Dear Students, Faculty and Staff
Go Somewhere! – and our challenge to you continues!
Welcome! Marist study abroad students have collected and edited this newsletter about life abroad, and made it available for your reading pleasure. We
hope to provide you with insights about their exciting experiences abroad.
Marist College continues to excel in sending students abroad: 95 students
abroad in Spring 2003. This is the biggest single semester class to study
abroad in the history of Marist College. For 2002-03, a total of 192 students
will have traveled abroad over the course of the year. The highest number of
students for the year. Another record!
Cuba was an amazing experience for the 26 students who traveled there for
winter intersession. Legally, American citizens are prohibited from traveling
to Cuba. However, Marist College International Programs’ application for a
license was approved by the U.S. Dept. of Treasury to administer this academic
program. This unique opportunity will be offered again. You can read about
this first program in the special report from the students who were there.
Students also had the opportunity to meet Congressman Maurice Hinchey (NY)
who addressed the group and spent time with them.
Our new destinations at the University of Alicante in Alicante, Spain, and the
University of East Anglia in Norwich, England are also featured for the first
time. In addition, a student initiative in Belize and a Marist alumnus who
returned to Sydney to get a Master’s degree at Macquarie University are also
included.
The Hansard Scholars Programme, a very select academic program that works
with the British parliament, accepted three of our students this year (one in
Fall and two in Spring). The program accepts only 18 students per semester,
and we are proud of those who were selected into the program. Read about the
experience of one of the participants - maybe you’ll be next?
Our new web site will be online by the end of March so you can find out more
about our programs and what our students are saying about studying abroad.
Congratulations to all the students who were abroad last year, and all the best
for those who will be traveling soon.
So to all the others, Go Somewhere! and explore our world, it is after all a
global village.
Sincerely,
Duleep C. Deosthale, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean
Marist International Programs
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Note from the Editors
2
Knee Deep (Literally)
3
Study Abroad Sashes
3
Unforgettable Memories
4
Politics Across the Pond
5
Amazing Belize
6
The Sweet Life
7
Fashionable Semester
8
Graduate School Downunder
9
Céad Míle Fáilte
10
My Surreal Year
11
A Year, Nothing Less!
12
Coming to America
13
A Home Away from Home
14
Spotlight: Cuba
15-18
Current Students Abroad
19
Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
20
The Globetrotter is published by the Marist
International Programs office.
Editors: Megan Thompson
Lauren Penna
Layout: Jerald Z.Thornton
Contributors:
James Bailey
Damian M. Bednarz
Meghan Brown
Kimberly Cuccia
Maria Fernandes
John M. Goot
Gregg V. Landry
Erik Long
Sarah Minto
Kate Mitchell
Lauren Penna
Robert Rodriguez
Scott St. Denis
Maura Sweeney
Mark Woods
Photographs courtesy of Marist Abroad
alumni, faculty & staff.
GLOBETROTTER
2
NOTE FROM THE EDITORS
Thank you for taking the time to look
through our Spring edition of The
Globetrotter. Our mission has been
to provide a forum for students to
share
their
study
abroad
experiences. Reading about their
time abroad will hopefully expand all
of our minds, as well as inform us
about what else is out there beyond
the Marist community for study options.
Being the co-editor of The Globetrotter for the past year
has afforded me the opportunity to continue to observe
how studying abroad is helping students grow in numerous
ways. In a way, being able to read and edit these pieces
also allows me to continue to learn through other people’s
perspectives. For those of you who are reading this and
thinking about studying abroad — don’t live through these
stories you are about to read. Talk to your advisor and
family as soon as possible about studying abroad. Take the
step, you’ll never regret it and that is a guarantee.
Having studied abroad myself in Leeds, England a year ago
I found the months overseas to be irreplaceable in terms
of experiences during my college career. As I now sit here
writing this only a couple of months away from graduating,
I think about how much I have learned about myself, the
world around me, and reality outside of the United States.
In May, I will graduate and no longer be working on The
Globetrotter, but I would like to extend my thanks to all of
you who have submitted pieces sharing your experiences.
Not only have you shared your own experience, but you
have probably convinced and helped prospective students
make the decision to study abroad during their college
career.
It makes me so thankful my mother could financially support
my choice to study abroad, and equally thankful to my
mentors at Marist who encouraged me, as a transfer
student, to follow my desire to study in England. At the
same time, I am also thankful because I realize how
different I would be today had I not taken the initiative
and opportunity to go abroad for the semester.
Once again, thank you and good luck in your future
endeavors, and take this opportunity to go somewhere!
Lauren Penna
lkpenna9@hotmail.com
Ciao! Hola! Bonjour! Hello!
First of all I have to say thanks for
checking out the fourth issue of The
Globetrotter. Our goal for this
edition was to show students,
parents, and faculty the various
international options available
through the Marist International
Programs office. Each year more people take the plunge
and venture abroad. I’m sure I speak for Lauren as well
when I say we are more than excited to share our own
personal experiences. But we are also envious of all those
embarking on the greatest journey of their lives and always
look forward to hearing others’ stories.
Personally, I am grateful to my parents who always
encouraged me to study abroad, and as a result, I spent
four wonderful months in Dublin, Ireland. I am equally
appreciative to my advisors who helped make my semester
abroad, and graduating on time, possible. And now, as I
sit in my room months away from graduation I cannot help
but think of all of my favorite memories here at Marist.
Oddly enough, many of them are not at Marist; they are
from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Spain.
I also want to take this time to thank all of you who have
made my job easier and enjoyable. To everyone who
submitted articles and pictures, you gave us all a peek at
what you did while abroad, and me something interesting
to read. I also want to thank Duleep, Carol, Jerre, and
Lauren—it was great working with all of you to create a
great newsletter I am proud to say I had a part in.
By studying abroad, students are exposed to diversity in
new destinations and the excitement of learning new
languages. They have met inspiring people through
internships, classes, and homestays. Your options are
unlimited — just go somewhere — anywhere! Why wait?
Carpe Diem—seize the day and this exciting opportunity!
Megan Thompson
mego14@yahoo.com
GLOBETROTTER
3
KNEE DEEP (LITERALLY)
By John M. Goot
Norwich, England, Academic Year 2002-03
The campus is located on 320 acres.
Week seven is coming to a close
and that means two things. One,
the second term is now half over
and two, a week long vacation
thanks to reading week. It was
hard to pull myself away from
the concrete jungle of the UEA
campus, but against all free
will, I managed to catch a train
due west, across the great
country of Great Britain, for a
week of R&R. Myself and two
other American students here at
UEA booked a getaway trip to
none other than Hereford.
Never heard of it? Well, actually
we stayed in Leominster, on a farm with animals about 30
minutes from the closest pub. There is nothing quite like
the soothing sounds of a cow’s “moo” to put you to sleep,
or a sheep’s nagging sounds to wake you with the sun.
Upon arriving to our heaven on Earth, our family farmers,
the Thomas’, made us feel right at home...a fruitcake on
the table, a pair of farmer boots and a bucket full of lamb
feed that needed to be mixed. Apparently, when we signed
up for ‘a mystical weekend cottage far from your worries
of everyday life’ as the guidebook said, they weren’t
STUDY ABROAD SASHES
Stand out from the crowd at graduation and sport your
host country’s colors! Once again, the Marist Abroad
Program is offering study abroad sashes for graduation.
Each sash is appromately 4 ft. long and drapes over your
graduation gown. The cost is $27.95 and includes shipping
and handling. Sashes are available for all current MAP
destinations.
You can place an order by calling 845.575.3330, by sending
an e-mail to jerre.thornton@marist.edu, or by coming to
the MAP office in Library 334. The deadline to order a
sash is April 11th.
Payments may be made by check or money order, payable
to Marist College, and will be collected at the time sashes
are ordered.
The British Culture Program - Norwich, England, is hosted by the
University of East Anglia and is open to all sophomores, juniors, and
seniors.
The iconic Ziggurats Dormitories on the UEA campus.
kidding. “Everyday life” suddenly constitutes cows
“mooing,” hens clucking and flying the coop, and mandatory
feeding of the lambs.
And you thought your everyday life on the Marist campus
was fun!?!
Welcome to England, the land of great food, friendly people
and dental mastery (see Austin Powers). So, if you thought
your life needed a change of pace and you wanted bragging
rights to experiences you could never get at Marist, then
England is the place for you.
4
UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES OF SPAIN
By Maria Fernandes
Spain, Spring 2002
Since I was a little girl I have
always had a great interest in
learning about different
cultures. I was born and raised
in Portugal. When I was nine, I
came to the United States and
didn’t know the language or
anything about the culture. It
was such a difficult process, but
I overcame it. Learning how to
adapt to a completely different
Maria Fernandes
culture was intriguing and made
me want to do it all over again.
GLOBETROTTER
The Spanish Internship, Language & Culture Program is open to
sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have reached a level of advanced
Spanish. Students enroll in courses designed for American students
through REUNIDAS, a consortium of American Colleges and Universities.
to see how good my Spanish really was and what I was
capable of. After doing this, I went on to more exciting
projects. I got the chance to evaluate proposals regarding
projects in underdeveloped countries. I would either accept
or reject them according to IC’s mission and objectives. If
a project was accepted, then it would be presented to
financiers to gain support for that particular project. This
was much more interesting since I learned a great deal
about serious issues and problems in different countries
that I would have not encountered otherwise.
The working environment was very friendly, entertaining
and lively. I never had a boring day, there was always
I am a Marist College senior, majoring in Business
Administration with a concentration in International
Business. I am also working on a double minor in Spanish
and Global Studies. In the spring of 2002, I made the
decision to study in Spain for a semester through the Marist
Abroad Program. This program offered two choices: a
culture and language program or an internship program.
Being that I am fluent in Spanish, I decided to do the
internship program.
Upon arriving, I was told that it was exceptionally difficult
to get an internship, especially one within a particular
major. It was made clear to me that the whole internship
system was still evolving in Spain and not to expect to do
challenging work. It did take a truly long time to finally
get an internship, but I finally decided to intern at a nonprofit organization. International Cooperation was founded
in 1993 by university professors and professional young
adults with a mission to promote human development and
human rights in developing countries. International
Cooperation is characterized for its capacity of various
integrated and mobilizing efforts.
This company had more experience than any other company
with internships because they are greatly based around
volunteer work. At the beginning, my primary task was to
translate a 50-page manual from Spanish to English. I
thought that this was actually going to be easy, but to my
surprise it was incredibly hard because it mostly consisted
of technical terms that I was not used to. My supervisor,
Andres Luna, gave me this assignment first because he
wanted me to know what they were all about and he wanted
Maria Fernandes contemplating life abroad.
someone talking to me and making a joke. They constantly
invited me to go out with them after work. This, however,
was not the only aspect of Spain I enjoyed.
Madrid, the city that really never sleeps, is filled with a
diverse history and people. You’re surrounded by history
wherever you walk or look. One night we went to a disco
in a beautiful historic palace. The Palacio Real took my
breath away as this intriguing historical building is a
beautiful example of Bourbon rule in Spain. The Prado
Museum, one of the most famous art museums in the world,
was also one of my regular sites to visit. I took an art
class in the Complutense University of Madrid and learned
about Spanish art, but to actually go see the paintings was
an experience I will never forget. Walking through La Puerta
del Sol and Plaza Mayor are unlike anything I have ever
experienced and will always remain among my
unforgettable memories of Madrid.
GLOBETROTTER
POLITICS ACROSS THE POND
By Damian M. Bednarz
London, Fall 2002
5
The Hansard Scholars Programme offers an outstanding opportunity
for students to gain both academic and practical knowledge of the
British political system. Combining rigorous academic courses with
the practical experience of political internships, this highly competitive
program accepts only 18 students each semester.
I had the extreme privilege of attending the Hansard
A typical day’s work at the House of Commons would include
site for many abroad students, but I feel that this
conversing with several lobby groups, writing press
Scholars Programme in London, England. This isn’t a popular
encompasses the traveling experience with a really good
internship for a Political Science major. I got that and much
more from my Fall semester abroad. And I never knew
there were so many pubs inside the British Parliament,
but working as a personal assistant to a Member of
Parliament certainly made that clear.
It has been a while since a Marist student has participated
me running my own London office near Westminster,
releases, and drafting speeches for the Member of
Parliament (MP). I was assigned to work for Paul Marsden
MP, the Liberal Democrat Health Spokesman, from whom I
learned a great deal about British politics and culture.
Though most meetings took place in a “Members only”
pub, there were times when you have to rush around a
diverse city like London.
in this program, and currently there are two Marist students
The Hansard Scholars Programme brings together true work
last semester. I only hope the tradition will not end there,
and worked for a United States Senator or Representative,
serving out the same duties I had been asked to perform
as this is a Poli Sci major’s ultimate work experience.
for your major and future career goals. I could have gone
but with the amount of staff they have, you would generally
be stuck to simple copying or licking stamps. Parliament
has far more to offer in experience as MPs on both sides of
the government have very limited resources and staff,
making your work ever more important in their daily
routines and policy making.
Aside from working in Parliament Tuesday through Thursday,
Hansard Scholars take classes and lectures at the
prestigious London School of Economics every Monday. The
rest of the week is left to your own imagination, though
traveling is certainly one of the benefits of interning and
studying in Europe. I managed to touch the soil of nearly
eight European countries, which certainly rivals any road
trip through the States!
I have benefited a great deal from my experiences abroad.
From meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair to the adventures
of a Parisian evening, a Hansard Scholar has more than a
few stories to bring home. I encourage all majors, not only
Political Science, to venture away from the United States
and truly gather a perspective of the world we live in.
Damian M. Bednarz in front of Parliament and Big Ben, London, England.
GLOBETROTTER
6
AMAZING BELIZE
By Mark Woods
Belize, Fall 2002
This past fall
semester I worked
as an intern at St.
John’s College in
the
Central
A m e r i c a n /
C a r i b b e a n
amalgamation
known as Belize.
Mark Woods relaxing during his program in Belize.
As
a
country
comparable in size to the state of Massachusetts, it would
be easy to imagine that Belize would suffer from a
corresponding lack of opportunity, diversity, and beauty.
However, Belize stands in direct opposition to these
presumptions and clearly demonstrates that its political
boundaries in fact separate a tremendously unique country
from its neighbors.
From the east, Belize’s entire shore lies on the idyllic
waters of the Caribbean. It is within these waters that the
Belize barrier reef, the second largest barrier reef in the
world, resides. From any one of the hundreds of cayes,
(pronounced keys) that lie offshore, reef diving, snorkeling,
fishing, and essentially any other water sport are easily
accessible.
Nine hundred full-time residents who seem to live the
essence of a carefree lifestyle inhabit Caye Caulker, which
can be reached by a forty-minute boat trip from the Belize
City marine terminal. Sand streets devoid of names tour
through the town on this pristine caye which is comprised
of inexpensive lodging, restaurants, dive shops and bars;
and for the rare occasion that an urgent situation arises,
golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation.
My home was in Belize City — a city rumored to have been
constructed on rum bottles and perched on a peninsula
where the Belize River meets the Caribbean. The city itself
is comprised of small, unpainted houses perched on stilts,
almost always surrounded by high fences that generally
conceal a guard dog or two. Open drains and a lack of hot
water characterize the undeveloped nature of this country,
which is ironically contrasted with a nationwide reliance
on stolen satellite television that provides the average
household with more channels than I have ever had back
home.
Aesthetics are not the forte of this developing metropolis
of approximately 60,000; however, the populous made up
of Mestizo Indians, Creoles, and Garifuna has provided me
with some of the most important and touching friendships
Marist Abroad offers you the opportunity to explore the world around
you. Australia, Dominican Republic, England, France, Finland, Germany,
Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, and
Spain are just a few of the possible destinations available. Be
adventurous! Go somewhere!
of my life. Lessons in satisfaction with simplicity are
impossible to avoid as a pace of life that seems to thrive
on patience, while holding punctuality in disdain produces
a lifestyle that relishes being as opposed to doing.
Additionally, the Belizean people take great pride in their
distinct cultural heritage. As a former British colony, they
hold English as their national language yet communicate
predominantly in Belizean Creole, which is indecipherable
to the untrained ear. Spanish is spoken frequently, and most
Belizeans understand a fair bit yet it is rarely their exclusive
language.
A more Spanish and less Caribbean culture dominates the
interior of Belize where a mountainous terrain is smothered
in a seemingly impenetrable jungle. Massive cave networks
and thousands of Mayan sites comprise this landscape that
is steeped in history and inhabited by Toucans, Jaguars,
Spider and Howler Monkeys, Tapirs and countless other
exotic fauna. The Belizean government’s emphasis on
preservation of these natural gifts has garnered Belize a
reputation as a popular eco-tourism site.
Amidst this endlessly fascinating environment, I found
myself working with students not much younger than myself
and performing numerous roles as a tutor, administrator
of the Learning Resource Center, and assistant to the
director of the Belizean Studies Resource Center. As an
intern in Belize I was considered a valuable asset to the
school, which is often not the case as an intern in the
United States. I had a large degree of responsibility and
found that with a little effort I could seriously contribute
to the school and the community, which in the end was the
most memorable aspect of this truly amazing experience.
Tranquil beaches are part of the Belize experience.
GLOBETROTTER
7
THE SWEET LIFE
By Robert Rodriguez
Alicante, Academic Year 2002-2003
The Spanish Language & Culture Program in Alicante is open to
sophomores, juniors, and seniors who wish to study Spanish language
and culture. Some courses are taught in English. The program is
hosted at the University of Alicante in Alicante, Spain.
When I thought about going abroad and studying in Spain,
I thought about studying in Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia.
I didn’t even know about Alicante or that it was in Spain.
I found out I couldn’t study in Madrid because I hadn’t
taken college-level Spanish classes, so the Marist Abroad
Program office helped me find a program in Alicante where
you don’t need any experience in Spanish.
I was a little nervous about going because when I talked
about Alicante people would tell me that they had never
heard of it. Now that I’ve had the chance to live here for
over five months, I know that coming here was one of the
best decisions I have made. At the end of my fall semester,
I made a request to stay for another term.
Robert Rodriguez with his host mother.
Last semester, I would go to my morning classes and
afterwards I would head to the beach.
The thing about Spain and Alicante itself is that there is
always something going on. Whether it is a parade or some
type of religious celebration, you can always find something
to do. The nightlife in Alicante is active, and the port offers
all different types of dance clubs including hip-hop, salsa,
and so much more.
Robert Rodriguez learning the Flamenco.
Studying in Alicante has given me the chance to learn
Spanish, which has been something that I have always
wanted to do. For me, taking Spanish classes in the United
States didn’t really allow me to practice it. While living in
Spain, you are forced to speak it. On the program, you
take three mandatory Spanish classes: grammar,
conversation, and reading/writing. The Spanish classes
are really good, and help you to develop communication
skills. In addition, you take two elective courses in Spanish
or English. Taking business courses in English allowed me
to fulfill some of my major requirements for Marist. The
cool thing about these classes is that you are mixed with
Erasmus students, which are students from all over Europe.
Living in Alicante has been a great experience. The thing I
like the most is the opportunity I have had to learn about
other cultures and be with different types of people. Of
course I go out with my American friends here, but I get to
spend a lot of time with people from all over Europe. You
really get to experience things that you would never have
thought you would. So, if you’re thinking about studying
abroad and really want to learn Spanish, Alicante is a good
place to do it.
The city of Alicante is not the biggest city or the best
looking, but it has a lot to offer. The weather here is
unbelievable — I was going to the beach until December.
Now in February it has been a little colder, but they say
that within the next month it will be beach weather again.
Christmas dinner with friends in Alicante, Spain.
GLOBETROTTER
8
FASHIONABLE SEMESTER IN LONDON
By Meghan Brown
London, Fall 2002
As the only specialist college for fashion in the UK, London College of
Fashion has an international reputation for design, consultancy and
research. Based in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, the
program offers a dynamic environment in which to study fashion for
sophomores, juniors and seniors.
Our school in London is dedicated to fashion-related
classes. It is a large school that has very specific fashion
classes. All of the classes are hands on, being that the
school is located in the heart of one of London’s shopping
districts. During my classes I was constantly leaving to do
Big Ben and Parliment, London, England.
Last semester I studied abroad at London College of Fashion
in London, England.
It was without a doubt the greatest
experience of my life. All of us who went loved this chance
we were given to experience different cultures and new
surroundings. We became very familiar with the city of
London and were out sightseeing almost every day. We
took many trips to Buckingham Palace, The Houses of
Parliament, Tower Bridge, museums, and we even took
trips around the London Eye.
We were given a flat in the west end of London off the
Warwick Ave. tube stop. I lived in a building with many
other students from the U.S. as well as international
students from India, Australia, Japan, and Brazil. Our flat
was only a few stops away from the center of London,
which was where London College of Fashion is located.
The London Eye, London, England.
different types of store comparisons. I learned a great
deal about the fashion industry in London with all of this
hands-on experience.
We also got a chance to travel outside of the U.K. and into
other parts of Europe. The school we were studying with
took us on one trip, which was a guided tour of Paris. I was
also able to travel to different parts of Italy, Ireland, and
Spain. As we traveled, it was very interesting to finally
see all of those famous buildings and monuments we had
heard so much about and seen many pictures of.
While I was in London, I was able to intern at a small
accessories company called Johnny Loves Rosie. Not only
did I learn a great deal about the company, but I also learned
a lot about the people who live in London because it allowed
me to interact with the locals. I was constantly asking
them questions about their lifestyles and they were curious
to know about ours in the United States.
View of London Bridge, London, England.
My overall experience of studying abroad was one that can
never be matched. My only regret is that I did not go for a
longer period of time.
GLOBETROTTER
9
GRADUATE SCHOOL DOWNUNDER
By Gregg V. Landry
Sydney, Spring 2000
When I graduated from
Marist College in 2001, I was
extremely confident for two
reasons. One was due to
receiving what I believe was
an excellent education, the
second being able to spend
a semester studying abroad
in Australia.
Gregg Landry
Throughout my senior year I
was anxious to return ‘down under’ and after many
discussions with my mentor Dr. Duleep Deosthale I became
aware of the notion of doing my Master’s degree overseas.
Encouragement from Dr. Deosthale as well as several
professors from the Marist Communication Department
along with the challenge of doing a graduate degree
overseas led me to enroll in Macquarie University’s Master
of Arts in International Communication program in Sydney,
Australia.
In February of 2002 I ventured back to Sydney, spent a
week with my host family from my previous trip and moved
into my school apartment which I
would go on to share with students
from Canada, China, Germany, the
Netherlands, and Singapore. Going
into the program I was aware that
it would be an academic environment
unlike anything I had ever
experienced. It was indeed, much
more than I could ever have
imagined.
The Australian Program - Sydney, offers students a wide range of
courses in such fields as biology, technology, communications, and
engineering. The program is hosted by Macquarie University in Sydney
and is open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
View of downtown Sydney.
The classes cover areas related to media, development
and public affairs, and are taught by experienced professors
who come from all over the world.
Along with the lecture and production style classes, there
is the opportunity to do an internship. Students can choose
to do an internship in Sydney, or opt to take part in one in
another country in a variety of organizations, such as
Amnesty International or in a media outlet such as a major
newspaper or television station.
On a personal level, I left the program with the ability to
communicate cross-culturally, but realize that it is a skill
that will be honed throughout my life, and is something
much needed in the twenty-first century. I also developed
the mentality to look at things from a
global perspective at all times, and
to not be afraid to question things.
On the professional side, I believe that
taking part in a challenging
international postgraduate program,
working both independently and as a
member of a team, will make me look
extremely capable to employers and
academic institutions for further
studies.
The Centre of International
Communication is home to students
By graduating with the degree in
from all over the world. I was
International Communication I am
extremely fortunate to have had the
now part of a global network of alumni
opportunity to study with students
who have gone on to careers in
from Asia-Pacific, Europe and the
academia, advertising, corporate
Americas.
Studying in such an
communications, diplomacy, public
environment is clearly very unique,
relations, and the governmental and
one of only few academic programs
non-governmental sectors. I feel very
in the world. The class discussions
Gregg Landry in Sydney, Australia.
fortunate to have had the opportunity
with such a blend of cultural
viewpoints were invaluable. The program’s number of to take part in such an incredible program in one of the
students is small which allows for everyone to have the greatest cities in the world.
opportunity to interact and get to know everybody else.
GLOBETROTTER
10
CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE
By Maura Sweeney
Dublin, Spring 2003
The Irish Internship Program, hosted by the Dublin Business School,
offers students the opportunity to engage in course work and an
internship in Dublin, Ireland. The Program is open to all sophomores,
juniors, and seniors.
the country and experiences alone. I came to college
freshman year knowing that I wanted to study abroad. It
sounded like such an amazing experience to be able to be
completely immersed in a culture and live in a foreign
country for four months with little responsibility except
for a couple classes and an internship.
I knew that I would probably never again, in my life, have
this experience and opportunity. It was difficult this year
to finally make the decision to come. This meant leaving
behind family and most importantly a group of friends —
especially my housemates and close friends whom over
the past years have become my family.
The “Dublin Group” (William Gakos, Bethany Sloan, Bridget O’Brien, Jonathan Hinkaty,
Amanda Augustine, Lorraine Kelly, and Maura Sweeney [not pictured]) enjoying coffee
with Don Niall, Resident Director of the program.
CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE is what can be read all over the city of
Dublin, translated from the official language in Ireland
(Gaelic) into English and means a hundred-thousand welcomes. About a month ago seven of us from Marist landed
in the Dublin airport to be greeted by that sign and start
the adventure of our lives.
As a whole we are known as the “Dublin Group,” studying
at Dublin Business School while doing an internship with
various companies in the area and living 20 minutes outside
the city with host families in the beautiful suburb of Dalkey.
To put it in the words of one of my neighbors, Bono from
U2 I’m “stuck in a moment and can’t get out of it.” Every
morning I wake up and pull the curtains on my picture
window expecting to see the Hudson, but instead I am
delightfully surprised when I see the brilliant green grass,
palm trees, rolling hills, the Bay of Dublin, and the city
itself. It takes my breath away.
I can’t believe that in January the grass can actually be so
green and the weather is not unbearably frigid. It has
been about two months and every time I experience
something new and something I never could at Marist or in
the United States, I stop and think how lucky I am. This
moment is going to last a total of 4 ½ months.
These first few weeks were spent adjusting to the new
country, learning about the Irish Culture, finding our way
around Dublin and the surrounding towns, and also looking
for the perfect pub with the best pint. Dublin is a very
young city and is said to have the largest population of
people under the age of 25 — which always makes for a
good time and crowded pubs.
Before I left in early January many people asked me why I
chose Ireland. I usually respond with saying, “Why not?”
There really was no one reason for my coming here except
As I was getting ready to board the plane to Dublin many
thoughts ran through my head and one was, why?
Why had I chosen to leave something behind that has
become such a part of me and go to a place where I know
no one and nothing? The answer became clear to me on the
plane: I was going on this adventure to experience
something the campus of Marist College could not offer,
and each day I am here the answer becomes so clear.
While I had to leave behind my housemates and friends, I
was extremely lucky to be with six others who chose to do
the same thing I did. We have formed a bond with each
other that will not be broken. We have come to learn to
rely on each other for a good laugh, share a story, or talk
with when we get homesick. We will never be able to
replace our friends at school but they serve as the perfect
substitute.
If this semester continues as it has, it is going to be
amazing. I encourage anyone thinking about going abroad
to do it, Marist will always be there but this experience is
once in a lifetime. At least go to the informational
meetings, research about the countries and talk to others
who have been there.
We are very lucky to have such a great abroad program. I
was talking with other students from other schools and
they were jealous of the program we have. So many things
that one would not think of are taken care of for you. The
people in the Marist Abroad Programs office are so well
organized, as are the Resident Directors in each site. It
provides every student with such an easy adjustment. We
have trips planned and organized, our homestays are
carefully selected, and we have a great foundations course
which teaches a lot about Ireland before we are
mainstreamed into classes with the other students.
The Dublin group wishes to say a special thank you to
everyone in the MAP office who made this semester
possible. They would also like me to pass on a special
hello to all their housemates and friends back at campus.
Make your semester a great one and have fun along the
way. Cheers!
GLOBETROTTER
11
MY SURREAL YEAR
By Erik Long
London and Dublin, Academic Year 2001-2002
You can study abroad for a semester or academic-year! Programs
offered are as varied as the students who apply for them. Consider a
year-long program to one program site, or as Erik Long did, chose to
study at two different sites. The choice is yours!
Writing about the
most important,
enjoyable and most
broadening year in
my life seems an
unfathomable task
to me. How can I
truly describe what
it is like to live in not
just one, but in two
separate countries:
England and Ireland?
Dublin in early January. Even though the transition time
was only a few weeks, it was the right amount of time at
home for me to get ready for my next semester. Both
experiences cannot be compared however, for they were
completely different and they offered just as much to me.
How can I describe
what it is like to
walk through the
Coliseum in Rome,
Erik Long sitting on his throne.
what it is like to
stroll through the
battlefields of Stirling, Scotland at the William Wallace
Memorial, and to see the tomb of Christopher Columbus in
Seville, Spain? How can I express what it feels like to
indulge in a pint at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin or to
see the panoramic view of London from the London Eye?
What I can do however is tell you the story of my junior
year abroad, and about the countries I lived in for nearly a
year.
Traditional Irish music is performed all over the green isle
in pubs, especially ones in Dublin and Cork City. Seven of
us went to Ireland; each staying with a different host family
in a suburb of Dublin called Dalkey. Dalkey is a wonderful
village town that has a million-dollar view from the point.
Coastline, castles, and boats are what make up the
perimeter of Dalkey Heritage Town.
Leaving for London on September 14, 2001 was the biggest
and most difficult decision of my life. With all that had
happened within the days leading up to my departure, I
was unsure of my ability to leave the familiar ground of
America for the uncertainty I would find on the other end
of a jet flight. When I arrived in London however, I knew
that I was about to begin a journey that would change my
life forever.
During my work experience with the Gardai, I was able to
see every aspect of policing from traffic to the drug task
force and from forensics to the national headquarters.
My residence dorm was in the Victoria section of London,
within easy walking distance of Westminster Abbey,
Scotland Yard, Parliament and Big Ben. In London for the
semester I attended the University of Westminster near
Oxford Circus. I took some courses or ‘modules’ as they
say it, in psychology and criminal justice. The clubs and
pubs in London were amazing; the Leicester Square and
Covent Garden nightlife is the celebrity nightlife for all.
After growing up in the suburbs, it was great to experience
firsthand what it is like to live in a big city, and even
better it being a capital. There was never a dull moment
and always something to do living in London. I was able to
broaden my surroundings; the group that I partied with
was filled with people from all over Europe, and all across
the United States. Schoolwork was difficult, but living in a
single dorm one could always find time to balance
everything. I made some of the best friends of my life
there in London. You arrive alone but you leave with so
many friends and so many memories.
Before I went away for my year abroad I decided to do
back-to-back semesters. I flew home from London on the
19th of December in time for the holidays, and then flew to
Dublin, Ireland is the complete reciprocal of London,
England. Not in a bad way of course, but it was a completely
different experience. Ireland has a slower pace than London
does, and the Irish are a more spiritual group of people.
The Irish embrace their culture like few others, at least
that these eyes have shown me.
I was placed in an internship in Dublin, one that I will
always remember, and perfectly fitting for the career I
want in Criminal Justice. An Garda Siochana is the National
Irish Police, and I was placed in Pearse Street Station.
Pearse Station is in control of the major tourist attractions
in Dublin, namely Temple Bar and Grafton Street.
I am also reminded of the trips that I went on with the
group to Counties Galway, Kerry, Cork and the Aran Islands
all within the south and west of Ireland. When I went on
trips to other countries, I was able to see splendors that I
cannot even give justice to by describing. I saw the Queen
Mother of England’s 41 cannon funeral salute at Edinburgh
Castle in Scotland — the last time this was done was for
King George.
The most difficult part about going abroad is leaving the
country that you have been a part of for so long. Memories
about ‘The Emerald Island’ will always stay with me; for a
touch of the country that you studied abroad in will always
be with you.
Both my London and Dublin semesters were wonderful in
their unique ways. One was a fast paced city, and the other
was the slower pace of a village. I wouldn’t do my year
abroad differently if I could rewind time. If I could go again,
I’d be back in a heartbeat.
So I leave this article with a quote that I first read in the
Rotunda under the flags of the world, which truly was the
starting point of my surreal year.
“The World is like a book and those that never leave home
read but one page...” - Author Unknown
GLOBETROTTER
12
A YEAR, NOTHING LESS!
The Spanish Internship, Language and Culture Program is open to
sophomores, juniors, and seniors with 2 years college-level Spanish.
Students live with host families, while attending courses with Spanish
students at the university. Internships with Spanish businesses are
available for students fluent in Spanish.
By Scott St. Denis
Madrid, Academic Year 2001-2002
One whole year away from home, with one stipulation… no
cares in the world! It may seem like a scary thing to think
about at the time - being away from friends and family and
all, but let me tell you that it was probably one of the
greatest things I have ever done in my life. I studied in
Madrid, Spain for my entire junior year, and despite
anticipation upon departure, by the time I was supposed
to come back, I had to drag myself onto the plane.
Sure you are going to miss your friends, your family, maybe
even a loved one, but it will all be here when you get back,
and it is only one year! Nothing will change that shouldn’t
have, and when are you ever going to get this chance again?
Yes, you can choose to go for a semester, but what happens
when you go abroad and only get half of the experiences
you deserve to get? Why miss a tomato fight in the middle
of a city or a skydive above a beautiful endless ocean
because you couldn’t decide when to go abroad or even
how long?
A year abroad enables you to make amazing friendships
and encounter experiences that you would rarely even
dream about; you truly find yourself. And if you desire
learning a language, you will return with near perfection.
A year away gives you the time and opportunities to see
the world, visit the most beautiful cathedrals known to
man, delve into the barrier reef, experience a lifestyle
entirely different from the one you know, as well as free
your mind and learn about another culture.
Being in Spain for a year made me do all those things and
so much more. Being there during the terrorist attacks of
El Oso in Madrid, Spain.
9/11, I got a broad look at every point of view in the world
on the situation. Whether I agreed with them or not, it
opened my eyes to a belief system I would have never
even dreamed existed. Beyond the view points, I traveled
to six other countries, saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris, ate
the traditional German Christmas food of spicy mushrooms
during their festivals, saw the parades of Semana Santa,
and learned an entire city inside and out just by walking
around. I couldn’t imagine what I would do to myself if I
found out I had missed some of the greatest experiences
of my life just because I wanted to come home to a
girlfriend, or because I missed some friends. My question
to you is, why can’t they come and visit when you are
abroad?
So as you can see, one year abroad is your escape from the
normal American college life and your ticket to a world
full of surprises and adventure with every turn. The things
you will see and the people you meet will be in your stories
for the rest of your life, and that is a promise. You will
never know what the world holds for you until you go and
find out for yourself.
El Retiro in Madrid, Spain.
GLOBETROTTER
13
COMING TO AMERICA
By Sarah Minto
International Student from Trinity and All Saints University College, Leeds, England
and I was totally amazed when I saw Phantom of the Opera.
Another great experience I had was the Thanksgiving
holiday. I had never heard of it before, and I stayed at my
good friend Emily’s house. Her family was all so excited to
meet me, and I got to try all the traditional Thanksgiving
recipes. We also went to the Thanksgiving parade in New
York City.
I have enjoyed my year here and am going to miss everyone
loads. I am so glad I did this because I can’t imagine not
doing it and meeting all the people and having all the
experiences I’ve had — they’re priceless.
Sarah Minto in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
I decided to do a year abroad at Marist because I wanted
to experience being a student in America, and not just be
a tourist for a couple of months. I knew it would take me a
while to settle in, so I decided I would get the full benefits
by staying a full year.
I have really enjoyed being here and both semesters have
been completely different experiences as I spent the first
in halls (Champagnat), and the second in the Old
Townhouses. Living in halls was great, and I made some
really good friends there. I hung out with Carrie, Lindsay,
Kate and Carly — I felt like I clicked with them straight
away. We always laughed at each other’s accents and they
taught me loads of interesting traditions like how to eat
Oreos properly. We did lots of stuff like going out for a
meal or to a concert. We were also all part of the dance
show, which was a really good experience. I got to perform
on stage, which was quite nerve-racking but really fun as
well.
There were lots more activities to get involved with and I
tried out to be a cheerleader, which is something I’ve
always wanted to do, as we don’t have cheerleading in
England. I really enjoyed going into the city which me and
my friend Shweta, another international student, did very
often. My favorite place is Times Square because it is bright
and glitzy. We also went to see some shows on Broadway
Sarah Minto with a friend.
Leeds city center, Leeds, England.
GLOBETROTTER
14
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
By Lauren Penna, Communications
Leeds, Spring 2002
Ever since my freshman year
in college, I wanted to make
studying abroad a part of my
future academic plans. For
some reason I always had
some fascination with
England — I’m not sure if the
number of times I watched
Mary Poppins when I was
young had anything to do
with it, but I loved the
accents and the British ‘prim
and proper’ way of living.
The British Internship Program offers students the opportunity to
engage in course work and an internship at Trinity & All Saints College
in Leeds, England. The Program is open to sophomores, juniors, and
seniors.
I can remember going out with
my friends at night and laughing
the hardest I can remember
laughing in a long time. During
those five months, I was more
happy and carefree than I
thought I would ever be away
from home. The British have this
relaxed and laid-back way to
their lives that make it
contagious while living there. I
think Americans could learn
Emily Bishop, Lauren Penna and Corin Girard in Munich, Germany.
some valuable lessons about
relaxing and not overworking from the British.
My fascination quickly became a reality as I started my
junior year and the option of studying overseas presented I noticed this ‘don’t worry about it’ mentality in my
itself. Over the summer I had prepared my family and internship at the Morley Advertiser as well. Being a
friends that I would be studying abroad spring semester journalism major, I chose to work at a newspaper. The
and wasn’t sure where yet. A few weeks into school I had newsroom was unlike anything I expected — it had three
decided Leeds would be my destination.
small rooms with glass windows, the reporters were all
men, and I was the only woman in the newsroom aside
January came really quick and before I knew it, I was saying from the two secretaries.
good-bye to my family and friends before heading off to
the airport. There I met the people I was to spend the On my first day I knew the first thought going through
next five months with — little did I know these people everyone’s head: a female university journalism student
would become my confidants and would have a place in my from America, very interesting. Immediately I wanted to
life no matter how busy we got.
help out, I wanted to be a reporter like everyone else. I
remember my mentor, Richard, telling me they were so
Shock took over my body as we arrived at Trinity and All surprised at how excited I was to work. So, of course the
Saints University College in Horsforth, which was to be more interest I showed the more responsibilities I took
our home for the semester. I was surprised by the old on. By the end of my internship I was laying out and
country look the school had. Green rolling hills surrounded completely running the property section of the newspaper,
the school and football (soccer) fields; it was everything I along with writing a decent amount of articles.
had imagined it couldn’t possibly be because it would be
too perfect. And to be honest, the five months were nothing Working in an environment with British people, outside of
short of perfect when I look back on it now.
school, not only taught me about their work ethic and how
British journalism varies from American media; but more
The friends I made taught me about their lifestyle and I importantly I was able to watch the way they interacted
taught them about ours. Even though we both spoke with me and each other. Richard and I would spend the
English, it could have been a foreign language because of slower afternoons talking about American movies and why
the barrier that existed due to slang terms. The accents we did or did not like them. We also talked about my
took a while to get used to because every section of England university and lifestyle and how it differed from his.
has its own accent.
By the time June rolled around, it was a great deal harder
Throughout the semester we kept busy by taking trips to leave than I had ever dreamed. I had found a place that
around the country with our host contact, and on our time not only helped me to learn about what my world was by
off we planned trips to Scotland, Ireland, and set up the forcing me to see what it was not, but also showed me I
fine details to planning our three-week Easter holiday in could survive and succeed anywhere I decided to go. As I
April. Although we learned about the culture and history will be graduating in May, I have decided to return to Leeds.
of England and began to take classes, it was the interaction There are certainly other “incentives” aside from career
with the students in our residence halls, going out at night, opportunities waiting for me in Leeds this time, but
and having an internship that gave me a genuine sense of studying abroad helped me to truly find the path I will be
what being ‘British’ meant.
most happy on come graduation.
GLOBETROTTER
15
SPOTLIGHT: CUBA - CASTRO AND BEYOND
The Marist Abroad Program offered for the first time, a two-week course in Havana, Cuba. A unique destination as the
only remaining communist country in the western hemisphere, Cuba was a surprise to the students and faculty who
went on the program. The following student articles and photographs detail their personal experiences and observations.
Marist College has a special licence from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to offer this academic program and allow
legal travel to Cuba.
The program will again be offered this summer intersession. For more information on the program, contact Marist
Abroad Program at x3330.
Students enjoying a lecture on the steps of an old church in Havana.
One of Hemingway’s favorite bars in Old Havana.
Luke Monteleone exploring Havana.
A group of Cuban school children visiting the Hemingway House in Havana, Cuba.
Pat Ferrante and Matt O’Connor with Congressman Hinchey on his visit to Cuba.
Matt O’Connor, Chloe Bidwell, Scott Gonzales and Brian Dobson.
GLOBETROTTER
16
WHY NOT?
By Kate Mitchell
Cuba Program, 2003 Winter Intersession
as a good thing. “Triumph of the Revolution,” that’s what they
call the days in 1959 when the oppression of 50 years of US
puppet government — and the centuries preceding it of Spanish
colonial rule — ended. The life of the campesino in Cuba today
is like a middle-class suburban dream compared to how they
lived up through 1958, and compared to how our farm workers
in the US live today. I have pictures. I have statistics. I have
touched the tank Fidel rode on when he entered Havana in
’59. Like touching the Wailing Wall. Or not quite. The temple
isn’t tumbled in Cuba - not yet.
A fruit cart on the streets of Havana.
I first traveled abroad to Paris during my junior year of high
school. That was 1978 - before most of my colleagues on the
recent intersession trip to Cuba were even born. I also spent
my junior year of college at the Universite de Tours, France,
lived with a family in Valencia, Spain for a summer before
going to grad school, and “popped over” to England,
Switzerland, Italy or Morocco a few times for fun. Travel was
much easier in the early ’80s.
Of course my experience in Cuba was different from the other
students’ experiences: I’m older; an MPA candidate intent on
my study of gardens; and have been around the block. The
toilets in Havana are fine compared to those to be found in
the Latin Quarter in Paris. Insects were nothing compared to
those in Fez or Marrakech or New York City. And, because of
this long experience not only was I (at least twice) mistaken
for a student’s mom, I’m also still a long time supporter of
revolution - this revolution and others. In fact, my freshman
year of high school, back in ‘76, I ran for class president on a
socialist party platform. I got only eight votes then, so you can
see there hasn’t been much change in the past 25+ years, from
a radical’s point of view.
And that’s another point. I write from my point of view — as a
radical; a sympathizer; a professional; a mother; an ivy league
graduate; a former recipient of a variety of social services; a
current recipient of those invisible ones like a deduction on
my mortgage interest. When I write “they,” I refer to the
people I met and spoke with in Cuba: farm stand workers,
farmers, a retired maitre d’ who served from before Batista’s
coup through the people’s revolution and up through the time
of significant Soviet influence, the assistant to the president
of the National Assembly, a primary school principal, hotel
workers, our instructors, and our companions.
My experience in Cuba felt different, not just from the other
students, but from my own travel experiences. It wasn’t culture
shock, like “Wow, this is soooo weird!” It was more like a
homecoming, a trip to Mecca, a pilgrimage to some primary
source. For the first time in my life, “revolution” was not a
bad word. People said “revolution” all the time and meant it
But this is not the venue for politics and economic comparisons
and trepidations that take up volumes and endless hours. This
is a place to express our amazement and share our wonder at a
different type of civilization, despite the same TV shows and
the very same human attributes. Havana is different. Havana
is not “political.” Electoral politics are limited to the
neighborhoods so Cubans don’t have to deal with mud-slinging
campaigns. They do, however, care and care thoughtfully, about
the world that is unfolding in front of them.
While there is not a lot of talk of politics, culture is rampant
and the country strives to decide and to form what is “Cuban.”
Everyone talks about the mixture that makes Cuba — the pieces
put together and rearranged to make the music, the religions,
the struggle for a unique “voice” in contemporary dance, and
a strong viable future in a globalizing world.
Both Hegel and Hemingway, influences on contemporary Cuba,
write about the sun rising and the sun setting and our
expectations of the world - that is our expectation of change.
Despite the climate in the US today, history is not ended. The
revolution is not defeated. And there is still hope that the
“campesinos” in our country, throughout the developed world,
and in third world nations, might get their fair share of healthy
food and drinkable water some day.
In January, as I studied the pieces stripped together to make
the gardens and small farms to feed the locals a variety of
foods (organic by necessity, not choice, but it makes up for
the diesel air they daily breathe), I began to understand what
is meant by “mixture.” Let me try to put it as simply and
succinctly as I can:
Rice and Beans Make Protein (Just Like a Dead Chicken)
Cuba is a mixture of black, mulatto, Asian and white;
a mixture of rumba, punto, son and sucu-sucu; a combination
of African dance, European light opera, the tango; a blending
of Catholicism with African religion
forming Santeria, embracing both.
If I am Cuban, although my skin is white, I am also black.
If I am Cuban, I believe the Pope, as well is the god in the soup tureen on
my table.
If I am Cuban, I am like son, a mixture of the music that came before,
will come after,
excluding none; a mixture of revolution and the changing world to come.
GLOBETROTTER
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VIVA LA REVOLUCION
By Kimberly Cuccia
Cuba Program, 2003 Winter Intersession
Being a political science
major, I had always been
interested in American
government and its
workings. It is so
incredible to me that our
founding fathers met
hundreds of years ago, and
devised this amazing form
of government that we
have been practicing ever
Kim Cuccia
since. At the same time
though, international politics left me cold, I guess because
it was strictly from books and I couldn’t relate. Many of
my friends were going abroad, but in the back of my mind I
think that I was a little afraid – living amongst strangers,
in a strange place, with a language and culture foreign to
my own. Ironically, though, once I saw the flyer advertising
two weeks to explore someplace strictly forbidden to most
people – I had to jump at the chance. If you haven’t guessed
– the place was the “forbidden” CUBA.
The mere fact that Cuba is “officially off-limits” lured me
to this opportunity of a lifetime. Yet after hearing our
pre-departure instructions, (for example, do not wear
anything with an American flag on it, do not ask any Cuban
friends into the hotel as they are forbidden, and do not
dare get into a political discussion with anyone or call
Castro a dictator), I had to ask: “What am I getting myself
into?” I had visions of entering a world where its citizens
were under constant watch, being terrorized by military
police and the iron-fisted Castro himself…in short, a world
where its citizens were pre-programmed to view us “evil”
Americans with suspicion and hate.
My anxieties and fears soon disappeared, as I could not
have been more wrong about this “forbidden” world and
its warm and friendly culture.
Whether we were shown only what was allowed, or
purposely charmed with political motives in mind, I
genuinely felt accepted. The people were warm, sincere,
and welcoming. But, were we seeing the REAL Cuba? Where
were the Subway sandwich shops – or even just a good ol’
peanut butter and jelly sandwich? (I never want to see
another ham and cheese sandwich as long as I live!) And
yet, that sounds so selfish and spoiled after seeing how
the people of Cuba live, and what they have in their lives.
They have so little, yet seem to be grateful to the
government for what they do have – or are they?
Through our classes and daily tours, we were exposed to
the economic, communication, historical, political, and art
worlds of Cuba. Our classes took place every morning at
the Casa de las Americas. The staff at Casa was so
hospitable and catered to our every need. They truly treated
us as VIPs, and did their best to show us the country in a
safe environment, where we could question the different
policies that we deemed unjust compared to our American
counterparts without fear of an uproar.
The afternoons were spent soaking up the culture of Cuba
at government buildings, museums, a sugar cane
plantation, the Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, and in the streets of
old Havana. Nights were free to go shopping, dancing, and
clubbing. We even took in a Cuban baseball game. We had
so much fun, made a lot of friends, and learned a great
Cindy Sanchez and Kim Cuccia taking in the sights of Havana.
deal about the real Cuba and its people, knowledge that
could not have been absorbed from books. I believe that
we, in some small way, broke down the walls of alienation
and suspicion, acting as our country’s unofficial
ambassadors of good will to our fellow nation.
Taking part in this experience completely changed my views
on the abroad programs — now I wish I could have taken
advantage of more opportunities to broaden my horizons
and experience a world outside my own. I not only brought
back a world of first-hand knowledge, but also a wealth of
life lessons and life-long memories. Most importantly, this
trip truly taught me to appreciate our country and the
freedoms we have. Thanks to all for making this amazing
experience possible.
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“I DID IT MY WAY”
By James Bailey
Cuba Program, 2003 Winter Intersession
As far as Cuba and its
people are concerned,
the island is beautiful
and the people are
just as beautiful,
cheerful and kind.
They were happy to be
of help, in all
instances. They work
hard and long every
day in Cuba. We
encountered many of
them doing all the
things it takes in
James Bailey (center)
running a city and
keeping it viable every day. I mean the garbage men, bus
drivers, taxi drivers, those filling potholes, the hotel staff
and so many more.
When you give a tip they are most appreciative. It means
they can buy a little extra that week, as their pay is small.
When we took our side trip to historic Trinidad, we stopped
at a mountain lookout that had a huge Cuban flag flying in
the breeze. Both the view and the flag were magnificent.
Far below you could see for miles the great sugar cane
fields and fruit farms. Many of these farms don’t have
tractors like we do in the U.S., so we know the manual
labor must be hard indeed.
The public bathrooms in Cuba don’t have paper towel
dispensers, so no wasting of costly paper. Instead, retired
senior citizens hand out paper towels for you to dry your
hands after you’ve washed them; they also clean the
bathrooms. The senior citizen has his/her hat there with
Cuban pesos in it in the hope you will drop a coin in with
the rest. We always did and they were always grateful.
Everybody works in Cuba.
We went to a baseball game in Havana and it was just
great! You can sit anywhere you want because there are
no box seats or reserved seating in Cuba and admission
was only $1.00. There were a bunch of kids yelling and
moving quickly between the aisles (like all kids) but just
before the game started, the Cuban National anthem was
played. It was a profound moment for me. Where just before
fans had been noisy and the kids hollering and running all
around, everything stopped. Everyone in the stadium was
at attention - the ball players, vendors, kids, umpires and
every fan, including us visiting students. You could hear a
pin drop. This respectful moment proved to me what I had
read was true. Children are taught early on to be patriots,
to love their island country and always put morale ahead
of material.
I also would like to say how fine our school curriculum
classes were. We had fine professors, teachers and
interpreters. We also had a journalist give a fine and
interesting lecture. They showed slides, tapes and graphics
in their presentations to show us the history of Cuba, where
it is at and where it is hopefully headed. They took us to
the palace, the capitol building, museums, art institutes
and where Havana, Cuba and Trinidad were first founded,
including historic churches. We also had a visit to old
Havana’s historic houses and temples.
One trip we had was to Ernest Hemingway’s home just
about 12 miles outside of Havana. It is a beautiful and
functional white home high up on a mountain and you can
see most of Havana and the Caribbean in the distance. We
also enjoyed great daiquiris at Hemingway’s favorite
watering hole in Havana. Ernest Hemingway’s home,
property, boat and all his possessions were left to the people
of Cuba when he died. He even left his Nobel Peace Prize
Medal for Literature. It is a mecca for tourism that helps
Cuba’s economy. It is also just as he left it when he wrote
some of his greatest novels. He lived there 22 years.
I do hope the embargo ends in the near future as it would
help Cuba greatly. Cubans want fair trade (not foreign aid)
more tourism and foreign investment so they can give more
to the people. As far as President Fidel Castro is concerned,
I personally believe he is a very exceptional human being
who has persevered to make his dream for Cuba a reality
against unbelievable obstacles. His mentor and Che’s was
Jose Marti, Cuba’s great revolutionary leader who was
quoted as saying “Cuba did not fight for freedom in getting
out from under the yoke of Spanish colonization merely to
go under the yoke of American imperialism, Cuba for
Cubans.”
This is the doctrine that Fidel Castro has lived by and what
keeps his dream for Cuba and its people going. This man,
who refused to be a puppet like Batista and the many other
dictators before him. Marti and Che are gone now and one
day Fidel himself will be gone, but you know, I believe
their dream for Cuba will continue embargo or no embargo.
When I think of Fidel Castro I think of Frank Sinatra’s great
song I Did It My Way.
95
FASM
BADU
FASM
PSYS
COMR CONV
COMD
COMR
BADI
COMR
SCWK
PSYS
HIST
CRJU
BADM
BUS
ENGL
BADM
COMD
POSC
FASD
BADI
FASM
PSYC
POSP
SPAN
COMP
BADU
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Major
Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia
American University Center in Provence, Aix-en-Provence, France
Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, Santiago, Dominican Republic
DBS/LSB College, Dublin, Ireland
Scuola Lorenzo de’Medici, Florence, Italy
Hansard Scholars Programme
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds, England
University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
London College of Fashion, London, England
Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Semester at Sea, University of Pittsburgh
University of East Anglia, Norwich, England
University of Westminster, London, England
Florence
Leeds
Florence
Macquarie
NUS
Dublin
Westminster
Florence
Westminster
Madrid
Florence
Florence
Macquarie
Alicante
Florence
Leeds
ACU
Macquarie
Florence
London
Dublin
London
Florence
Florence
Madrid
Dublin
ACU
Aix-en-Provence
Florence
Florence
ACU
Leeds
ACU
ACU
Florence
Macquarie
Hong Kong
Florence
Program
Names in italics are students joining our programs from other U.S. colleges/universities.
ACU
Aix-en-Provence
Alicante
Domican Rep.
Dublin
Florence
Hansard
Hong Kong
Leeds
Limerick
London
Macquarie
Madrid
NUS
Semester at Sea
UEA
Westminster
Program Key:
TOTAL
Florence
Macquarie
Dublin
ACU
Florence
Madrid
Florence
Leeds
ACU
Madrid
NUS
Florence
Madrid
Florence
Madrid
Westminster
ACU
Florence
Florence
Dominican Rep.
Leeds
Florence
Westminster
Limerick
ACU
London
ACU
Leeds
Florence
Leeds
Dublin
Florence
UEA
Macquarie
Madrid
Madrid
Florence
Florence
Dublin
Leeds
Hansard
Westminster
Florence
Dublin
Semester at Sea
Florence
Macquarie
Leeds
Madrid
Florence
Florence
ACU
ACU
Hansard
ACU
Florence
Semester At Sea
Albin, Kimberly
Amandolare, Sarah
Augustine, Amanda
Baish, Nicholas
Bergen, Alison
Bonn, Aimee
Braun, Mathew C
Bruderek, Timothy
Cadigan, Kelly
Caswell, Stacey
Chen, Xun
Connolly, Rebecca
Corredine, Kerry
Cotter, Kathleen
Culloo, Kara
Daidone, Janelle
Damato, Kirsti
DeJulio, Tara
DeLaLlave, Laura
Delgado, Kate
Delle Femine, Edward
DiGregorio, Brian
Dobson, Brian
Donohue, Sarah
Dudra, James
Dugan, Jennifer M.
Fannon, Melissa
Festa, Lauren
Fitzsimons, Kelly
Gabbert, Anna
Gakos, William
Giossi, Arianna
Goot, John
Graf, Michael
Grullon, Sheila
Guerrero, Ladys
Halpin, Ashley
Hamer, Katherine
Hinkaty, Jonathan
Iorillo, Erica
Jacobsen, Jaclyn
Jepsen, Johanna
Johnson, Shalida
Kelly, Lorraine
Kimmel, Eric
Konstantinea, Sofia
Kurposka, Kelly
Lecours, Michael
Mahan, Janielle
Marzigliano, Marin D.
Massa, Michael
McCusker, Lauren
McGann, Lauren
McGrath, Jennifer
McInerney, Shauna
McKeon, Jessica
Miller, Lauren
CRJU
ENGW
BADM
IT
COMD
PSYC
ARTD
COMJ
COMP
COMJ
CMSC
COMR CONQ
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BIOL
COMP
COMR
ARTH
POSP SPAN
IS
BADF
BADF
MATH
BADM
FASD
COMP
COMD
FASM
COMI CONP
BADM
FASD
COMP
BADU
COMR SPAN
COMR SPAN
FASD
POSP
ENGU
COMP
POSC
BIOL
COMP
COMD
COMR
COMPR
ENSP BADI
BADM
COMR
FASM
COMP
PSYC
COMR
POSC
ENGU
COMA
ENSP
Miller, Tracy L.
Morosko, Kevin
Muller, Kathryn
Murray, Kathryn E.
Ng, Lisa
O’Brien, Bridget
Oliveras, Melissa
Podella, Andrew
Psak, Christin
Rapp, Katherine
Reilly, Jennifer L.
Roberts, Christine
Rodgers, Carrie
Rodriguez, Robert
Rosemurgy, Lea
Santangelo, Alyssa
Sarantakos, Sophia
Scala, Regina
Scherer, Matthew Jarrod
Sheehan, Emily
Sloan, Bethany
Smith, Kristi L.
Solazzo, Catherine
Summers, Edward
Sunkel, Dianne
Sweeney, Maura
Swiencki, Kristen
Thome, Joanna
Tougher, Mary
Tregenza, Vanessa
Varecka, Jeffrey
Ventre, Jeffrey
Waage, Kirsten
Wajdowicz, Jamie
West, Matthew
Yodice, Dana
Yuan, Qiu Xia
Zara, Joseph
Program
S2003 MAP Students
Major
S2003 MAP Students
CURRENT MARIST ABROAD STUDENTS
GLOBETROTTER
19
GLOBETROTTER
20
SPRECHEN SIE DEUTSCH?
German Internship Program
The German Internship Program, hosted by VWA Studienakademie in
Stuttgart, Germany, offers students the opportunity to engage in a
paid full-time internship at select German, American and multinational
companies. The Program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
with at least two semester of German.
German Internship Program
Companies
A unique program designed to give students the opportunity to
engage in a paid full-time internship in Germany. Students will
spend three (3) to six (6) months interning for a German, American
or European company; no academic courses are offered on this
program. Students may earn between 12-15 credits upon successful
completion of the internship. While the internship is in English,
the MAP recommends at least two semesters of German.
Twelve companies cooperate with the VWA-Studienakademie. They
range from middle-class enterprises like Andreas Stihl, Unilog
Integrata, MCC and Wilhelm Kachele to multinational companies
such as Alcatel SEL, Agilent Technologies, Robert Bosch,
DaimlerChrysler, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Deutsche Lufthansa and
MTU Aiero Engines.
VWA Studienakademie, University of Cooperative Education
Founded in 1972, the VWA Studienakademie offers students the
opportunity to work with furture-oriented global players. Students
will also have the opportunity to develop their German language
skills by living and working in Germany.
Accommodation
Housing options will depend upon the company you do your internship
with, and the housing they provide. Speak with a MAP coordinator
for more information.
Location
The VWA Studienakademie is located in the south of Germany in
the city of Stuttgart, the heart of Baden-Wurttemberg. Stuttgart
is the capital of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg and the seat of
the state government. The area is an important economic region
and cultural center.
Marist International Programs
Marist Abroad Programs
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1387
Marist International Programs | 845-575-3330 (tel) | 845-575-3294 (fax)
www.marist.edu/international | international@marist.edu (e-mail)