May Term

Spain Anyone?

by Thomas O. Robbins ’04In his famous work La España Invisible, Azorín writes about the richness of Spain in all aspects of its composition from history to geography to culture. He emphasizes that there is a spiritual atmosphere. The students participating in the 2002 May Term Spanish Immersion Program can corroborate Azorín’s argument. The program was, to say the least, an intense immersion program.   Twenty-four students traveled to Alcadá de Henares with Professor Dieudonne Afatsawo and Professor Jana DeJong. Students were placed with families who introduced them to various aspects of Spanish culture. The use of host families is […]

Other experiences

International Week

For “International Week,” November 11 – 17, President Walter Bortz and Mrs. Bortz hosted a dinner at their home, Middlecourt, on Monday, November 12, for the 15 students who attended semester and year abroad programs in 2000-2001.  Students had the opportunity to talk directly to the President about their abroad experiences and for him to hear first-hand some of the wonderful stories. (See “An Incredible Experience,” ) Sharon Sercombe, H-SC Coordinator of International Studies, was part of the panel that discussed “International Exchange” on Wednesday, November 14, at Longwood College in nearby Farmville.

Semester

C. Thomas Hogge ’02 is studying this semester in Aix-en-Provence

Italy beckons like a beacon of wine and culture. Spain has the allure of siestas and festivals. And France spreads itself before eager travelers, a crepuscular carpet of Bordeaux and Camembert. Students in the IAU (Institute of American Universities) program live predominantly with local French families. The arrangement is one that offers both a warm and welcoming environment to students, whether they are seasoned travelers or are in France for the first time. Indeed, for some students the prospect of living away from their families is entirely new, and the added distance of the Atlantic Ocean is certainly a cause […]

Academic Year, May Term, Other experiences, Semester, Summer

An incredible experience

On September 6, many of the nearly 60 Hampden-Sydney students who had engaged in international study during the past year gathered to talk about their experiences. Most frequently used expressions: “I would go back in a heart beat,” “It was good for me,” “I made great friends,” “It made me appreciate Hampden-Sydney.” Consensus: the food was so, so; it rains a great deal in the British Isles, much beer and wine was consumed; we learned a lot, and it was an incredible experience. For Hampden-Sydney students who grew up in small towns, one of the greatest adjustments was to city […]