Skip to content

Tag: IES

Published on

Hello again from Freiburg! This past Tuesday marks the end to my first week in Freiburg and I must say that each day the city feels more quaint and familiar. I would describe Freiburg as San Francisco in that it is a simultaneously major and minor city that is environmentally focused and progressive. The public transportation system is truly what makes it Germany’s Green City. So far I have a few thoughts: What decent human beings eat pretzels for breakfast? Why is everyone staring at me? Why do they keep asking if I want pasta in my salad? Why does everyone in the entire city eat gelato in the afternoon?

For starters, I would not describe Freiburg as a health conscious society in that they truly love their meat and carbohydrates. I mean they even offer a “meat salad” on most menus (if you want a good laugh/something to look at in horror, I suggest you google it). I baffles me how everyone walks to work eating a pretzel - I mean every day I walk to class and see majority of the population eating a pretzel on their way to work. Truly, I do not understand it and I am letting you know now I will not partake in this. On the other hand, I must commend the city’s farmer’s market that is held every morning every single day during the year. It is full of local vegetables, fruit, meat, cheese, oils, flowers, and woodworking. It is rather inexpensive too considering I bought 4 blood oranges for 2 euros. The market is located outside Freiburg’s Munster (basically their main cathedral) in the heart of the city and is a perfect place to support local farmers who live just outside the city. I go to the market almost every two days as it is a great way to pick up some groceries at a relatively inexpensive price.

This week I also started an immersive German class and when I say immersive I mean drop you in the middle of Germany and hope you swim kind of immersive. Prior to this class, I had not taken a single German class, so I did not even bother looking at the placement test. So the first day I walk into a sterile, hospital like classroom to which my professor talked at us in German for 3 hours straight. To say I was confused would be an understatement. I did not know if I was in the right classroom or even in the right building. Turns out my professor takes an alternative approach to learning the language and only speaks in German. At first I was absolutely devastated, but now I feel so much more comfortable talking to locals and ordering in cafes in German than I did a week ago. Just listening to someone speak a foreign language helps you much more than talking about a foreign language in English. Now I really enjoy class and have been able to pronounce almost every German word I see on the street. The first week was a big change and was rather overwhelming, but now I feel much more comfortable and the city seems much more lively and less intimidating.

Published on

By Marissa Kirshenbaum

At this stage in my abroad experience, I feel as though I can more properly compare the two cultures in which I have lived. I can more confidently say what I like and don't like, with enough life experience to back it up that it doesn't come across un-researched and unprofessional. Now, I feel confident to declare what things I dislike about French society without seeming petty, the things that I miss from back home. On the contrary, I I can also say what I love more about France. As a short list, I can confidently say that although my love for cheese was birthed in the U.S., French cheese has stolen my heart. I can say that popcorn at the movies in America is more suited to my tastes in comparison to the butter-less and salt-enhanced French popcorn. Besides matters of food, there is one aspect of French society that has me looking more to the East: the culture of striking.

La grève, the strike, the headache. Like the fact that winter is a constant rainfall in a sky of gray, the French do not advertise their culture of strikes. It was first presented to me in my "Business French" class when my professor joked about how to Parisians, protesting is like a sport. Whenever they feel passionate about a certain issue, they take it to the streets. You have to admire this action-based way of trying to make change happen. I am all too used to hearing strong-willed words from angry American citizens without seeing the mouths behind the statements. Strikes seemed like a proactive way to combat issues. They make a statement, and they sure are noisy.

However, what happens to the child who throws a fit every time that they don't get ice cream after a meal? They get ignored. As soon as the month of April hit, it was strike season, and the appeal wore off. Three days of work, two days of strikes. Like clockwork. Trains delay, flights are canceled, buses are stopped. Reform is all about progress, so why do we have to regress?

I believe in speaking your mind, and I am passionate about equal rights in the workforce. However, I feel as though la grève can inconvenience more than it aids its point. Is it not the lay public that you want to vote for your reform?

We, the people, want the metro.

Published on

By Marissa Kirshenbaum

It's funny how the first time I truly felt like Paris was my home was the minute I left it. When you travel, you simultaneously indulge in a different culture and reminisce about the place you left behind. You compare, and you analyze. The second you begin to juxtapose your trip with your normal life, you recognize that "normality" as the place that you call home. And that is what is truly special.

My first trip was to Milan, a spontaneous voyage one of the first weekends into my program. I was so excited to go to Italy, a place I so passionately hoped to visit that it has practically been engraved into my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I absolutely loved the sights, the food, and the atmosphere: although geographically close to France, Italy does not nearly resemble it. I found myself making note of the people and the culture of Milan, and analyzing its similarities and differences to Paris. Some things were positively different, while others were a negative change. I found comfort in my comparisons, for I felt as though I knew enough about Paris to compare it.

This pattern of comparing and analyzing leaked into second trip to Brussels, and even more into my most recent voyage to Fez. I remembered Paris when I was traveling, keeping it alive in my thoughts as I walked different streets. Paris was in Italy, in Belgium, and in Morocco. Rather than a weekend trip or a check off of a travel list, Paris was the destination at the end of everything, the place to come back to.

...continue reading "Chez Moi"

Published on

Shakespeare once questioned: "What's in a name?". A name, however permanent and solidified it may be in one language, is ironically also arbitrary. It is only until you enter foreign territory, where a name is different, that you realize that all along what you considered so fortified was in fact solely constructed.

Since living in Paris, I have become so aware of language: its use, its meaning, and its connotations. Language builds walls but also barriers. The other day, my professor lectured on the idea that in terms of culture, although one thing can be true, its opposite can also be true in another culture. Therefore, if language is a force to bring people together, it is also the thing that can set us apart.

I have been taking French for nine years, and although I do not consider myself fluent just yet, I would confidently say that I can communicate with other people in this language. However, language barriers still continue to exist. I find myself taking things too literally in conversations, like a child who doesn't understand sarcasm. I find myself searching for specific words in my mind, and then resorting to silence because I could not bring myself to correctly engage in a conversation. It is very hard to learn another language, even if you are immersed within its culture.

...continue reading "The Phantom of the Opera"

Published on

Greetings from London! Since my program does not start until February 27th, I am traveling a bit before hand. Although there are several iconic London tourist destinations - like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, I have found a few hidden gems. Here’s my list of must sees while in London -

1. Greenwich Royal Observatory

Located right outside the heart of London is the Greenwich Royal Observatory where you can not only glance at the stars and take in the beauty of the city, but also stand on the historic Prime Meridian line. Super unique experience and I would highly recommend if you are looking for something off the beaten path to do.

2. Hyde Park - Serpentine

Hyde Park within itself is quintessentially British and is one of my favorite public parks in the world, but I recently discovered the artificial Serpentine Lake - unfortunately not a real lake, but alas beggars cannot be choosers. During the summer seasons I am told you can rent paddle boats, which is just absolutely precious. Entirely not a winter recommendation, but I thought I would add it because it simply sounds divine. ...continue reading "Least Seen Must Sees in London"

Published on

By Marissa Kirshenbaum

Think to yourself, "What is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Paris?". I'm guessing that right now you are thinking about either the Eiffel Tower, a bunch of striped-shirt and beret wearing men with moustaches carrying a baguette, or some cheese. Now, keep in mind that two of the aforementioned stereotypes include food. The gastronomy of France is integral, essential, and embedded into the culture of the country. Understanding how one eats in Paris is as important to the comprehension of the society as understanding how a suburban kid in the United States navigates the college decision process. However, what puzzles me the most is not necessarily the eating habits of the people and how close their relationship is to food, but more so why their relationship with food differs from our own, a country that undoubtedly loves a great meal. What is different about our love for food in the United States in opposition to that of France?

Any hopeful study abroad student venturing off to Paris will learn after doing research before their arrival that gastronomy in France is central to the culture: but what does this mean? For starters, people here do not take their food "to go", or even walk with it on the street. Food is to be enjoyed while sitting down and engaging in meaningful conversation with pleasant company. A meal is not something to be rushed. Products are free of preservatives, and everything that one eats is made fresh, without the influx of importation. This is all well and good, but it goes further than this. As I mentioned in my first blog, cultural norms go further beneath the surface and cannot be fully observed or understood without an eye for analyzation. A person's cooking in France is more than just a plate of food. Indulging in a meal is like opening up someone's gift: it is special, thoughtful, and must be enjoyed to the fullest degree. If you don't finish a plate of food, it is thought that you did not like it, and therefore do not appreciate the actions that the cook has made in order to provide you with this alimentation. This deeper meaning into the significance of food is key to understanding the French person and their way of life: once you indulge in one's meal and enjoy their company over freshly cooked food, you become closer to them in a way that cannot be experienced in the United States. Rather than solely a necessity for life, a meal is life itself.

...continue reading "À la Table!"

Published on

From obtaining a residence permit to packing for four vastly differing seasons, planning to study abroad can be stress inducing to the highest degree. Luckily, most programs give you a detailed list of instructions on how to complete the basic paperwork (ie. visas, health insurance, etc.), but I have found that there are a few matters that should be added to this list. So here is a compiled list of things to accomplish a week or two prior to your departure.

1. Notify your bank!

As twenty-somethings, some people still have their parents manage their finances while others do not, but I severely advice you to set up your own travel notice to your bank prior to leaving. This way when you plan a last minute weekend trip, you are able to do it on your own without having to call home. It is rather easy to do and allows you to feel a bit more ready to live on your own in another country.

2. Prepare a First Aid kit.

This may seem like an over cautious addition, but it is important to always be prepared! You never know when you may need some antiseptic or motion sickness medication. My program specifically mentioned that students bring a tick remover as we will be hiking in the Swiss-Alps several times a week for class and the tick population is apparently abundant in Freiburg. Again, better safe than sorry.

...continue reading "How to Prepare for Departure"

Published on

By maddierosser

Bienvenidos!

Today, I have been in Barcelona just shy of one month. Among the countless empeñadas and ever-present reggaeton, I have finally begun to feel at home. I am living in a homestay, with a loving and spunky mom, Pepe (whom I adore), and her quiet yet thoughtful husband, Carlos. They have been married for 47 years and have a bunch of adorable grandchildren. We live in Eixample, one of the most central commercial neighborhoods in BCN. My program center is nearby, located next to the Plaça de Catalunya.

My program is IES ~ Liberal Arts & Business in Barcelona. There are roughly 750 students from all over the United States. As a political science major, I am taking one course relevant to my degree and a handful of other intriguing courses. Mediterranean Environment is an environmental science class that I selected solely based upon my passion for the outdoors. I’m also taking an intensive Spanish language course, to hopefully accelerate my retention of the language. My professors for these courses are phenomenal across the board.

Finally, I am taking Food & Culture. Despite its occurrence at 8:30 am, this is one of my favorite classes so far. My professor, Xavi, is the epitome of a passionate cuisine enthusiast. The significance of food in Spain is remarkable in comparison to the United States. This is not to say that the states don’t have any food culture (which is a discussion we’ve touched upon in class), but Spain’s rich history and regional diversity has led it to develop a pretty cool local menu.

...continue reading "Bienvenidos!"

Published on

By neerjapatel

Indian. Asian. Brown. American. All words that can describe me because of my origins, appearance, or citizenship. But this is not my identity. My identity comes from a combination of these terms and more, in what I would call multi-cultural.

My name is Neerja. I was born and raised in Vermont but my family originated from Gujarat, India. Growing up as a minority in Vermont, a 97% Caucasian population, I had to learn how to immerse myself in my own culture while in a very homogenous society. During my childhood, I was faced with a single perspective on my culture. My grandmother had lived with my family since birth, teaching me the ideals, lifestyle, and religion from my homeland. I grew up celebrating Indian holidays, speaking my native language of Gujarati, as well as practicing ethnic dances. This environment allowed for my passion and love for my culture to flourish. However, there was a lack of diversity in the community, making it more difficult to express my culture. But as I grew older and entered high school, I found ways to overcome the lack of diversity in my community, one of which included creating a Bollywood Dance Club to empower all different kinds of students to showcase talent and culture, resulting in only a source of pride for my background.

As I entered GW, I wanted to continue to express my culture in a different setting. I joined the GW Raas team, a competitive Indian dance team based on a type of traditional dance from Gujarat. Through this activity, I was not only able to gain a group of friends but a family with similar backgrounds and the same source of passion to dance as I did. Being part of this team was something I was always proud of and still am. Students from various backgrounds at GW came to support our dance team when we performed on and off campus for competitions. The growing support for the team and our culture is something that is allowing me to thrive at GW with the identity that I have.

Now, I’m in Barcelona; a city filled with excitement, culture, and adventure. However, it’s very different than DC and Vermont. As I walk around the streets every day to school, there is much less diversity than I expected but at the same time I feel welcomed by the Spanish people and their warm culture.

...continue reading ""Multicultural" in Barcelona"

Published on

By nadyahhilmi1

Throughout my four months in Morocco, I have had the opportunity to travel to cities all across the country, every weekend brought another adventure. But my most memorable experience was climbing Mount Toubkhal. Located within Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, it is the highest peak in North Africa, totaling almost 14,000 feet tall. The trekking tourism website described the hike as a ‘mild walk’ – this became a running joke as me and ten of my friends’ ascended the mountain, it was anything but a ‘mild walk.’

After taking a five hour train ride from Rabat to Marrakech, and spending a night in a hostel, we were picked up by a bus early on Friday morning to drop us off near the trekking company’s shop. Here we put all of our bags on mules, laced up our hiking boots, and rented gloves, walking sticks, and other equipment. At around 9 am we started our ascent, going along the non-existent path, avoiding boulders, mud, goats, and donkey carts along the way. After nearly eight straight hours of hiking through fields, valleys, mountains, and streams, we made it to the base of the mountain. This is where we found our basecamp, where we slept for the night. It was freezing, and the altitude made many of us sick, dehydrated, and weak.

We had to be up at 4am to start hiking to the summit at 5am. After putting on even more layers, and stuffing bread and hardboiled eggs in our mouths, we started again. It took five hours to reach the summit, and since it was 5am, it was pitch black outside. Since none of us had headlights, we used the flashlights on our cellphones to scale boulders. It was even more difficult the second day, we were already sore and the altitude wasn’t getting any friendlier on our lungs. After hours of scaling rocks, avoiding boulders, and trying not to freeze to death, we finally made it to the top of the mountain.

...continue reading "Morocco: My Most Memorable Moment"

Unless otherwise indicated, the content and opinions expressed on this web site are those of the author(s). They are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of the George Washington University.
Privacy Notice
Viewing Message: 1 of 1.
 Notice

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Visit GW’s Website Privacy Notice to learn more about how GW uses cookies.