Loni's #4 and links

Bonjour! 

France has some incredible things to do and places to see. Here is a link for some of those....

French Holidays, Events, and Festivals

Here is another link for some interesting information about Aix-en-Provence. It includes a description of the different areas of the city, how to actually pronounce the name, the markets, and transportation.  Aix-en-Provence Info

Chelsea 5th Post

RUNNIG OF THE BULLS!!!

July 7th to the 14th in Santo Domingo, thousands gather to participate in the running of the bulls. The bulls are let out and they run down the narrow streets of Spain. A gun goes off to let the runners know the bulls are free. They all run for their lives and finally the bulls run into pens, and then they are killed later that day. This is one of the biggest events in Spain. I am hoping that I might get to see it. Bull fighting is also really popular and goes on in Spain throughout the year. 

Fountains in Aix....

The city of Aix-en-Provence where I'll be studying next year is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains. I am looking forward to using my passion for photography to capture these beautiful fountains.  Among the most notable is the seventeenth century Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins (Fountain of the Four Dolphins) in the Quartier Mazarin designed by Jean-Claude Rambot along with a monumental fountain from 1860 that is located at the bottom of the Rotonde (main hub in modern Aix). The fountain (pictured here) is set beneath 3 giant statues representing art, justice, and agriculture. 

Gondolas, French, the Alps, and Vespas....

Bonjour! Many of you know that I am headed to the south of France in August. Looking ahead to what is sure to be a TRIP OF A LIFETIME I have a list of goals I wish to accomplish while abroad.

~ I will strive to gain fluency in French during my time there. I will find a conversation partner, ask tons of questions, and do my very best to not fall back on my English. 

~ Barring unforeseen circumstances and financial destitution I shall spend my weekends and holidays traveling Europe, particularly Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. I shall document my travels through photography. 

On a more personal level I desire to do a few very specific (and somewhat random things) including: 

-ride a gondola down the Grand Canal in Venice

-go hiking in the Alps

-ride a Vespa through the streets of Italy

-go sailing in the Mediterranean

- sing on a street corner for money 

All of which out to help make my time overseas as memorable as possible :D

~Loni

Hyde Park

Personal Journal Entry: For anyone who is planning on going to Australia I recommend visiting Hyde Park !

Hyde Park, Sydney, New South Wales , Australia

HYDE PARK It's funny how you see something so often ,yet know so little about it so yesterday I decided to undertake a decent exploration of Hyde Park. What I've discovered, is that this is a really worthwhile place to enjoy over a couple of hours. It has some fascinating history that you have to put your imagination hard to work. It's hard to believe that when Governor Lachlan Macquarie developed this park in 1810(named after its counterpart in London) as a part of his grand plan for Sydney it began as an exercise & recreation area for his 73rd regiment & the officers actually laid out a racetrack that ran for just over 2Km. Apparently there was a grandstand that I believe would be pretty well where Bar Quattro & St James Station is.This was so successful that it continued (except for a 5 year break after the 73rd was transferred out) until around March 1825. I found it difficult to conjure up images of any of this, but there is plenty to enjoy without having to relive the history. That's why you can allow yourself a couple of hours. You can use it to relax & recharge the batteries after busy sightseeing &/or shopping. You can take a picnic lunch or a simple couple of sandwiches & a drink (as so many of the city workers do) & just relax if you want. There are many ways to enjoy this lovely place. There are a number of statues with different stories & of course there is the not to be missed ANZAC War Memorial which I will add as a stand alone tip because I believe it to be worthy of such. You can start at Bar Quattro with a coffee & a snack or you could finish there for lunch, but be warned it would be best to book your table that morning as I went the other day for lunch & couldn't get a table.

My Reflections

I had a very fun time in the class and felt that I have learned a lot of valuable information regarding travel and keeping in communication with loved ones. I feel that this class has opened my eyes to a lot of technology related features that I would never have discovered by myself. I hope that everybody has safe travels and gets to have the time of their lives !
Safe Travels

Mike Morton

Jamye's 3rd

hey everyone! this is where i will be studying next spring! im really excited and i cant wait!

Austin Post 7

For my last post before heading home I wanted to explain a little about the program that I am going on. It is called the gllobal village program and it is at yonsei university in wonju. Americans from all over the country participate and all feedback I have heard has been extremely positive. Each American student is boarded with three korean students in dormitory setting. Americans are required to do about 10 hours a week of instructional activity with Korean Students. In exchange we receive approximately $3000 with free housing. I expect this to pretty much cover most of my trip so I am very excited. This is a great opportunity to see the world for practically no money. If you guys have fun abroad, but spend all of your money in Europe, or Australia, or wherever you are going, this could be a great opportunity to give your funds a break and continue traveling.

Austin Post 6

I had a little free time today and did some research on some things that maybe fun to do while traveling in Korea. Two things which I found interesting were Taekwondo classes and green tee tours. Many classes offer ways to practice the korean language while building self-defense techniques as well as character. I actually found study abroad programs that revolve around integrating language with martial arts if anyone is interested. They have programs for all combinations of skills in fighting and speaking. As for the green tee fields, they simply look amazing. There are endless hills of perfectly manicured bushes. Most travelers online reccomend going early in the morning because there is a refreshing mist which covers the hills. I hope to take a tour and try some fresh local green tea

Going To A Land Downunder !!

Hey all,

Just a recent update on my travel plans. I have been accepted to Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and can't be more excited. I hope to be leaving a few weeks before my official arrival date and catch up with some friends in Adelaide in Southern Australia. My ISEP program seems to be very good, and I am excited to get to travel throughout the country, challenging myself to grow emotionally and academically. In Australia we get a mid-semester break which is about 2 weeks, I plan on making a trip to Northern Queensland where I have some friends. My most exciting trip is going to be during the Christmas break, I am planning on making my way to Thailand for a nice and relaxing summer !!

Safe Travels,

Mike Morton

Austin Post 5

Hi Chelsea I was reading your post and noticed that you have plans to get a job in Spain as a waitress. I was wondering how you made plans to get a job so far in advance in another country. Also what kind of restaurant is it, and can I come get a free meal if I go to Spain?

Austin Post 4

Hi guys, I'm just getting ready to rap up the semester and wanted to wish everyone a happy summer vacation. I had a lot of fun in the class and was really glad I took it. Not only did it help me get prepared and feel more comfortable about studying abroad, it also helped teached me technological skills which I can use whether I am here or in another country. I'm excited about mainting my website and getting some really great photos to chart my journey. Be sure to check my website or leave a message if you want to say hi.

Austin's 3rd post

I am still waiting for my acceptance to the global village for this coming Fall Semester. I am starting to get a little nervous because there are a lot of things that I will need to do such as get a visa once my letter arrives. Hopefully it comes soon so I won't have to worry for too much longer. Does anyone know what you are supposed to do for Fall registration at SDSU if you plan to go on an independent program as I do?

Austin's goals Post 2

Academically I would like to attend an institution that has a strong reputation as to build my resume, and surround myself with like-minded, motivated individuals. It would be particularly beneficial to me if I was able to attend an institution known in the business or law community. I hope to keep my schedule light however, in order to maintain my g.p.a. and give myself the opportunity to explore my surroundings and interact with the people around me. Personally I would like to live in a clean, safe environment with many activities such as athletics and night life geared towards people in my age group. I will have to research the particular institution that I choose in order to make sure that they accomodate some of the extra curriculars that I am looking for.I also hope to make some friends and connections that will last a lifetime. In order to do this I will have to be outgoing and open to new experiences.

Chelsea: 4th Post Summer

As you all know I am going to Madrid, Espana in August. But my Spanish is no bueno. So I have decided to do a full immersion course in Mexico (Cuernavaca) for four weeks in July. I am going with a program called Cemanahuac Educational Community. I will be living with a family, going to school just to learn Spanish, and I will also have a "partner" a Mexican local who will talk with me in Spanish and I will talk with him in English. I am hoping this will help my Spanish before I get to Spain. Although I am a little worried about the accent because the Spanish and South American and Central American are all so different. In August I am going to be working in the South of Spain in Cadiz. There is a place in Cadiz on the coast called Andalusian in the city of Costa De La Luz. I am being a waitress there, and I am never nervous. I have never worked at a restaurant, let alone in a country where I am not to familiar with the language. So if any of you are traveling around Europe this summer, I would be fun to see a familiar face. I will be there is August, and will be leaving in September for Madrid since my school starts September 4th. I also think it would be neat if all the people going to Europe could keep i touch. That way if I am going to France, I can e-mail Loni and ask her where to go, the good hostels and other exciting things. The same with England, I can e-mail Linda or Hannah and ask them the same thing. I am also more than happy to do that for anybody who e-mails me about Madrid. Keep in touch.

Chelsea

Chelsea 3rd Post: Madrid

Woho! I am done with my Sophomore year. I also got my classes approved by SDSU which is such a good feeling. For the fall semester, I am five classes. 20th Century European History and Cinema, Drawing Madrid 1, Intermediate Spanish 1 and 2, and Spain seen by Photography. Once I get to Madrid I have some time to sort out my schedule in case I want to take other classes and drop these ones. I will be studying at La Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, it is about a 15 minute subway ride from the center of Madrid. I sent an e-mail to the housing advisor for the program and requested to live in the city. I am doing a homestay and so I am not really sure on the options I have. I hope everybody is taking exciting classes abroad. I look forward to hearing about them.  

Allison B Post 3

YESSS the semester is over! I'm glad I ended up taking this class GS350. It really helped me organize my ideas, thoughts, and goals for studying abroad. I wasn't exactly sure when and where I was going, but researching a specific place helped me realize there is more to a foreign city than just the touristy things to do.
I have to make more follow up appointments with the ISC about my exact travel dates and what classes I will take when I'm there, all the logistical information, etc. I wonder how many exercise science classes they offer in England..or if there are any gyms there? Are most people staying on campus or with a host family? I haven't decided on that one..
Otherwise hope y'all have safe and amazing travels, and enjoy your summer as well :)

Allison B Post 2

GOAL STATEMENT:

I’m in my third year here at SDSU, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Sociology. I plan to study abroad in England in the spring of 2009. I am not sure what university I want to study in; I would love to stay in the city of London.
I have several goals pertaining to my study abroad experience and my life within in the next year.A personal goal of mine also coincides with cultural goals and my academic work I plan to do in England. My major at SDSU is Exercise Science and I currently work as a personal fitness trainer. Since being in school and my personal experience in the gym, I have gained a wide range of knowledge in the fields of fitness, nutrition, new exercises, etc. By studying kinesiology abroad, I will be able to gain new knowledge on exercise and fitness, and be able to share that knowledge with my coworkers and clients.
I plan on studying in a university where I can take specific kinesiology classes. I also want to live in a populated, metropolitan area, where I can have more access to fitness equipment, health centers or gyms, etc. I am excited to learn about the attitude on fitness in the U.K.; I want to be able to share my knowledge on fitness, and also bring back new exercises, research, etc back to my clients in the U.S. This goal covers two goals; the academic goal is that I want to learn as much of European exercise and fitness as I can, and the personal aspect is to be able to apply that knowledge when I arrive home.
I want to be able to gain as much knowledge as I can, not only from school, but from the environment that I’m living in as well. I want to mingle with the locals; of course I want to experience all the touristy, cultural spots in England, like Stonehenge, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. But a cultural goal would be to make friendships with the locals I meet there. I want to experience England as if I live there. I want to visit the local pubs and dance clubs…the occasional weekend trip to Scotland…I want to visit the places unknown to tourists, the places where the locals go on the weekend.

Allison B Post 1

Hey y'all I'm Allison. I'll be 21 in two days woo hoo and i just finished up my 3rd year here at SDSU. I'm majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Sociology. I've got about 3 more semesters left...yep, the five year plan...I plan on studying abroad in England in the spring of 2009, so a year from now. I want to stay an entire semester, and maybe a few extra weeks afterwards to spend some time traveling. Hope everyone has a great time abroad!

Italy!!!

Hey everyone. The semester is finally over!!! I'm sure everyone is happy. I am sooo excited to go to Italy next year. I have been keeping up with some of the news over there and there is a lot going on. They just recently had an incident with some people from Naples burning down gypsy camps so I'm a little nervous about that. They also have the Giro d' Italia going on right now which is a very long and popular bike race over there. Also if your interested in more of the current events going on over there you can check out this website where it has a lot of news in English.
I would really love to travel while I'm over there also. I want to go to tons of places in Italy but if I have time I would also love to go to Greece, France, Spain, and many other places. So if any of you are going to be in either Italy or any of those places next spring keep in touch! Well I am very happy that the semester is over and I plan on enjoying my summer and some free time. Hopefully I will see some of you in my classes next fall and if not I hope everyone has a great time on their trips, I know I will!