Mackenzie Yaksic: Blog 1

I am spending a semester abroad in Valparaiso, Chile learning Spanish language skills, cultural information, and practicing traditional dance techniques. My main goal for the trip is to learn as much of the Spanish language as I possibly can. I took my first Spanish course the Fall of my Sophomore year in college, and I fell in love with the language. I have a strong desire to learn and speak as masterfully as I possibly can. Another goal of mine is to become well acquainted with traveling, because I wish to travel all over the world during my life time.  I want to learn how to be a savvy traveler, equipped with expert packing knowledge, world-wide personal connections, and a vast traveling resume.
My general feeling about my impending journey is nervousness. I feel nervous for a few specific reasons. First, I am still a novice at the Spanish language. By the time I arrive in Chile, I will have taken only three Spanish language courses. I have a lot to still learn. I am also nervous because I have not yet traveled such a distance for such a time period as this trip. I am anxious to be on my own in another country that does not speak my first language. I am also feeling truly exciting. I know I want to become bilingual and travel the world, and these things need a beginning story. This is my origin story to how I will someday become bilingual and will someday travel many places abroad.
One major thing that I plan to do to maximize my experience is learn as much about the city and country. I want to have an appreciation for the place and its culture, so I want to learn as much as I possibly can, both before and during the trip. I also want to travel while I am abroad. I want to backpack through some of the regions in Southern South America. I also want to make lasting connections while I am on this trip. All students who study abroad have one very special thing that links us all: we all have a hunger for adventure. I want to connect with others and create friendships that will last forever.

Blog 1 (Goals)

- goals and personal agenda (what do you want to accomplish?)
- feelings about impending journey (excitment, fears, etc)
- 3 things you want to do to "maximize your experience"

• Studying abroad, for me, will be an life changing experience that I can't wait to begin. with that said I have certain goals I would like to accomplish. my major goal is to learn more and practice my french and become better. another goal would be to understand the french culture and history. 
• When I found out where i got placed, I was overjoyed and excited. I can't wait for this journey and new experiences to embark on. 
• Being placed at the foot of the french alps, one thing I would like todo is to go skiing in the french alps as my first time skiing. I would also like to travel to Switzerland and Italy. being on the border of both countries, it would be cool to say I went to 2 other countries while abroad. and my third thing I would like todo is is make new friends that I can hopefully see again after I leave.

Blog 5: Vocation

There are a few different reasons I am going to Japan, but one of my biggest goals is to learn valuable skills in several different vocations.
I want to:

• Learn valuable language skills
• Gain valuable communication skills
• Improve my knowledge on international economics
• Make myself more marketable
• Learn more about the world through my experiences

My these are all very broad goals, but I think that they would all help me in a career after college. I want to learn more about Japanese economics because this would help me gain a better understanding of my major. I could apply theories I learn about over there to problems we face here in the U.S. I think that it would give me a unique perspective, and would allow me to impress potential employers.

Aside from these academic ideals, I want to join TIU's photography club in order to be involved in something I enjoy. 

Goals Derek Hurt

 I want to get most out of my experience is the learning experience and to have fun.

Before I go I want to learn more about their laws.  While I`m there the culture and language, and after I return the negatives and positives of Puerto Rico.

My fears about going is the fact that I will be traveling by myself, or if I actually can not communicate with other people as quickly while I`m there.

Blog 5: Vocation

Blog 5: Vocation

During my senior year, I plan to apply to the JET Program, which offers an opportunity to teach English in Japan for 1-5 years. Alternatively, I plan to try to find a job teaching ESL at a public school. My study abroad experience will give me professional skills to be successful in this field. After gaining some job experience, I want to attend SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont to get my Master’s degree in TESOL.

While I'm abroad, I will visit the Japan Plaza to practice my Japanese as much as possible with the native speakers. Although I'm already a third-culture kid, learning Japanese and Japanese culture will help me learn what it's like to learn another language as well as a new culture. This will allow me to connect with and understand my future students better. By the end of my study abroad experience, I want to improve my Japanese language proficiency – increasing by a limited working proficiency to a professional working proficiency. Once I actually arrive at my host institution, I plan on finding more opportunities to get myself involved in the community - both at the university and outside of it.

I don't have any specific vocational goals at the moment, but going abroad certainly can't hurt. The acquisition of experience speaking the Spanish language could make me a more attractive option for positions involving international business. Becoming a more well-rounded international citizen would also help me stand out in my future endeavors.

Vivere come un locale - Bella Style!

To avoid negative symptoms from adapting to a new culture, I feel that having an awareness and appreciation of this opportunity is key to recognizing its worth and using what time I have to my fullest potential.

Since I have already fulfilled my major and core curriculum, there’s a freedom to pursue new interests and take classes all about Italy’s history and culture.  Since they don’t offer hands-on art classes in the international curriculum (aka, in English), I plan on asking about sitting in on life-drawing sessions and using the studios for independent work. Surely, there will be a fine arts circle to hit it off with. In the unlikely case that there isn't one (no art club at a college in Milan = *gasps* inconceivable!), then ol' beller (yours truly) will have to be the originator of an epic clique of content creators!! 

My idea of living like a local is having a sense of familiarity and acquaintances within your daily routine. While I aim to assimilate to a level of comfort with my surroundings, my position as an international student gives me the liberty to seize each day with adventure.  

Not finding friends should rarely be a problem if you’re actively searching for them. There’s the obvious chance of bonding with your peers and roommates but, if there’s still no success, then other prospects include involvement in community clubs/events (offers found in newspaper forums, online groups, etc.) and public hangouts (clubs, cafes, attractions, etc.). Common interests are bound to form connections, and it doesn’t hurt to dose out a little charisma and enthusiasm.

My biggest fear about hindering the experience is fear itself; letting anxiety psych myself out into not being involved for fear of failure, ridicule, etc. Overthinking tends to overwhelm which results in restricting myself to complacency.

Tough days are inevitable; so I can either partake in a comfort activity, recharge with some camaraderie shenanigans, or just aimlessly explore frickin' MILAN!