it could make me think of was how much I missed the smell of firewood back home! They don’t burn much wood here… Continue reading “Update from Derry~Londonderry!” →

Transition to Costa Rica for Semester Students

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Kaela. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica.

October was a month of transition for our group. We’ve spent the last several weeks immersed in Guatemalan culture, lifestyle, and history. On the 11th, we made our switch from Guatemala to Costa Rica. As we begin this next chapter of our journey, we will explore a different spectrum of activism, human rights issues, and cultural landscapes.

Leaving Guatemala, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible resilience we saw in every organization, community leader, and individual we met. Despite a complex and, at times, painful history marked by conflict, these communities stand united, showing us that resistance and community go hand in hand. We participated in discussions about indigenous rights, women’s rights, and the social and environmental impacts of large-scale economic projects on rural communities. The leaders we met were passionate about preserving cultural heritage while also pushing for economic and political reform. Our time in Guatemala was as intense as it was inspiring.

While the country might not have the same recent history of conflict as Guatemala, Costa Rica has its own unique set of challenges and advocacy needs. A major difference I’ve noticed so far is the presence of immigrants, particularly refugees from Nicaragua and El Salvador. This change is not only evident in the cultural landscape but also in the conversations we have about human rights and social injustices. While we learned about how Guatemala’s history of injustice affects its people, here we learn from the perspective of those forced to leave and start a new life. These conversations add a new dimension to our understanding of social justice and human rights.

Our group is ready to dive into a new set of experiences and conversations. The friendships we’ve made and the insights we’ve gained so far are invaluable, and I know Costa Rica will only add to the depth of this journey.

A group of students stand in front of a cloudy scene at a volcano in Costa Rica

Immersing in Guatemalan Culture

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Kaela. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “New Activisms, Human Rights and Social Justice” that travels to Guatemala and Costa Rica.

This past weekend, our study abroad group had the unique opportunity to stay with families in the community of Santa Anita. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, this group of former soldiers and survivors have traded their guns for coffee beans to become a safe haven for Indigenous families after the war. When the Guatemalan peace accords were signed to mark the end of the civil war, many indigenous families had nowhere to return to. Their lands were either destroyed or given to a new family by the government. A group of ex-guerilla fighters and their families started this coffee plantation and built their new lives on the land. Continue reading “Immersing in Guatemalan Culture” →

Now Hiring: Site Director in Norway

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Augsburg’s Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE) and our partner institution in Norway, Østfold University College (OUC), are seeking qualified candidates to serve as the Site Director for our newest CGEE location based in Fredrikstad, Norway (learn more about the program: “Social Systems, Sustainability, and Justice in Norway”).

This full-time, year-round role will be a temporary position for three years, with the possibility of renewal into a permanent position after three years. This is a unique opportunity to lead and deliver high-impact educational programs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Continue reading “Now Hiring: Site Director in Norway” →

A Warm Welcome to Derry-Londonderry

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This is a guest blog post from our student social media ambassador, Garrett. Currently studying abroad on the semester program, “Conflict, Peace, and Transition in Northern Ireland” at our program in Derry-Londonderry.

Since touching down in Northern Ireland at the end of August, it feels as if it’s been nothing but go-go-go! Our wee group of four have been so welcomed by the university, city, and country that is hosting us. Of course, what those welcomers are called is part of what we’re studying here. Just recently our Ulster University campus has been renamed from the Magee Campus to the Derry ~ Londonderry Campus. The city to some is known as Derry. To others as Londonderry. The country is sometimes called Northern Ireland, other times simply the North. We as students have spent the last four weeks learning why. Continue reading “A Warm Welcome to Derry-Londonderry” →