Abroad View Magazine
Spring 2008 Table of Contents

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Ashley Morton took this photo of a Himalayan monk in the remote Rolwaling Himalaya region of northern Nepal during a month-long independent study project with the School for International Training. Her project investigated the villagers’ relationship with Tseringma, a sacred mountain and how this belief informed their practices of environmental conservation and sustainability. Morton continues to return annually to the Himalaya,leading trips for high school students through Vermont Intercultural Semesters, as well as for adults through Crossroads Himalaya. Her hope is to facilitate meaningful and lasting exchanges with people of different cultures and to continue to work with the people of the Himalaya.

>> Click here to download a PDF version of this issue. The print version was published using soy ink on 100% recycled paper.

 

 

DESTINATION FEATURE: CUBA

Educational exchanges to Cuba hang in a delicate balance. The United States’ long-standing embargo cuts off most trade with Cuba, but a handful of programs still operate there. Students visiting Cuba today do so at a fascinating historical moment, as Cuba becomes increasingly dependent on tourism. Four decades after Castro closed the doors to outsiders, his country is enjoying cult status again. No matter what the state of political tensions and the vast complexities that color this small island, the authors in this section reveal a Cuba that is both disheartening and uplifting.

Introduction to Cuba by Christopher P. Baker, Courtesy of Moon Cuba,
Avalon Travel Publishing

U.S.-Cuban Relations: A brief history of educational exchanges. By Skye Stephenson

A Motorcycle Diary: Havana from an insider’s perspective. By Danielle Drobot

A Journalist’s Dilemma: Why I chose not to report on Cuba. By Jonathan Pourzal

LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY

Midnight Matzoh: A Jewish-American student in London redefines her Passover traditions in one late-night meal.

A Land of No Return: Almost half a century after seeking protection in India, Tibetan refugees still dream of returning home.

Clicks & Smiles: A volunteer at a South African hospital learns more than the skills he needs to practice medicine.

Finding a Rhythm: For one dancer, the fears and uncertainties of living in Madrid fade with the beat of salsa music.

GLOBAL CITIZENS

A Passion for Africa: From interning for a Sudanese women’s resource center to studying in Morocco to filming a documentary in Kenya, Justine McGowan can’t get enough of living and learning in African countries.

Fueled by Rice: Four recent graduates explore China on bicycles sharing music and carbohydrates with local people along the way.

A Year of Cricket: Berea College graduate and native Ugandan Fred Rweru travels the globe as a Watson Fellow researching and playing the sport he loves.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tastebud Tourism: Exploring a country’s cuisine to learn about its culture.
By Carolyn Beeler

Finding Volunteer Work Abroad: Michelle Hunscher’s advice for students seeking their own opportunities

Artistry Abroad: Immersion in the artistic environments of cities like Paris and Florence can provide students with an opportunity to realize their creative potential.
By Elaina Loveland

Spotlight on an NGO: Volunteering at Peru’s Seeds of Hope. By Lauren Welch

ABROAD VIEW-NAFSA STUDENT DIPLOMAT ESSAY COMPETITION 2007 WINNER

Identity's Shifting Sands: American, Palestinian, or Palestinian-American? Sometimes it takes more than a single check mark. By Hammad Bassam Hammad

PERSONAL JOURNEY

Rivers with Rocks: Amanda Bancroft crosses the cultural bridge in Costs Rica's rainforest.

INTERVIEW

Forum on Education Abroad Undergraduate Student Research Award Winners 2007 Brittany Murlas and Lauren Gersbach talk about the rewards and challenges of doing research in Ghana and Australia.

VIEWPOINT

The Road to Democracy: A group of study abroad students question American press coverage of politics in Bolivia.

REVIEWS

Heroic Journeys: AV’s Anika Gupta gives her stamp of approval to the film adaptation of the popular novel The Kite Runner.

Feel Good Music: Find out why AV’s Carolyn Beeler says that Putamayo’s new World Hits CD will keep your toes tapping.

DEPARTURES

Siege in Translation: While studying in Russia, Amanda Parrish visits a war museum and connects with a survivor of the World War II 900-day siege of Leningrad.

LAST LOOK

Passing Time: China’s old world is rapidly giving way to modern culture. Photographer Nick Infusino captures a portrait of one hutong resident still living in pre-Olympics Beijing.

CLOSER LOOK: OUR GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

A Closer Look was produced by Astrid Jirka, Outreach Coordinator for Study Abroad Programs at Ithaca College; Doug Reilly, Program Coordinator for the Hobart and William Smith and Union Colleges Center for Global Education; Sarah Kessler, Abroad View's Closer Look Editor; and Sherry Schwarz, Director of the Abroad View Foundation.
Read the introduction to this section.

Q&A with Bill McKibben: America’s leading environmentalist takes a hard look at studying abroad and political activism in a CO2-challenged world

Gifts, Guests, and Gratitude: Re-energizing people and communities through more thoughtful study abroad By Karen Rodriguez

Invest Wisely: How will you spend your time and money abroad? By Miguel Karian

Can Earth Afford It? Questioning international travel in a time of peak oil.
By Kati Maginel

Climate Change Changes Everything: How we can learn to live well and lightly.
By Daniel Greenberg

Insights from Tuscany: The art of simplicity. By Sonu Purhar

Eco-Utopia? Exploring environmental awareness in Germany. By Zoey Laskaris

When the Rain Stopped: Conserving water one shower at a time. By Emmalee Miller

Conscious Consumerism: Putting profits into the hands of the people. By Sarah Brylinsky

A Coastal View: From the Gulf of Maine to the Andaman Sea, Earth’s oceans are overfished.
By Christa Marie Thorpe

Coming Together for Sustainable Change: My experience with a minga. By Maryuret Rivas

Mindful Eating: Savoring Thai food, from the field to the dinner table. By Julianna Weaver

Be a Locavore: It’s green, socially responsible, and budget friendly. By Caryn Sweeney

Eco-Friendly Budget Ideas: Net savings for you and the planet. By Tim Leffel

Eco-Villages: Studying in sustainable communities throughout the world. By Sarah Kessler

Making a Difference, Not a Disturbance: Meeting your hosts’ needs starts with considering your own. By Martha Merrill

Responsible Travel: Your actions make a difference. By Astrid Jirka