Abroad View Magazine Fall 2008 Table of Contents
Christopher Pray photographed his fellow student at a traditional Maasai wedding in the village of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania, near Lake Natron. As part of their SIT Study Abroad Program, Tanzania: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, they were doing an independent study project in the village. Recalling the experience of being invited to the wedding, Pray says, “I felt a bit uncomfortable taking pictures there, but I really couldn’t resist because I was so captivated by the dancing and singing and the shared energy that I felt standing among this amazing group of people.”
Pray graduated from Oberlin College in May 2008 with a major in biology. His photograph was submitted to Abroad View by World Learning/SIT Study Abroad as part of SIT’s participation in Abroad View’s 2008 meta photo contest.
>> See the winning images from Abroad View's 2008 Meta Photo Contest
2008 Writing Contest Winners
PERSONAL JOURNEY
Talking to Strangers: A night of Bolivian festivity turns somber as a conversation prompts Valerie Brender to reflect on U.S. immigration policies.
INSPIRATION
A New Woman: Ariel Child redefines her perspective on feminism in a poem she wrote after criss-crossing the globe.
VIEWPOINT
Sinking City: Rising waters and unstable foundations threaten Venice as scientists fight to save it. Heritage preservationist Erin Parr argues now is the time to protect the city.
Closer Look: Shifting Your Perspective
What will be different after you study abroad? Your outlook? Home? The world? The contributors to this special section have some answers. Their stories offer suggestions for embracing cross-cultural change, however you happen to find it.
Produced by Sarah Kessler, with assistance from Asha Toulmin and contributions
from Astrid Jirka and Doug Reilly.
The 2008 Global Engagement Summit:
Young adults from across the world share their plans to change it. By Carrie Porter
Throw a Party: Redefining education and aid in Thailand. By Darren Legge
Remembering the Living: How I learned to see Rwanda beyond its genocide.
By Sandra Faith Jones
Transitioning to Community Life: I bonded with my host family by participating in it.
By Lizzy Klinnert
Deep Roots: How I learned to see my home country differently by re-discovering
my first. By Jennifer Nguyen
Microfinance in Senegal: Study abroad turned me into an economist. By Meg Young
Spreading Seeds of Compassion: International students visit the U.S. for an inspirational gathering. By Joyce McClure
Revisiting America: The transformation of my patriotism and the death
of my civic religion. By Amy Jonason
Transforming My Ideals: Study abroad was perfect for me in its imperfections.
By Allison Speicher
Features
Destination: Romania
You know the country for its Dracula legend, but what’s its modern political, economic, and social reality? Elizabeth Ganley-Roper finds out.
What’s Your Tactic? A new book highlights how 27 social entrepreneurs are working to change the world. Its authors hope you’ll be inspired to join the movement.
By Piya Kashyap
Packaging Your International Experience: Score a new job by marketing your study abroad background—from the resume to the interview, employers say they are looking for global experiences. By Kimberly Larsson
Live, Learn, Volunteer
Township Reports: While on an internship, aspiring journalist Deepa Seetharaman learns how South Africa continues to redefine itself after apartheid.
The House of Charity: Volunteering at an orphanage becomes a way for former foster child Tavon Cooke to understand Russia—and family.
Sunrise and Circumambulation: Finding wisdom, understanding, and laughter from a Tibetan monk, Sarah Strong Miller begins to bridge the cultural gap.
Highlights
More Than a Number: 350 campaign aims to influence global climate change legislation.
By Carolyn Beeler
Wasting Time: Need to procrastinate? Visit these globally conscious websites.
By Sarah Kessler
World Travel Hubs by Asha Toulmin
Global Voices: Reporting the news from ground level. By Anika Gupta
The Next U.S. President: How results of the upcoming election will affect foreign policy and study abroad. By Jed Willard
Global Citizens
Open Waters: Ricky Alexander steers his learning on board a “floating classroom.”
Garments for Good: Art meets activism when Joanna Bresee uses fashion to increase environmental awareness in Madagascar.
Making Money Grow As Trees: Tevis Howard is fighting poverty in Kilifi, Kenya, by helping locals turn a profit from microforestry.
Going Green
Is It Easy Being Green? Sustainability and environmentalism are receiving more attention than ever in the media. Diana Jue’s homestay in Bangalore, India, prompts her to ask what sustainability really means.
Reviews
Three Cups of Tea: Abroad View’s Samantha Leal finds inspiration from Greg Mortenson’s book.
Wrap-up on Foreign Rap: Cue up your hip hop tracks for Mari Kasanuki’s 7-stop trip around the world of international rap.
Departures
The Rice Cooker: Anna Lee’s encounter with a Chinese man passionate about cultivating rice provides a window into her host culture.
Last Look
Soudeh Motamedi's Cairo Snapshot