Duke Global Ed

Through intercultural academic experiences, Duke's Global Education Office (GEO) challenges students' perspectives, expands self-awareness, and inspires lifelong global engagement. globaled.duke.edu

[dukeglobaled]

Why I booked a one-way ticket to Dubai after graduation from Duke

My Study Abroad Path: Emily Crutcher ‘06

“Completely exasperated with my job search after graduation, I got a one-way ticket to Dubai. During one of my interviews, I was asked why they should hire me. In retrospect, they were probably wondering why an American girl was trying to get a job in commercial real estate in Dubai.”

After graduation from Duke, Emily Adair Crutcher '06, moved back home to Charlotte, N.C. and began applying for jobs with real estate developers and commercial real estate firms in the Middle East. To her dismay, she found that none of the companies would take her application seriously because she was not living in the region. Rather than closing the door on that path, Emily sealed her commitment to her job search by booking a one-way ticket to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  

Emily landed an interview with JLL, a global professional services firm specializing in commercial real estate. When the interviewer asked why the company should hire her, Emily pointed to the various global activities she had pursued while at Duke – a semester studying away at the American University of Beirut, Arabic language coursework, and a summer internship in Amman, Jordan with the U.S. State Department – as evidence of her interest in the Middle East. 

On campus at the American University of Beirut

Emily also referenced an academic excursion arranged through her architecture course in Beirut. The instructor took the class to visit the offices of Solidere, the company responsible for the master planning and redevelopment of Beirut's city center after the civil war. Upon hearing this, the JLL interviewer smiled and shared that Solidere was one of her clients. 

The interview was a success, and Emily began her career with JLL in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2007. She worked on the strategic consulting team, advising developers and investors on the feasibility of development projects.

The path towards Emily's career beginning might seem straightforward, but like most people, Emily experienced a variety of twists and turns during her four years at Duke. In fact, it was not until her senior year that she gained the clarity to steer towards a career in real estate. 

Emily credits her study away experiences for helping her discover an untapped interest in architecture and urban planning. She actually studied away for two semesters – Duke in Berlin for a fall semester, and the American University of Beirut the following spring. It was in Berlin that she enrolled in an architecture course as an elective. She was so interested in architecture that she took two more architecture courses the following semester in Beirut. 

Excursion to Beiteddine Palace, Lebanon

By physically being in Berlin and Beirut while studying those cities' rich histories, Emily was able to connect her classroom learning to the host locations. She explained, "I spent countless hours wandering around both cities, investigating how each city had implemented urban redevelopment plans to stitch together cities which had been divisively separated (i.e., the Berlin Wall after World War II and the Green Zone after Lebanon's Civil War). Upon my return to Duke, I began to form the idea that a job in urban planning or real estate might fit my interests."

Prior to her senior year, Emily's career interests were a moving target. Growing up, Emily's family instilled in her the value of being a global citizen. In middle school and high school, Emily’s family hosted exchange students from Toulouse, France and Krefeld, Germany, respectively. In turn, Emily traveled to those countries to stay with the students’ families. By the time she got to Duke, she knew that studying abroad was in her future, and she could imagine an international career, but the shape that vision took often shifted. 

Visiting Crusader Castles with Professor Meloy

When asked to reflect on her career aspirations while at Duke, Emily laughed and said, "I assure you, I had not assiduously mapped out my career path when I was an undergrad. At best, I knew a few things I did not want to do. I also knew I wanted adventure – international adventure! As I began to feel pressured to 'figure it all out,' all I could figure out was that a job with the State Department or the Central Intelligence Agency might offer international adventure."

Thinking that an internship with the U.S. State Department might pave the way, she interned the summer after her sophomore year at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Looking back, she said, "The internship was helpful in that I realized I did not want to work for the U.S. State Department. And that was the summer I fell in love with the Middle East."

Emily's affinity for the Middle East inspired her study away choices her junior year – she knew going back would be transformative: "I thought studying abroad, particularly in Beirut, would be a ticket into the CIA. With Arabic language skills and a semester at the American University of Beirut, I thought the CIA would send a secret operative to recruit me. Well, I failed the Foreign Service exam and no secret operative ever recruited me!" 

A trip to Prague while studying in Berlin

Even though studying for a semester in Beirut was not transformative in the way Emily anticipated, it was indeed pivotal in guiding her to a career that offered – and continues to offer – an incredible international adventure. 

She ended up staying with JLL in Dubai for five years, working her way up to an associate with the strategic consulting department. She then transferred to JLL's public institutions team in New York City, where she advised state governments, city governments, transportation agencies and public universities on public-private partnerships. After four years in the Big Apple, Emily moved back to her hometown, Charlotte. Now as a vice president with the company, she continues to work for JLL's public institutions team focusing on clients across the Southeast.

Emily acknowledges that her post-graduation path may not be the norm: "While I'm probably one of a handful of Class of 2006 graduates still working for the same company, not only has JLL facilitated my professional growth and supported my life/work balance, but the company has provided me with impactful and interesting work. I cannot underscore the importance of actually enjoying what you do for a living."

When asked what advice Emily has for students who are unsure about studying away, she said, "Go! You will need the soft skills you acquire while living abroad when you leave the Gothic Wonderland. You will need a global perspective on the world to successfully compete in tomorrow's workforce."  

Story by Jill Powell, Duke GEO Marketing & Recruitment Manager

[dukeglobalbaton]

Want to carry the baton this summer? Sign up at http://ift.tt/2o3ZrFG. 🌎🌍🌏 #DukeIsEverywhere #ShareYourAdventure http://ift.tt/2nmFBZe

[dukeglobaled]

My Study Away Path: Neuroscience Studies to an Internship with the Philharmonie de Paris

By Cole Jenson 

This photo was taken in a small town on the south east coast of France called Cassis. I lived there for six months when I was seven years old, and this was the first time I got to go back. It was a pretty surreal experience, and I was struck by how little had changed, down to the street vendor that I had bought crêpes and ice cream from after school. 

Why did you decide to do Duke in France/EDUCO for a semester?

I decided to do this program because I love France and French language and culture. Going to Paris seemed like a great way to get to know French academic life (which I hadn’t seen much of yet), as well as more about Parisian culture. It also set me up to be able to travel pretty much anywhere else in France or in Europe that I wanted to go, which was great. And as with all immersion programs, I really looked forward to improving my language skills.

This photo is looking down from one of my favorite place in Paris, Montmartre, after a lovely afternoon exploring. Photo credit: Meade Inglis

Compare how your skills or knowledge changed after doing this program.

I left with a much more profound knowledge of the French language, especially the idioms, accent, and speech patterns specific to Paris. I also left with a much deeper understanding of French musical culture and system of notation. Outside of academic life, I was lucky enough to get an internship at the Philharmonie de Paris which left me with a unique perspective into the professional music world in Paris and the production of arts and culture in Paris in general.

This photo is in Milan, Italy, in front of the Arco della Pace. My girlfriend and I were able to meet up in Italy for a weekend trip and explore the amazing food and culture and learn about one of the centers of Italian industry and modern culture. Photo credit: Meade Inglis

Thinking back to what you expected this program to be like, would you say anything surprised you or turned out differently?

I was quite pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of excursions and activities set up by the program in Paris and in other parts of the country. There were wine tastings, truffle making, baking, and cooking classes from Parisian chefs and bakers and chocolatiers, interesting panels and talks, day trips, and weekend long tours of certain parts of the country.

This photo was taken on one of the program led excursions in Normandy, at the Chateau d'Isigny. We were served a delicious lunch while the current owners told us about the history of the area. 

Tell us about your greatest takeaway from this program.

I think my greatest take away from the program would be to dive in early when ever you’re in a new place, especially if you know you’ll have to leave soon. I definitely waited too long to start talking to my French classmates, and to start interacting with communities within the city. Within the last month I went to a few open mics and found some really cool communities at them that I wish I could have interacted with more. I also got to see some really cool political groups in action when I finally made the time to go to a rally one weekend, but sadly it was the last one before I left. So, my advice would be not to fall into the trap of putting things off and spending all of your time with your American friends doing things you could do back home.

This photo is of an amazing sunset down the Boulevard St. Germain on the way to get some delicious gelato. Photo credit: Cole Jenson.

How did/will this program affect your career interests or next steps after graduation?

The largest effect on my career interests came from the internship I did at the Philharmonie de Paris. Seeing how much the employees got to learn from and interact with the musicians and music was incredible, and watching how such an important institution affects the musical sphere and culture in Paris was very cool. I also got to talk to a few people about really cool positions I hadn’t even thought existed that combined other interests of mine (even neuroscience) with music.

Cole Jenson, Class of 2018 Neuroscience Duke in France/EDUCO

[dukeglobaled]

My Study Abroad Path: A Year in Paris and a Summer in Haiti Inspire Senior Thesis and Plans for a PhD

By Daniel Lam

Discovering the untouched gems of the Balkans over fall break. Photo by Jasmine Tsai.

Why did you decide to do Duke in France/EDUCO?

As a travel enthusiast, during my sophomore fall, I decided that I did not want to stay in Durham for too long and that I wanted to go abroad for a year. Originally I planned to study in Paris for the spring semester and then in Copenhagen for the fall semester. Paris was an obvious choice as I really like French language and culture. Moreover, my French courses at Duke have all been really enriching and inspiring, especially a French politics course with Professor Christelle Gonthier and a cinema course with Professor Anne-Gäelle Saliot. As such, I wanted to explore what I have learnt in the country itself. After a semester there, I felt really satisfied with the experience and wanted to practice my French even further; that was why I stayed for the whole year in the City of Light.

Duke in Paris excursion to Provence. Photo by Daniella Ochoa.

How did your skills or knowledge change after doing this program?

Well, the changes have been immense. My French skills went from barely conversational to a level where I felt really comfortable talking to other Francophones. The homestay experience was definitely an important factor contributing to such a drastic change. Living with French families not only helped me practice my speaking and listening skills but also allowed me to pick up cultural knowledge that is quintessential in conversations à la française. For example, the French families I’ve been with usually love to talk about politics and arts on their dinner table so I have learnt a lot of new words as well as world knowledge through those casual conversations alone. Studying at French universities also enriched both my language skills and knowledge of French culture incredibly. Very interested in linguistics, the courses I took in French linguistics have given me a more analytical view of the language, which I really appreciate. Also, making new friends with whom I was forced to converse in French was definitely nice too! The friends I have met are really nice and helpful.

A French dinner with friends of Duke in France/EDUCO. Photo by Katherine Couch.

Describe how your ideas and perceptions changed as a result of doing this program.

I did my study abroad there during a rough year of French history, flanked by two violent attacks in the capital. I was even there during the weekend of the attack in Bataclan. It was indeed a traumatic experience but through the experience I witnessed so many things that I did not normally see during the halcyon days. People hugged strangers on the street to express their solidarity. The Saturday after, I walked with my host parents for six hours along the quiet streets of Paris where I saw the resilience of the city and its people. I still remember my host dad reminding me that during hard times like this, though some people want to make religion or immigration the culprit, it is important to consider rights from wrongs and to stand together instead of to blame and divide. Although I have learned this lesson many times, it was that particular context and my amazing host family that inculcated it in me even further.

Duke in France/EDUCO castle exploration. Photo by Krista Kowalczyk.

How did/will this program affect your career interests or next steps after graduation?

A year in France taking French linguistics courses and traveling to different parts of the country and the continent reaffirmed my passion for world languages and cultures, so that I decided that I want to become a linguist to further explore the wonders of languages around the world. Some of the courses I took in Parisian universities were so cool, especially a course on the history of French language, where I actually learned Old and Medieval French. Thus, I am now really interested in French and Francophone linguistics. I went to Haiti over the summer and learned some Haitian Creole there. My senior thesis is on a comparative complexity analysis between Haitian Creole, French and some other languages. I will go on to do a PhD program in Linguistics after graduation and I am certain that my year in France is definitely a major factor contributing to my acceptances to some competitive programs. And of course, I will continue my research on French and Haitian Creole.

Enjoying the beauty of the heights of Les Baux-de-Provence. Photo by Daniella Ochoa.

What advice do you have for other students considering this program?

I’d say that firstly, do not fear the homestay experience. It is probably my favorite part of the program. You get to enjoy living in a family with a culture totally different from yours. Yes, there will be challenges at first but those challenges only help you to bond with your family further and to understand their culture better. Such an experience will help you be more comfortable integrating into foreign cultures and comprehending why people do the things they do, a skill set that I feel is really important in our troubled world nowadays. Also, consider staying for a second semester, especially if you are considering a major in French studies or a humanities discipline. First semester, you are only a visitor dabbling in the language and the culture and getting excited visiting all the tourist attractions. It is the second semester when you really feel like you are a part of the society itself and you feel more comfortable with your language skills too, and that is definitely an invaluable part of cultural exchange. And you get to eat delicious French cheeses and drink inexpensive French wine for a whole year, who doesn’t like that!

Daniel Lam, Class of 2017 French Studies / Biology Duke in France–EDUCO (Spring 2015, Fall 2015), Duke in Paris (Summer 2015)

[dukeglobaled]

Discovering Cultural Differences in Food Science and Food Policy at CES Maastricht

Excerpted from an interview with Quinn Steven in the CES Maastricht cestories newsletter:

“I think that this proximity to their food is what inspires Europeans to be more vocal about their food systems and preferences.”

Read the full interview with Quinn: https://issuu.com/cesmaastricht/docs/cestories_february_2017/4

Quinn Steven, Duke University, Class of 2018 Studied abroad with CES Masstricht (Maastricht, Netherlands) Fall 2016

[dukestudents]

Dear College Student: Take Pictures

 I don’t know about you, but I believe that every great story begins and ends with photos. The ability to capture a moment is so easy nowadays due to the amazing cameras built into our smart phones. Unfortunately, not a lot of people take advantage of that – especially during their beginning stages at a new school. Getting used to a new place and making friends all over again can be super intimidating, but I’m here to tell you why photos are amazing things and how they can help make your transition easier:

1. People love to display large numbers of photos, whether that be on social media or on a wall. In my apartment, my roommate and I compiled photos of our friends and created a “wall of Fame and Shame,” and I love to look at them for a good smile or laugh. (The only challenge is that I’m running out of wall space!) Coming to a brand new school, I was so scared to ask people to take photos with me. I thought to myself “Oh no, they’re going to think I’m so weird” or “I barely even know her/him,” but looking back now, I’m so happy I broke out of my shell. Those photos were foundations to new and long lasting friendships and memories.

2. Photos remind you of memories toward the good experiences you’ve had, simply because you’re more likely to take photos of joyful times. That’s important, because sometimes it’s easier to recall bad times than good ones. Having snapshots of the latter keeps them vivid in our minds.

4. When you see something beautiful, it’s natural to feel a desire to claim or even own it yourself in some way—and also to share it with others. Having photos of things and people you love gives you the satisfaction of doing that. On Pinterest, I love to collect and share pictures of future homes and food that I’d love to cook one day. I get the joy that comes from looking at these things without having to own them (or buy them, for that matter)—and the fun of showing them to friends with just a few clicks.

5. Snapping photos fosters creativity. My brother took photos for 365 days straight during his senior year at Duke and compiled it into “A Second Every Day” Video at the end. The images are beautiful, and the need to find each day’s photo keeps him engaged with the world in a creative way. He has inspired so many people to do the same and has continuously pushed me to take at least one photo every day.

6. I like to remind myself how easy it is to forget. I’m always trying to figure out ways to hold on to memories. One thing I do is send my best friend from home a “Dear Diary” entry so that she is updated on my life. I don’t have the time or energy to write much every day, but I can manage to jot down one sentence. Photographs are another easy way to record little moments that are precious but easily forgotten. 

Anyway, don’t just take photos of special occasions, take a photo every day. It keeps a smile on your face and lasts a lifetime.

[dukeglobaled]

Excellent advice that's equally solid for study abroad/study away! Of course take the photos of the famous landmarks, but also remember to take a photo of everyday life. When you get back to Duke and a few months pass by, you might find that the photo of your host family sitting in the kitchen or the cafe you passed every day going to class is what warms your heart whenever you start to miss your life in the other land.

[dukeglobaled]

Confidence Multiplied: Just One of Many Takeaways from the Duke in Montréal French Language Summer Program

By Erin Butrico

“...I don’t think I realized how much I would be out and about in the city to learn. And I loved that.”

Explain why you decided to do Duke in Montréal. 

Duke in Montréal was the perfect fit for my summer. For starters, I decided a bit late in the game that I wanted to major in French. I thought that I would have to overload to get all of my French courses in, but this program helped to fix that problem. 

Secondly, I loved the idea of an immersive course. I knew that this course was not just a sit-in-the-classroom-and-take-notes kind of thing, but an interactive, hands-on way of learning. As I was headed to France in the fall, and was comfortable with my written comprehension (but extremely uncomfortable with oral comprehension, and speaking the language itself), I knew that this interactive program would give me confidence to survive in France. 

Thirdly, when I showed interest in this program, Madame Reisinger responded with the utmost enthusiasm. I’ll never forget going into her office to talk a bit about the program, and leaving so genuinely excited about the course, the different site visits, and the itinerary in general. That was contagious, and ultimately led me to chose this program as my summer plan.

Compare how your French skills changed after doing this program.

My French skills changed enormously after this program. Coming in, I could read and write French perfectly. If you gave me a passage and asked me to analyze it, I could do it no problem. If you asked me to write a 10-page paper, I would also be fine. But listening to the radio and understanding? Having a conversation with store clerks in French? Impossible. This program changed that. 

By having class for a few hours a day, and then having the opportunity to go out in Montréal and do projects on the culture there, we were forced to engage with French-speakers. We were thrown into the heat of the French language, forced to interview Montréal citizens, engage with government officials during our site visits, and having meals with Madame in French. Little by little, the spoken language became more and more familiar, and I really became comfortable with it. 

I felt brave to try speaking myself, but was assured by the fact that I could use English, as a fall-back, if I didn’t understand the person I was speaking to (thanks to the high rate of bilingualism). This program changed my confidence and made me more open to the language. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Describe how your ideas and perceptions of Montréal and Québec changed as a result of doing this program. 

I didn’t have any real ideas of Montréal and Québec coming in (besides that they were French-speaking!), but I came out with a deep appreciation for them both. These two cities are filled with culture – I learned this through my study of Little Italy and the Juste pour Rires Festival for my two projects. 

I learned that these cities have millions of layers. They love to dance, they love to create. They love good food, and encouraging people to learn French. They are proud of their version of French, and have laws to uphold its usage. What a fascinating place.

Thinking back to what you expected this program to be like, would you say anything surprised you or turned out differently?

I think I was surprised with how much freedom I had in Montréal. I knew that class wouldn’t be all day, and that a lot of learning would be done outside the classroom, but I don’t think I realized how much I would be out and about in the city to learn. And I loved that. 

I loved working with volunteers, in the Juste pour Rires program, to really feel immersed in the French language. I loved taking videos of the different festivals, and interviewing individuals on their work, Québec culture, and their take on summer in Québec, in general. I loved being able to roam around and not forcefully learn something, but easily absorb culture, language, and understanding as you walk and explore.

Tell us about your greatest takeaways from this program. How did this program prepare you for Duke in France?

For me, the greatest things I gained from this program were: (1) comfort with the French language (2) a sense of spontaneity, and (3) confidence with ambiguity. 

This program really exposed me to French: not only in the classroom, but in the streets, with our discussions, and interactions with Madame. This program really taught me how to be spontaneous, go with the flow, and be open for any endeavor we were about to undertake (whether it be visiting the American consulate, drumming at the African drum festival, volunteering with Québec youth at the Juste pour Rires festival, by ourselves). 

This program taught me that it’s okay to not understand – it’s okay to be vulnerable and not have a clue what is going on in a different country with a different language. This program taught me that persistence in trying the language, being open to critique, and slowly absorbing what you learn into everyday usage, will make you a better speaker of the language. I carried all of these traits over into France, and they have been extremely helpful.

What kind of student would succeed on this program?

A spontaneous, open-minded student who is curious about marketing, is enthusiastic about the French language, and is unafraid to make conversations with strangers. 

What advice do you have for other students considering this program?

Take advantage of everything! Go to all the festivals, try the poutine, talk to as many Québec youth as you can. Speak in French at every opportunity – don’t feel nervous trying. You’ll only get better by practicing. See every museum; spend a bit of time in each festival. Profitez bien – Québec rocks.

Erin Butrico ‘18 Duke in Montréal, Summer 2016 Duke in France/EDUCO, Fall 2016

[dukeglobaled]

Duke Students Challenge International Educators to Consider Questions About Diversity Abroad

The Duke Global Education Office for Undergraduates asked student groups on Duke’s campus with a stake in issues of diversity abroad to anonymously submit questions and discussion prompts for the international education community. The questions will be shared with attendees at the annual Diversity Abroad Conference in March 2017.

Questions & Discussion Prompts from Duke Students

Is Study Abroad financially accessible for all? Consider not just the programs, but also travel expenses, etc.

How are universities helping students understand the different ways in which race and diversity is understood across the globe?

Why is Latin America so under-represented from a cultural / heritage perspective?

Come up with a policy on educating students on colorism abroad. And how to guarantee that this training is held for ALL those who seek it. Meaning if students are not required to take it, students should be asked if they would like to learn more about it, rather than guessing by their complexion whether or not to recommend it. Mixed race or white-passing people of color will also benefit greatly from this type of training. Although I think making it mandatory would be the best option.

Why do you do what you do?

How do we ensure that study away experiences go to those who will benefit the most?

Low income students, students of color, and first generation students are statistically most often the students who receive low grades and get placed on academic probation. Academic probation prohibits students from participating in abroad programs. Does this further increase the lack of diversity in abroad programs? Should the university continue to further punish students for coming from marginalized backgrounds?

What is the best way to handle street harassment while abroad?

Often, very few students in a group are expected to carry the burden of "diversity" based on their race or religion. How will you avoid tokenizing them and compromising their educational experiences?

How could the interests of underrepresented students in exploring a city or location be different than other students?

What is GEO doing to educate students about the history between U.S. imperialism and neocolonialism in some of the countries students visit (e.g. countries in Latin America)? Are students taught to think critically about the real issues facing some of the communities they visit? Do students realize that "seeing" and "experiencing" a culture is not the same as understanding it?

How can we better help students financially?

What is the image of Study Abroad that is traditionally portrayed? Does this experience represent all types of students?

Especially for race, what are universities doing to understand the different dynamics that these dimension plays in Latin America? How are universities preparing students for these scenarios? Is it only a matter of "be prepared if they treat you differently" or is understanding the history and why race is not the same in other places important?

Do the nature of projects in Latin America perpetuate a 'poverty' or 'white saviour' perception by students?

How can one create a supportive group dynamic amongst those studying abroad. Division between POC and white persons on a program occurs when there is not a supportive environment. How can trust be cultivated in a group so as to create allyship early on?

What is the policy for students who are sexually assaulted abroad and want to leave their program? I've heard that dropping out means they cannot come back to Duke.

I chose not to study abroad in a majority brown/black country with Duke because I knew the classes there would be taught from a white perspective. How are you incorporating local knowledge and teaching methods into the curriculum?

Is there a space in this global education program for underrepresented students to maximize their experience?

What is GEO doing to educate students about White Savior Complex? About their relationship to the places and people they visit? Are students taught about issues revolving cultural fetishization?

How can we spread knowledge about study abroad opportunities?

What can we do to promote Study Abroad as an attractive option for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, campus involvement, or financial status?

What can universities do to allow students from different socio-economic statuses to have equally valuable experiences abroad?

What view does the host country have of black, asian, latinx, etc. people? how do they treat these groups? And where (socio-economically, job-wise, etc.) are these types of people in the society of the host country?

Should students take into account the risks that may stem from their identity when selecting an abroad program or destination?

Is your study abroad program disrupting the host community? How are you making students aware of their impact? How are you encouraging them to limit the disruption?

Is the feedback of underrepresented students taken into account and properly amplified to counter the lack of numbers?

What is GEO doing to encourage students to think critically about how they are socially situated within the countries they visit? Do students even realize how problematic it is to take pictures with young "African" children and post them all over Facebook? I've seen too much of this from students' experiences abroad.

How can we convince underrepresented students that they are safe when traveling?

Should we encourage students to travel to more diverse places? Should we encourage students to travel to their countries of origin or to a new place? Is diversity in location/destination important too?

For additional information about this survey, please email [email protected].

[dukeglobaled]

Força Barça! Becoming a Member of the Barcelona Community

By Abby Muehlstein

“The program did a great job of matching my academic and career interests to a local small business where I could get relevant international job experience.”

The game ended 0-0, but I feel like a winner for watching FCB play in Barcelona! Barça fans could give Cameron Crazies a run for our money any day. They love their football club, and they love being from Barcelona! Program excursions like this one, plus my local internship and the "Exploring Barcelona" class, made me feel like I really belonged in the city. 

I fell in love with the food, people, and language of Catalonia; does anyone know any Catalan speakers in the Triangle that I could practice with?

My favorite part of studying on IFSA-Butler: Engage Barcelona was my program-sponsored internship in a local music therapy facility. The program did a great job of matching my academic and career interests to a local small business where I could get relevant international job experience. Now, I'm familiar with how music therapy is conducted and its effects--in Spanish!

Thanks to my host family, internship, program-specific classes, local language practice, and excursions, I feel like I really became a member of the Barcelona community. Wherever you go and whatever you study, I encourage everyone to utilize program offerings and find your own ways to become a part of your host city!

Abby Muehlstein, Class of 2018, Psychology IFSA-Butler: Engage Barcelona (via petition process), Fall 2016

[dukeglobaled]

My Semester in Dublin, Ireland as a Mechanical Engineering Student

By David Talpalar 

“...what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals...”

My semester at University College Dublin (UCD) was unforgettable. I knew when I decided to come to Dublin that I would be in a bustling city with great character. But what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals, the welcoming environment that I would be a part of, and the life in Ireland beyond simply the Dublin city centre.  

I loved visiting Howth, Galway and Kilkenny, and I am really excited to return to Ireland again soon. On top of all of that, the transition from Duke to UCD was very easy. The staff at UCD is amongst the most helpful people I have ever met, and I am incredibly grateful for their help. 

Studying abroad here has made me a better-rounded, educated young man –both inside and outside of the classroom.

David Talpalar, Mechanical Engineering Duke Pratt School of Engineering, Class of 2019

[dukeglobaled]

The New Zealand Catlins

By Henry Taylor

“In addition to work, it's crucial to see the world around you.”

The highlight of New Zealand was being able to go out and explore one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen every weekend. This is a picture from the Catlins – an area on the southeastern tip of the South Island. 

I will come back to Duke open to crazy experiences, such as climbing the ridge to capture this picture. This has helped me realize that in addition to work, it's crucial to see the world around you. Sometimes you need to take your mind off of work, and see the world while you can. 

If you are considering going to New Zealand, DO IT.

Henry Taylor, Class of 2018, Biology Arcadia – Otago, NZ (Duke-Approved program)

[dukeglobaled]

The issue of illegal immigration will never revert back to a statistic and a pile of articles for me. Instead, I will forever have that day in Morocco cemented into my memory, with real faces to connect to the issue and two young boys' lives, which I know nothing about, to contemplate.

Katherine Berko, ‘A new perspective,’ The Duke Chronicle, December 8, 2016

[dukeglobaled]

Who says you can’t eat your way through Italy and get course credit for it?

Tara Nagar and Isabella Turchetta are computer science majors at Duke who both chose to spend this semester studying abroad at the Umbra Institute, an American study abroad provider in Perugia, Italy. Recently, they both sat down with Umbra staff to discuss how their classes here have directly influenced life abroad, and how this experience has developed their multicultural perspectives.

Photo: On our field trip to learn about truffle hunting in Città di Castello.

You’re taking a course about the history and culture of food in Italy – tell us about that!

We’re taking HSIT 350: The History and Culture of Food in Italy at the Umbra Institute. It’s been our favorite course this semester because it looks at history and food studies from a unique perspective. We’ve had the opportunity to take a number of field trips to visit local producers. On our last excursion to Città di Castello, a small city near Perugia, we met with a local truffle producer to learn the art of truffle hunting. 

Our class discovered the challenges facing truffle hunters and how the foraging experience is directly linked to the ability of the forager to train the family dog. One of the best parts of truffle hunting is that it seemed like they were treasure hunting. The truffle hunter just follows his dog, essentially looking for treasure that he cannot see or smell, and the worth of the truffle is literally like finding a precious coin. 

We also learned how spores are spread on the land in order to cultivate truffles, and about the land rights in Italy that allow anyone to hunt wild truffles on another’s property, but prohibit hunters from trespassing on cultivated land.

What kinds of exploring have you done on your own time?

We decided to spend our fall break traveling throughout Italy and learning even more about Italian food culture! In class, we learned about the influence of the Arab conquest in Sicily and how Arabs brought citrus over to Italy for the first time. We did an in-class food tasting to complement class reading assignments related to citrus and honey, and we got to try all kinds of foods we would otherwise not get the chance to eat. Our professor brought us classic acacia honey, lime honey, and pistachio honey from Sicily to help us taste and understand different regional foods. The class inspired us to go see it for ourselves, so we included Sicily in our fall break plans!

What kind of cultural observations have you made about Italy?

Well, for one, I’ve learned it’s extremely important to Italians to blow-dry their hair. They literally think you are going to die if you go outside with wet hair! And there’s the Italian food etiquette that implicitly prohibits eating “on the go” and ordering a cappuccino or other milk-based drink after 11 a.m. Doing either of these things will attract odd stares from the locals.

Restaurants have a really relaxed atmosphere. They are not looking to turn tables, they want you to enjoy the food and the experience. At the same time, you have to be patient with waiters who take their time bringing the check to the table. 

Overall the Italian culture is refreshing because it places an emphasis on community and allows for tasks to be accomplished at a relaxed place. Italians regularly take walks through the city center or spend time sitting in public spaces just to catch up with friends. 

How has it been living in Perugia?

It took some time to adjust to the lack of pressure and rigid schedules. Achieving a sense of accomplishment is different when it’s not all about task completion. But I just love living in Perugia. It is not a place that you would necessarily think to visit on vacation, because of its size, but it is where you get to know local people and they get to know you. Here, you get to branch out of your comfort zone and go into the city to meet lots of Italians.

Duke students interested in studying at the Umbra Institute will follow the application process for Duke-Approved study away programs. 

[dukeglobaled]

Student Intern Interview: Krista Kowalczyk

Krista Kowalczyk is a senior who is studying International Comparative Studies and French with a Global Health minor. This is her third (and final) year with Global Ed, so we wanted to talk to her about her time working at GEO and her study away experiences. Elizabeth Richardson sat down to chat with her. 

ER: What made you want to work at GEO?

KK: I didn’t enjoy my job my first year, and wanted to work in an office that would excite me and that I could work with throughout my time at Duke. I had already done a study abroad in London, so when I got the email about the student intern position, I knew it was something I would be interested in.

 ER: What about the office has made you stay here for so long? Do you have a favorite memory?

KK: I love being able to talk to students here and around campus about study abroad. When I hear friends bring it up, I am able to answer their questions. I love being able to go to the Global Ed Fair and Family Weekend to talk with prospective study abroad students and parents about all the options they have. As for memories, one that sticks with me was the card I got from everyone in the office before I left for my semester abroad. It was really thoughtful and showed me how caring the office is.

 ER: Tell me about your summer experience.

KK: I did Duke in London Drama the summer after my first year. I debated between a program where I could use my French and the drama program, which wasn’t related to what I wanted to study. But I had done theatre in high school, and had never been to London, so I decided to just go for it. It was a great program! It was a lot of work academically–we had to write eight papers and do lots of blog posts–but we got to see so many live shows. I loved discussing the performances after. Even when we saw a production we didn’t like, we talked about what we would have changed to make it more successful. At that point, I hadn’t chosen a major yet, so I did consider something in the English realm. Ultimately, I chose ICS. There is a lot of freedom in that major, so I was able to use the courses I took in London.

 Why did you choose to do a semester in Paris?

I really wanted to challenge my French, which I had been taking for years. Since French is my second major, that was important. Duke in France has a pretty intense application process. You have to interview with the professors so they can assess your level of French, and then if you’re accepted, they place you in classes according to your level.

 ER: What were the immediate differences you noticed studying there?

KK: You take two courses at the University of Paris. The professors are very different than at Duke. There are no syllabi, so you aren’t always certain of their expectations and when assignments are due. Their style of teaching is very blunt! Sometimes the feedback they give you sounds insulting, but I realized that it wasn’t. For example, on an assignment, one of the professors wrote, “You’re capable of doing better than this”. I was a little offended at first, but I eventually realized that it was a compliment. 

 ER: How was your host family? Did you enjoy that experience?

KK: My host family was very kind and welcoming. They had two kids, one who was my age but left for university in Bordeaux after I arrived, and a 17 year old boy. Since I have a little brother at home around the same age, it was a fun dynamic. They have been hosting students for over ten years, and they treated me very well. They even hosted my parents when they came to visit me! They got me a birthday present and we would watch documentaries together some nights. The hard part about living with a host family was that it is very different from being at Duke, where all your friends are so close. With where my host family was located in the city, my closest friend was 25 minutes away, so I was lonely sometimes.

 ER: You were in Paris during the attacks. Tells me about how that affected your time there.

KK: I was traveling in Rome with four other students from the program when we heard about the attacks. One of the other girls’ mom texted her, so we immediately started Googling the news. When we started to learn of the locations we were horrified. Many of our classmates lived near where the various attacks occurred, and one was very close to my host family. We started making calls. I first called my mom, and she told me to reach out to GEO to let them know I was ok. I talked with them and helped located my fellow students. A lot were traveling, but there were some that were harder to get in touch with, which was scary. We finally accounted for everyone, but we were all really emotional about the situation. It was really hard not being in Paris, and we were worried we might not be able to get back into the country.

After the attacks, I had a lot of negative emotions. Like everyone else, I didn’t know what the future held. At first, I wanted to go home, but eventually decided to stay. There were a lot of “what-ifs,” which is hard to deal with. Some of our excursions were tweaked or cancelled-we ended up not going to Brussels on a planned program excursion. All of us had a difficult time coping, and the French response was very different than ours. We were far from home and wanted to be comforted. There were bag searches every day to get into class, and I remember seeing the new Star Wars movie in the theatre and just being scared that something else might happen. It definitely affected my time on the program.

 ER: What did you come away from that program learning?

KK: Obviously, my French got a lot better! Now that I have been home for a year I am able to look back on it more fondly than I did when the program ended. At the time, I was ready to be home, but now I miss Paris and want to go back. Aside from the attacks, there were a lot of fun things we did. The program organized some great excursions for us, and we got to learn about perfume making and French cooking. We did day trips with small groups, and went to places like Amiens and Dijon, where I would have never thought to go. I learned so much about the history and culture of Paris and France in general.

 ER: What would you tell someone who wants to do a semester abroad?

KK: Make sure you have proper expectations. Things were very different than I expected, especially the social aspect. I would recommend getting to know the people in your group as much as you can before you go. Once you are there you will want to lean on them and share different experiences and feelings. Remember-things will go wrong and you’re not going to love every minute! For me, it was one of the first times that I didn’t have a job and extracurriculars, so I was able to have free reign to explore the city and do what I wanted. There will be amazing cultural immersion, you’ll do great things, and meet lots of new people.

[dukeglobaled]

My Study Abroad Path: From Duke in China to a Graduate Certificate in Chinese and American Studies

By Tarela Osuobeni

Why did you decide to do the Duke in China program?

I wanted to expedite my Mandarin language study in order to achieve proficiency. My global advisor explained that Duke in China was the best way to do so. Within my political science major, I became interested in learning about China’s global standing in the world but felt I wanted to see the nation for myself. 

How did going abroad improve your language skills and/or influence your ideas about Chinese culture?

Speaking Mandarin and retaining the language at a fast pace became easier. Going abroad gave me a realistic view of China as a nation. For example, visiting Tiananmen Square and the National Museum in Beijing gave me tangible experiences and perspectives to attach to my political science studies related to China. 

How did your Duke in China experience influence your undergraduate experience?

Once I returned from Duke in China, I continued studying Chinese language for the rest of my time at Duke, fearing that I would lose the language if I stopped. I also got involved in clubs that related to China and Chinese language such as the Chinese Conversation Club, Duke East Asia Nexus, The Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford and the Duke Kunshan Ambassador Council. I became more immersed in knowing all that I possibly could about the nation. 

Is there anything about this program that surprised you?

Besides language, I learned so much about Chinese culture. The weekend excursion to Xi’an made a huge impression on me. In Xi’an we were exposed to calligraphy and intricacies of Chinese traditional-style art. Riding bicycles on the Xi’an wall was also amazing because it finally helped me understand the function of Chinese walls in protecting the City when China was a conglomerate of empires.

What kind of student would succeed on this program?

Someone dedicated to improving his or her Mandarin abilities and willing to overcome initial fears of learning a language. Having an open-mind and being flexible and curious will also help students enjoy the program.

What are you doing now?

I’m obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Chinese and American Studies at the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center. I’m taking Mandarin courses on topics ranging from International Law to the Chinese Constitution.  

Tarela Osuobeni ‘16 Duke in China, Summer 2014 Duke Kunshan University Global Learning Semester, Fall 2014

[dukeglobaled]

It's a dangerous concept to think of a nation as its stereotype...

Katherine Berko, ‘Beyond bullfights, flamenco and sangria,’ Duke Chronicle, October 27, 2016

[dukeglobaled]

Student Intern Interview: Briana Kleiner

Briana Kleiner is a sophomore Biology/Environmental double major who just started working as a student intern for the Global Education Office. In an effort to get to know our student interns better, Elizabeth sat down to chat with them about their time away and what took them down that path. Briana is up first!

ER: We’ve never had a Bio major work for GEO! Tell me how you got interested in that field.

BK: I grew up on the coast of Connecticut, in a small town that’s known as the submarine capital of the world. My grandpa and I would get Dairy Queen and go sit and watch the subs come in. That is definitely where my love of biology came from! I also attended a marine science magnet high school, which cultivated my interests as well. I was involved with local aquariums and youth conservation efforts.

ER: How did you end up at Duke?

BK: The Marine Lab was really what brought me to Duke. I visited 17 colleges and universities, and I immediately felt at home when I visited the campus, more than any of the other places I visited. I knew that Duke had a great reputation for everything I was interested in, and the Marine Lab sealed the deal.

ER: Have you had a chance to visit the Marine Lab yet?

BK: I did a weekend there for a class, but would love to go back for a longer period of time to do research!

ER: You did Duke in Australia this past summer. How did you decide what study away program you wanted to do?

BK: I’ve wanted to go to Australia since I was 10 years old! I was working in Washington DC for a student ambassador program, and they told me they had an opportunity in Australia. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford it at the time, but it was always in my mind. Once I heard Duke had an Australia program, I knew I had to go. I had also taken a class with Professor Alex Glass last fall, and when I heard he was leading the program, I knew I had to apply.

ER: I’d love to hear a little about your time in Australia.

BK: It was amazing! I was there for four weeks and we traveled from the Northern Territories to different parts of the coast. We also visited cities like Darwin and Sydney, as well as many national parks, so it was a mix of rural and urban.  We took a biology class, so we were in a class setting, but we were traveling all over Australia. We stayed in hostels, we camped, stayed in residence halls…every day was different. We also had to do a research project and presentation on a biological element present in the Australian eco-system.

ER: What was the subject of your research for your project?

BK: I did research on the Crown of Thorns starfish, which is a poisonous starfish that is taking over some parts of the Reef. I was excited to learn that Professor Glass is considered an expert in the field when it comes to starfish, so I was able to work with him extensively and learned a lot from his experience.

ER: What is your most memorable experience from Australia?

BK: Definitely SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef! I was already open water certified but over spring break I updated my certification so I could do advanced dives. The diversity of life at the Reef is amazing. People don’t realize how much diversity there is right there in the oceans. One of my favorite quotes is “We dive not to escape life, but for life not to escape us,” and this is the reason why I dive! I saw turtles, sharks, and rays during my dive. It was just an incredible experience and I want to go back!

ER: Is there an experience or a “lesson” you brought back with you from Australia?

BK: So the Wi-Fi in Australia is not great! However, I realized that because of this there were more in-person social interactions. I felt like the separation from technology was a good thing, because you can get a better immersive experience when you’re not distracted by your phone and other technology. Now that I’m back in the States I’m trying to be more “in the moment” with my friends and work on making memories, not just texting or messaging them.

ER: It sounds like you got a lot out of your time in Australia. Do you think you’ll go abroad again during your time at Duke?

BK: Yes! I’ve been looking at programs with a biology/environmental conservation focus, like Duke in Singapore and the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica. I’m also interested in Spanish and Latin American studies, and would love to do Duke in Madrid or Duke in Costa Rica. I think I could easily use Spanish and tie it into my studies. Duke has so many opportunities and I want to take advantage of as many as possible.

ER: What would you tell a Duke student that is hesitant about study away?

BK: Do it, or you’ll miss out! There’s so much out there you can learn and apply to your interests. You’ll gain a new perspective that will help you get so much more out of your classes when you are back at Duke. You’ll become friends with people that will challenge your ideals and build character.