by Christin Cook

One of my very first impressions of Thailand was how different the transportation was from that found in the United States.  After disembarking from the plane, after far too many hours spent awake, the hour-long drive to Salaya provided me with a dizzying view from my window.  This impression was reinforced during my semester there, as well as my time spent traveling to other regions in Southeast and South Asia.  I wanted to share some of the interesting modes of transportation I saw during my 5 months in Asia.  This list is by no means comprehensive, but it gives a glimpse to the eclectic and always interesting mix that can be found, from the gravelly back roads to the massive highways.

Motorbikes

Motorized Food Stalls

I quickly found that many of the best restaurants in Thailand could roll away on a moments notice.  Most street stalls have wheels but the level of power greatly differs, for example, some are attached to motorbikes and others to bicycles.

Auto Rickshaws

Auto rickshaws, or Tuk Tuks were ubiquitous in all the countries I visited.  They can be a fun way to see a new city, but keep in mind they vibrate intensely and offer no protection from the often-horrendous traffic pollution.

Cars

I saw a huge variety in the types of cars driven in Southeast Asia.  In Thailand, I found that the majority was in very good repair, sometimes more so than in my home city it seemed.  This is a picture of the old fashioned white cars that appeared to be popular among politicians in India.

This is an image from the New Year’s water celebration in Laos, in which people both in and out of the cars douse each other with water.

Buses

This is a typical bus that I would take to classes in the morning.  The doors did not function anymore, which was nice as it provided a breeze on hot mornings.  Large buses, often double decker, were also very common for tours and trips both domestic and international.

This is an image from a University club field trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand with Thai and other international students.

Boats

Waterways remain an integral part of everyday life in Southeast Asia, whether for transportation, shipping, or recreational purposes. In central Bangkok, boats carry passengers and cargo through the canals.

In this image you can see brightly painted boats that carry passengers from the mainland to smaller islands off the coast.

And in this image, rows of boats are moored along the sleepy Mekong River.

There are so many more that could be added to the list…from the crowded overnight buses, to the speeding vans, to the converted pickup trucks, Southeast Asia has it all.  To me, this fascinating variety seems entirely at home among the vibrant, often chaotic, bustling everyday life that attracted me from my very first day there.

Christin Cook studied in Thailand in spring 2015.  When will you study abroad?  For more information about study abroad options, scholarships and the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.

Although some study abroad programs have a set housing arrangement, some programs offer students a choice of housing. These options may include a homestay, dormitory or student apartment.  How do you choose the right option for you?

You should carefully consider your study abroad goals before making a housing choice. There are pros and cons to every option.  Note that standards of living vary by country.

Homestay/ Living with a Family

 This is a good option if your goal is to increase your language proficiency and/ or experience the local culture in an informal setting. Living with a family will provide insights you would be unlikely to obtain in other housing options.

 Accept differences between your host family and your family at home with an open mind. There will be an adjustment period, but try to get involved in their lives and to contribute to the household.

 A small gift for your family is nice gesture. Ideas: US calendars, chocolate, small toys for the children (not too noisy).

 Check with your family before giving out their phone number, address, or inviting guests over.

 If you smoke, check with the family regarding rules for smoking in the house. If you are a non-smoker be aware that in some countries, there are more people who smoke.

 Use electricity and hot water conservatively. Utility costs are much more expensive abroad.

 Communicate your travel plans with your host family, especially if you are going to miss meals.

 If you have concerns about your host family, talk to your on-site resident director.

 Residence Halls/Student Apartments

 Students who are used to having the freedom to come and go as they please, stay up as late as they’d like, and have guests at all hours may prefer student apartments or dormitories.

 Accept differences between you and your roommates with an open mind.

 If you smoke, discuss rules for smoking with your roommates. Non-smokers should be aware that more people smoke abroad than in the US.

 Consider establishing rules for overnight visitors, cleaning, etc., before it becomes an issue.

 Be considerate of others and communicate respectfully when differences occur.

When deciding on housing, students should assess and prioritize factors like commitment to cultural immersion, importance of meeting the local community versus importance of meeting other students, as well as their dedication to the language, No matter what decisions are made,

When will you study abroad?  For more information about study abroad options, scholarships and the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.

by Karin Chipman, Study Abroad Coordinator

In December, I had the pleasure of participating in a five-day Higher Education Workshop jointly sponsored by the Embassy of Spain -Trade Commission Miami and Eduespaña (Study in Spain).  This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with many institutions, visit numerous Spanish campuses, and learn more about what Spain can offer Chatham students.

The workshop began in the capital of Spain and its largest city, Madrid.  The first order of business was an official welcome from the US Embassy and the Spanish Trade Commission.  Next, over the course of long two days, along with study abroad professionals from thirteen other US schools, I met with institutions and language schools from all over Spain.   Each Spanish institution had twenty minutes to explain what makes their school unique and why Chatham students should study with them.

In the afternoons we toured local campuses in Madrid, including the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija (http://www.nebrija.com/), which offers some unique English courses during summer and semester study  as well as a Spanish and internship option for a minimum of two months.

Midweek we traveled to Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region. There we visited several institutions, including the Universitat de Barcelona (www.eh.ub.edu), founded in 1450 by King Alfonso V.  Our group was lucky enough to visit the university’s Special Collections library and view rare and beautifully illustrated medieval texts.

On our last day in Catalonia we traveled south to Tarragona, a picturesque city from the Roman era, and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (http://www.urv.cat/en/).  In addition to touring the city’s ancient ruins, we visited the university’s conservation laboratory and saw paleontological artefacts from their research sites in Spain and other parts of Europe and Africa.

Obviously, Spain is a great location to learn or improve your Spanish. More and more, however, even if students haven’t studied Spanish, there are many opportunities to study various subjects in English.   As just a few examples:

At the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao (www.cide.deusto.es), students can study business, international relations, culture and Spanish language courses.

At the Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Seville (https://www.upo.es/intl_EN/Programs/Hispanic_Studies/courses/index.jsp), students can study business, communications, science, and history in English, as well as study Spanish at every level.

And at CETT, the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy of the Universitat de Barcelona (www.cett.es), courses are offered in English in culinary arts, business, leadership and sports management.

I studied in Spain myself when I was an undergraduate and the country was just as welcoming on this visit as when I was a student.  Spain is an affordable destination compared to most of Europe, Spanish people are very friendly and the food is delicious.  Do yourself a favor and study in Spain!

When will you study abroad?  For more information about studying in Spain or other study abroad options, study abroad vouchers, scholarships and the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.

This past summer, through Chatham University and the Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Havana, Cuba. From the beautiful brush, to the 1950’s cars, the genuine and generous Cubans, and the delicious food, I spent weeks falling in love with a culture we know so little about. Cuba sits just 90 miles off the coast of Florida but has become a much more distant land to citizens of the United States because of political differences.

While in Cuba, I studied five days a week at the Universidad de La Habana, where I attended intensive Spanish language courses and met students from around the world. Alongside school, I traveled up and down the country, attended salsa lessons, partook in cooking lessons, visited the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, met local artist and authors, and last but at the very least stayed with a host family who started as strangers and my second family. Though I am not fluent in Spanish, I used what I knew and was learning and built relationships I know will last a lifetime. Through this occasion I came to understand differences are only hindrances if you allow them to be.

The highlight of my trip was staying with a host family. I say this because through this opportunity, I could really delve into the Cuban culture and avoid being a tourist. My host family provided both breakfast and dinner for me and I was responsible for my own lunch. Sharing these meals allowed us to cook together and explore the differences our cultures have in food. Eating means cooking and because of this I learned how to make homemade mayonnaise and flan, both incredible and staples in Cuba. Meals were shared together and coffee was sipped out of china and not a plastic to-go cup, because meals in Cuba mean community. My host family and I explored the city of Havana and Malecon, where many people hang out, eat, fish and listen to music. My favorite nights however, were spent at our home where we stayed in talked about the history of Cuba, played card games, watched the Olympics and worked on both Spanish and English. My host family will forever be a part of my life, they truly are my second family, from taking care of me while I had an ear infection to teaching me how to use public transportation, they made my experience so great.  If you study abroad, stay with a host family, it is as much of an experience for them as it is for you.

Though I have since returned to the United States, my experience in Cuba left me with ideas to think about and emotions to try to understand. Right now, I am not sure how my time in Cuba will play a role in my career but I know this experience and traveling has helped me mature, grow more patient, and truly appreciate the opportunity for the education and lifestyle I have been raised in.

Chatham University is a very diverse university where we are encouraged to study and explore many different clubs, classes, and opportunities. With this support, especially through Chatham’s study abroad office, I went to Cuba with a mindset and attitude that allowed me to really make the most of my time abroad. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to fall in with a beautiful nation.

When will you study abroad?  For more information about study abroad options, scholarship opportunities or the study abroad process, please contact internationalaffairs@chatham.edu or visit us at the Office of International Affairs in Falk Hall, lower level.