by Global Learning Semesters
On the behalf of Global Learning Semesters and the Belize Institute for Tropical Studies I extend a warm welcome to our International students. Our group arrived safely to Belize on August 28 and attended a full orientation weekend of activities. See pictures!
Warm regards,
Rhondine
During our first week in Paris, our director Karl surprised our group with tickets to the Broadway musical, Le Roi Lion (The Lion King) on Broadway at Theatre Mogador. This musical was a great way to been our immersion into the French language, because although we weren’t able to understand every word; we were familiar with the plot. It was filled with constant entertainment & the costuming alone was magnificent. Le Roi Lion is recently new to Paris, debuting last fall. After the musical a couple of people from the group including myself wandered into the famous store, Galleries Lafayette right next to the Theater. It was established in 1895 and is one of the world’s biggest department stores offering anything & everything you can imagine. There are 7 floors including a restaurant and terrace located at the top. This store truly amazes me.
Throughout the trip we also had various museum visits including the Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre. The Musee d’Orsay was formerly a train station. This is my favorite museum in Paris because of its huge collection of impressionism. My favorite artist is Renoir, and it holds many of his works. This museum is so easy to walk through because it is planned out so logically. Towards the top of the museum you can walk out on the terrace and see the beautiful view of the city.
Our trip to the Louvre was also magical. We were fortunate to see the huge ferris wheel that is built during every summer right next to the Louvre before we even entered the museum. The glass pyramid makes for a popular landmark and entrance into the museum. To some, the Louvre can also seem overwhelming because of the amount of art it holds. My advice is to map out everything you would like to see before you start exploring. My favorite piece in the Louvre is the Winged Victory of Samothrace statue. It is so beautiful and the detail on the wings is impeccable. A trip to the Louvre would not have been complete without a visit to the Mona Lisa. Seeing this painting for the first time in person is surreal. Although she is protected in about 10 inches of glass, I still managed to take a decent photo.
On the second weekend of our trip, we took a trip to the Loire Valley region. Our first stop was at the Cathedral of Chartres which was built in the 12th century. Every cathedral holds a relict, and this church holds the Virgin Mary’s shroud known as the Sancta Camisia. Since the cathedral holds this shroud, the cathedral has become a place where people go to pray for fertility. This church also displays one of the largest collections of stained glass windows. The windows in this cathedral are known for their rich blue color. Our next stop in the Loire Valley was at the Château de Chambord. This castle was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Francois although he never lived in it for more than two months. King Francois symbol was a salamander and you can see it depicted numerously throughout the castle on the walls, floors and ceilings. The castle also features the double-helix staircase that Leonardo da Vinci designed. Our last stop on the tour was the winery. We took a tour through the caverns learned how they make and bottle méthode traditionnelle; which is a sparkling wine. I really enjoyed the beautiful countryside of France.
I would recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad. The experience of traveling to another country and studying the culture and society first hand is the best way of learning. This specific program provides wonderful attention to detail, extracurricular activities and prime housing. Our leader Karl was always organized, informative and available if needed. Paris specifically is such a fun city to study abroad in because it contains so many different aspects to explore such as the museums, musical theatres, fashion, and monuments. This was an experience I will never forget!
- Ashley
The Summer in Belize: Archaeology program is truly a hands on and intercultural experience and our student, Jacob Kovalchick from Penn State University is taking advantage of this unique opportunity. During the first week of the program, he has worked along side the famous Belizean archeologist Dr. Jaime Awe, Director of the National Institute of Archeology in Belize.
Here are some photos of Jacob and his classmates at work on an archaeological dig.
Keep up the good work Jake!
Rhondine
I am proud to report that all thirteen of our Animal Science students participated in a community spay and neuter clinic on Saturday, July 12. Dr. Edwardo Tesecum, the course director for the ASCI-105- Large Animal Science and Disease of Belize course, organized the clinic in the small village of Bullet Tree in Western Belize.
Kudos to our students who participated in this needed community service!
To end the evening our students participated in a soccer match with a local team from Bullet Tree. Our students won the match by 1 goal to 0. Congratulations!
Keep up the good work!
Rhondine
A very exclusive resort in Western Belize hosted a welcome party for our students shortly after arriving to Belize. We were met and warmly greeted by Ms. Eva Garfield, Manager of Ka’ana Boutique and Spa resort on Thursday, July 10. We indulged ourselves in superb food and drank exotic fruity drinks made by their wonderful bar staff.
Eva ended our evening with a tour of the resort and to ensure we have lasting memories of Ka’ana she took us out in the semi dark night where lit helium balloons awaited our arrival. As we gathered around, her staff held the balloons as we all made our wishes and the balloons were released. We stood there and looked in aw as the balloons keep going up into the sky until they merged with the stars.
Eva and the staff of Ka’ana; we thank you for an unforgettable evening.
Rhondine
On the behalf of Global Learning Semesters and Galen University I extend a warm welcome to our July study abroad student group!
I am delighted to announce the safe arrival of our July summer students to Belize. Thirteen of our fourteen GLS students arrived on Friday, July 4 and one on July 5. I must say that this group was lucky to experience sunny weather upon arrival and throughout the orientation weekend.
I look forward to sharing more of our students’ activities as our summer Belize programs progress through the next four weeks. I’ll keep you posted!
Warm regards,
Rhondine
I am delighted to announce the safe arrival of our summer students to Belize. Most students arrived Friday, May 30 with a few arriving on May 31 and June 1. Although, upon arrival it was raining and it continued to rain throughout orientation weekend; today we are basking in the sunlight.
Our students experienced their first day of intensive classes yesterday and also attended on campus the debut of a documentary film “three kings of Belize”. This film highlights three of Belize’s musical kings, their achievements and struggles as Belizean musicians.
Warm regards,
Rhondine
On Wednesday, April 9, students on GLS study abroad programs in Cyprus visited the US Embassy in Nicosia to learn more about the Foreign Service and the work that the Embassy does on the island. Students had the opportunity to meet Ambassador Schlicher and officers from the Management, Political, Economic, Public Affairs, and Consular sections, as well as officers of the USAID and Bicommunal Support Program.
The US Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr. Ronald Schlicher welcomed the students and spoke about the goals of the Embassy and the Cyprus issue. He also pointed out issues that make Cyprus unique; the role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus; Cyprus’s accession to the European Union and ethnic conflicts. Ambassador Schlicher also told the students how his daily work is like and about his previous Foreign Service experience which was definitely noteworthy and inspiring. Some students even said that they felt motivated to follow a career in International Relations and probably in the Foreign Service.
The officers from the various Embassy departments gave valuable information to the students about the work they do in their departments and unquestionably enlightened them what it means to represent the US abroad through a position in the Foreign Service.
Below is a picture from the visit.
First stop on our itinerary was Green Hills Butterfly Farm. We spent a little over an hour there learning about the butterflies. The owners Tineke and Jan gave us an overview of the business of raising butterflies. Our tour began at the breeding facilities; followed by a walk through the butterfly flight area. The flight area was definitely the highlight of this tour.
Next stop on our itinerary was a visit to Big Rock Falls followed by lunch and swimming at Five Sisters Falls and Lodge. We all had an awesome time at Big Rock Falls! The ten minute hike to and from the falls was definitely worth it.
When we arrived at Five Sister’s Falls Lodge we were greeted by the manager. Nigel welcomed us and escorted our group to the dining for lunch. We were served a delicious meal with hibiscus juice (locally known as “Sorrel”) and enjoyed banana bread for dessert.
GLS Students and Culture Day!
Galen University is having its first ever Culture Day on Friday, April 4. Although the GLS students were unable to organize a group for the upcoming event, they have confirmed their support. In addition to sampling ethnic foods and drinks; they will have an opportunity to learn more about the diversity of The Belizean Culture. In addition, they will also have an opportunity to meet Belize’s Governor General His Excellency Sir Colville Young and his wife Lady Young.
Good bye for now!
- Rhondine
The GLS students on our Belize programs at Galen University are having an adventurous semester! To date we’ve done some exciting excursions such as an overnight trip to the Belize Zoo, “The Best Little Zoo in the World”.
The Belize Zoo visit was followed by an interesting cultural trip to one of Belize’s Mennonite Communities called “Spanish Lookout”, located in western Belize.
Our next update will include a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area in Belize and updates on the upcoming Culture Day Event.
Best wishes,
Rhondine
This past weekend, students in our Semester in Paris Spring 2008 programs spent three exciting and activity-packed days in France’s Côte d’Azur.
Our six students, accompanied by our Paris-based Program Coordinator, Karl Davis, left Paris on Saturday morning via TGV and arrived in Nice at around lunchtime after spending a handful of hours appreciating the countryside scenery at speeds of 330 kilometers per hour. Following a quick hotel check-in and some time to unpack and freshen up, the group headed to the city’s historical center where they satiated their appetites with a wide array of Nicoise delicacies such as Nicoise sandwiches, olive and mushroom focaccias, exotic pizzas and gelati. The group chose to enjoy their meals by the beach while basking in the Mediterranean sun.
The following morning, the group set off on an extensive walking tour of the city, starting on the seaside path of the “Promenade des Anglais” and on to the “Quai des Etats-Unis.” The students had the chance to get a first-hand look into the history, architecture and sites of the Côte d’Azur’s enchanting capital.
Following the tour, Karl arranged so that those students interested would be able to attend a special Easter Sunday mass in the Cathedral Sainte Réparté—Patron Saint of Nice—with a complete chorus and filled to the brim with attendees under its famous colorfully tiled dome.
After a small break for lunch, the group hiked up the path to the exhilarating chateau overlooking Nice and the stunning Baie des Anges with its turquoise water. The students were nearly speechless at the sheer beauty of the place. Later that evening, they all met at the beautiful seaside terrace of the Meridian Hotel to see the sun set and partake in a Provencal wine tasting.
Monday, after an early breakfast, the group participated in a spectacular fully-customized and guided trip of the Côte d’Azur. The group first visited the breathtaking medieval cliff-side village of Eze, followed by the beauty and decadence of Monte Carlo and the palace of Monaco, and finally the quaint artist haven of St Paul de Vence. This excursion was one of the highlights of the weekend and gave the students an unforgettable opportunity to discover another bit of the history and natural beauty of France and its environs.
The group boarded the 5:36 pm TGV Monday afternoon to be whisked back home to Paris concluding an eventful trip through southern France and Monaco.
More Paris updates coming soon!
- Mateo
Just a quick note that all students on Cyprus-based programs from both groups arrived safely in Cyprus on the 24th and 25th. Orientation week has started and the students have already done their shopping and attended a tour of Nicosia.
Tomorrow will be the big orientation presentation and welcome dinner and on Monday the students will have scheduled meetings for registration questions and also attend tours of the University of Nicosia. The rest of the orientation week will include a visit to the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, a short introduction to the Greek language, a Greek cooking class, a Scavenger Hunt around Nicosia and several lectures.
More details to come.
- Thanos
We have completed Orientation Week for the Fall group in Cyprus.
This group includes students attending multiple semester programs: Semester in Europe: EU, Semester in Europe: Business, Semester in Europe: Art History, Global Business Semester, Semester in the Mediterranean: Custom and Semester in Cyprus.
We have learned a lot over the last few years about what works and what does not work during orientation. To me, orientation breaks down into two phases.
The first two to three days are about providing some comfort, familiarity and a basic framework for the students. The first day they arrive, the students are tired and have just traveled halfway around the world (for some of them it is the first time they have traveled outside the country or even, in some cases, on a plane). Additionally, most students are experiencing a new language and culture for the first time and everyone is meeting their classmates, professors and staff for the first time. so whether they realize it or not, most students have an underlying level of stress during the first few days. So we focus on making these days as smooth and comfortable as possible: pick students up from the airport, check them into their apartments, eat pizza at group events, do a brief city tour, lay out what will happen over the course of the semester and what our expectations are of them, and finish the weekend with a nice group dinner.
In the second phase, the focus shifts to helping the students become more independent in Nicosia and giving them the tools to immerse themselves in the country. This is a combination of lectures on various aspects of Cypriot culture and history along with more practical exercises (such as campus tours). We spend a lot of time in our staff training trying to achieve the correct balance between being a support network for the students when they need help and pushing them to act independently and build the skills needed to function abroad.
Our best event in this week is the scavenger hunt. Students divide into groups of four and have to independently complete 30 tasks in Nicosia within three hours, starting from basics (finding a certain textbook in the campus library) to quite complex (identifying a well-hidden, but delicious, restaurant in Old Nicosia). We saw a dramatic change in how quickly the students were able to function independently in Nicosia the first year we implemented the scavenger hunt and the students seem to love it also.
Overall, this semester’s group seems confident and relatively independent. We will see as the semester evolves.
-Antonis
Just a quick informational note: All students have safely arrived for orientation week for Cyprus-based programs.
More details to follow as orientation week proceeds…
-Antonis
A quick update on Hurricane Felix from our team in Belize. Fortunately, it does not appear that it will make a meaningful appearance in Belize
Hurricane Felix is not predicted to hit Belize and if it does it will be the most southern edge of the country. We may experience some rain here, but no flooding is expected. Galen will reopen as usual on Wed and classes will begin on Thursday.
Given this, we are not going to move the students tonight. I visited them last night and they were fine and had plans for a hurricane party if needed. We have a beautiful blue sky and sunshine today, so I’m sure they are enjoying sleeping in.
-Sandi
Given that there is a reasonable probability that Hurricane Felix will pass through Belize in the next 36-48 hours, we and our partner (Galen University), have activated our hurricane response plan.
Specifically:
· The university will be closed starting at 5pm today (Monday) and will not reopen to students until the all-clear is given by the Belizean government.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), university staff will be shutting down the computing and power infrastructure at Galen in preparation for the storm.
· San Ignacio is located in the highlands of Belize away from the coast, so our primary concerns relate to wind damage and localized flooding as opposed to an oceanic storm surge. We also expect that there will be outages to local phone and power service during this week.
· Given this, tomorrow (Tuesday) in the early evening, one of our senior administrators will be moving our study abroad students to a concrete building equipped with multiple backup generators where they will stay until the storm has passed.
While we are taking some prudent steps given the situation, overall, we do not see any cause for concern at this stage. We will post an update if the situation changes or when the hurricane has past and we have returned to regular university operations.
You can reach us at (877) 300-7010 with any questions.
Just a quick note:
The Fall 2007 group in Belize has safely arrived, completed orientation and started their semester program.
- Sandi