AmeriSpan's Study Abroad blog.
By Jonathon L., guest blogger studying Spanish and skiing in Santiago, Chile
So, I guess consistency is a virtue, but wherever I go I always end up living with all girls. Of the four students staying at my lovely house, I am the only male (the bloodchild of my chilean parents, however, is male as well as his father so there is some testosterone present in the household…unlike my Los Angeles homes…but that is a story for another time!).
AmeriSpan volunteer Glenn A. has finished up his week of cultural classes and is preparing for his teaching placement as he settles in with his host family. Our school director writes:
"Glenn/"Ganesh" is working at Bishwa Shiksha Sadan in Maijubahal, Chabahil, Kathmandu. He moved to his placement site on Sunday. He is staying with the family of Principal. They have a joint family with 13 members. It will be a good experience for him. He came back to see us and collect his laundry yesterday.
Any traveler planning a trip abroad is wise to make all of the necessary preparations before leaving on their trip, but now there is a way to be even more prepared and ready for anything. While you may be aware that every country abroad has a US embassy to contact in case of emergency, you may not have heard of a program recommended by the US State Department for travelers abroad – the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.
Formerly known as the "Registration with Embassies Program,", STEP allows travelers to create an account, sign in, and make the proper consulate officers aware of their plans. This way, it is easier for them to be assisted should an emergency or difficulty arise.
With AmeriSpan's Volunteer placements in Nepal, students are required to take a week of culture classes before beginning their volunteer placement. AmeriSpan currently has a volunteer in Nepal who has been thoroughly enjoying this aspect of his trip. Our Nepal school director writes:
"On Monday, February 21, Glenn ("Ganesh") had language in the morning and then went to Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple and Kumbheshwor on a historical and cultural orientation tour. He had typical Newari food for lunch in Patan. After that, he observed a typical marriage ceremony.
Meet Chan/Patrick, a student at AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Valencia.
What is your background?
I am 24 years old and a graduate of City university in Hong Kong. I live in Hong Kong with my family – my mother, father and brother.
Do you travel abroad often?
Actually, no, not very often. I normally go traveling abroad every 2-3 years.
Have you studied abroad?
No, never- this is my first time studying abroad!
The crisis in Egypt has passed and AmeriSpan is no longer recommending against travel to Egypt. However, we continue to caution all travelers to the Middle East and Morocco to remain extra diligent. In Jordan and Morocco, the protests are largely peaceful but large crowds impact regular police work and we believe the risk for everyday crime like theft is higher today than a few months ago.
AmeriSpan participant, John S., was learning Arabic in Egypt during the recent crisis and was kind enough to complete a questionnaire about his experience and outlook on the current situation. Please note that AmeriSpan offered a full refund for any unused classes and lodging and when the US State Department issued a travel warning. We were unable to contact John due to blocked communication systems to find out if he was going to leave as they recommended. However, John is an adult and the final decision was his- he chose to remain in Egypt. Further, John mentions that he went to Tahrir square and watched the protests. AmeriSpan does not condone this. We want to be clear about this. When traveling abroad, we strongly urge our participants to avoid political protests, labor strikes and other confrontational gatherings. This is the case whether in Europe, Asia, Latin America or Africa.
Following protests throughout Morocco (including the city of Rabat), AmeriSpan has checked in with our Rabat school to ensure that the school and our students currently studying here are all safe. Our contact at the school had this to say:
"Everything is OK in Morocco. All students are safe. There were several large protests in several cities on the 20th of February and some follow-up small protests, most of which were very peaceful. Peaceful protests are allowed in Morocco and are completely normal, especially in front of the parliament in downtown Rabat."
If you have any questions about AmeriSpan's Arabic school in Rabat, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them.
Meet Pilar Paredes, Director of AmeriSpan's Spanish School in Valencia, Spain.
What is your background?
I have a university degree in Education Sciences and Philosphy.
Do you travel abroad often?
No
Have you studied abroad?
Yes
Meet Maemi Casanas Okumura, a student at AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Valencia.
What is your background?
I am 21 years old and am studying medicine in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Do you travel abroad often?
I travel abroad at least once a year. Since 2005, I have been to the US 3 times, once to Canada, and I'm currently on my third trip to Europe.
Meet Agueda Salon Ibanez, teacher at AmeriSpan's Spanish school in Valencia.
What is your background?
I'm 34 years old, I'm a teacher and I live in Valencia. I have a child and have studied Hispanic Studies.
Do you travel abroad often?
I did before but I can't do it now.
Have you studied abroad?
Yes, some years ago I studied in Germany.
Which languages do you speak or have studied?
I've studied two languages, English and German.
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