Friday, October 27, 2017
Category: Academics
International Programs: ready for a life-changing experience?
Molly Martin ‘19
Visiting museums, artifacts and concentration camps from the Holocaust in person is a solemn event. The first-hand experience encourages deeper reflection and reconciliation than the facts listed in textbooks require. In a similar way, navigating through China as an English-speaking student, unable to have a conversation with a stranger, makes practicing alternative forms of communication incredibly necessary. Furthermore, there are landscapes and pieces of God’s creation all over the globe that you need to gaze at with your own eye. Some moments in life can never be replicated.
Semester-long and cross-cultural trips provide rich and formative experiences only gained by leaving the comforts of home and entering into a different culture.
Messiah students shared their off-campus experiences with us, and each had a unique take on what their trip meant to them.
Germany
From unrivaled fresh bread, to cozy house slippers, and stopping for a swim in the Olympic pool, Tara Freeman ’17 was thrilled to reminisce about her cross-cultural trip to Germany. The rich history of the country is highly valued and well preserved, from Martin Luther to the Holocaust and beyond. “It’s easier to talk about the exciting things from the trip, but I was made to think about life and history in a different way as well,” she mentioned. “I feel like there's plenty of ways you can be informed about the Holocaust but going there and seeing the concentration camp…Well the inexplicable feeling of just being there is hard to decipher. That had such an impact on us."
"I took this picture of a little tiny flower in the middle of one of the concentration camps we visited. It was a beautiful visual of God shining through so much heavy darkness!" -Tara Freeman
Indonesia
Bethany Smith ’17 spent last January teaching in Indonesia, listening to the testimonies of missionaries, exploring the country, and learning that talking is not the only way to communicate with people. Body language and a happy tone go a long way despite a language barrier. Additionally, hearing the powerful stories of the missionaries from the place she was serving helped her realize how impactful even a short trip like this could be, for the students she served and in her own life.
“Whether it’s going on a sunrise hike, or trying some crazy food, when it comes to cross-cultural experiences take advantage of every opportunity! These trips we get to be a part of are truly are once-in-a-lifetime and you don’t want to miss anything! Don’t catch yourself wishing you could have done that one thing you opted out of-- I never imagined I would get the chance to ride horseback up a volcano!” -Bethany Smith
Italy
Last May-term, Lauren Allen led a group of students on a cross-cultural trip to discover new foods, cafes and history in the country of Italy. Traveling teaches you about the ability to adapt and be flexible when faced with the unknown. Allen and her students learned to adapt to little things like what to do when someone gets sick and how to work the light switch in the hotel room; then, they would regroup to talk about the oddities or complexities of a new place. “I appreciated opening my eyes to a new cultural perspective and being part of my student’s experience! I also enjoyed finding the beauty in the simplicity of the European way of life compared to the fast pace in America, and working through those differences myself and with my students too.”
IBI
Matt MaGuire ’18 spent an entire summer alongside his classmates traveling the globe with the International Business Institute (IBI). The group spent time in China, India, and a large portion of Europe. Not only did MaGuire become well versed in packing and various modes of transportation, he learned how to experience different cultures. IBI gives you the opportunity to “walk in someone else’s shoes for a day to understand them and their culture better.” Spending time in a third world country like India and talking with professors and their families gave MaGuire the opportunity to reflect on the little things that are important in life. For example, the opportunities we have for education in America are something others aspire to have. Realizing that people see the world in different ways can be challenging, but it teaches a very valuable lesson.
“When you travel it makes other things feel less intimidating because of what you have already conquered.” -Matt MaGuire
Rwanda
Traveling and studying in Rwanda, Africa opened the eyes of Mikaela Schell ’18 to just how big this world really is! A three hour laughter-filled hike up the volcano Mount Bisoke, learning about peace and reconciliation from way the country has pulled together in the aftermath of a terrible genocide, and realizing we should not take basic needs such as clean water for granted, made for an unforgettable semester. Schell concluded, “Studying in a nontraditional location was one of the best decisions I made! Through the whole experience I grew closer to God, became more independent, and more culturally sound. I would encourage everyone to study abroad it will most definitely change your life!”
