Vocation

Vocation is something that I am always trying to discern. But, I do know that I am always in the business of helping others. I have been thinking it would be cool to lead a study group for other Americans abroad. I have recently been excited about the idea of teaching philosophy or religious studies in higher education. So, I would be interested to see if there would be on-campus jobs in the library or as a tutor. This would be a fun, leadership role abroad. The KU is also a very big advocate for being active community members in Eichstätt. They have special programs called volunteer work. "A wide range of student groups, working groups and projects offer opportunities for students to get involved in political, Christian, social and creative initiatives. Alongside their studies KU students campaign for human rights, support conservation and represent the interests of their fellow students."  So, I would love to specifically get involved in one of, or all, of these socially motivated initiatives that will benefit others. This would prove invaluable for many of my other passions such as working with non-profits back home, urban-food ministry within a church context, and advocating for people on the margins of society. Ultimately, I expect to gain skills of intercultural competency, understanding religious behavior in a larger cultural framework, and how to gain the most fulfillment out of life. 

Blog post 4 - Living Like a Local - Luke Wheat

Living like a local has been the one thing I have had in mind my whole time since I knew I was going to Spain. the ways to achieve that, which I can think of before getting there include; having many friends from the local area, getting involved in extra curricular activities, and eating locally as much as possible so I am in the culture in a more broad aspect. Some extra curricular activities I hope to be involved in include soccer, which is my first option primarily because it is my sport here at Maryville college. I anticipate there to be locals in my classes, but if not I am not really a shy person so I will be able to put myself out there just fine I believe. I believe since my Spanish is advanced at this point that I will have some nerves, but at the same time I have never really had much fear about speaking in a different language because that is the only way to learn. I think it is good the university I am at is close to a big city, that way I can experience both types of life while in Spain. A smaller town in Avila which is about 30 minute west, and Madrid, the big city, which is about 30 minutes east. This is an exciting prospect because I will be able to compare and contrast the living styles in the various places of Spain.

Blog 3 Academic Differences.

The differences between classes at Alfonso X and Maryville are not too staggering. The workload appears to be about the same in the course descriptions, but it is possible there are less tests than at maryville. The hours are listed differently, as in a 3 hour course in maryville translates into a 6 hour course in the European scale. As far I have heard from my friends in Spain that it is more of a business type setting where tardies are not acceptable and it is a much more formal relationship Sith professors. Where as in Maryville it is even possible to have a friendly relationship where you could possibly see your professors outside of class. The semester will start about the same time, but there is a two week break from the end of the semester to the start if exams, and that will be a weird break in flow that I am not used to. I would just like to be able to be focused through this break. I am not too sure, but since the classroom setting is said to be more business like; I would assume that late work is unacceptable. To be full time it is necessary to have 24 hours in the European scale, and at Maryville college it is 12 hours. with the credit formula applied it is the same amount of course work. Their grading scale is more or less the same until you get to C, although it is in favor of the US student it seems, if you get a D- minus there it will transfer as a C in the US. This is the information I could find so far, and also the classes at Alfonso X seem to fit into my course schedule here at Maryville, so that is encouraging.

Blog post 2 - An American Abroad

While being abroad I hope to make a positive contribution to the perceptions of Americans in different countries. I have had a couple trips out of the country, and I believe people in general are not as negative towards Americans as some people might think. I think it is more of a feeling they have about an individual they knew that was an American. When I go to places I have never been I do my best to be understanding and not to hurt anyone's feelings by being respectful of their culture, and hopefully through this people will be able to learn about the American culture as well. During my stay in Spain I am excited to learn about all the types of Spanish cultures while there and hopefully share a little bit of southern American culture while I am there.

blog post 3

       first of to get understanding of the year, The school year starts at the beginning of September. French schools have long holidays – a two-month summer holiday starting in July, two or three weeks at Christmas and Easter, as well as half term breaks.  Courses are divided between majors and are set in periods of two semesters. At University Grenoble   the workload depends on the class and depending on the professor tests are given when ever the professor wants one. In typical classroom settings, classes can range from smaller classes with 15 students up to larger classes with up to 100 students. professors usually prefer you to not use your cell phone in class, but taking notes on laptop might be acceptable.  If you have any questions about anything the professor usually has office hours you can visit or personally email them. 
       At university Grenoble  classes credits depends on how many hours you take for that class. for example if you take a 36 hour class this is 4 credit.  At your  host school, you have to take equal to Maryville credit hours in order to be a full-time student. At Maryville classes will meet either twice or three times a week as well as classes at Grenoble. but letter grades are not equivalent between both schools so that means a B here might be a C there.
       At Grenoble, there are plenty of  ways to receive academic and non-academic support on campus. being a international student, If there is a problem in the classroom a student can go speak to the teacher or to their international advisor, who is there to help in any way.

Blog #2

I honesty believe that i am independent and mentally keen in situations where I'm not in control or in a different environment. this is something I learned on my own and feel like it will help me understand and get more comfotoerble when in France. I really would like to learn more about american contributions to the world. with the notion that Americans are lazy and such, I would want to teach how we aren't and how we contribute to the world. skills I event learned yet are being patient with things while also being calm when things aren't going my way.

Blog 4

Research can tell you a lot but there is nothing like a hands on experience. I have researched about the culture of Spain and the way life is and I have even talked to my friend Marcos. Thinking about being in a whole new country can be nerve raking when you think about it all at once. Breaking it down eases my stress. Through ISEP I’ve made a friend from America and her name is Kenna. So when I get to Spain I won’t be all alone. Meeting new people isn’t something that make me nervous. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do. My Coach once told me that I’ve never met a stranger and I think that’s true. I plan to talk to the people in my class and hopefully find someone from Tarragona. I hope to make local friends who can show me the around the area and teach me the slang and show me all the fun stuff around town.

To me living like a local means being an active part of the community or at least your school. This is important because I feel like if you don’t at least try to live like a local you’re missing out on a lot of the experience. It’s kind of like reading a book to complete an assignment not for a deeper understanding and meaning of it.  I think my day will start with classes and homework, siesta around 2-5, work on any remaining homework, eat dinner and then explore and have fun with my friends. Some weekends I hope to be able to travel around the country.

I think that because I am fluent in Spanish and I know a lot of about the country that will help with the culture shock. I moved from Columbus Ohio to Tennessee in the ninth grade and that experience was really hard for me. However, I have learned from that experience and know some things that I can do and not to make this trip a great experience. First and foremost I think that you’re attitude towards a situation greatly impacts the outcome. I am excited about going and want to be there and have a good time. Life is what you make it and I plan to have a good time. I know what it’s like to be homesick and how to handle that as well. Keep in touch with those you miss as much as you can. I think by the time I start to miss anymore too much that it will almost be time for me to come back to America. It is also important to document and express your feelings, which I plan to do with my blog.

I think at first the adjustment might be a little staling, but I think that if I really try and I get out and make an effort that I will find that I will have a very successful trip.