Landscape view from a neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal.
VICTORIA SCHILLER / COURTESY
By Elizabeth Kalaj, Web Editor
This past summer, Manhattan University (MU) students traveled all around the world, using study abroad programs offered by the institution to immerse themselves into various cultures.
The programs scheduled included traveling to Japan, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal and Spain. Each program allowed students to earn credits for required courses outside of New York City.
Students who were enrolled in the Japan study abroad program were accompanied by Paul Droubie, Ph.D., a professor in the history department.
The Quadrangle spoke to Sam Wofford, a junior communications major, about his time in Japan with Droubie and fellow students.
“Dr. Droubie lived in Japan for six years so he did an absolutely fantastic job in preparing us for the trip and the culture we were going to witness,” Wofford said.
Wofford expressed that one of his most memorable experiences was when the group attempted to paint using wax in Kyoto, while talking to the family that owned the business.
“Wax painting is a very cultural thing to do in Kyoto and even though it was our first time doing it, they [the owners] took to us so easily and really helped us learn without making fun [of us] in any way,” Wofford said. “The owners were three generations of the family: a son, his father and his father’s mother and it was really just amazing to witness and to be able to talk to them.”
Wofford had some final words for students who may study abroad in the future.
“No matter where you visit, use the free time and just wander and explore,” Wofford said. “Wandering around was some of the best parts of my trip. So I think exploration by yourself or with a couple of friends is one of the best things that you can do. Don’t be afraid to explore the place you are at.”
Mohammed Matabbar, a senior political science major, went on a two-week study abroad trip to Lisbon, Portugal. The course was taught by Andrew Skotnicki, Ph.D., professor of religious studies.
Matabbar spoke to The Quadrangle about his favorite excursion while in Lisbon.
“We visited this castle called Alfama which was historically held by the Moors until it was taken back by Christians,” Matabbar said. “It [the castle] was just huge and we had this amazing tour guide that explained the history so well. Also, since the castle was built on a high location, you can see so much of the city and the water from there. It was just beautiful.”
Emmett Ryan, Ph.D., the head of the Department of Study Abroad and an English professor at MU, led a two-week trip to Mexico. Ryan based the program on food-writing throughout literature.
“We examine food, culture, identity, the relationship between our experiences eating and telling stories about ourselves and the food,” Ryan said. “We read a lot of different texts and then we immerse ourselves in different gastronomic activities in a food culture that is really different from our own, here in the United States.”
Ryan planned many unique experiences for his students, including building a wood-burning oven into the ground in Pachuca.
“I think the most unique experience was having LaSalle Pachuca University allow us to be taught to dig this hole in the ground and to smoke a lot of meat in it and to have students partake in this really traditional way of cooking,” Ryan said.
When talking about future study abroad programs MU will hold, Ryan had some advice for students considering enrolling.
“You won’t regret it,” Ryan said. “You would regret it more if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone and do something like going to a place you never imagined you would go. These programs allow you to travel with a group of students and experience something new while connecting with locals and delving into a place like you wouldn’t on your own.”
For students interested in studying abroad, there will be a general information session held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 3:30 pm in Hayden Hall, room 100. Students can also contact the study abroad office with any questions.