Oh the Places They'll Go...

Back at Westminster, I'm pretty involved in a variety organizations. I still hold membership to these organizations but on a leave of absence type of deal. However, one group that has stuck with me is being a staff writer for the school newspaper - the Holcad. I'm assigned to report on basically whatever it is I want to write about as long as it has something to do with being abroad. I chose my article topic because it basically previews what all the future articles will be about. I could go on and on about journalism and the like but I will just let the article (and its many quotes), speak for itself. Enjoy.

London, 2009: WC Students are making big plans to see the world by Christmas time.
The WC at London study abroad students have already explored the majority of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) and are now looking forward to even more adventurous trips during their stay in Europe. It is not to say that the UK is a disinteresting place, in fact, the students love living in London.
“The UK has an array of differences in the culture, diversity, food, architecture, history, and people.” Nikita Madhyani, sophomore biology major, said. “To live and immerse myself in the rich culture of London is a dream come true.”
Each student has visited at least one other country in the UK by bus, coach, or train. Cultural differences abide even within the UK.
“The Welsh don’t like the British.” Kristen Edwards, sophomore elementary education major, said.
“The Scottish are a lot nicer than the Brits, they actually give directions and will spend time with you.” Shane Swagart, sophomore international politics major, said.
Now that the local areas of the UK have been explored, bigger trips are the talk of the London student body. Plans have been made for trips ranging everywhere from Ireland to Spain to the Czech Republic to France to Germany to Italy, to Greece, to Africa, and even to Bethlehem.
Steve Fawcett, a sophomore political science major, has some high expectations for his upcoming trip to Munich, Germany for the world-famous Oktoberfest.
“I’m expecting an insane party the entire weekend.” Fawcett said. “I’m also nervous. I don’t have a place to stay because all the housing is booked full.”
Alexis Wojcicehowski, a junior english major, is very excited for her plans to visit Italy and Greece.
“This is a great opportunity for me to see and feel the other cultures.” Wojcicehowski said. “You can read about these places in books and see the pictures but it does not compare to actually being there.”
Michael Crawford, sophomore history major, has plans to visit Morocco, Africa.
“I really don’t know what to expect but hey, it’s Africa.” Crawford said.
Alyssa Hanna, sophomore broadcasting major, will be traveling from Athens through Cairo, Egypt, and then to Israel and Palestine at the end of the semester.
“I’m a little nervous considering how far away Cairo and Jerusalem are from home but I’m also really looking forward to being in Bethlehem for Christmas.” Hanna said.
The students aren’t the only ones with big plans to see the world. Dr. Terri Lenox and her husband, Dr. Woratschek of Robert Morris University, are traveling to Paris for the week-long fall break. However, these two computer science professors will be culinary students while in Paris.
“We are very excited to be in Paris, one, because we’ve never been there before, but I’m especially excited for the French cooking class we’ll be taking there.” Dr. Woratschek said.
Dr. Lenox’s WC faculty counterpart, Dr. Jamie McMinn, will be traveling to Germany for his fall break.
“I’m especially eager to travel to Germany because I’ll be visiting my best friend who I haven’t seen in a long time.”
Dr. McMinn is not the only one who will see familiar faces while abroad. Several students have made arrangements to see their family members while in Europe.
“It’s really nice to get to see someone from home, especially my brother.” Emily Winn, junior english major, said. “It’s exciting to get to travel with him to Ireland and also show someone from home the places in London that I’ve become used to.”
“I can’t wait to celebrate Thanksgiving with my younger brother.” Miles Casey, sophomore psychology major, said. “It gives a really unique opportunity to bond with family in a special way. Just being able to study abroad in general has already been an awesome experience. The best part about it is that the best is yet to come.”