Photos from a customized program in Cuba with California Lutheran University (@CLUstudyabroad) & CGEE. Photo credit staff member Susan Peacock.
Summer in Cuba: Photo Edition!
Blog
UNAM Exchange
From social work student Carissa Franklin.
Our group was able to participate in an exchange with the National School of Social Work at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) from April 6-10. We participated in many activities during this week-long exchange. The campus is huge; I’m sure we didn’t even see half of it. In our time spent at UNAM, we were able to receive a tour of the central campus and learn more about the murals. The murals that we saw during our tour were located in the part of campus that they call the cultural center.
We also sat in on a class and the professor spoke about values. Sitting in the classroom, we were able to see the differences in what we consider appropriate in the class and what we think is not appropriate. We were also reminded of the cultural contexts we were in and took time to brainstorm about the reasons why we felt uneasy about what we witnessed. We had visits to two different practicum sites. One of the practicum sites was set at a community level and the other at the specialization level. Another tour we were able to participate in was of their musical arts. We learned about their different theaters, museums, and sat in on an orchestra’s practice session. Other activities of the week included a visit to their botanical garden, Frida Kahlo museum, and a boat ride at Xochimilco a lake in Mexico City. The most interesting part of our visit for me was hearing about their School of Social Work curriculum, which will be focused on in the next blog.
Head on over to this post on Facebook to discuss!
Experience Cuernavaca
This post was written by CGEE staff member Lucy Hardaker, who works at the Minneapolis office at Augsburg College.
When I traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico this April, I got a glimpse of the life of a CGEE student in Mexico. I landed at the Mexico City airport, where the CGEE driver, Ismael, came to pick me up. He was incredibly friendly, and chatted with me during our 2 hour drive to Cuernavaca, and taught me about Mexico. As a Cuernavaca native, he is very knowledgeable about the region and culture!
For the next two (intensive) days, I observed and participated in the student semester experience. I visited an elementary school where our students intern teaching English, visited a host family, got a tour of the town, participated in class activities, saw guest speakers, and met the students from UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) who spend two weeks with the social work students.
Cuernavaca is a very balanced and accessible city in which to study. It’s not an overly large or sprawling city, but it is also not too small – it has many great shops, cafes, events, and theaters to keep students busy. It’s not “touristy”, so you can get the full Mexico cultural experience. And perhaps one other wonderful perk – it’s BEAUTIFUL!
Aside from the city being marvelous for a study abroad experience, the staff on site are also wonderful people. Each one brings their own expert knowledge and insight about Mexican culture, the town of Cuernavaca, and their respective academic disciplines. They are all kind-hearted and fun-loving, and I had an absolute blast getting to meet them in person!
Who wouldn’t want this great experience in a cool town with fun people?! Thanks to the entire Cuernavaca team for making my visit memorable.
A Day (or two) in the life of a CGEE Central America student
This post was written by CGEE staff member Lucy Hardaker, who works at the Minneapolis office at Augsburg College.
The CGEE Central America semester students are some of the busiest study abroad students around. Not only are they going through an experiential program, but they are doing so amid a busy travel schedule! It was always difficult for me to fully grasp what a “Day in the Life” of a student must be like, but after my short visit to Nicaragua, I am beginning to understand.
First up was a full day of Nicaraguan sightseeing in the cities of Granada and Masaya, including the Masaya Volcano. This was a great introduction for both me and the students, as they had just arrived from Costa Rica only a few days earlier.
The next day, I learned what the academics of CGEE are all about. Students began the day with discussion, and then were taken to a local non-profit center (Coordinadora Civil), where we listened to a guest panel about getting the local youth involved with their country’s politics and social movements.
After lunch, I was given a tour of the Batahola Norte neighborhood where CGEE semester students stay while in Managua. Ruth Garrido guided me around multiple host families’ homes. Although I do not speak Spanish (Ruth translated for me), it was clear to see from happiness on each one of their faces that they thoroughly enjoyed hosting students.
The next day, I saw experiential education in action. Class began with a short film on the history of Augusto Sandino, followed by a discussion about the film, and a previously assigned reading. After the discussion, students were brought to Loma de Tiscapa – the site on which Sandino was executed, where there now stands a monument to him that watches over the entire city.
After only a few short days with CGEE Central America Students, I was finally able to see why our programs are so transformative with my own two eyes. Not only were the Central America staff some of the most friendly, welcoming, and dedicated individuals I have ever met, but the knowledge of the region’s history and culture combined with experiential education model is one of the best ways for students to truly understand the culture in which they are studying.
CGEE-Mexico students visit the childhood home of Sor Juana Inez De La Cruz
Words and photos from CGEE-Mexico Spring student, Tim Bishop.
A few weeks ago, the CGEE crew went to Hacienda Panoaya, the childhood home of Sor Juana Inez De La Cruz. If you don’t know who she is, please look her up – she is a truly spectacular human being and deserves to be known.
We did many things, from touring her house and grounds to getting lost in a maze. My personal favorite was the house of birds, where tiny little flapping-things would flit from ceiling to floor and sit on you.
An amazing experience to say the least.
Top Ten Reasons to Study in Namibia
List brought to you by Spring 2015 students!
1. Escape from your comfort zone and step outside of your norm.
2. Meet fellow American students who share similar passions and a spirit of adventure.
3. Intern at a local NGO (non-government organization) that not only immerses you in the community, but places you in the heart of current issues Namibia is facing today (something that will allow you to learn and grow everyday).
4. An opportunity to create lasting connections and experience unique personal growth.
5. Make cross-cultural connections between race dynamics in Southern Africa and the United States.
6. The opportunity to open your eyes up to the sides of the world which you haven’t seen and don’t know about in order to become a true global citizen.
7. Live in a small, intentional community where you can bond with other students on a deep level.
8. Interact with people from Namibia and across Southern Africa. By meeting so many people from around the region and taking time to learn about their various life experiences, it is impossible to come away from this trip believing in stereotype about “Africans”. You also get the chance to break down some assumptions about “Americans”.
9. An opportunity to live, grow, and learn in an enriching community (and let’s face it—the nightlife is awesome as well!)
10. Live in a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, mountains, coast lines, sand dunes. What more could you ask for?!
Reflections on El Salvador from Augsburg College student Hannah Schmit
Post from Hannah Schmit, Augsburg College student who traveled to El Salvador as part of a winter break course. Hannah also recorded a YouTube video about her experience.
The crowded plane jostled onto the tarmac and my travel-wearied body snapped Alert. The piercing lights of distant planes cut through the dark blue haze of night. We had arrived in San Salvador. For the following ten days, I along with my classmates and professor, journeyed through the streets, cities, and lives of the people of El Salvador. We began in the city and were given invaluable experiences with church groups and speakers who explained the history of the tumultuous country and gave us glimpses of the true heart of the people. We traveled to a town called Suchitoto, where we heard pure voices of those who had experienced tragedy as they tried to teach us how to forgive. Another voice from Suchitoto spoke of peace and music, of dancing and love, and most importantly of using the gifts given to us by God to make the most out of our lives. From Suchitoto we traveled to Nueva Esperanza, new hope, and met with calloused hands and friendly smiles. The people of Nueva Esperanza showed us the power of family and community in the face of adversity. We remember those who have shared their lives with us and we honor those who passed in the civil war.
Cooking Cuban Food in Ohio!
A quick but tasty post from Julian Cranberg, who traveled with CGE to Cuba in January, where he was impressed with all the services (but especially the cooking) at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana.
I was in Cuba with a group of Oberlin College students in January. After we returned home, we had a special Cuban dinner that I cooked using the recipes from the fabulous cooks from the MLK center.
I had to drive for an hour to buy yuca, malanga and plantain because these things can be difficult to find in the United States.
Thanks to everyone at the MLK Jr. Center for all that you did during our trip.
More Student Photos: Mexico Edition!
These photos are from Augsburg Student, Amy Theurer, as she studies abroad on the Social Work program in Mexico! Find us on our Facebook page to post comments on the social work students’ other blog posts.
Staff Feature: Lucy Hardaker
Lucy Hardaker (hardaker@augsburg.edu), one of the newest CGE staff members, is highlighted this month!
Position and primary duties?
I am CGE’s Outreach and Enrollment Specialist. I visit schools around the country to meet with study abroad advisors, faculty, and students about CGE programs. I am a student’s primary contact after they inquire or express interest in our programs. I really enjoy answering student questions and helping them understand the study abroad enrollment process. I also assist with the management of our social media channels. One of my favorite projects is working with our Alumni Ambassadors, a program through which returned students work closely with interested students in selecting and preparing for a CGEE experience. If you want to be an Alumni Ambassador or are interested in connecting with one, contact me at the above email address.
In what year did you start with CGE?
2014
Share with us a brief educational and work history.
I studied as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and, while I was there, I worked two different jobs. One, at a small scrapbooking and craft supply store, and the other at the international student services office on my campus. My time as a student assistant in the international office set me on a path to international education as a career. Once I graduated, they hired me as the host family coordinator where I matched international students to families within the Eau Claire community. After a few years working professionally in Eau Claire, I moved back to my home of Saint Paul, Minnesota to pursue my Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at the University of Minnesota and to work with international students there as well. My job was to coordinate short-term programs, where I got to plan and lead educational field trips around the Twin Cities as a way to help students increase their understanding of US culture and the English language. I also assisted the international student recruiter in her job to recruit students to study in Minnesota.
Where are you from?
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Where do you work?
Minneapolis office
Most rewarding part of your work with CGE
I have been interested in intercultural connections and international travel for as long as I can remember, so I find it very rewarding to get students excited about study abroad. I love to hear the stories from the students after they return, too – to share in the joy of a transformative experience.
Most challenging part of your work with CGE?
Seriously – seeing the student’s photos! It’s painful to see all the places I still want to go in my life. My fingers start itching for online flight searches…
While all CGE visits and resource people are important and valuable, are there any particular stories/encounters that are particularly poignant for you personally or for our participants?
I’m still pretty new to CGE so I don’t have as many stories to draw from yet. However, each time I hear a story from a student that didn’t think they would ever be able to go abroad, I am quite happy to know that they found a way and that they chose us. I believe that CGE’s style of program is such a fantastic way to experience international travel – I wish my school had known of it when I was studying abroad!
What are your hobbies/personal interests?
My hobbies include: scrapbooking, riding my bike, and hibernating during Minnesota winters with Netflix!
Where is your favorite place to travel or what is your dream destination for the future?
My favorite place I have visited is Annecy, France, a small mountain town in Eastern France. I consider this my favorite travel memory because it holds a special place in my heart as the first international travel experience I had. I went to France for 3 weeks with my high school French class and have been smitten with travel and culture ever since. Annecy was my favorite from the trip as it is a beautiful town filled with wonderful people! And as a Minnesotan girl, I had never seen mountains before so visiting the French Alps was a very special experience.