{"id":1985,"date":"2020-05-11T19:58:39","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T19:58:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/?page_id=1985"},"modified":"2024-05-17T15:28:38","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T15:28:38","slug":"summer-posts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/summer-posts\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Term Posts"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"display-posts-listing\"><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/09\/19\/william-wallis\/\">William Wallis<\/a><div class=\"content\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">William Wallis<br \/>Summer Internship 2024<br \/>Pattaya, Thailand<br \/><br \/>Following a family trip to Thailand when I was six years old, I have always hoped to return to the \u2018land of smiles.\u2019<br \/><br \/>Through Hampden-Sydney and specifically the Compass program, the opportunity to gain summer work experience abroad arose. Since May 2024, I have been teaching English as a second language at Oxford Junior School in Pattaya, Thailand, about one hour&#8217;s drive from the capital city of Bangkok. <br \/><br \/>My students range from ages four to fourteen, and working with them every day has enabled me to reflect on the similarities and differences between American and Thai culture.<br \/><br \/>Some of the first things that struck me upon arrival in Pattaya were the warm welcome and hospitality that I received, as well as pride in and respect for tradition and culture, which I believe are also values that I have experienced within the H-SC community.<br \/><br \/>There is a genuine eagerness to learn that I see every day among the young Thai pupils. In a short time, I have learned to be more patient as there is a distinct divide between students who have the English language spoken at home and are thus more advanced, and those who are learning phonics and grammar from scratch.<\/p>\r\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4490\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/50888849-c99a-4671-abcc-759b212fe57a.jpg 1477w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><br \/>As the school has an immersive English language approach, the Thai students may only speak English and not revert to their native tongue, so I have become more empathetic when I see them sometimes struggle to express themselves. Pictionary and charades have become valued tools in my teaching approach.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4489\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_6479-2-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>It\u2019s also interesting to see what is unspoken but can be inferred about Thailand\u2019s culture.\u00a0 Through my work with the students, I see that respect for authority, politeness, and the central importance of the community (rather than individual achievement) are all priorities, regardless of social status.<\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4491\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/jpeg-WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-21-at-11.57.28.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Practical and logistical aspects of life in Thailand have also been a source of humor as well as occasional frustration.\u00a0 Many of my students have had limited exposure to Americans and they found my style of communication very direct at first, so I have tempered my choice of language and general approach to make everyone more comfortable.<\/p>\r\n<p>At a height of 6\u20196\u201d, I physically tower over my classroom and several students find this hilarious, occasionally making me feel like a giraffe or other exotic species.\u00a0 But in the \u2018land of smiles,\u2019 we find ways to keep things light and funny.<\/p>\r\n<p>Living conditions in Pattaya vary widely and school environments can also be quite rustic, with air conditioning that only works sporadically in the 90-degree heat and humidity.\u00a0 Despite any challenges in their home or academic surroundings, my students are upbeat, curious, and collaborative every day, and I am energized by their positivity.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4492\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-1000x1333.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-230x307.jpeg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-350x467.jpeg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671-480x640.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/09\/IMG_5520-scaled-e1726068716671.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Teaching English in Thailand has given me a greater appreciation for the nuances of language and life in the US compared to other cultures.\u00a0 Western music, fashion, fast food, and other references are ubiquitous, especially through high Internet penetration, but I continue to enjoy the opportunity to learn about Thai culture and the longstanding traditions of this country.<\/p>\r\n<p>Having the opportunity to live and work overseas through the auspices of H-SC has made me appreciate further the comforts of home, while opening my eyes to the ways that people around the world enjoy a shared sense of humanity.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/08\/13\/leland-blanchard-post-4\/\">Leland Blanchard: Post 4<\/a><div class=\"content\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leland Blanchard<br \/>Provider: Project GO<br \/>Kaohsiung, Taiwan<br \/>2024 Summer<br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p>My time in Taiwan has opened my eyes to the privileges we have as Americans. Unlike Taiwan and the Taiwanese people, we don\u2019t live under the constant threat of invasion and the overturning of our way of life. We aren\u2019t reliant upon foreign nations for the preservation of our own security.\u00a0 The Taiwanese love America, Americans, and American culture &#8212; more than certain Americans do.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4476\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Me-and-my-tutors-along-with-my-classmate-Will-at-dinner.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>Me and my tutors, along with my classmate Will, at dinner. Typically, we all go to lunch or dinner together twice a week. Being American has its perks: people would try and talk to me in English, give me food and drinks, and even take pictures with me. My red-haired friend Brendan even got pulled by the arm to the nearest 7\/11 and was bought an ice cream cone. My tutors said this was normal and the Taiwanese are just excited to see us. I\u2019m certainly not complaining.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Aside from the very abundant mango desserts, I\u2019ll miss the immersion aspect of studying abroad in Taiwan the most. There were times that I absolutely did not want to speak Mandarin \u2013 but I did it anyway. Even when I was tired or sick or wanted to go home, I sucked it up and practiced my Chinese. However, I know that I\u2019ll also miss going out for dinner and boba every night with my friends. I\u2019ll miss my professors and tutors. But all of that is outweighed by the prospect of returning to the Hill. Taiwan was cool, \u53ef\u662f Hampden-Sydney \u6bd4\u9177\u9177 (I\u2019m 90% sure that\u2019s Chinese for Hampden-Sydney is cooler).<\/p>\r\n<p>I\u2019d advise students preparing to go on a Global Ed or other study abroad program to do their research on where they\u2019re going. Once I arrived in Taiwan and started classes, the days and weeks passed by far too quickly. Find and make a list of everything you want to see, eat, and experience. Come up with a few mock itineraries for when you get a day or even just a couple hours of free time. Go on Reddit, Google, and ask around \u2013 there&#8217;s a chance one of your friends or professors or family members has been where you want to go.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4477\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-friend-Savannah-and-I-went-to-Taipei-and-entered-a-hula-hoop-competition-at-Hooters.-I-won.jpg 699w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>One weekend, I went to Taipei on a whim. I met up with my friend Savannah (pictured), at <\/em><em>Hooters, near Taipei 101 (once the tallest building in the world). In this photo, she is losing the <\/em><em>Hooters hula hooping competition. Shortly after this photo was taken, I won the Taiwanese Hooters hula hooping competition. The takeaway is simple: dive headfirst into your study abroad experience. <\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Specific to Taiwan, I\u2019d advise prospective study abroad students to get off the main island. My day in Xiaoliuqiu (where the turtles are) was so much cooler than just another day spent in Kaohsiung or even Taipei. Get way, way, way off the beaten path and throw yourself into the unknown. Eat the mystery meat. Don\u2019t ask what it is. Stay off Google for restaurant recommendations \u2013 just eat where the lines are long. And every once in a while, go to McDonald\u2019s to get a taste of home.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4478\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-was-me-in-front-of-a-cool-lookin-rock-on-Xiaoliugiu-Vase-Rock.jpg 666w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>This was me in front of a cool looking rock on Xiaoliuqiu. It\u2019s called the Vase Rock. Pro tip from an amateur: take the first ferry out in the morning, there are no crowds before 9am. We left Kaohsiung via Uber at 5:30 and, following the most turbulent 15-minute boat ride ever, made it to the island by 8. <\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Also, just about everyone who studies abroad gets sick at some point; prepare yourself to power through it. It sucks to get sick away from home, but it sucks even more to miss out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I was sick at least three times, but I ignored it and went on my way.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4479\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763-230x306.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763-350x466.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763-480x639.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/This-is-me-on-Xiaoliuqiu-in-the-Genocide-Cave-named-as-a-result-of-the-Lamey-Island-Massacre-e1723574987763.jpg 721w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><em><br \/>This is me on Xiaoliuqiu, in the Genocide Cave (named as a result of the Lamey Island Massacre). I did not know that at the time of this picture.\u00a0 I was hot, very tired, and ready to leave. It was 10 am. But I bought coffee and had a great time! Do not let temporary feelings take away from permanent experiences. Yet another pro tip from an amateur: <strong>do not<\/strong> stay out on the town until 4am the night before you travel to Xiaoliuqiu; it\u2019s not worth it. Xiaoliuqiu is not as fun as it could be on 30 minutes of sleep<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>PS: take pictures of yourself (not just what you see or do). Your mother will very much appreciate it.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/08\/13\/frank-west-post-4\/\">Frank West: Post 4<\/a><div class=\"content\"><p>Frank West<br \/>Provider: IES<br \/>Dublin, Ireland<br \/>2024 Summer<\/p>\r\n<p>Greetings from Dublin, Ireland!<\/p>\r\n<p>I would have to say that Ireland has surprised me quite a bit. Dublin is one of the most vibrant cities I have ever been to, and I have become extremely comfortable here. I imagined Ireland as being a mystical and untamed country unlike any other part of the western world, and in certain respects this is true, but Dublin is like any other cosmopolitan city. It is a metropolis in an ancient land that balances its history with modernity. I was correct is assuming that most Irish people speak quickly and with an accent that can be hard to understand. I was also correct about the popularity of fiddler and flat caps. I had to get one for myself!\u00a0 Tweed jackets and their prevalence is an exaggerated stereo type in both the U.K. and Ireland. I do not think I have seen a single tweed jacket outside of a thrift store. Studying here in Ireland has made me understand the importance of genealogy and family. My mother&#8217;s maiden name is O\u2019Neal which is Irish and being where my family has its roots is special to me. It has made me think about my ancestor&#8217;s stories and struggle as outlined in our family Bible. I think I will miss the stunning coastlines, the pub culture, and the high-quality food the most. For any student wishing to do the IES program in Dublin, I would recommend bringing something heavier than a hoodie as it gets cold here even in the summer. I would also not be a bad idea to adopt some budgeting skills as Dublin is pricey.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4470\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-new-Fiddler-Cap-151x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"151\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-new-Fiddler-Cap-151x300.jpg 151w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-new-Fiddler-Cap-230x458.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/My-new-Fiddler-Cap.jpg 316w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px\" \/><br \/>My new Fiddler Cap!<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4471\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-230x172.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-350x261.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline-480x358.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Coastline.jpg 865w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>Coastline<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4472\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-230x172.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-350x262.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/08\/Sunset-on-the-Coast.jpg 877w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>Sunset on the Coast.<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/07\/15\/frank-west-post-3\/\">Frank West: Post 3<\/a><div class=\"content\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frank West<br \/>Provider: IES<br \/>Dublin, Ireland<br \/>2024 Summer<br \/><br \/>Greetings from Dublin, Ireland!<br \/><br \/>Since arriving I am most proud of representing H-SC while studying in Dublin. As Hampden-Sydney men we are to hold ourselves to high academic and social standards. This does not end when we leave campus. I spend a lot of my free time hunting for records and exploring the city. I also spend time on the weekends in pubs or in cafes doing interviews and chatting with<br \/>locals.<br \/><br \/>I have gone out of the city a couple of times because Greystones and Howth are only 40 minutes and a couple of euros away. I have been taking lots of pictures with my 35mm and cannot wait to have them developed. Hiking is one of my favorite activities and there is plenty of opportunities in the little towns outside Dublin. It is not so different than how I spend my time at home, just more exciting. I have given up on learning Gaelic due to time constraints, but I have picked up some phrases. A lot of the signs are in Gaelic but I just ask someone what It means, or use google translate. B\u00e9al\u00e1iste means to toast but does not have a direct English translation. <br \/><br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4440\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone-205x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"205\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone-205x300.png 205w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone-230x337.png 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone-350x512.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone-480x703.png 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Pictures-of-Howth-and-Greystone.png 496w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 205px) 100vw, 205px\" \/><br \/><em>35mm negatives and prints of spots in Greystones and Howth<\/em><br \/><br \/>Music is one of most important things in my life, and Dublin has no shortage of It. There is a Rock n Roll bar called Fibbers down the street from my dorm that has metal and punk bands every night. There are a lot of buskers or street musicians that play Irish folk music that I enjoy listening to downtown. I also picked up a couple of CDs with folk music on them! I Got to see Rammstein live, and they were phenomenal. It was one of the most intense concerts I have been to in a while!<br \/><br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4441\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-768x729.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-230x218.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-350x332.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber-480x456.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Metal-gig-at-Fibber.jpg 816w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>Metal Gig at Fibber\u2019s<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4442\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert-229x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert-229x300.jpg 229w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert-230x302.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert-350x459.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert-480x630.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Rammstein-Concert.jpg 752w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px\" \/><br \/><em>Rammstein Concert!<\/em><br \/><br \/><\/p>\r\n<p>There is not much here that I do not do at home or cannot do at home, but If I had to come up with something, I would say that I do not have an easy and cheap way to frequent museums. Back home, they are either too far away or I have already been to the ones nearby. I primarily spend time with a small group of American students from up north. We have had several memorable adventures both inside and outside the classroom. I have met several international students along the way, but I have only spent time together with them a few times. Our classrooms are a bit claustrophobic, but I don&#8217;t really mind because we do not spend a lot of time in the classroom except for history.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4443\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-300x225.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-230x173.png 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-350x263.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party-480x360.png 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/4th-of-July-party.png 856w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>4th Of July Party!<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/07\/08\/leland-blanchard-post-3\/\">Leland Blanchard: Post 3<\/a><div class=\"content\"><p>Leland Blanchard<br \/>Provider: Project GO<br \/>Kaohsiung, Taiwan<br \/>2024 Summer<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Much of my time studying abroad is spent studying. Class, (mandatory) tutoring, and homework takes up about 7 hours of my day \u2013 all involving some aspect of Mandarin Chinese. Typically, each day\u2019s work involves learning 50-100 new vocabulary terms and various grammatical patterns. The course itself emphasizes spoken Mandarin \u2013 so most of our in-class work is conversations between classmates. Even though we\u2019re given a lot of work, my classmates and I still manage to find time for fun.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4433\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-1000x1333.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-one-of-our-lessons.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>A picture of one of our lessons \u2013 we had to role play and read out this scenario. I had no idea what was going on here.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Our first few weekends have been filled up by program-organized trips. Typically, via tour bus, all students in my study abroad program will see various sites around Southern Taiwan. Our first few weekends took us to Tainan and the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park. Tainan, the oldest city on the island, was especially cool \u2013 one can see remnants of the Dutch and Japanese colonial periods.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4434\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-1000x1333.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/An-old-Japanese-building-in-Tainan.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>An old Japanese building in Tainan. All of the plaques were in Chinese, so I had to Google Translate everything.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Evenings are left to us to do whatever we\u2019d like. On an ordinary Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night, I accompany my roommate, Chris, and a few of our friends to get dinner and hang out somewhere around Kaohsiung, where our host university is located. Friday nights are reserved for Cijin Island, a few metro stops and a short ferry from our hotel. On Cijin Island, one can find fresh seafood, manicured beaches, and Cijin Sunset Bar \u2013 where foreigners outnumber locals.<\/p>\r\n<p>Every week, my friends make a pilgrimage to Cijin Sunset Bar. After Cijin, we ride the ferry back to the mainland and take YouBike (Taiwan\u2019s bicycle rental system) to Brickyard, a local hangout.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4435\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-230x172.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-350x262.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-picture-of-the-beach-at-Ciin-Island.jpg 923w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>A picture of the beach at Cijin Island. My tutor tells me the sand isn\u2019t naturally black, it is a result of the pollution from the factories around Kaohsiung.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Most of my time is spent with my American classmates. We come from a variety of schools and majors \u2013 from computer scientists at Purdue to Asian Studies majors at USC. However, we all are ROTC Cadets \u2013 from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and even the Space Force. Much of the time we are accompanied by our tutors at dinner \u2013 they&#8217;re undergraduate students at our host university. We usually speak in Chinese about our plans for that weekend or about our American universities.<\/p>\r\n<p>In Taiwan, I\u2019ve discovered a version of myself that is far less uptight. Taiwan Leland is a much easier Leland to be around. It\u2019s probably because, while studying abroad, I have zero responsibility aside from doing well in class. When I\u2019m not in class, I can just relax and have fun with my friends. I\u2019m going to try and bring parts of this less-uptight version of myself back to America.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4436\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-from-the-ferry-to-get-to-Cijin-Island.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>The view from the ferry to get to Cijin Island. There is a small population that lives on the island, but most passengers are tourists, from Taiwan and abroad.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/07\/08\/leland-blanchard-post-2\/\">Leland Blanchard: Post 2<\/a><div class=\"content\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leland Blanchard<br \/>Provider: Project GO<br \/>Kaohsiung, Taiwan<br \/>2024 Summer<br \/><br \/>Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the university administering my study abroad program, managed to find a hotel that was equally convenient to our host university, National Kaohsiung Normal University, and Kaohsiung\u2019s MRT\/subway system. In total, the walking commute is about half a mile \u2013 which can take up to 30 minutes due to the number of crosswalks and curving paths.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4426\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Leland-and-one-of-his-tutors-Selena.jpg 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>Leland and one of his tutors, Selena. His program requires daily 30-minute tutoring sessions with graduate students from National Kaohsiung Normal University\u2019s Center for Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. During these sessions, they only communicate in Mandarin Chinese. <\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>The streets of Kaohsiung are always packed. On the roads themselves, scooters are the main vehicular method of transportation &#8212; but walking is also common. Oftentimes, schoolchildren fill the sidewalks during their breaks. For the most part, elderly people are the most visible throughout the workday. On my way to class, I pass by 7\/11s, four parks, two schools, and at least two dozen dogs. My tutor tells me the Taiwanese are cat people, but they sure seem to have a strong affection for dogs.<\/p>\r\n<p>Kaohsiung can be smelly. Most cities don\u2019t smell great, but Kaohsiung also suffers from terrible air pollution \u2013 in 2019 it was ranked as the \u201csecond most polluted city in Taiwan,\u201d according to <em>IQAir<\/em>. The scent of Kaohsiung reminds of sulfur.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4427\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dinner-at-one-of-Kaoshiungs-many-night-markets.-Leland-and-friends.jpg 980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/><em>A picture from dinner at one of Kaohsiung\u2019s many <\/em><em>\u591c\u5e02, night markets, in which Leland and his classmates (left to right: Leland, Chris (Leland\u2019s roommate), Jared, Hannah, and Monty) were able to try many of Taiwan\u2019s signature foods: <\/em><em>\u81ed\u8c46\u8150 (stinky tofu), <\/em><em>\u8292\u679c\u51b0 (mango ice), and <\/em><em>\u5c0f<\/em><em>\u7b3c\u5305 (soup dumplings). Leland was not a fan of the stinky tofu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>The first regret I had was not packing a bag. By this, I don\u2019t mean a backpack or a suitcase (those I did pack), but, rather, a going out bag \u2013 something capable of holding a passport, portable charger, and water bottle. Going out in Kaohsiung often entails dinner, multiple MRT rides, 10,000+ steps, and a U-Bike (Taiwan\u2019s public bike rental system) back to the hotel. Therefore, a convenient way of storing the essentials for a long night out is necessary. I was able to pick up such a bag at Adidas, when our program took us to Taipei for the weekend.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4428\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Mango-ice-a-Taiwanese-specialty-food.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>\u8292\u679c\u51b0, mango ice, is a Taiwanese specialty food. Mango is topped with sweetened condensed milk and tapioca, served over shaved ice. \u4e50\u5b81 (Leland\u2019s Chinese name) \u7231\u8292\u679c\u51b0\uff01<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Perhaps the second-best thing I\u2019ve bought has been my \u201cchag,\u201d a portmanteau of chair and bag. I picked mine up at a Taiwanese military surplus store, about a 30-minute walk from my hotel. The store itself reminded me of an American military surplus\/resale store, such as Ranger Joe\u2019s in Columbus, GA, except this one was family run, open air, and had far more than just military surplus for sale. Taiwan has an abundance of everything stores \u2013 in which just about anything you can think of is for sale, such as chargers, snacks, clothes, and pet supplies.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4429\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-chag-purchased-at-a-military-surplus-store.jpg 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/><em>The \u201cchag.\u201d At the military surplus store, Leland was also able to get workout shorts (that didn\u2019t fit), a Taiwanese special forces coin, and a Diet Coke!<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>Overall, Taiwan has been an absolute blast so far. I\u2019m looking forward to exploring more \u201coff the beaten path\u201d places, hopefully with some of my classmates.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/07\/03\/frank-west-post-2\/\">Frank West: Post 2<\/a><div class=\"content\"><div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>Frank West<br \/>Provider: IES <br \/>Dublin, Ireland <br \/>2024 Summer<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>Greetings from Dublin, Ireland!<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>I finally feel like I have settled in and have adjusted to my class schedule. I have class Monday through Thursday which leaves me with a lot of time to immerse myself in Irish culture. I have class later in the afternoon, so I have plenty of time to explore before Dublin comes alive. Dublin has wonderful public transportation. I can get across the city in a matter of minutes via tram or bus for a couple of euros! My favorite part of my morning and afternoon commute is striking up conversations with other students to pass the time. I have gotten quite a bit of information and advice from these conversations.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4420\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3-230x173.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/Dublins-wonderful-public-transportation-system-that-I-use-every-day-3.jpg 737w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>Dublin\u2019s wonderful public transportation system that I use every day.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>My dormitory, or apartment is more than adequate. Beckett House has everything I could have wished for in a dorm. Our common room\/ kitchen allows for me to socialize and play games with my suite mates. We have a terrace that gives us a decent view of the city. I live primarily with other students from the mid-west and up north. There are students from other countries that we have spent time with, but they primarily keep to themselves as they are not a part of IES courses or are working on master&#8217;s degrees. I am happy to say that my close friend Nate is also studying with me here in Dublin. It is a privilege to represent H-SC with another student! My course lectures are quite long, sometimes two hours, but we often take field trips which breaks up the monotony. This level of interaction and emphasis on group projects is a wonderful challenge and change from my class work at H-SC.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4421\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance-350x467.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/The-view-of-the-eastern-part-of-Dublin-from-my-apartment-window.-Dublins-Harbor-is-in-the-distance.jpg 588w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>The view of the eastern part of Dublin from my apartment window. <br \/><\/em><em>Dublin&#8217;s harbor is off in the distance.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>I have not really changed my attire since arriving in Dublin. Clothing here in Ireland is remarkably like clothing in the United States. The only thing that is off limits is track suits and track pants due to gang activity. Most people here wear jeans and shirts just like back home, which was what I expected. I assumed that the rumor that everyone wears big wool sweaters and tweed jackets with plaid flat caps was a stereotype and I was correct. I wore my coat and tie recently to a restaurant and the waiter made an interesting comment about my necktie. He was interested in the fact that my tie was so big compared to his and the others he had seen. Ireland and the rest of Europe wear slender, skinny ties as a fashion statement. I found this quite amusing.<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>In Ireland, time goes by very quickly! It is light outside by 2 AM and sunrise is at 5:30 AM. Ireland also primary uses 24 hr. time or military time, as well as putting the day before the month when writing the date which has thrown me off quite a bit.<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>To be quite honest, I have found Irish food to be quite bland. Fish and chips are extremely popular here and I think I have eaten enough of it to last a lifetime. My favorite place to eat is a Turkish kebab place down the street from my apartment. It is very affordable and high quality. I avoid KFC and McDonalds like the plague back home and the same goes for here, but I tried the KFC in Dublin, and it is not anything close to what I am used to back home. I also find it interesting that McDonalds serves mozzarella bites.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4422\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland-230x307.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland-350x466.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/07\/A-group-shot-of-my-frinds-and-I-in-Northern-Ireland.jpg 631w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>A Group Shot of my friends and I in Northern Ireland.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/06\/26\/franklin-west-post-1\/\">Franklin West: Post 1<\/a><div class=\"content\"><p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Frank West<\/span><br \/><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Provider: IES<\/span><br \/><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Dublin, Ireland<\/span><br \/><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">2024 Summer<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Greetings from Dublin, Ireland!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>So far, my trip has been incredible, and I&#8217;m still at the tip of the iceberg! There is so much rich culture and history integrated into almost every aspect of life here and that is what I had hoped for! I chose Ireland because of its culture and history! I cannot wait to visit the Natural History Museum and take a trip out to the countryside to get away from the city a bit. I plan to visit Leap Castle, Loftus Hall, and the Hell Fire club.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>I\u2019ve spent my time shooting black and white 35mm film of piers, cathedrals and state buildings, as well as doing some portraiture inside pubs. I was nervous about the locals not being so keen about my photography, but most are happy to oblige! I have already made a few pub friends!<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>The only thing that makes me nervous is not being able to take in all the sights and overlook some, as Dublin is quite overwhelming. Getting over to Ireland was a breeze, as my flight only had a 1-hour layover. The 15 hours went by quickly, as unbelievable as that sounds. For the most part the locals are friendly despite being a bit rough and tumble.<\/p>\r\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4408\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-300x292.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-300x292.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-768x746.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-230x224.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-350x340.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport-480x466.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/At-Richmond-airport.jpg 779w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>Outside of the Richmond Airport<\/em><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p>I will definitely do myself a disservice if I come back with even one role of unused film. I\u2019ve set a goal of soaking up as many of the sights and cultural experiences as possible! I have already visited Bram Stoker\u2019s house, Parliament House the former home of the Irish Parliament which is now a bank, the Spire of Dublin and the Dublin Portal. Next Friday I will be taking a trip up north to Belfast and to Galway on the coast. I can&#8217;t emphasize how awesome Dublin is, as enough words cannot describe the environment here.<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4409\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House-178x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"178\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House-178x300.jpg 178w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House-230x388.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House-350x590.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House-480x810.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-Bram-Stokers-House.jpg 517w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 178px) 100vw, 178px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>In front of Bram Stoker\u2019s House<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4410\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament-297x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"297\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament-297x300.jpg 297w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament-230x232.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament-350x353.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament-480x484.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/In-front-of-The-Old-Irish-Parliament.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>Parliament House<\/em><\/p>\r\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4411\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire-194x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"194\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire-194x300.jpg 194w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire-230x355.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire-350x541.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire-480x742.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/The-Dublin-Spire.jpg 539w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 194px) 100vw, 194px\" \/><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p><em>The Spire of Dublin<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/06\/11\/leland-blanchard-post-1\/\">Leland Blanchard: Post 1<\/a><div class=\"content\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4373\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-1000x1000.png 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-230x230.png 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-350x350.png 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1-480x480.png 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4370\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-230x230.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/2-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4367\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-230x230.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/3.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4368\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-230x230.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/4.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4369\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-230x230.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/5.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4371\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-230x230.jpg 230w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6-480x480.jpg 480w, https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/06\/6.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/li><li class=\"listing-item\"><a class=\"title\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/2024\/05\/17\/summer-2024-bloggers-announced\/\">Summer 2024 Bloggers Announced!<\/a><div class=\"content\">\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4351\" class=\"elementor elementor-4351\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-bdb7b06 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"bdb7b06\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-bf35bc0\" data-id=\"bf35bc0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0aa46a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0aa46a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We are delighted to have the following students blog for us this summer.\u00a0 Follow us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hsc_globaled\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram <\/a>to see when a new post is added.<\/p><p><strong>Leland Blanchard<br \/><\/strong>Kaohsiung, Taiwan<br \/>Program: ProjectGo <br \/><em><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">I love learning Chinese. There\u2019s something about the complicated characters and funny grammar rules that makes <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">even the most tedious assignment fulfilling. At Hampden-Sydney, I was encouraged by both my professors (especially <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Dr. Varholy in the English Department) and my peers to think about studying abroad. I was told about Project Global <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Officer, a fully funded opportunity for ROTC Cadets from across the United States &#8230; <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Project Global Officer funds <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">numerous Chinese programs provided by a variety of schools, but the one hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">University stood out to me. Unlike most programs, it wasn\u2019t hosted in Taipei, Taiwan\u2019s capital city. Instead, we\u2019d be in <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Kaohsiung, a coastal city known for its night markets and beaches, for two months. <br \/><\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">As a national security minor and Wilson Center Fellow, my primary goals for studying Mandarin in Taiwan are a bit <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">cliche: to develop fluency in a language of strategic importance to the United States and to gain experience in such a <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">critical region. However, my aspirations behind this opportunity go far beyond that \u2013 I want to learn more about East <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Asian urbanism (such as the high-speed trains), Taiwan\u2019s economy (my program is going to tour a pineapple factory), <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the culture (especially boba tea, karaoke, and indoor shrimping).<\/span><\/em><\/p><p><strong>David Jerzak<br \/><\/strong>Sawtooth, Idaho<br \/>Program: H-SC May Term Away<br \/><em><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">I chose the Expeditionary Leadership program in Idaho <\/span><\/em><em><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">because for me, seeing the sunrise from the Sawtooth Range would be a dream come true&#8230;Wilderness is something I have been longing for. Our world has largely been discovered, mapped, and even populated. Sometimes I feel that I was born too late because there are no more unexplored places, no more terra incognita. However, among the peaks of the Sawtooth Range, there are places with no tourist trails, quite possibly places where no human foot had treaded&#8230;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">My goals are to learn and appreciate the wilderness and my companions. During our preparatory meeting, Mr. <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Schmolesky put a real paper map of the Sawtooth Range on the table and the trip participants had lunch while <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">discussing the expedition and getting to know each other. Two of them are EMS-certified (one is also volunteer <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">firefighter with the Hampden-Sydney Fire Department) and overall the group inspires confidence. I look forward to <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">mastering both soft and hard skills, ranging from field first-aid, through preparing food and setting tents in adverse <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">circumstances, to relying on myself and the people who will be there with me.<\/span><\/em><\/p><p><strong>Franklin West<\/strong><br \/>Dublin, Ireland<br \/>Program: IES<br \/><em><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">My family is from Ireland, and I would like to experience the culture. I am looking forward to my Irish history classes <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the music and art enrichment opportunities. I am nervous about being away from my friends and family for so <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">long, but I realize that I will make friends over there that I will stay in touch with. My goals in Ireland are to earn 6 <\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">credits towards my core and major requirements, make new friends, and learn about the country and culture.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":2500,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1985","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1985"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4350,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1985\/revisions\/4350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.hsc.edu\/international\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}