Russia: St. Petersburg

Kyiv, Ukraine

Ana Frigo ‘14

What is your major?

I'm majoring in International Affairs with a minor in Russian language.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I decided a long time ago that I wanted to study abroad.  I was a figure skater for 13 years, and many of my coaches and friends were foreign (many of my coaches in particular spoke Russian). Studying abroad was an opportunity to connect with other people and have a better understanding of how the rest of the world thinks and views the United States.

Why did you choose St. Petersburg, Russia?

I've always had a strong interest and connection to Russia, especially Moscow. When choosing between St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, I decided that I wanted to be closer to Moscow and the rest of Europe for traveling purposes. I always knew that St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe- and probably the world, with a lot of culture and history behind it, and I wanted to spend time there and learn more about it.

Dinner with my host family.

What was your living situation like?

All the American students were placed in families at the beginning of the program in order to integrate us more into society and have a better chance of practicing the language. I absolutely loved my host family and the location of the apartment.  I lived on Vasilevsky Island, about 15 minutes walking to the famous Hermitage Museum. In addition to my host mom, I had a host brother and a wonderful cat named Marcel. The apartment itself had 3 rooms for each of us, a toilet, shower, and the kitchen. Overall, it was very cozy, and it gave me an opportunity to really view the city from a local perspective. 

Highlights/challenges of the program.

Smolny Institute

The most obvious challenge I think many people faced was culture shock. It was difficult hitting the ground and realizing that you are no longer in your comfort zone.  For a while it was difficult to understand the Russian perspective of life, but after a while, you learn to understand and appreciate the things that the people and country have been through.  The biggest highlights were of course going on excursions, meeting new friends, seeing all the museums, and studying in an absolutely beautiful university. However, in the end the biggest realization I had was that all people are fundamentally the same, but are separated by language and culture. This is common sense when you think about it, but experiencing it for yourself is life-changing and helps you see the world in a completely different way.

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program.

Relax. I wish more people told me to relax and just go with the flow of things.  We had a good number of meetings and information sessions where we learned what to do/not do, but the most useful thing I learned was that the experience of being abroad is much more enjoyable when you're not stressing over every little thing that you're not used to.

Additional comments?

I really recommend that anyone going abroad should keep a positive attitude and participate in all the events/excursions the program sets up. You are only abroad in this type of setting once, and you should take complete advantage of it!

 If you have questions about the St. Petersburg Program, you can find program alums on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link. 

France: Strasbourg

A fountain in the Jardin de Luxembourg, in Paris

Eve Ben Ezra ‘12

  

What is your major?

 Mathematics.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I wanted to experience life in another country and culture. As much as you can read about different cultures in books or online, nothing really compares to immersing yourself in it. I also wanted to have a better grasp of the French language.

Why did you choose Strasbourg?

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

I thought a lot about whether I should choose Strasbourg or Nancy (the other France program). In the end, I decided on Strasbourg for several reasons. One, it's an old city with so much history and culture behind it. Strasbourg is, of course, in France, but Alsace (the region) has switched back and forth between France and Germany many times, and the culture, the buildings, and the history reflects that. Additionally, although the city isn't huge and I can walk everywhere I want, I've never been bored and I've never run out of places to explore. Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, and so as a member of the program I got to go on tours of the Counsel of Europe and the Parliament.

What was your living situation like?

I lived in a tiny cramped apartment in the middle of the city with a kind woman in her 30s. When I say tiny cramped apartment, I mean it. There were really two rooms and a bathroom. I lived upstairs in a sort of lofted bedroom area, and downstairs was the kitchen which also functioned as the living room and where my host mother slept. Despite the close quarters, I never felt smothered and I never felt like I didn't have enough privacy. The location made up for it. I lived in the middle of the city, literally a block away from the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. It was a 20 minute walk from campus, and probably a 10 minute walk to any of the places my friends ever wanted to meet up. 

Highlights and challenges.

A street draped in holiday lights for the Marché de Noël, 

which brings in 2 million tourists annually.

There were a lot of highlights and challenges on this program. Some of the biggest challenges I faced were culture shock challenges. The French way of life (such as no one ever smiling or making eye contact with you) as well as being expected to show up somewhere five minutes late as opposed to five minutes early was taxing on me. I definitely faced some frustrations, especially with my language learning. For a long time I felt like I wasn't learning anything, or that I was a failure, or that I would never make any friends. But all of those things came with time, and they were all highlights. I'd say that my personal highlights were finally realizing how much progress I had made, and how every conversation I successfully have in French is a huge accomplishment and something to be really proud of. As for other highlights: I got to intern in a French bakery, where I met young French people who then became my friends and invited me out with them, and I got to travel a lot, with and without the group. The LCCF (Lewis & Clark College in France) group all went to Paris for the Toussaint vacation in November. Additionally, we got to go to the Château de Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a huge castle that also has traces of being both French & German, and had a great view looking out over the Alsatian plain. But I'd say that the biggest highlight is how close I became to everyone else in my group. In the four months I was in France, I really depended on the support of my friends, and gave them support as well. It was a huge highlight knowing that I was never alone, and that I've made friendships and memories that will last the rest of my life. I also got to meet Matthew Lewis in London, so that was awesome.

Advice you wish you were given before you went on your program.

A picture from my bedroom window of Strasbourg in the Snow

I wish I would have been told some of the bigger differences between France and the USA. Well, not bigger differences. I guess I would have been told the teeny-tiny differences that bother you. Such as: there are no index cards, you NEVER challenge your professors, you don't smile or make eye contact with strangers unless you want them to consider you 'simple', and the paper is a tiny bit longer than in the US. Don't be picky about food, you will try a lot of new and seemingly weird things and they will all of them be delicious. Eat at the green place (called Fournil) across from the University, they have the best sandwiches. Bring some emergency money and have a way to get money to you if your bank decides to go nutty. At the beginning of the program it took a week and some change to get my French bank account set up (all foreign accounts have to be approved in Paris) and in the meantime my American bank decided that I was obviously a thief and so cancelled my card and wouldn't reinstate it unless I personally went into a branch, which was impossible. Lastly, it should be known that things in France take a long time. A long time. Which can be good and bad. Don't go to the super market if you only have five minutes (it will take 20).

Additional comments?

 Keep an open mind, and don't be too offended if someone yells at you, it's just their nature! Also, the Strasbourg program is the best, and you should go on it. If you go to Paris, make sure to go to the Marché des enfants rouges!

If you have questions about the Osaka Program, you can find program alums on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link. 

Senegal: Dakar

A baobab tree in Dakar

Maya Bendifallah ‘13

 What is your major?

 I am studying biochemistry and molecular biology. 
 

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I wanted to be in French immersion and experience a new, non-western culture.

Why did you choose Senegal?

I have family in France so going there to immerse myself in French wasn't appealing to me, and I had heard great things about the Senegal program and thought it would be a wonderful experience. I also have family in Northern Africa so getting the chance to live in West Africa in a Muslim culture interested me as well.

                                                                         What was your living situation like?

Maya and her host mother

I lived with a host family around 15 minutes walking-distance from my school. My family was small, with a Senegalese host mother and a French host father, while other participants on this program had much larger families whose roles were never really known - everyone was related to someone, somehow... I had a room to myself with a double bed and princess mosquito net, a table and chair, a bedside table, and an armoire for my clothes. We normally ate all three meals together.

Highlights/challenges of the program

I think the biggest highlights included traveling around Senegal and making friends, both of Lewis & Clark and Senegal origin. We spent many weekends going to a former capital with a nearby bird park, an artist colony, highly valued religious sites, and villages, among other places. Some of my favorite activities included kayaking in mangroves in the mid-west of Senegal and making my own wax printed fabric (called batik) in a gorgeous coastal town. 

Gorée Island

The biggest challenge for me was feeling like I was able to fully (or even partially) express myself in French to get across what I wanted to say. I was definitely fluent enough to get by and keep a decent conversation, but to really communicate with some family and friends was more difficult. 

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program.

My favorite piece of advice that I got (that I am quite fond of) was to expect to be confused all the time. Once you learn that things won't make sense, life runs smoother. 

The Lewis and Clark T-Shirt!

 Additional comments.

One time we saw a kid on the street wearing a LEWIS & CLARK SHIRT! The kids from the program the year before us had brought it and it somehow ended up in his hands. I have a photo too!

 If you have any questions about the Senegal program, you can ask past participants at the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.

Japan: Osaka

Shinsaibashi, Osaka, a lively shopping district

Joshua Kaplan ‘13

What is your major?

East Asian Studies with a minor in Japanese.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I wanted to have a more multifaceted understanding of the world through a rich base of knowledge about other cultures and high-level fluency in another language. Furthermore, studying for two semesters in Japan allowed me to delve deeply into the famously difficult and time-consuming Japanese language.

Why did you choose the Kansai Gaidai program in Osaka, Japan?

I would say three main reasons: 1) I knew Kansai Gaidai’s language teachers (some of whom wrote the Genki textbooks) to be very good, 2) I wanted to live with a host-family to get the fullest Japanese experience possible, and 3) With Kansai Gaidai’s central location, I would be able to see a large variety of both traditional temples and shrines in the nearby ancient capitals Kyoto and Nara (home to numerous world heritage sites) and the modern attractions of the large cities Osaka and Kobe. Also, living in Osaka allowed me to get into the distinct local dialect made popular by the manzai comedians, and regional foods like takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a pancake-shaped slab of cabbage, ginger, egg, bacon, or “whatever-you-like”).

What was your living situation like?

   I lived with a host-family who basically considered me one of their own. My host-family was a married couple in their 60s with two very cute Maltese dogs, and occasionally the daughters (adult-age) and young grandchildren (also very cute) would visit. I had my own room in the small but cozy Japanese house, getting used to the warmth of my kotatsu (heated table) and sleeping on a futon.

   My host-mom’s authentic cooking was also amazing. Between fresh raw squid (my host father likes the eyes) and nattou (fermented soybeans), there were a few things I was less interested in, but I also discovered a multitude of delicious new foods I might not have otherwise experienced: temaki-zushi (make-it-yourself sushi), Japanese-style spaghetti (with plenty of seafood sauce, octopus tentacles, and shrimp), maabou-doufu (a Japanese take on the Sichuan Chinese spicy tofu).

Arashiyama, Kyoto

Highlights/challenges of the program

   There were many highlights for me, including the excellent language teaching and cuisine, but perhaps most important to me were the social connections, making Japanese, American, and other friends from around the world. I could relate to and work together with international friends also studying Japanese. And as my Japanese skill level grew, I became able to have progressively deeper conversations with Japanese friends in their native language.

   For me, the biggest challenge appeared when I interacted with Japanese people in the outside world who didn’t know how to respond to my race, immediately assuming that I had no language skills and that I needed assistance because I am not Japanese. Of course, it could be helpful on some occasions, but it took practice not to find it insulting, but humorous. In the end, remembering the way my Japanese friends accepted me and were aware that I can get by fine with my language abilities gave me encouragement.

Odaiba, Tokyo, a view of Rainbow Bridge at sundown

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program

   Japan is an advanced nation that has or imports probably anything you might need. Of course, some foods are harder to find but still available in international grocery stores like “Meidi-ya” (meiji-ya明治屋) in Shi-jou, Kyoto city. I wish I would have known earlier that buses to major cities like Tokyo and Hiroshima are far cheaper than the bullet train, and can be reserved by travel companies like the one in the convenience store in Kansai Gaidai’s main campus. I also think it’s useful to know about Japanese communication styles, which can rely more on intuition and trust than direct honesty and clarity. For example, instead of clearly saying that the air-conditioner is on too high, someone might simply say “it’s a little chilly,” implying that it’s on too high, and that you should turn it down because it’s wasting money. Nonetheless, rather than just memorizing rules and stereotypes, use your senses and observe what linguistic and social patterns native Japanese employ in their own country —at least knowing them can help greatly.

Additional comments

   There really are a lot of wonderful fun things to do while you study abroad, but finding out about them is the first step. Take time to make local and other international friends, ask various people what to do, check out internet guides and recommendations, and talk to past participants (like me!) and teachers. And, most of all, be willing to try whatever comes up —even if it sounds strange or boring, it might be your only chance while abroad. I loved picking up brochures at the train station and checking out travel books in bookstores, which let me find fantastic festivals, art exhibitions, hiking trails, shrines, temples, restaurants, and so much more.

If you have questions about the Osaka Program, you can find program alums on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.

Cuba: Havana

Sharon Almonte '14

 What is your major?

 I am double majoring in History and Hispanic Studies, and minoring in Latin American Studies.

Why did you decide to study abroad?   

 I decided to study abroad to challenge myself and to get a new perspective on the world outside of the United States.

Why did you choose Cuba? 

 I chose Cuba because I wanted to study in a place where I would usually be unable to visit, and because I wanted to get first-hand experience of a communist country. 

What was your living situation like? 

The living situation in Cuba is a bit different than the other programs because the only way that Cubans can have foreigners stay in their homes is by renting rooms to them. My living situation was wonderful because the home where I stayed was owned by an elderly couple who treated my roommates and I like their children. I was lucky enough to live in a home where there were two rooms, and four of us could stay there. We were served breakfast daily for a minimal price, we ate lunch at school, and we ate out for dinner. Hot water was a luxury that was mostly unavailable in our home, but you just learned to make do.

Highlights/challenges of the program   

 A challenge with the program was getting used to the organization of the classroom. I am used to having discussions in the classroom rather than simply being lectured. Our professors mostly lectured and did not leave much room for discussion. Because of the lack of resources in Cuba, things were not always available; you might have the money, but you don't always have access to the things you want. A highlight of the program was the overall opportunity to live in Havana and experience the day-to-day life of a Cuban. I can now say that I know what the life of a typical Cuban is, and I can also navigate my way in Cuba if I ever returned. 

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program 

 Cuba runs on its own time and there were times I needed to be reminded of that. People in Cuba just adapt to the situations, and that is a concept I had to learn, particularly when I went to a restaurant and the food I ordered was no longer available. There were many instances like this, and I think that anybody traveling to Cuba definitely needs to know that things run differently in Cuba. 

Additional comments?   

 I truly had an amazing experience in Cuba and I wish to return some day.

If you have any questions about the Cuba program, you can ask past participants at the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.

Scotland: Glasgow

The University Tower from the Kelvingrove Park

Libby McIntosh '12

What is your major? 

I was a Political Science Major and I participated in the Scotland General Culture Program.  

 Why did you decide to study abroad?

 I decided to study abroad for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to experience what life was like in a foreign university and be able to really immerse myself in another culture for a long period of time. Second, I was interested in studying British Politics and in particular the new Scottish government. And finally, I wanted to participate in one of the group programs so that I would have a support group of other LC students during my time abroad. 

 Why did you choose Scotland?

I chose the Scotland program because it was one of the programs that had one location for the whole semester (with the exception of the fabulous Highlands excursion) and would give me the opportunity to really get to know the city I was living in and the surrounding area. Second, this program is great because it is not geared toward any specific major. I took two classes with the LC group and then got to pick two classes from the University at large. Because I was interested in more specific Scottish Government classes I chose to apply to take upper division classes in politics. Other people in my group really branched out taking everything from Introduction Celtic Civilization (essentially ancient British History) to art classes to Scottish Literature. The great thing about this program is that you can choose practically any class that interests you at the University. I also chose the Glasgow program because it would provide the opportunity to take weekend trips around the rest of the UK and to the rest of Europe with ease. Most classes only meet once or twice a week and many people are able to make their schedules so they didn’t have class on a Friday or a Monday and thus were able to travel without missing classes.

What was your living situation like?
We lived in Postgraduate housing—essentially five person apartments where each person had their own bedroom/small bathroom and we shared a kitchen area. The location was pretty ideal, we were a couple of blocks away from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Park, 15 minutes from campus and a short walk or subway/bus ride to the city centre, bus or train station. You don’t necessarily live with other LC students so it gives you the opportunity to meet mostly other international students as most Scottish students live at home or commute. As for eating--you are given a stipend to purchase food; you either have to cook or eat out (or a combination of the two). There is a Tesco grocery store close to the flats and Glasgow is famous for its Indian food and other cuisine that is all within walking distance, so you won’t go hungry. 

Edinburgh in the snow.

Highlights/challenges of the program 
There are so many highlights it is hard to pick just a few! But, the trip to the Highlands before classes started was hands down the best part of the program. Eddie, the guide tells amazing stories and you have the opportunity to delve into the Highlands past—mythical and historical—by visiting castles, museums, and hiking around the Highlands. Our group also attended a lot of Scottish plays and I would highly recommend getting out to see some theatre, especially a Pantomime at Christmas time—a truly British tradition that is not to be missed.
One of the challenges was managing money and keeping myself on track with school while enjoying what Glasgow has to offer. There is so much to see and do and classes are structured different than at LC. If you take lower division courses they will be larger and usually have discussion sections with graduate students. If you take the upper division courses they are usually smaller seminars. However, for most of the classes (at least the ones those in my group took) there are usually only one or two assignments for the whole semester making time management a little bit more difficult. If you keep yourself on top of those big assignments there isn’t too much to worry about. 

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program 
My biggest piece of advice to future participants is to bring waterproof pants and boots to the Highlands! It rained every day we were there and no one had waterproof clothing (except for jackets) and it was very wet and your clothes don’t dry very fast. Also remember that Glasgow is a big international city and has lots of shopping so don’t worry too much about not bringing everything you might need because you can always pick things up in the city centre. It is a good idea to look up and get directions to the grocery store/ university/underground station before you arrive because setting up the internet was a little tricky so it is easier to already have that info for when you first arrive. Okay, one last bit of advice concerning travel while you are here. Easyjet and Ryanair are the two most popular low cost air carriers. But be warned, Ryanair is notorious for being difficult to deal with if you have problems and they charge for absolutely everything. Easyjet is maybe a little more expensive (but still cheap, I got round-trip airfare from Glasgow to Gatwick for 40£ about the same as the train, and faster) but has much better customer service and usually more options for flight times and flies into the more urban airports. Just be very aware of the airlines' restrictions before you book a plane ticket so you aren’t annoyed when you get to the airport! 

Additional comments?   
I had a really wonderful time in Glasgow and was able to learn a lot from my classes as well as have time to travel the UK and explore Glasgow. Don’t be afraid to sign up for upper division seminars. They are often only one day a week and offer smaller class sizes like we are used to at LC. Also, don’t be afraid to head to some off-the-beaten-track places. I had as many memorable moments and experiences in small towns like Perth and Carlisle as I did in London and Edinburgh. 

If you have any questions for Libby, you can find her on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.

China: Chengdu

 Clare Eisenberg '13

What is your major? 

 Sociology & Anthropology with a minor in Chinese.

Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

Why did you decide to study abroad?  

I wanted to supplement my SOAN studies by taking classes about Chinese society and culture while also studying Chinese language for my minor.  I also wanted to have the experience of living in a foreign country--before coming to college I had the opportunity to travel a lot, but I had never been overseas longer than a week or two, so I wanted to see what it was like to be in a foreign country and not be a tourist.

Why did you choose China: Chengdu?  

I chose Chengdu because I wanted to do a general culture program rather than language intensive and I was interested in the academic focus.  The Chengdu program focuses on the conditions in Western China, particularly the experiences of ethnic minority groups.  We had the opportunity to travel to Tibet and had a class about Sino-Tibetan relations, which was really eye opening.  Finally, Chengdu is in China's Sichuan province, a region noted for having the best food in all of China!  

The foreign students' dorm at Sichuan Univeristy.

What was your living situation like?  

I lived in Sichuan University's foreign students dorm with an American roommate from Pacific Lutheran University (the host school for the program).  The dorms were pretty nice--all had private western-style bathrooms and some even had separate living rooms and bedrooms.  They are definitely a step down from LC's dorms, but as soon as you see what Chinese undergraduate dorms look like, the foreign students' dorm looks amazing.   There are also shared kitchens on every floor, a rec room/ping pong room, and a rooftop with a really nice view. 

Highlights/challenges of the program 
Because you will live in a foreign students' dorm and take classes with other foreign students, it can be difficult to meet Chinese people if you don't make an effort.  This has pros and cons--it was really cool to meet people from all over the world, but on the other hand, we didn't get to practice Chinese as much as if we had been living with Chinese students.  The program did a good job of matching us up with Chinese students to show us around, though, so this wasn't a huge deal.  We also went to the school's English Corner (a weekly meeting for people to practice English) and met Chinese friends there.  It was really cool to see how our Chinese skills improved over the semester--toward the end, I would notice all the times I knew how to say things that I had no idea how to say earlier in the semester.  Also, learning how to get around and fit into Chinese culture was incredibly rewarding.  Chengdu has a really great expat community, so if you are looking to go back to China and find a job after graduating you can do some good networking.   

The Forbidden City in Beijing

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program

 Bring clothes that are a little too small for you--there are no dryers and Chinese washing machines are really intense, so your clothes will stretch out a lot over the semester.  Speak Chinese with your American friends.  The best way to learn a language is to practice all the time, and if you agree to speak only Chinese on certain days of the week you will improve much faster.  Last--don't be picky about food.  Chances are, strange-sounding things will be delicious.  You probably will eat some gross things, but then you can brag about it later (my grossest have been a chicken gizzard and a still-alive bee larva).  

Additional comments?  

The Chengdu program is awesome--I highly recommend it! 

If you have any questions for Clare, you can find her on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.