AMSA Members Go Abroad!

This year, many of our fellow AMSA students studied abroad and found it to provide an unparalleled educational and cultural experience. Not only did students live in a new country for an entire summer, but they were given the opportunity to gain a deep knowledge of another culture and language and have fun while doing so!

Megha Mandal (Peru/Spain LBAT):

Megha spent her summer living in Peru and Spain! She took three Spanish classes in Cusco, Peru. These classes were about cultural patrimony, the history of Peru from pre-hispanic to modern times, and Peruvian films. She also took two Spanish classes in Madrid, Spain about science and technology to obtain a minor in Spanish. 

"Everyone is very friendly and the culture in the air is palpable - this is a city that is truly living a beautiful story."

Megha gained experience by going to clinics around Cusco and inteviewing volunteers and health administrators about international aid in medicine and the relationships between Peruvians, especially the indigenous, and extranjeros (those who come from abroad). She spent her time in Cusco going to class, trying new foods, shopping at mercados, and going on excursions to places like Machu Picchu! 

Alyssa Shapiro (LBAT Peru):

Alyssa spent 6 weeks of her summer in Peru!  Alyssa not only enjoyed just seeing the cool sites, but she has been able to learn a lot about why Peru is the way it is. This includes the economics and politics behind it. 

"It has been the best experience ever."

She spent her time taking classes, visiting the many wonders there was to see and interviewing people to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life.

Courtney Widjaja (French LBAT):

This summer, Courtney lived in Paris, France for six weeks. Courtney has been taking French since elementary school and has loved all things French ever since. Not only did Courtney take classes, but she also spent her summer visiting sites such as the Eiffel tower, museums, parades, and neighboring European countries! By attending the many events France had to offer, Courtney says she was able to see several cultural differences between Americans and the French. 

Alexander Vakili (China Summer Program):

Alex spent 6 weeks of his summer in Shanghai, China! He was able to gain a deep cultural experience in the many regions of China with distinct traditions, dialects, and foods. In addition to taking classes, Alex visited places like Hong Kong and Beijing and immersed himself even deeper in the culture by trying scorpions! 

Hannah Keith (Oxford Study Abroad):

Hannah lived in Oxford for 6 weeks this summer! Like other AMSA study abroad-ers, Hannah attended lectures on weekdays and roamed the rest of Europe on weekends. 

"It has been the most amazing summer of my life."

Hannah visited places such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Cologne, Paris, Brugge, Brussels, Ghent and the list goes on!