Issue 19
Study Abroad
Arabic – Amman, Jordan
Studying abroad in Amman-Jordan was one of the best experiences for my students and for me. As students left their homes to travel to a Middle Eastern country for the first time, they did not only have the opportunity to study Arabic in a completely different region, they also took in the allure and culture of a new land and culture. Students gained numerous personal and professional experiences. It was very satisfying for me that my students were able to experience what I try to explain to them in the classroom and watch it play out in real life. They were given the opportunity to practice the language with locals, try amazing food, experience different customs and tradition, and had the chance to visit great historical sites.
They rode camels in Petra, which is recognized as the 8th World Wonder. They also visited the Baptism Site where Jesus Christ was baptized, the city of Jerash where they visited the ancient Greco - Roman ruins, the Dead Sea, which is lowest spot on earth, and they enjoyed snorkeling and the colorful marine life in the Red Sea. Excursions also included Egypt and the Pyramids, Jerusalem, and Turkey. - Rula Al-Hmoud, Program Director and Instructor
Beyond the classroom, student reflections
Study abroad was the most surreal and life changing thing to ever happen to me. I studied abroad in Amman, Jordan, immersing myself in a culture that was nothing similar of my own. I had barely been out of Texas and had never been out of the United States until I flew 7,000 miles across the world for this once in a lifetime experience. I came back to the States a completely new person. I was more educated in religion, culture, humanity, and myself. I grew so much over the short six weeks that it is almost hard to comprehend. Studying abroad has made me more confident in my education, my knowledge of culture, language, and humanity, and has overall pushed me to be a more confident individual.
I would recommend studying abroad, no matter where, to every single person I could. I cannot stress enough the positive impact that this experience has left on me. – Callyn Hale, Junior BA Sociology, Anthropology major
This study abroad has been such an incredible growing and learning experience for me. Not only did I learn more about the culture and how to fight and break stereotypes once returning to the United States, but I learned about myself as a person. I have had to face conflicts and deal with stress without the comfort and safety of my home and rely on myself more than I have had to in my life; it showed me that I am more independent than I saw myself. I am already planning my next trip back to Amman, it has captured my heart. - Madison Kennedy, Senior BA Psychology major, Arabic minor
At first I really had no idea what to expect from Jordan. The first week in was hectic,
thinking about how to adjust to the culture. By the second week I realized that Jordanian
culture takes little to no adjustment. Jordanian people are some of the most hospitable
in the world and would give you anything you needed. In addition to enjoying hospitality
I was able to see all of Jordan's sights including Wadi Rum, Petra, Aqaba and more.
Everything I did on this trip made me realize how beautiful the country and its people
really are.
- Ryan Pardo, Junior BA Global Studies, Arabic minor
Chinese
Students in Chinese program participated in Sichuan University UIP program
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TTU president Dr. Lawrence Schovanec and students in CMLL Chinese program were in the opening ceremony of 2018 UIP, China.
In the summer of 2018, four students from the Texas Tech Chinese program were accepted by 2018 UIP (University Immersion Program) hosted by Sichuan University, China. The two-week program waived all fees for our students, including registration fee, tuition fee, food and accommodation, and excursions. During the two weeks in China, TTU students and other international students from different countries took courses in English and travelled around in Sichuan province, China.
French - Reims, France
Dr. Carole Edwards directed the study abroad faculty-led program in Reims, France during Summer 1, 2018 with thirteen Texas Tech students. Students experienced university life at the Université de Reims where they lodged and studied. Excursions to a local vineyard and wine cave (cellar), to Champagne Pommery ( a Champagne house founded in 1858 by Alexandre Louis Pommery and Narcisse Greno which became one of the region's largest Champagne brands) as well as hikes in the nearby beautiful countryside introduced students to the rich culture and geography of France.
Beyond the classroom, student reflections
Being away from home I was very home sick and missing any little thing about America. After going out with a couple of friends I got very sad because all I wanted was Whataburger and everything in Reims seemed closed. While walking down the street we saw this kebab restaurant opened so we went in and ended up leaving with a friendship. This was a culture experience for me because I realized I was missing something from home but found something better. – Kate Morales, BA LACU-FREN and ECO double major
The metros in Paris are a fascinating thing that are unlike anything I have experienced in any other city in the world. But my cultural experience with the metro this year went beyond that as I experienced the ever-improving system of underground railways when I spent 30 minutes stuck on a stopped metro line. I was riding the 12 line toward Aubervilliers for an exploration of Montmartre and Scare-Coeur when the metro car stopped suddenly and without warning before going dark. Tourists and commuters alike were, quite literally, left in the dark, as we awaited an announcement and a few minutes later we were informed they were resolving the problem and would have us on our way shortly. Thirty minutes later, we finally pulled off again and I happily got off at my desired stop in a timely fashion, not forgetting the experience of chilling in the metro tunnels on a Friday morning. – Abigail Boudreaux, Senior BA LACU-French and Psychology double major
On the excursion to Normandie our group went to this amazing seafood restaurant where I had the most delicious fish, shrimp, and dessert to boot! As I was eating my tilapia I noticed that my body had subconsciously started dancing to a familiar tune. The restaurant was playing traditional Nigerian music! They were playing Fela, an old famous Nigerian artist. As a Nigerian, I found this to be a little odd and exciting. I was in Normandie, in a seafood place, surrounded by Latin influences and listening to Nigerian music. I later learned that Fela is extremely popular in France and that President Emmanuel Macron himself went to Nigeria to partake in the celebrations memorializing Fela's life! It's amazing that I can find my culture everywhere, including in a seafood restaurant in the north of France. - Remi Ogunsanya, Senior BA Global Studies major
German – Munich, Germany
Ten Texas Tech students met Dr. Belinda Kleinhans (director of the program) in Munich, Germany for the 2018 Summer I Faculty-led Study Abroad program. Students earned three language credits from Inlingua, Munich, Germany and three credits for German culture at Texas Tech. Staying in host families and local excursions enriched the month long immersion experience for everyone involved.
Beyond the classroom, student reflections
Study abroad was an incredible experience. The feeling of immersing yourself in a new and different culture is both amazing and liberating. Munich is wonderful, and the surrounding areas, such as the Bavarian Alps and Salzburg, Austria are breathtakingly beautiful. Germany really feels like a fairy-tale. My time abroad will forever be one of the most impactful experiences of my entire life. – Brandon Bowers, Senior BBA marketing
Photo left to right: Courtney Gragson, Mallory Hyatt, Cassandra Poehlein, Emily Peek
"Studying abroad in Munich was an experience that I never expected to have yet something that shaped my life for the better. College was a great introduction into being an adult and becoming independent, but there's nothing like having to do that in a foreign country, and Munich was the best place to test those waters! The city has so many places to explore and was super easy to get around, and the people were very understanding and accommodating when I would try out my language skills in everyday situations." – Courtney L. Gragson, Junior History & Political Science
Russian – Affiliates in Moscow, Saint Petersburg
During the summer of 2018, several TTU students participated in affiliated study abroad programs in Russia. On November 7th, several students shared their personal experiences with learners of Russian who are considering study abroad in the near future.
Kaydee Jean and Veronica Dolle shared their warm memories in Saint Petersburg and provided good advice on the eight-week program and living with host families.
Studying abroad has been something I have always wanted to do and getting to experience Russia, especially during the World Cup, was everything I hoped it would be. Whether I was going to classes or visiting museums or even just eating out at different restaurants, I always felt extremely grateful for the opportunity to experience life outside of Texas. – Kaydee Jean, Senior LACU-Russian Language Area Studies & Global Studies
My study abroad experience in St. Petersburg was a chance of a lifetime and truly unforgettable. - Veronica Dolle, Junior LACU-Russian Language Area Studies & Global Studies
David Holland's heartfelt enthusiasm for his time abroad in Munich was passed on to
those in the meeting.
Dr. Anthony Qualin presented some alternatives to study abroad in Russia, specifically a Bishkek Program in which he took part during the summer. As a conclusion to an evening of sharing, Emma Smith from the Texas Tech Study Abroad Office provided information on study abroad scholarship opportunities.
Spanish – Seville, Spain
The Texas Tech Center in Seville, Spain is abuzz with students year-round for all levels of Spanish. Group excursions enrich the immersion experiences for the students. This fall, 53 students descended upon the center from where set off to explore the region. Stops at the Bullullos Winery during grape harvest and wine production; a visit to the world's largest Gothic Cathedral; Itálica, a Roman city that dates back to 205 B.C.; and participation in Sevillans dance classes made great first impressions on the group. To add to the immersion experience, host families welcomed the students into their homes and neighborhoods integrating them into Spanish life soon after arrival.
In addition to the superb excursions, students enroll in Spanish languages classes taught by TTU faculty which included Drs. Sara Guengerich, Sara Pink (Director of the Center), Jonathan Dean (Assistant Director of The Center), and Phillip Guengerich. To break up any monotony, Tuesday classes were held at the Reales Alcazares (Roayl Palace of Sevilla) which is where Christopher Columbus met with Queen Isabella about his second voyage to America. To facilitate improvement in conversational skills, students were matched with individuals or in small groups with a tutor for one and a half hour sessions which included chatting at a café to strolling around the city.
2018 Study Abroad Fair – Adventure Awaits
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"Adventure Awaits" was definitely a theme displayed by the array of Texas Tech faculty-led and affiliate study abroad programs during the 2018 Study Abroad Fair on September 20 in the SUB Ballroom. CMLL faculty-led Arabic, German and Spanish programs were among the programs whetting students' appetites to the importance and adventure in studying abroad.
Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures
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Address
CMLL Building, 2906 18th St, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.3145