SU Learning Abroad

Team Paraguay Final Post

2011-03-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well we're all safely back in the USA after three flights starting in Asuncion Paraguay to Sao Paulo Brazil, Miami and finally Dulles and Home. The trip may be over, but the memories will last for a life time. During our time in South America our group transitioned from a group traveling together to a group of friends that I hope will last for a long time. Yes it was HOT, but I don't think

Update on GCP Paraguay/Argentina/Brazil

2011-03-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

As you will note from the title of todays program, we have decided to change our name. As I mentioned in yesterdays post, we crossed over into Argentina for about an hour during the visit to South America's 2nd largest hydroelectric plant. Today took us on a truly memorable trip into Brazil. More on that in a minute, but hence the name change.We left what has turned out to be the best hotel of

Sweden Nothern Lights and Ice Hotel

2011-03-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

The Sweden group took a 19-hour overnight train north from Stockholm to the small village of Jukkasjärvi, where the group visited the world-famous Ice Hotel, learned about the local Sami culture, drove reindeer sleds, and saw the spectacular aurora borealis (or "northern lights").

Sweden Day One

2011-03-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Our eight-hour long initial flight (and first flight for one of our members) was panic-attack-free and an overall success. Though the shakeup that resulted from the trip’s six-hour jump forward in time left many of our members sleep deprived and ripe for jet lag, our connecting flight from Copenhagen to Stockholm provided a much-needed power nap to most everyone. After we got off the airplane, we

On Dasher, On Dancer….

2011-03-10T12:27:00.001-08:00

Have you ever imagined what it feels like to be Santa Claus, being pulled on a sled behind nine reindeer??? Me neither. However, during our one of a kind stay at the Reindeer Lodge outside Kiruna, Sweden, this long spoken tradition became a reality. Reindeer have long been an important component of the livelihood of the Sami people, who are indigenous to Lappland, the northern region of Sweden.

GCP Bahamas update

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

The GCP Bahamas group has enjoyed the first five days on the islands, Nassau and Eleuthra and are finally getting a chance to let you know what's been going on! Our schedule has been jam packed as we've already toured large portions of both islands and got extensive looks at an Evangelistic temple, Adastra gardens and zoo, Clifton Heritage, a Junkanoo shack, Parliament, the Post Office, and many

PS Encanacion

2011-03-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Not that we're trying to compete with the Australia trip who we hear have feasted on crocodile and kangaroo, our dinner this evening featured a local delicacy, which according to Jay Gonzalez consists of pig intestines stuffed with ground up various internal organs. Everyone had a taste, some enjoyed it more than others. But there was ice cream too!!On a late night stroll we ran into another

On the Road to Encarnacion

2011-03-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

After leaving Asuncion very early this morning, we spent most of the day traveling through the beautiful Paraguyan countryside. The lush and green country could easily resemble Virginia except for the occassional clumps of palm trees. Horses, cows and sheep seem to wonder anywhere they want to, including along the road side. Our first stop of the day, was for breakfast about an hour and a half

2011-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is GCP Paraguay checking in, from poolside at the Gonzalez villa. The last three days have been extremely busy days touring Asuncion and the surrounding country side. We typically start the day around 8:30 and get back at our hotel around midnight. The days have been very warm, mostly in the upper 80's with high humidity. Yesterday was an especially scorching day, in the upper 90's. I

GCP Sweden, Ethiopia, and Australia arrive

2011-03-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

GCP Sweden reports that they arrived safely and enjoyed a great first day. They will be traveling to the far northern town of Kiruna tonight in pursuit of the Northern Lights.GCP Ethiopia has also arrived safely. You can read more about their journey at participant George Hoffman's blog.With the longest flight of any group this year, GCP Australia has finally arrived in Sydney. More details at

Team Paraguay Day 1

2011-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

After traveling several thousand miles and three different flights, team Paraguay arrived in the capital city of Asuncion at miday on Saturday. The climate change from what we left in Winchester (35 degrees and cold) was in stark contrast to what welcomed us to Paraguay. Todays temperatures were in the mid 80's but the humidity is a constitantly high. After arriveing at the Asuncion Palace

GCP Bahamas group has arrived

2011-03-05T16:30:00.001-08:00

GCP Bahamas group reports that they have arrived safely in Nassau.

GCP Paraguay has arrived in Asuncion

2011-03-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

The Paraguay group reports that they have arrived in Asuncion and checked into their hotel.

Bahamas group has departed

2011-03-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

The GCP Bahamas participants loaded into the vans at the early hour of 4 am to head to the airport. All groups are now en route!

Four groups have departed

2011-03-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Braving the dark and cold, GCP Ethiopia headed off campus early Friday morning to catch their flight to Addis Ababa. They were followed several hours later by the Australia and Paraguay groups. GCP Sweden was the last group to leave on Friday, and they are at the airport checking in now. In the wee hours of Saturday morning, GCP Bahamas will be the last group to start their adventure. Stay

Getting ready....

2011-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

Just testing the blogging..... Amy, here, finishing up work at school and then going home to hug my kids really hard while I pack and get organized! I cannot wait!

One Step Closer

2011-03-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

(I have mirrored my blogging at two sites:One is on the Northern Virginia Daily's site at http://www.nvdaily.com/journeys/.The other, more personally styled one is at http://walkamileinmymerrells.blogspot.com/.)About the packing thing…I think I may have it licked! I went through my clothes tonight and made some decisions as to what I would actually take with me. I ironed a few shirts, got

GCP 2011 adventures start tomorrow!

2011-03-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

Now in its seventh year, the Global Citizenship Project (GCP) at Shenandoah University will send 65 of the campus community to five destinations around the world during the university’s spring break, March 7 – 11. This year’s destinations include Australia, the Bahamas, Ethiopia, Paraguay, and Sweden.The Global Citizenship Project was created in 2005 to offer members of the campus community the

Home

2010-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

HOME-this word came to mean many things over our trip. There were times where Shawnee exclaimed "We're Home!" Once when we reached the van from our caving experience and again when we reached Monkey Bay later that day. What makes up a home? The first definition of home given is "a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household." Our major

Tobacco Caye Misses Shenandoah!

2010-03-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Matt here,Almost a week has passed since Shenandoah has left, and we are still energized by the group's stay with us at Tobacco Caye Marine Station. We could see from the get-go that the entire group was devoted to learning about the many cultures of Belize, experiencing those cultures in the various environments and ecosystems in which this country is blessed with, and effectively

Billi & Trini

2010-03-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

We truly enjoyed the time we spent with you..enjoyed your enthusiasm for everything planned...and for the unplanned!!! You have an effervescent contagouse love for all that is Belize...and it infected everyone around you...You all remained so very positive when faced with awkward or uncomfortable situations; such as facing the possibility of finding a scorpion in your shoe!!!!!You rose to every

I'm a global citizen!

2010-03-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Why do I feel I am now a global citizen, and how do I feel I am going to pass on this experience to my community?A citizen is a member of a community or nation, with both rights and responsibilities (thank you, Wikipedia!). I am an official citizen of the United States of America. In a broader sense, though, I have exercised my rights and responsibilities to become a global citizen as I have

Trip to Belize

2010-03-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

I went to Belize on the GCP trip. Though there were meetings, emails, and literature, I still didn't know exactly what to expect. The unexpected is scary. The group I went with were a great group. We came together not knowing each other, but as time went on, we became close. I consider them my brothers and sisters - except we all get along.I consider my self a global citizen because of my

Global Citizen

2010-03-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

What does being a global citizen really mean??? Visiting another country for the first time, I had no idea what to expect, what to feel, what to learn. But after the first day, after talking to the people of this land and culture, who soon became some of the many friends I've made down here, I felt "right at home." I realized that this feeling got stronger and stronger as the days went by. That's

Unbelizeable!

2010-03-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

I believe I became a Global Citizen when I experienced the song and dance of the Creole culture of Belize. A Creole drumming group came to entertain us one night at Monkey Bay around the bonfire. Earlier that evening, the head drummer talked to our whole group about this history of music and drumming in the Creole culture and from his native tribe in Nigeria. He then taught the group the three

Kahuna Clique

2010-03-13T14:13:00.001-08:00

I have learned a lot about how to become an active global citizen through this trip. It was so important that the group did research before going on the trip , such looking into the different cultures and places of interest that Belize had to offer. Without this knowledge, I would not have been as prepare to experience Belize. Also, the theme of sustainability is something that I want to carry

From Tobacco Caye

2010-03-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

First time blogger.This being my first time out of the states I feel now I am a global citizen. Ten days in Belize introduced me to new cultures. It has been a great experience. I now have the confidence to travel abroad in the future. I look forward to my next trip outside of the States.I will sustain this experience by sharing with others what I observed on this trip to Belize. When I return to

Kahuna Clique

2010-03-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

I am more of a global citizen now because I learned about several new cultures in Belize. I experienced many different customs and realized that people are not very different even though they may live thousands of miles away. The 9 day experience taught me that we have to live together peacefully if we want the world to be a better place for the future.I will sustain this experience by changing

Global Citizen

2010-03-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

I feel that I've become a global citizen on this trip by becoming more aware of the many opportunities that are offered around the world. I would never have thought to do a home stay with a Mayan family if R.T. hadn't set it up for us.I've been keeping a journal of my experiences and taking tons of pictures, which I plan to share as soon as I get back. I will always carry this great experience

"The Kahunah Clique"

2010-03-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

The tree that mayans refer to as the "Kahun" palm is a resource of many things. Since the time of their ancestors, this tree was used to make tools, shelter, decorations, as it was also a source of food. The kahun palm brings much variety and effects those around them in such a positive and resourceful way. This group of 11, filled with variety, intellect, comfort, and (more importantly) trust,

Tobacco Caye

2010-03-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

The eight's day of our Global Citizen Trip to Belize.What a place to be. We arrived this morning at the Island of Tobacco Caye and are stunned by the beauty and simplicity of this Island. After a short break and a delicious lunch, we have participated in a workshop on snorkeling. Shortly after this introduction, eleven of us snorkeled through the ocean as the 'Ocean Eleven' to be prepared for

Paradise

2010-03-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

Hello All,We are currently on Tobacco Caye and enjoying a change in natural surroundings. We have left the bush and are now on the barrier reef--second largest in the world. We had a good lesson in snorkeling today and saw many many species of marine life. We are told that what we saw today is nothing compared to the biodiversity that we are supposed to witness tomorrow during our full-day

julia's post

2010-03-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hello!Day 7 of our experience here in Belize. Today we went on a caving adventure to the ATL caves. It was my first caving experience and I wasn't sure what to expect. After a two-hour bumpy bus ride amidst palm and pine trees, colorful houses, and citrus fields, we made it to the hiking entrance where the caves began. I can't fully flesh out how incredible the caving was in this blog entry

2010-03-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

2010-03-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

2010-03-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

belize

2010-03-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

The Mayan cultural center was an eye opener. I'll always appreciate flushing toilets now. Belize is a young country with a lot of room for expansion. The people are very friendly!!

Can You Belize It???

2010-03-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

I've done things on this trip that I probably will never be able to do again in my life. I feel like I am truly living while I'm young. Everyday I wake up to new exciting adventures (and FOOD!) and go to bed with a good kind of exhausted feeling. If I had a chance to ever come back to this country again I would definitely do it. I would want to try other activities, explore new places, and

Youe better Belize It

2010-03-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

A quick word as internet at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Reserve is limited . . . The GCP Belize participants can virtually recreate the entire production of BBC's Planet Earth Series. We have hiked through jungle, zip-lined through the rainforest, swam through caves, and floated on rivers. Sustainability seeps into every experience. We shall return with stories to last a lifetime.Safe travels to

Japi Japa

2010-03-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

We are now in a space to write blogs. The first one is to say that we are so excited about our trip and do not want to come home.We could not have a better group. I am making space for Cliff to write the second blog.Petra

Greetings from GCP OMAN!

2010-03-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

From: Moore, Mitch Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 3:41 PMOman trip is going very well! Dr. Cal Allen has used his 35 years of contacts to put us in contact with many high ranking educational and governmental officials. Day trip to Muscat, Sohar and Sur have kept the group very busy. Touring a lot and sampling food from all over the middle east. We look forward to sharing our adventures when

Greetings and updates from GCP Peru Mar. 10&11

2010-03-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

From: Kittlaus, Mark D. Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:49 AMWe are having an amazing visit in Peru. We quickly became a fun traveling family and have enjoyed the tours, the people, the sights, the shopping and the food. Today we travel from Cuzco to Lima for more adventures. We are all very grateful for the opportunity and look forward to sharing everything we have seen and experienced. We

GCP Peru Update 03/09

2010-03-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

Another great day in Peru. Everyone is safe and well, we will be off to dinner soon. Andrea

GCP Myanmar Update March 8

2010-03-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Group is doing well and having lots of fun!

GCP Peru Update

2010-03-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

An update from the GCP Peru leader:Everyone is safe and well in Peru, we had an absolutely wonderful day today, once we all finally got some sleep. Saw some great places, talked a lot about sustainability, and ate some incredible food. You would not believe how grateful the travel company is to us for not canceling, and how well they are treating us. We are giving out SU stuff everywhere.

GCP Belize Update

2010-03-07T09:08:00.001-08:00

Update from GCP Belize:All continues to go fantastic! Very consuming schedule but powerful experiences!Be well,RT

GCP Egypt

2010-03-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

We received word from Dr. England, the leader of the GCP Egypt group:Hi from Cairo! All well.

GCP Myanmar

2010-03-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

The GCP Myanmar group have arrived in Bangkok after a night's sleep on to Rangon. All is well!

GCP Peru

2010-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

The GCP Peru group has arrived safely in Cuzco!

GCP Belize

2010-03-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

This morning we received word from Dr. Good that the GCP BELIZE group arrived safely and all is well!

GCP Jordan pics

2009-04-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

From the Carpathians to Timisoara

2009-03-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Jumping atop the Carpathian Mountains above Castle Bran.Click on this image (only this image) for animation.Ascending “Dracula's” secret passage in Castle BranCrossing academic borders with students at Moise Nicoara High School in AradTraditional Romanian dancing with Business/Economics students from Polytechnic University of TimisoaraWe were invited to karaoke with students from TimisoaraIt took

Dance class in Chile

2009-03-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

At Universidad Mayor

2009-03-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick photos before we head to bed in Bran, Romania (Outside of Brasov). Tomorrow we're off to see Castle Bran and take a cable car ride up the mountains if weather permits. We'll be in Arad on Thursday and Timisoara on Friday and will keep in touch then. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions for any of us traveling!Christina is pictured taking a photograph of a statue in

FINALLY

2009-03-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

SOOO, I JUST figured out my old password to my log-in for the SU Abroad... I had lost hope, and decided to go ahead an start anew... creating another blog of my own of BLOGGER... SOOOHere's the website to my past two blogs:http://moonmeetsamar.blogspot.com/I have my own blog, but will try to do both...EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL here is Cairo! Wishing everyone "warmth," and glad to hear all the

GCP Jordan Update

2009-03-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

From: Miles Davis - project leaderSent: Sun 3/8/2009 10:56 AM We have landed and on way to hotel. Everyone is really excited and having an great time despite long flight and lack of sleep:-)

GCP MALI UPDATE

2009-03-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Project leader Bethany Galipeau left a brief phone message Saturday, March 7, 6:30pm EST to say all is well and they have safely arrived in MALI.

GCP Chile Update

2009-03-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

The group arrived in Santiago safe and sound.

GCP Vietnam Update

2009-03-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hi from Hanoi,We all got here safely! All flights were in time. We landed at 10:10 PM, local time. Everything went smothooly. No one got sick, just a little bit tired after a long trip. The weather is fine about 60F, no rain. Tomorrow, we will have a city tour during the day and water puppet at evening. ...we would like to thank to all of you for all the work you've done to make this trip happen

GCP Romania Group Has Arrived!

2009-03-07T06:46:00.001-08:00

Hello back home to everyone in Winchester and beyond!After nearly 13 hours of traveling forward in time we arrived in Bucharest, Romania at 2-ish in the afternoon on Saturday. The flights were great and everyone is thrilled to be here. Most of us are taking a 2-hour nap at the moment before we head out for a late afternoon tour of Bucharest followed by dinner at a traditional Romanian

Shenandoah University Global Citizenship Project 2009 underway!

2009-03-07T05:14:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 6, 2009: 4 GCP groups were successfully transported to Dulles Airport:* Vietnam* Chile* Romania* MaliSaturday, March 7, 2009: early afternoon the GCP Jordan group will be on their way!Saturday, March 7, 2009: (9:30am EST): GCP ROMANIA has arrived safely and soundly and are in Bucharest. All is well as they begin their journey through Romania!We will be posting information from

bonne nouvelle aujourd’hui!

2009-03-05T02:04:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 04. March 2009. 23:04(Good News Today!) I just found out this morning after Arabic that I was selected for the MENA scholarship again from SU. In other words, I’ll get to extend my stay in Morocco for the summer with AMIDEAST’s Arabic Intensive!!! I am so excited that I can’t even put it into words yet! As soon as I saw the e-mail announcing the scholarship again for the

Update from Rabat, Morocco (SU scholarship student)

2009-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

Friday, 27/02/2009So this weekend is the group trip to Tangier; I’m at home in my bedroom in Rabat. I chose not to go on the trip since I’ve been sick all week. I went to my Arabic class on Monday morning, then didn’t go back to school until yesterday (Thursday). I basically caught whatever “cold” was going around the study-abroad group, in addition to struggling with my asthma. I probably

culture shock

2009-03-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Friday, 20/02/2009 My first few bouts of culture shock occurred Valentine's Day weekend. It started when I plugged in my nebulizer and it fried because of the voltage difference. AMIDEAST first sent me to a doctor (who only spoke French and Arabic). She simply listened to my chest and said to keep taking my medicine. She also gave me a card of where she “thought” I could purchase a new nebulizer.

1st 3 weeks in Morocco!

2009-01-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

OK, so I haven't made a "blog" yet & i've been in Morocco for 3 weeks now.....Granted, I've written in my journal several times, I simply did not know where to start with posting my thoughts/experiences publicly. hmmm.... where to start..... I suppose the beginning with Orientation week, jam-packed with activities, "Survival Moroccan Arabic" classes, and tours around Rabat. We also stayed at

Shenandoah University student Lauren Pappas watching the inauguration in Morocco (from CNN) - check the link

2009-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

iReport: The world is watchingPosted: 12:48 PM ETIt's a given that most people in the United States are glued to their TV screens right now, as President Barack Obama just took the oath of office. But the rest of the world is watching, too. We're receiving iReports from all around the globe.A group of college students studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco, sent this photo of themselves gathered to

The Sea of Galilee

2008-11-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

At the city of Um Qais, Jordan we could see The Sea of Galilee off in the distance. To the left of the sea is Israel and to the right is Syria. A historic battle took place in the valley here that was instrumental in the spread of Islam. The place is also biblically significant as the place where Jesus walked on water. It was really special to be here because of my Christian faith but also

2008-11-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken from Ajloun Castle in Jordan. The view was fantastic and even with the cloud cover it seemed like I could see forever. Jordan is great place to see and I would highly recommend anyone with the opportunity to not pass it by.

2008-11-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

I have had the greatest opportunity to meet wonderful people here in Jordan. My friends in these pictures and I enjoyed fantastic food cooked over the hot coals of a fire pit. We watched the sun go down with a beautiful glow and we laughed and talked and then enjoyed the city lights of the village below our vantage point. This was the day we went to Um Qais near the Sea of Galilee, but we had

An article by Rebekah Nickerson

2008-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

On March 7-17th, I traveled to Ghana as part of Shenandoah University’s Global Citizenship Project with a team of thirteen other faculty, staff, and students. We spent eight days traveling throughout the southern region of the country visiting the major cities of Accra and Kumasi, in addition to rural areas and national landmarks. Out of all the incredible experiences I had in the country, one

2008-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all! It been a while since the last time I was on here, sorry I'm busy and forgetfull. Anywho, since last time I have been keeping busy and doing some traveling.More below the fold..I started my independent study on health care about 2 weeks ago. I have been meeting with the director of the best hospital in all of Africa. It is a non-profit hospital that has most of the latest equipment and

Jennifer in Jordan....and Damascus

2008-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, here's some pics from Damascus and Jordan and the Dead Sea. This blog and the next few were meant to be all in one entry but it didn't quite all fit. So the next few entries go together. I hope you enjoy the update.

2008-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone from Jordan! Yeah, so we had our first break this semester and some of the students in my class were talking about going to Syria. I was really hesitant to go on this trip because, being an American, it can (and did) take several hours at the border to get a visa. I decided to go since I would not be the only American holding up the group...and it did take four hours! We took a

...the Road to Damascus....

2008-10-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

The Road to Damascus...

2008-10-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

Message from Tammy Marco - GCP participant 2008

2008-10-06T08:30:00.001-07:00

Tracy,I first want to say congratulations and I am looking forward to the future of Shenandoah University as you begin your journey as Shenandoah University President. What an awesome accomplishment!I would like to give you a little history about myself. I have lived in the Winchester area for most of my life. My family is and remains my main focus. Being from a rural area, working and raising a

Morocco!

2008-09-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello from Morocco! Sorry its been so long since I've given an update - I have been busy busy busy. Classes are going well, arabic is going well...just slowly. I can't really say much is modern standard arabic, but I know almost all the letters of the alphabet! Moroccan arabic is going a little faster, probably beacuse I practice it more. Writing is my favorite part of arabic, most of the time

Starting to feel settled

2008-09-20T09:27:00.001-07:00