Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is, on some level, Paideia in action. Paideia is a program thats values and ideals are at the core of a liberal arts education. For me, as it is now, Paideia means becoming aware of current events and discussing everything from religion and politics to eating disorders and their psychological effects. However, Paideia is much more than that, and I know it. This is where studying abroad comes into play. Living in another country for an extended period of time would not only cause me to confront the language barrier head-on, but also give me an extremely rewarding perspective on many different levels. There is something about being abroad that lets me relax and then return home with the knowledge that, if I don't get an A on this test, it won't be the end of the world. Along with that, comes the more obvious goal to increase my cultural understanding of the world. That in fact, not everything is as it is in the U.S. and that's not a bad thing. As far as studying abroad fitting in with my education at SU.... this is the tricky part. Not to say that it wouldn't enrich my educational experience at the university, but rather, well... as of now, I'm a biology major. Furthermore, the option for Guanajuato seems like it would be off the table considering I've completed my Spanish requirements. I suppose I could retake them... Reguardless, missing too many science courses at SU when I didn't take any my first semester here seems like it would be a problem. I haven't picked a location to study abroad yet, however somewhere like Italy seems nice. I love the Mediterranian and I enjoy history plenty so it seems like an appropriate fit.
- Steven Rubin

Expectations

I first heard about Paideia before I had even stepped into my first class at Southwestern. A woman with whom I had worked during the previous summer was a Southwestern alumni and happened to have been in the first year of Paideia. She seemed very enthusiastic and sentimental towards the program so I decided to check it out for myself. I did and decided I'd join it both because it would look good on a transcript, as well as personal interest.
To be honest, 'Understanding Human Behavior' wasn't my first choice at a Paideia group, however that is not to say that I am now disappointed. My first pick was 'Film and Politics,' due to my love for film and interest in politics. It's unfortunate that I didn't get my first pick, but now I'm glad that I get to learn about something that I know very little about.
As far as goals go... well I really don't have very many. I mainly like engaging in conversation and, like I said, learning about psychology, a subject I know very little about. I suppose I'm most excited about looking at subjects, particularly current events, through this new lens.
I don't know where I want to study abroad yet. I went to Normandy, France over the summer and it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Naturally, I'm tempted to return, but at the same time I want to discover some place new. I don't know... perhaps Italy or Greece. Maybe... If i can manage it with the school... Israel. That's just because I love the place. I've been there twice... I guess thats something different about me.
I like helping people, but when its forced on me with a "civic engagement project" I find it difficult to enjoy. I like helping kids though... If it were something along those lines I think I would definetly enjoy it.
As far as challenges go... well... I'm writing this blog at 1:00 in the morning because I forgot about it... I think that speaks for itself.
- SR