By: Omer, a Summer Abroad alumnus
On October 5th, the Summer Abroad program hosted a reunion at Seeley Hall, Trinity College for students who had returned from their 2023 Summer Abroad journeys. The event served as a platform for students to celebrate their reunion and reflect on their transformative experiences they had during their Summer Abroad adventures in 2023. I engaged in conversations with three students who embarked on different adventures in different countries, each marked by academic and personal growth.
The first student, Mursal Jahed, a third-year psychology and physiology major, recounted her experience in Oxford, England, where she took the Summer Abroad course (PSY306Y)), "Disability: Culture, and Inclusion". She expressed how her time abroad had fundamentally transformed her. She says that staying in a dorm for the first time and being away from home taught her how to be more independent. The smaller classroom setting not only allowed her to form deeper bonds with other students but also allowed her to engage in comprehensive discussions.
Next, I spoke with Mercy Sang Te, a student studying political science and psychology, who went to Singapore for her Summer Abroad. Mercy took a course (JPA331Y0 offered as a joint course with Department of Political Science and Contemporary Asian Studies Program) which provided her with an enlightening educational journey. Exploring a new country and learning about it broadened her horizons. The program also granted her the opportunity to connect with fellow students from different disciplines, further expanding her worldview.
The third student, Lisa Paramonova, a sociology and public policy major with a minor in French literature, chose France for her Summer Abroad experience. She took a course in French culture, and her reflections were equally transformative. Living independently for the first time and meeting new people were significant personal growth points for Lisa. Moreover, the course aligned with the requirements of her French minor, allowing her to submit assignments in French. This unique opportunity significantly bolstered her studies and her personal growth.
It's not just the students who view their summer abroad experiences as transformative; the professors who taught them share the same perspective. I engaged in conversation with Professor Paolo Granata, an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Book and Media Studies, who led a special course, "The Rise of the Modern Book in Renaissance Italy" as part of the Italy Summer Abroad program. He emphasized the transformative nature of the Summer Abroad program, highlighting its experiential and intensive character. According to Professor Granata, students not only acquire knowledge but also absorb the spirit of the place, subsequently integrating this newfound wisdom into their lives.
In essence, the narratives of these students and the insights from Professor Paolo Granata underscore the profound impact of the Summer Abroad program. It remains a cornerstone of academic enrichment, personal growth, and the expansion of horizons, all in diverse and captivating corners of the world.