Au Revoir France

Veronica LaManna, a member of the Verrazano Class of 2016 studying International Business with a minor in French, spent the Fall 2014 semester in Nice, France.  Returning home has given her time to reflect on the experience.

Returning back to the United States was extremely bittersweet.  I was so excited to see my family and friends again after four months, but so sad to leave the country that I was able to call home for those months.  In those four months I was able to experience so much through education and socialization.  Everyday I really learned so much in and out of the classroom.  As I stepped off the plane and back into New York I even experienced a little culture shock to hear everyone speaking English again.  I had been so accustomed to all the language barriers and picking up more and more everyday on the French language that my own first language sounded strange to me.  After being jet-lagged and freezing, due to the extreme climate change, for two weeks I am slowly getting used to life back here in New York.  It is good to be back, but I cannot begin to explain how much I miss living in Nice, and not just for the incredible weather.

            As soon as I returned home my family immediately wanted to see all 3,000 pictures I had taken while I was abroad.  While I was studying abroad, I was able to visit three different countries other than France.  As I talked about in previous blog, I had been to Morocco and Italy.  The last country I traveled to was Switzerland, which was another incredible experience.  I am so fortunate that I was able to see so much while I was abroad.  Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to travel to many countries while you are on a strict budget.  In Europe the flights are affordable and there are so many student discounts that are offered.  If I had not studied abroad I would have been less likely to have ever seen these countries.  I have made so many memories and have met so many amazing people during my travels, which makes me so happy that I took advantage of this opportunity. 

            While I was abroad, I began working on my research paper to graduate with honors in my major of international business. My educational experience in France highly encouraged my topic choice and my basis of information when I wrote my abstract.  Being able to study in an educational system that is completely different from the one that I am used to was the most challenging thing for me.  The challenge was definitely worth it because I learned so much from it. Studying abroad has taught me how to learn in an entirely different way.  I learned how to apply what I learn differently then how I would in my courses here.  Also after studying abroad the first time it gave me the idea to pursue my master’s degree in France. 

            Overall studying abroad was a positive and enriching experience.  I have so many memories and now have friends in almost every country.  I have grown and matured through this experience by living on my own, learning about different cultures, and meeting new people.  After coming back I really do not feel like the same person.  Now I am able to handle more responsibilities without stressing out as much.  I learned so much and I am so happy that I was able to have this incredible opportunity.  Nice will always have special place in my heart and will always feel like home. Jusqu’à la prochaine fois…

Semester Abroad: Learning and Growing in Nice, France

Veronica LaManna, a member of the Verrazano Class of 2016 studying International Business with a minor in French, spent the Fall 2014 semester in Nice, France.  Veronica checked in during the month of November to let us know how she was doing.  Look for her final blog post in the next few weeks!

Coucou! I am currently at the halfway point of my study abroad experience in Nice, France.  It has been a long journey full of memorable experiences.  In the past two months I’ve had the opportunity to experience life in a different country, study in a French university, meet some incredible people, and explore two other countries.  Although it has only been two months, I feel myself becoming a different person.  I am forced to be out of my comfort zone every day, trying to speak a language that is different from my native, and trying to conform to the cultural differences.  I think that I have matured and have created this into a positive experience.

One of the things that took me a while to get used to was the University here in France.  I am studying with other Erasmus, exchange students, so we are all from different countries.  Back in the states, the majority of students in my class was born in the United States and has a similar way of studying and getting work done as I do.  Here, since we are from different countries we have learned different ways of approaching studies.  Some nationalities will work extremely hard while others prefer to sit back and relax.  Most of my assignments consist of group work, which forces us to bring our different work ethics together and try to find a happy medium.  It is not so easy, so it takes longer for the job to get done.  After two months we are starting to find the right balance even though we still have some disagreements. 

Since I’ve been living in France, I’ve gotten the opportunity to travel to two other countries.  Without my Verrazano scholarship I might not have been financially capable of having these two experiences.  I was able to explore Morocco and Rome and some cities in the south of Italy.  My experience in Morocco was the most memorable, and it's truly a country I can never forget.  Some of the Erasmus students and I found a tour hosted by a young man from Morocco. There, I rode a camel through the Sahara, spent one night sleeping in the desert under the stars, and explored the beautiful and historic city of Marrakech.  This was my first time in Africa and it was completely different from Europe and The United States. The city of Marrakech is beautiful, but it also is developing.  This means that there is still some poverty, which was something that I saw for the first time in person.  The experience in Morocco really taught me to appreciate everything I have after seeing how happy they were with having so little.  

Another city I visited was Matera in the south of Italy.  This city has been declared to be the European Cultural Capital for 2019 and was where Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of The Christ, was filmed. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and was settles during the Paleolithic era. I also found this city very memorable, because I got to experience it with one of my Erasmus friends who lives in this city and also because it had such a rich culture and history.  This historic city was one of the most beautiful I have seen.

Even though I am only halfway through my study abroad journey, I have already experienced so much.  Every day I am learning something new and having a new experience.  I am looking forward to the rest of my study abroad experience and being able to share all of my stories.  C’est toute pour le moment!

New Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship - Coming Soon!

If you've been thinking about studying abroad, here's another exciting reason to start moving forward on those plans in 2015!  The Center for International Service and The Verrazano School Honors Program have partnered on a new scholarship initiative for Verrazano students.  Starting in Fall 2015, all students in good standing with The Verrazano School Honors Program and who participate in CSI-sponsored study abroad programs will automatically be eligible to receive a Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarship to help defray the cost of participating in a study abroad program!  

Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarships will first be allocated for students who apply during Fall 2015 for Winter or Spring 2016 programs. Verrazano students who participate in summer or winter CSI-sponsored study abroad programs will receive $500, and students who participate in CSI-sponsored semester-long programs will receive $1000.  This includes CSI faculty-led programs, CSI programs, and CSI Exchange Ambassador Programs.

Our goal is to increase the number of Verrazano graduates who participate in a study abroad experience.  Studying abroad helps you explore your academic interests, develop professional goals, strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities, interact with people from different cultures, improve your language skills, experience personal growth, and gain new perspective.  It can, and probably will, change your life.  Get out there and explore the world!

Center for International Service and Verrazano staff members

Eligibility Criteria:

In order to receive the Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarship, Verrazano students must:

·       Be in good standing with The Verrazano School Honors Program.

·       Have been a member of The Verrazano School Honors Program for at least two semesters.

·       Complete their yearly VELA and community service requirements before participating in the study abroad program.

·       Apply for the CSI-sponsored study abroad program by the posted application deadline.

·       Notify The Verrazano School Honors Program of their application for a CSI-sponsored study abroad program.

FAQs:

How can I learn more about study abroad options?

CSI offers many wonderful study abroad opportunities for students.  To learn more, visit the Center for International Service website, attend a study abroad info session, attend a study abroad VELA, read about student experiences on the Verrazano Voyager and Dolphins Across the Seven Seas, or go to study abroad advising hours in 2A-206.  You can never start the planning process too early!

How do I know if the program I plan to apply for is a CSI-sponsored program?

You can first check the Center for International Service website to see the list of study abroad opportunities offered directly through CSI.  If you’re still not sure, contact the Verrazano office (718-982-4171) or a study abroad advisor in the Center for International Service (718-982-2100) to confirm the program’s eligibility for the scholarship.

How do I know if I’m eligible to receive the Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarship?

Eligibility requirements are listed above.  However, if you’d like to confirm your good standing in The Verrazano School Honors Program and be sure that your VELA and community service requirements have been completed before participating, you can check with the Verrazano office (718-982-4171).

How will I know that I’ve been approved to receive the Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarship?

As long as you’re in good standing, you’ll be approved!  Your study abroad program bill will be credited either $500 for winter/summer programs or $1000 for semester-long programs.

Can I receive the Verrazano Honors Study Abroad Scholarship more than one time?  

No, students can only receive this scholarship one time.  However, you’re encouraged to study abroad again if you’re bitten by the travel bug!

Study Abroad: Comparing Health Care Practices in Costa Rica

Alexa Zuffante, a Nursing major in the Verrazano Class of 2014, spent the winter intersession in San Jose, Costa Rica as a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship recipient.  This is the second post about Alexa's experience, written after her arrival.

Hello again!

Alexa with her host mother.

I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica about a week and a half ago. The day I arrived was my host-mother Adays' birthday. What better way for her to celebrate her birthday than by having and welcoming me? ;)  It has been quite an experience thus far. Despite all of Costa Rica's imperfections, it is so beautiful here. It is hard not being able to converse fluently with my host-mom and other natives here. However, my professor speaks Spanish fluently and we have three other UNIBE nursing students who help translate for us.  It was a little overwhelming at first, but at this point in time I feel at home.

With the time difference only being an hour behind the United States, the days here still seem so much longer. I have been very busy; my schedule is very structured between clinical, Spanish class, and homework. I also have observed rotations in hospitals and clinics. Aside from school, we still manage our time for fun! This weekend we went zip lining through a rainforest, and we also took a yacht to a private island called La Tortuga.

About three hours into our day at Tortuga Island we got called to "duty". The professors from Boston, who my professor met earlier in the day, came running for help as a man was seizing. I admit, I got a bit nervous because it isn't everyday that you see someone seize or be able to tell such a story. The man was quite young. We turned him on his side as we allowed him to finish seizing. Luckily we knew he was conscious when he heard my professor call his name. He was also able to move his extremities, which was a good sign. I'm not quite sure if the woman who claimed she was a doctor was a part of his party. Good thing we didn't allow her to put the knife in his mouth as a tongue depressor. In the States, we were taught to never place anything in the patient’s mouth as they seize because they could potentially aspirate or choke. It was weird to see the man several more times throughout the day. I witnessed him laughing and having a good time after the fact - it's a crazy thing how life works. My time out here as made me appreciate life, and I am very grateful and more appreciative. We are very fortunate in the States to have all that we do.  

Alexa and the other Nursing students with Professor Lama.

 The health care system is so unbelievably different. In Costa Rica, the medical staff is all so welcoming and supporting. They have such a heart warming, holistic approach in practicing medicine. It is a very relaxing environment, Costa Ricans follow the phrase "PURA VIDA," meaning pure life. They are very laid back and don't stress the small things in life. Everyone here runs on "Tico time," and it is socially acceptable to be late. I am still trying to get used to this because as you may know, we Americans are always on the go or in a rush.  There are so many differences that I have noticed here. In Costa Rica, the pedestrians do not have the right of way, cars do! Their red light doesn't necessarily mean they have to stop, they just "slightly yield." 

The most interesting patient that I observed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was a man who sustained intensive trauma due to a motorcycle vehicle accident - he was not wearing a helmet. Unfortunately, I have seen many admissions similar to this. It is amazing how well he is recovering from such injuries. They reconstructed his whole face! He is able to talk and even has vision in both eyes. Many people don't have the opportunity to have one kidney transplant, but he was fortunate enough to get two! I am still amazed on how privacy here is not a factor… they keep patient's records out in the open as well as their names in clear view. I feel that Americans take life too seriously, we should learn to live life more freely.

"Hacer el bien, sin mirar a quien!" I saw this sign on the bulletin in the neuro ICU unit. "Do good, without looking at whom." I loved the meaning, and we are taught the same in the States. As a health-care provider, it is important to treat every individual the same, and although each individual is unique we must give them the same level of care. 

 

Study Abroad: Expanding Healthcare Knowledge in Costa Rica

The Verrazano School is pleased to announce that Alexa Zuffante, Verrazano Class of 2014, has been selected as a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship recipient.  Alexa was awarded a scholarship to help support her winter intersession experience in San Jose, Costa Rica.  She will be contributing several blog entries about her study abroad experience this winter.  Read below for her introductory post.

It has finally hit me - in just a few days I will be in San Jose, Costa Rica studying abroad! Now that finals are over I am relieved and even more stoked to embark on this amazing journey to come. I am so excited that I forgot to introduce myself!  Sorry, let me start over!  

My name is Alexa Zuffante and I am a senior at the College of Staten Island. I anticipate graduating from the Baccalaureate program in the field of Nursing as a Verrazano student this spring. I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself to further my education. This study abroad opportunity allows me to excel both academically and personally. I feel the faculty-led Transcultural Nursing and Global Health Program would allow me to not only be ordinary, but to be extraordinary. I heard of this program through a Verrazano Extracurricular Learning Activity (VELA) event offered via The Verrazano School. Before the meeting came to an end, I knew I had to participate. Opportunities like this don’t come around often!  I immediately began the application that was due the following week.

At the present time, I am working for an ophthalmologist where I encounter many Spanish speaking patients. This course requires us to take a Spanish class. Although I am nervous about having to take Spanish, I know it will be beneficial. It will allow me to educate my patients with general medical knowledge, health promotion techniques, and basic medical terms. This course is designed for observation in three settings: a hospital, a clinic, and the community. I will be living with a host-family for three weeks. A what? - That’s right. I said a host-family. I know the idea seemed pretty scary to me at first too. I was happy when I found out I was staying with another student, Nicollette, who is a part of the program. She is also a senior in The Verrazano School at the College of Staten Island. I have also learned that an international dentistry student is staying with us as well- should be interesting!  The plan of staying with a host-family is to gain insight into a culture other than my own. By living with my host-family I will immerse myself in their culture and take what I learn to use it in my healthcare practice.

Familiarizing oneself with another person's culture or way of life will result in better patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and establish a trusting nurse-to-patient relationship. Through my two years as a nursing student, I have already witnessed how transcultural nursing is a trending factor in healthcare practice today. The patient population is growing more diverse in America and nurses should stay up-to-date with cultural competent care. Interestingly enough, Costa Rica’s healthcare system is rapidly emerging. This requires nurses, along with other healthcare professionals, to recognize, respect, and appreciate cultural differences in healthcare values, customs, and beliefs.

I believe that this once-in-a-life chance to go abroad will dramatically change not only my life but the residents of San Jose, Costa Rica. In just three short weeks I will make a difference. All in all I have learned a great deal throughout my time here at the College of Staten Island, but the major lesson learned here is that one can never know enough. I will return to the United States happy to sign the two letters I have honorably earned, Alexa Zuffante, RN.

Happy Holidays to all! The next time you will hear from me, I will already be in >70 degree weather! Jealous? ;)

Funds are available through a competitive application process to help support Verrazano student participation in study abroad programs.  Funds are made possible through the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Academic Programs and the Center for International Service.  The deadlines to apply for a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship are October 1^st for winter and spring study abroad programs and March 1^st for summer and fall study abroad programs.  Awards range from $1000-$5000, and through the scholarship application process students are encouraged to clearly identify how the proposed study abroad experience supports the pursuit and achievement of their academic and professional goals and how the program would benefit their academic and personal growth.

For more information about the scholarship opportunity, please visit: http://www.csi.cuny.edu/verrazanoschool/study_abroad.html. 

 

Semester in Hong Kong: Arriving and Adjusting

Angelica Grant, a Psychology major in the Verrazano Class of 2013, is spending the Spring 2013 semester in Hong Kong as part of a College of Staten Island Exchange Ambassador program.  Angelica is a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship recipient, and she will be serving as a blog correspondent this semester and posting an update each month about her overseas experiences.  Her first post was written shortly after her arrival in Hong Kong in mid-January.  

Today is my sixth day in Hong Kong since arriving at the City University of Hong Kong on Monday and it has been an amazing experience so far! This week alone, I made friends with local and international students from all over the world, toured the campus, used the MTR subway system, visited the Mong Kok shopping district, and saw a light show on the skyline! It has been an amazing week. Although I expect the next few weeks to get a bit more intense as classes begin on Monday, I’m glad these first few days of orientation were a fun and relaxing introduction to the campus and customs of Hong Kong!

I arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport on Monday night with another CSI student, Michael, who is also participating in the Exchange Ambassador Program for the Spring 2013 semester. Once we arrived at the campus in Kowloon, we were greeted by staff and shown to our dorm rooms. The City University of Hong Kong (also known as “City U”) classrooms and administrative buildings are right down the street from the residence halls. It is a very lovely campus with many subsections. It was a little confusing for me to get around the campus at first, but since everything is located so closely together (the local mall and the MTR are both walking distance), I found that it is very easy to get around here and explore different parts of the city.

I also registered for my courses this week, including an introduction to the Mandarin language course and two psychology elective courses. I am hoping to learn Mandarin in order to communicate with native mainland Chinese speakers and upon arriving back home to build connections with international students and staff. The two psychology courses I will be taking are on cognitive psychology and violence and crime in society (the second of which ties in very well with research I did last semester on children’s perceptions of bullying during middle childhood).

So far, I have noticed a few customs in Hong Kong that are completely different than those of the United States. First, driving in Hong Kong is not the same as in America; it is standard for people to drive on the opposite side of the road, which means it is very important to look both ways before you cross the street here! As well, meals on campus are typically very nutritious and come in reasonably sized portions. Many stores also sell herbal tea and other healthy drinks to choose from. For example, I was very surprised when ordering a double cheeseburger at McDonalds that the drink offered to me with the meal was milk and not soda! I don’t normally associate milk with fast food, but I thought it was interesting how there are so many different efforts made in order to promote health and wellness here in Hong Kong!

Apart from studying, my goals for the next four months are to volunteer at the local Salvation Army, learn some tai chi, and practice speaking Cantonese with my roommate (who is a local student). Acclimating to life in Hong Kong has been quite incredible and I plan on making the most of my time here as the orientation week ends and classes begin. I’m looking forward to even more new experiences in the weeks to come!

Beyond Tourism: Studying Healthcare Principles in Rural India

Elizabeth Krawczun, a CUNY BA Epidemiology major in the Verrazano Class of 2014, is studying abroad in Jamkhed, India for the winter intersession through Brooklyn College.  As a Verrazano Study Abroad Scholarship recipient, Elizabeth is sharing her study abroad experience on the Verrazano Voyager.  Read below to learn more about Elizabeth's experience in India.

While in India, I am having the opportunity to see what few want to see. Much of the area near where I am staying is poor villages and unfertile farmland. The drought here has affected everyone and the government has now stepped in to provide some water to the villages. Disease and death have increased tremendously during this time. With the lack of safe drinking and bathing water, many more villagers are sick.

A woman working in a rural Indian village

During this time of drought, the ideas behind the creation of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) reflect the need to provide healthcare by identifying the root of the problem. Instead of only treating the patients who have disease, CRHP is trying to provide a means by which the villagers can have some sustainable solution. In this time of drought, CRHP has been building tube-wells to harvest the ground water beneath the earth and providing firewood so that the water can be boiled before drinking.

During the classes, we all learn these principles. The lectures are taught by the Director of the facility, Dr. Shoba Arole. Her parents began this project in 1970 and now she is in charge of managing the hospital.

My group has had the opportunity to take tours of two villages. I have been able to see what many do not want to see. It is difficult to walk through these villages. Most people live in unsanitary conditions and leprosy, tuberculosis, and AIDS patients are common. The children of these villages are amazed by a group of Americans and they always want their picture taken. Women silently wash clothing or grind up grains for chipotle. The men who are not field laborers quietly drink tea and sit along the road. The towns, however, are loud, bustling, and just as unsanitary. Street vendors and store clerks harass you, and the art of bargaining must be learned quickly. 

Market day in Jamhked

Both towns and villages, however, are set in tradition. During my time here, there have been two cultural festivals; Dawali and Sancrant. Sancrant is a women’s festival that is celebrated in January each year. Women visit their local temples and carry a tray covered by a cloth and flowers. On this tray, there are red and yellow paint, sesame seeds, and sugar cubes. Women walk through the temple and place the red and yellow paint on your forehead, throw the sesame seeds on the top of your head, and then give you a handful of sugar to eat.

Elizabeth participating in a blessing ritual during Sacrant

The two temples that I visited were completely filled and women fought to bless everyone who entered the building. Attending this festival put the material that I had been learning in lectures into perspective. On this one day women are celebrated and acknowledged. Meanwhile, they are abused and mistreated during the rest of the year. CRHP has made it a priority to do away with the gender inequality in this area. By teaching women about disease and treatment, using the resources available to them in the village, the facility aims to target one of the root causes of the health in the area.

In my time here, I have learned a huge amount about topics I would have otherwise known nothing about. I feel as though, in this study abroad, I am not just being treated as a tourist and seeing only a façade that hides the real problems. I have had the opportunity to see the poverty and filth of the villages, the torment and abuse of the women, and the sick and dying patients in the hospital. CRHP does not attempt to gloss over the unpleasant things for its visitors. Instead, the directors here are trying to show us everything, making sure that we understand how much areas like this need help and willing us to bring awareness to their cause.