Meet Our Fall 2009 Study Abroad Bloggers!
Andrew St. Yves
20
History and French
Andrew is studying at the Aix Center in Aix-en-Provence, France
What is your career goal?
Ultimately I would like to pursue a career in Archaeology or Anthropology, but I'm leaving my options open so that God may continue to guide me down the right path.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
I knew I wanted to study abroad in France because I've always been interested in it's language and culture, but did not want to be in a huge urban center like Paris where I would frequently encounter American tourists. Aix is still a large urban center, but it retains a small village atmosphere because of it's rich French history, and thus was the perfect choice for me.
What are you most excited to do while you're abroad?
EAT!! French cuisine is some of the best in the world and I cannot wait to be treated to some of it's finer points.
What is your favorite item from home that you are bringing?
Books, and lots of them, in English. Even though I'm trying to immerse myself in another language, it will be nice to have something to read that I can actually understand.
http://aix2009.wordpress.com
Dana Riley
20
Art Education with an emphasis in Photography
Dana is studying through PLNU's Euroterm with the Art Department to London, Venice, Florence, Rome, Vienna and a long stay in Paris.
What is your career goal?
After graduating PLNU, I hope to spend some time positively influencing the world in any way I can. I also hope to become an art educator for people with special needs or perhaps go back to school and receive a masters in art therapy. Ultimately I am leaving it up to God and whatever road he leads me down I know will be the right one.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
I chose this because I am really passionate about art and the history of the most breathtaking places in the world. Of course it does not hurt that I am traveling with the most wonderful people in the world, (the art dept.) :)
What are you most excited to do while you're abroad?
It may sound a little cheesy, but I am most looking forward to finding myself. Studying abroad is causing me to really step outside my comfort zone and experience new things and learn and grow, which is what I'm most looking forward to.
What is your favorite item from home that you are bringing?
As a photo girl I would have to hands down say my camera. Without my camera I doubt I would be able to accurately depict the beauty of everything I see, and down the road it will help me to relive my countless, wonderful memories!
http://asthedanatravels.blogspot.com
Kimberlee Kruesi
21
Journalism with a minor in Women's Studies
Kimberlee is studying at the Washington Journalism Center in Washington D.C.
What is your career goal?
It is my dream to become a successful foreign affairs reporter while also getting an MA in Women's Studies.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
I have always loved the D.C. area. After talking to several professors and students who have been to the WJC I knew this was something I had to do. I will get the chance to study outside of PLNU while also get experience as an intern.
What are you most excited to do while you're abroad?
I am excited about a lot of aspects of the trip, but the biggest thrill will be working as an intern in D.C.
What is your favorite item from home that you're bringing?
My camera. I want to remember every part and person from this trip!
http://kruesi.blogspot.com
Joleen West
20
International Studies with a Middle East concentration
Joleen is studying at the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan.
What is your career goal?
Right now, my career goal is to work for the intelligence department in the CIA, FBI or even the NCIS. It is a big goal to dream about, but this is what motivates me to study hard in school.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
I wanted to study in a unique area that most people my age aren't familiar with and shocked to hear about me going. The Middle East is now a hot topic in the media, but besides the current conflicts taking place, I would like to let people hear about the beautiful parts of the Middle East, such as Jordan, especially since it holds a lot of our Christian faith's history.
What are you most excited to do while you're abroad?
As nervous as I am pre-departure, I am still looking forward to immersing myself in a totally different, if not opposite, culture than that of the United States. I have never been an adventurous person, but clearly that has changed. Also, I can't wait to walk in the same footsteps as our famous Biblical heroes. Upon returning to the United States, I can't wait to see how much I've learned and changed.
What is your favorite item from home that you are bringing?
I admit, traveling would not be the same without a cuddly friend like my stuffed alligator Swampy.
http://joleeninjordan.blogspot.com
Kelsey Luoma
20
Biology, Pre-Med
Kelsey is studying at the Universidad de Costa Rica-Sede de Occidente in San Ramon, Costa Rica
What is your career goal?
I plan to go to medical school after college and specialize in either Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine. My dream is to be a missionary doctor, and eventually to set up a medical teaching facility in an underserved country.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
For me, studying abroad in Costa Rica is appealing because it's both affordable and academically practical. The country is also ridiculously gorgeous (all the pictures on lonely planet looked cool anyhow haha)- it is lush, green, temperate and teeming with life. Costa Rica offered an opportunity for me to experience a new culture, brush up on my high school Spanish, learn to salsa and try some delicious coffee.
What are you most excited to while you're abroad?
People are fascinating to me. My favorite thing about traveling is getting to know individuals from different cultures and lifestyles. I can't wait to meet Costa Rican friends, hear their stories and learn to appreciate their way of life. Also I'm excited to just get out and explore! I have heard tales of fiery volcanic eruptions, mystical cloud forests, dripping rain forests and postcard beaches. I am stoked to see everything myself and go on some epic Latin American adventures!
What is your favorite item from home that you're bringing?
I guess I'm most excited to bring my running shoes. I love running. A lot.
http://whereiskelsey.blogspot.com/
Kristen Refermat
21
Fashion Merchandising
Kristen will be studying aboard the MV Explorer through Semester at Sea.
What is your career goal?
Less is more...I'm leaning more towards eBay. (I have no idea). Skip me and get back to me.
Why did you choose this study abroad location?
I already studied abroad in Rome Spring of '08 and was hoping to one up myself. Semester at Sea is the kind of experience you can't recreate on your own. To get an entire lifetime's worth of life squeezed out of just one school term...I wasn't about to NOT do that. Also, I really like the first tape of the Titanic VHS set.
What are you most excited to do while abroad?
We'll be hitting eleven different countries over the course of the semester, so a few things on my 'Excited For' list include camel trekking into the Sahara in Morocco, skydiving (skydying?) in Cape Town, trolling the markets of Ghana, gracefully leaning off the ship's bow to the tune of Celine Dion, eating in India, the Hong Kong light show, and just generally circumnavigating the globe without the use of airplanes, because that's been on my Life List since 'my youth'.
What is your favorite item from home that you are bringing?
My stuffed red bulldog Whiskey, we taught each other everything we know and I once accidentally left him in London for three days so he's accustomed to the traveler's life.
http://kristenfrompointloma.blogspot.com