Another Perspective....

Alright so I know I’ve been cheating a bit lately when it comes to writing interesting blogs, or even really writing much at all so I am going to continue on this theme… sort of. One of my friends from school e-mailed me and a few other students about their experiences abroad; she is writing an essay for one of her classes…I’m not sure which class, maybe journalism? No sé, so at first I was bored by the questions and now a few days later, I realized the validity of such seemingly simple questions. Answering her questions has in turn helped me to assess my current experience with a little more clarity. I need to be following my own advice.

So here is my rhetorical question of the… morning: Why is it so much easier to advocate for other people, and not do what’s right or even healthy for one’s own self?

So while you are thinking about human nature… or whatever answer you come up with, here were her interview questions followed by my responses.
…………………………………………………

QUESTIONS:

1. List your name, year, major(s)/minor(s) - I know that's not a
question, but whatevs.
Molly Gates, c/o 2010
Majors: Latin American Studies & Spanish
Minor: undecided... whatever I have time for when I get back.

2. Where did you study? Which year/ semester? Was kind of program was
it (SMCM signature program, etc.)?
Alba Music Festival Summers 07 & 08 ; SMCM Summer Tour
ICADS Fall 2007, Costa Rica & Nicaragua; SMCM Partner Program
Argentina Semester Program: Pilot Program.... (yeah Dani I'm a vanguardist.)

3. What did you have to do to prepare for the trip? Ex: get a job to
make money, attend meetings, get shots (medical shots, I mean), take a
class, etc.
The Mandatory Pre-Departure meeting
SAVE... money… money... money, traveling is expensive.
For ICADS I got a bunch of vaccines... but didn't bother with anti malarials.

4. What classes did you take while you were abroad?
Spanish classes
ICADS: Spanish, An Econ, colonialization/ globalization course all rolled into one it was 3 hours long every day for a month
ARGENTINA:
Spanish
History & Society, in three parts- with different professors for each part

5. Describe the experience in general. What was a typical day like
while you were abroad? What did you do on weekends and during free time?
Include what you ate, where you went, how many classes you took per day,
etc.
I loved ICADS, I felt very safe and cradled just the right amount. I was one of the youngest participants and while in English I am a very outgoing person, Language skills and one's ability to articulate themselves changes how they perceive themselves... so in Spanish, I am a lot more shy. In Costa Rica we had free time on the weekends and we traveled- went zip lining things like that. We also went dancing on Thursday nights. In Nicaragua, I spent 5 hours a day sitting in a rocking chair. I taught English for 3 hours and played in the play ground with the pre-escolar, and read with the kids who didn't go to school in the library.
I ate lots of rice and beans... which I loved.. I miss eating Gallo Pinto.

Here in Buenos Aires... I dunno I think it is too soon for me to assess the program...I'm kind of homesick so I might be a bit negative... I might have some useful comments about the program by the time you need to turn in your final draft... or you can look up what I've been writing in my blog for this semester.

6. What did you miss from the States while you were abroad?
the crew team....... A LOT
peanut butter
cooking/baking
eating at a normal hour
going to bed early
my dogs
parks that don't smell like cat/or dog pee &
FRESH AIR (doesn't exist in Buenos Aires)

7. I know from talking with you all that your study abroad experiences
really affected you. Describe one experience that was a real culture shock
for you, a life changing experience. This can be emotional, spiritual,
social, political, academically, whatever you want.

In Nicaragua, I realized the extent to which our nations foreign policies reach. It scared me because I realized that our president has no clue that he is touching the lives of actual people all over the world. I realized that when we vote for a president here in the USA, we aren't just voting for our nation but also for that little child in Nicaragua that you've never even thought of... this person is affected by your government, your decision- your vote.

I became aware of something much greater than civic duty, I learned something about global responsibility.

8. (Last one!!) What tips or recommendations do you have for SMCM
Students who want to study abroad? Ex: working with the IE office, medical,
Packing, social, cost, etc.

Save lots of money before you leave.
Pack everything you think you CAN"T LIVE WITHOUT, and then cut that in half... the truth is you'll want to buy lots of stuff when you get there.
Don't forget a backpack
Don't look over your shoulder back to SMCM... be where you are studying 100%, you'll have a better time and you won't have as much homesickness.
Make sure all of your finances at school are straight before you leave, and if they aren’t don't let up on the IE and Business office for a minute because they will totally screw you over.