Student Exhange Experiences
Sebastian Dys- Honors Psychology/Criminology ,4th year
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Yasmine Brahimi- Double Major Linguistics and Psychology (Honors), 4th year
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Erynne Gilpin- Social Justice and Peace Studies (Honors), 3rd year
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Delina Ivanova- BMOS student, 3rd year
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Brett Higgs (Mos IV) Sookmyung Exchange
Going to South Korea on exchange was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I got a chance to take in a completely different culture whether it was in the form of speaking a new language or building new friendship that are governed by a different set of social norms, while having my academic life enriched through the seminars put on by all of the visiting professors from around the world.
No class on globalization or South Korea can provide you an understanding so rich in life fulfilling experience as actually going to another country and taking part first hand in globalization. I feel as though I have truly earned my passport as a global citizen.
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Sara Tennant My exchange experience has been the most thrilling adventure of my life. I have traveled, met new friends, learned about different cultures and all the while experiencing a new way of schooling. A rewarding challenge. My favorite memories will live on through the new people I have met during my journey and all the help they gave me when I needed it the most. I recommend going on an exchange to anybody who is considering it. It is not a maybe thing! Go! It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will never regret. At first you may struggle with the sudden change but it will eventually turn into some of the best times of your life. Being in England made me grow as a person, and I have come back feeling better than ever for having the privilege of doing a year abroad. |
Tarek El Morsy Going to Hong Kong was an amazing experience. I would recommend an international exchange to anyone and everyone. I had the opportunity to travel, see and experience things I've never seen before, and make new friends from all over the world. I didn’t know what to expect before I left. I knew that I was going to the other side of the world, and that I would soon experience a completely foreign culture. I also knew I was going to change and return a different person. But what I didn’t know is exactly how this experience would influence me directly. The personal benefits of going on international exchange are too many to list, however there are certain things that stood out for me. The most important is that going on exchange gives one a chance to reflect, and re-evaluate their self from a different perspective. Getting out of your comfort zone is something that makes this process much easier. When you are somewhere completely new, where you don’t know anyone, or anything, I think it forces people to be honest with their selves. |
Drew Whitson
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Travelling to the Dominican Republic over spring break 2010 was an incredible learning experience that has made a profound impact on my life. Over the course of twelve days the King’s delegation travelled all over the country witnessing everything from local cooperative success stories to the relief efforts at the Haitian border. Unlike most travelling experiences, the nature of this trip allowed us to immerse ourselves in the Dominican culture and life style. Through translators we were able to communicate with the locals and deepen our understanding of how global forces were shaping their daily lives. Lastly, the landscape of the Dominican Republic is beautiful and the trip allowed for time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and warm climate. I learned more over those twelve days than during any other trip in my life.
Nothing makes you appreciate your country and your university more than an international exchange experience. Nothing replaces the amount of things you learn about the world, the people around you, the richness of diversity and yourself more than an international exchange experience. I spent a year in Lyon, France and experienced it all.
Last summer I participated in the Intercordia Canada Program through the Social Justice and Peace Studies Program at King's. The program offers a 3-month volunteer placement in another culture. I lived in Esteli, Nicaragua and worked as a volunteer at Funarte. Funarte is an organization that works in rural and forgotten communities and cares about the issues of environment, children’s rights, and sexual abuse. After discussing these topics, students engage in reflection activities through artistic expression. Through this experience, I learned a lot about the role of non-governmental organizations and how they work. More importantly, I had the opportunity to live and share my life with the people of Nicaragua, creating life long friendships and learning how to celebrate differences and commonalities between the people regardless of where they are from. I met people from all walks of life and gained a deeper understanding of my place as a global citizen. Coming home, I am ready to dive into my education. I look forward to staying in touch with my new friends and family in the south.
The trip to DUFE in China was a great experience! The summer course was well taught and the school schedule was very convenient and flexible. The staff and faculty at DUFE were very helpful. We spent most of our time in Dalian but also travelled to Beijing and Shanghai and many other places. Visiting Shanghai was my favorite part of the trip. Overall, the trip was an excellent experience and I would recommend it to everyone!
Some may question an intercontinental exchange, stipulating that you are missing the "international" experience and history of a "true" exchange. My name is Drew Whitson, and I am here to dash such concerns and open your eyes towards a truly rich and rewarding experience in Sacramento, California. Although for some, the drawing point of beautiful California is the consistent warm weather and endless beach, in my own experience it was the connections and people that made this exchange the single best, and most rewarding experience of my life thus far. A hidden fact about Sacramento State is the tremendous international community it consistently attracts on a yearly basis. I was invited pre-semester to an international seminar directed at welcoming students to the new world of Sacramento California. I would challenge you to go to this seminar, although it is geared towards students that are coming from differing cultures and countries, certainly further then Canada, it was the connections I made at this seminar that mattered more than the seminar itself.
