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Submitted by Shadoe Lange on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in London, England sponsored by the Department of History…

Study abroad gives you a chance to see many famous structures and museums that commemorate important history. I have taken  huge advantage of this all over London and Paris. One of the museum tours that I took was of the HMS Belfast.

The HMS Belfast is a light-cruiser that was used in War World II and  it is now permanently docked in London on the River Thames. I, along with two other students, visited the ship and took a tour of the 9 different decks the ship has. The ship now operates as a museum, so touring without a guide was still very informational, given all the descriptions and storyboards placed throughout the ship.

This light cruiser was the most powerful and largest cruiser in the Royal Navy when it was fixed after hitting a German mine. While traveling through the interior of the ship, I was able to see how crews of up to 950 sailors lived and operated on the ship. Since, I have never been inside any type of war ship, I was ignorant to the fact of all the amenities that were present. Within the decks, the sailors had access to kitchens, a dentist, a doctor, a mail room, Provision Issue Room and more. It was neat to walk through and read about each different amenity, but the part that made the tour much more memorable were the wax figures within the amenity rooms, dining rooms and other places across the ship. The wax figures provided a picture of how the sailors lived on the ship for long periods of time.

We were able to view some other parts of the ship as well, such as the operations room. It was intriguing to see and learn about all the equipment which was used for tracking enemies, planning routes, and more. The original radars and equipment lights are playing simulations to make the experience in the ship more like that of a sailor during its operation. In my opinion, the best part of this room is the interactive touch screens found in the middle that offer a chance to play a game in which you retrieve parts of a plane downed in the sea, based on Pony Express. The interaction allows for one to experience the different obstacles that the ship could and would have come across in the past. The tour also allows for you to see the captain’s chair, the gun turrets, and the shell rooms. There is also a space dedicated for a walk through of information and history about the ship, along with general facts about the war.

From the top of the ship, one can see a beautiful view down each direction of the River Thames,  including  a view of the Tower Bridge. We were on the ship at night and were able to experience seeing the Tower Bridge and the city all lit up. The tour was an awesome experience and I would recommend it to anyone who likes war history. The museum tour allows for people to experience and learn about life on the ship during World War II through wax figures, information boards, audio tours, pictures, descriptions and even private tours.

Submitted by Maria Faiola on the 2018 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Department of Philosophy…

In one of culture classes, one of my classmates said, “We have different existences, but the same essence”. We were talking about how no matter how many centuries go by and how different the experiences we live through, humans still are made up of many of the same emotions. This concept is something I am trying to focus on while in Italy and especially Rome. I want to learn about what it was like for people living here throughout history and see the connections that can be made to our lives today. Much of the charm of Rome was in exploring the many ruins that are scattered all around the city, and tell the stories of the people that lived here thousands of years ago. They are the remnants of what once were places bursting with life, but are now reduced to short pillars and walls. Most of the time, although I found the ruins fascinating because of how old they were, I have no idea what it was during ancient times. With all the modern tourist traps and guys trying to sell selfie sticks in the center of Rome, it is even more difficult to relate to and picture the world people lived in among the ruins. But one excursion we took to Ostia Antica was a completely different experience.

For the first time I could really imagine an ancient Roman city and the people that would have lived there. We learned that while some of the ancient Romans’ practices were unimaginable to us today, there are some basic human themes that really never change. In this ancient city, they had baths where they would go to gossip, work out, play games and eat food. They also had a bar, not much different than what ours today look like. They had a market area where different vendors sold various products. There was a forum where people could come to debate and give speeches. The basic human experiences that existed thousands of years ago and still stand today; we like to be entertained, we like to gossip, we like to socialize at bars, we like to debate and we like creative expression. Walking the streets of Ostia Antica, I finally felt like I could see the ancient Romans as people, who felt the same human emotions we feel today and shared some of the same struggles we face.

This realization can also be applied to another aspect of our program, which is service learning. We visited and learned about a community that helps the poor and elderly by talking and building relationships with them and also by providing meals and even job training. We also visited a refugee center that provides all kinds of beneficial services like a place to learn English, relax, get food, and learn trade skills for refugees and migrants, who barely have a second to rest without having to look over their shoulders. Both of these communities focus on treating those, whom much of society has cast aside and looked down upon, with respect and kindness by re alizing that while we may all have different backgrounds and have been born in different decades, we still have the same basic emotions and human spirit. I think that by learning about the people, who lived before and realizing that they were not much different from us today we can better have an appreciation for each other today that may seem different. In the end,we are all human and should treat each other with respect and dignity.

Submitted by Patrick Reed on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in London, England sponsored by the Department of History…

On Thursday, our group traveled outside of London to the city of Bath to visit the legendary hot springs. For centuries, the ancient city, founded by the Romans around 60 A.D., has been a place of healing and relaxation due to the supposed special powers of the water. For us, the city was another chance to dive into England’s deep and rich history.

Just after arriving in Bath, we embarked on a walking tour around the city. Weaving our way around the cobbled, hilly streets, we were led by very knowledgeable guides who described the city’s origins, architecture, expansion, and present day status. Most notably, we were told about John Wood, an English architect whose brilliant, nature-based designs influenced the entire image of the city and the world of architecture.

After the walking tour, we were taken on a second tour through the remains of the original Roman Baths. With artifacts dating back more than 1,000 years, we were able to get a glimpse into an ancient society and marvel at what they were able to achieve. The baths were beautiful, very well preserved, and, although the water was green, seemed very relaxing. At the end of the tour, we were even able to drink some of the famous spring water and take in its powers. Overall, it was a another well spent day on a program that still seems surreal.

Submitted by Lauren Saracen on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies…

This week has been by far the best week in Paris! It was Fashion Week! Not only did I attend fashion runway shows, but I also was backstage dressing models. I dressed models in three haute couture shows that were designers Alexandre Vauthier, Rad Hourani, and Di Hediprasetyo’s looks. It was an amazing experience because I was able to see what actually goes on behind the scenes. Also, the models that I had dressed were from all around the world such as Brazil,Russia, and the United States. I thought that was pretty interesting!

This past weekend, I worked in designer Rick Owen’s showroom.  It was quite an experience! I enjoyed dressing the models into clothing that the buyers wished to see on the model to decide on whether to purchase the garment or not. The staff was so nice and guided us on all the various tasks that were to be performed. I kept the garments and shoes organized and in order as well. I am very sad that this trip is coming to an end. Next week, I am hoping to visit more famous landmarks before it’s time to go back home!

Submitted by Submitted by Shae Muller on the 2018 winter session program in Italy sponsored by the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and the Department of English…

I guess I have taken my sleep habits at home in the U.S. for granted. You never really know what you have until it’s gone. I’m talking about some serious jet-lag. These past couple of weeks, I have averaged only three to four hours of sleep (thanks, Fitbit sleep tracker!). Back at home, I usually enjoy a nice seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This is a pretty big difference. Although I miss having a nice long night of sleep, somehow I feel just fine. The combination of adrenaline from traveling and the jolt from espresso has helped me through my sleep deprivation. Every morning here in Italy is a new adventure I look forward to. I go to bed late and wake up early, so that I can fully embrace all that this new land has to offer. I am sure I will sleep for an entire day after this program ends. But, as for now, I am embracing the lack of sleep and Italian coffee culture and enjoying every moment. A cappuccino or shot of espresso can help you get through anything.