KoMiSa's Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad - Part 1 (The first 5)

I was preparing for a meeting and decided to give a handout with my top ten reasons to study abroad. Since this is a subject that I love and is close to my heart it was challenging to condense my list to just 10. So this list may grow within other post but for now I will keep to my initial idea with 10 great reasons to study abroad. Here are the first 5 reasons of the initial 10. (the last 5 will soon follow in a later post.)

1. Learn about a new culture first hand.
There are many ways that we can learn about other cultures. We can read books. We can watch movies or television programs. We can read articles, blogs, and other information online. We could also look at pictures on Facebook, Instagram, and talk to others who have traveled. All are good options but there is nothing like being in the place where a culture is lived out each and every day. There is nothing like a first hand experience where you can truly take in a culture through your own five senses. If When you have the opportunity to take a trip and experience another country/ culture for yourself go for it.

2. One of the best ways to learn a language. 
We all know that I am a language geek. I have used various ways to learn another language from taking classes in my home country, using books, cds, podcasts, etc. I have participated in language groups to practice with native speakers while I was still in my home country and used Rosetta Stone as well. All were good options but what helped me the most was being immersed in the language that I was learning. Living in the country forced me to live and breath the language that I was learning. It also gave me less of an option to fall back into my comfort zone of my native language. Thus studying abroad was one of the best and most rewarding ways for me to learn a language.

3. Build Your Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity.
Much like learning a language the way to really build your cultural awareness and sensitivity is to step outside of the culture(s) you are used to and venture into other cultures. There are many ways to do this. You can take baby steps and venture into another culture through music or food without even leaving the comfort of your own home You can watch movies and read books to gain knowledge of other cultures but there is something about being in the place of that dish that you made at home or being at a concert in the place where the music you started listening to and fell in love with originated. I remember learning about flamenco dancing as I studied Spanish in high school and being in the Spanish dance in the Nutcracker Ballet as a child but all that I learned came full circle when I was saw flamenco dancing in a show while I was in Spain. It truly brought the dance and the culture to life for me.

4. Experience New Things While Traveling.
If you are traveling to a new place whether it be for study abroad or on vacation that in and of itself will be a new experience. You are experiencing the lay of the land for the first time. Even if you are studying or traveling to a place that you may have been before there are a plenty of ways to experience new things. You could try new restaurants, learn some phrases in the language of the country you are traveling if you don't already know it, or you could go to a cultural event like going to the running of the bulls which  I did on my second study abroad experience in Spain or visit the Palace of Versae and having brie cheese and nutella on a french baguette on the lawn with a friend you met during the free walking tour around Paris. (Okay that is what I did :-))

View from the Palace of Versae

One of the Fountain at the Palace of Versae

5. Expand Your Network Internationally and Build New Relationships
Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to meet new people as you take classes and explore your new home away from home. From the other students in your class, to your professors, school administrators and those who you meet as you live in your new surroundings. The relationships that you make can help to build your network internationally. I still keep in contact and foster relationships with friends and classmates that I have met overseas. Email and social media has been a great (free) resource to keep in touch.

These are my first 5 reasons to study abroad. Stay tuned for the next 5 reasons to study abroad. Feel free to leave reasons why someone should study abroad. The more reasons to study abroad the better :-).

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

Career Corner: A Chat with Tyshawna Spell of TSpell Designs

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 Meet Tyshawna Spell, a graphic designer, Zumba instructor, and entrepreneur who loves to share her gifts of design and creativity with others. Tyshawna is a graduate of Hampton University with a Master of Architecture. The work ethic that she used in the rigorous architecture program has been a true asset as she makes a names for herself in the design world with her company TSpell Designs.

1. Where did you study abroad?

I studied abroad in Brazil and went to the following places: Recife, Salvador, Sao Paulo, Paraty and Rio de Janeiro

2. When did you study abroad and how long did you stay?

I studied abroad in 2006 and I was in Brazil with my architecture class for two weeks.

3. What was your sole purpose for studying abroad? Did you accomplish that purpose?

My purpose of studying abroad was to learn about Urban Design from the perspective of a country that uses it in a different way than I have experienced. It was to broaden my idea of “the city”. That purpose was accomplished, I was able to see comparisons of things that were different as well as the consistencies of the layout, function and architype of the city.

4. Were you initially excited and ready to go or were there any fears or reservations? If so what were they and how did you overcome? If not what expectations ignited your excitement?

I was excited and fearful, I was unsure of how I was going to feel not knowing the language as well as fears of getting stuck there. I overcame them by realizing this was a fantastic opportunity as well as one step closer to getting my architecture degree. I wanted to be open to what life had to bring and to be open I needed to go and see what is out there. I also wanted to experience the architecture up close and personal, which was fantastic.

5. What was your experience like studying abroad?

My experience was fantastic. I was with my classmates/friends and we had a chance to see so much as well as sketch so much. The food was absolutely delicious and our professors made the transitions pretty smooth. I would do it again.

6. How has studying abroad changed your life? You as a person?

It has changed my life by showing me what is out there as well as how other’s live. I also have learned that the opportunities I have here are ones people are still fighting for. It is one thing to know it and another to witness it. I have an appreciation for people of different cultures and their strength as well as cultural pride. I am now more open to traveling and less fearful to new experiences.

7. Are you bilingual or multilingual? If so what languages do you speak? If so...(continue to the questions below)        

No I am not.

8. How has studying abroad impacted you career path and outlook?

Studying abroad impacted my career path in this case by being a study that help contribute to me earning a Master of Architecture. Although my career did not continue solely in the architectural field, I have become a stronger designer by recognizing the views I have as well as others in different cultures. The experience has contributed to me being a well rounded designer.

8a. What is your current position and what does your position entail?

I am the owner of a design company called TSpell Designs. Our motto is You think, We listen, We Create. We use this philosophy to meet the design needs of our clients. We specialize in Graphic Design, Web Design, Painting and Architectural Drawings. I consider myself the personal designer to my clients and strive to meet and exceed my clients expectations. As the Owner and lead designer of TSpell Designs I am responsible of the day to day operations of the company in addition to creating and executing the design requests of my clients.

8b. Is there an international aspect to your position?

Not currently

9. What characteristics does one need pursue a position such as yours?

One has to be creative, open-minded, have people and management skills, understanding of design history and talent.

10. Do you have any advice for others who want to study abroad?

Do it! It’s good for your health. You have never really lived until you have seen and experienced the way others live.

11. Do you have a website, twitter name, Facebook Fan page, etc that you would like me to share so that the readers can find out more info and/ or connect with you?

Website: www.tspelldesigns.com

Twitter: @tspelldesigns

www.facebook.com/tspelldesigns

Hasta el Proximo Vez,

KoMiSa

Amazing Hands that Guided Me - Dra. Nelly McRae

"God or our spirits have a peculiar way of putting particular people in our lives at particular times for particular reasons - and you never know when or how that's going to come about, but you'd best be open to it" Eddie Armstrong as written in the book A Hand to Guide Me by Denzel Washington 

As I read that quote I am reminded of my former  Spanish professor Dra. Nelly McRae, who I now affectionately call my Madrina (godmother in Spanish). That quote personifies our relationship. I had no idea when I chose to become a Hampton University student that I would develop lifelong relationships with my professors. The relationship that was fostered between Madrina and I (professor/advisor >mentor > godmother) has been such a blessing. She has been a strong involved presence in my life since we met. I remember when I took one of her Spanish classes as a Sophomore it was like I had already taken classes with her before. It was like I had grown up with her. She made language learning fun. She always showed me different ways to better my language skills both inside and outside of the classroom. She encourages me to travel and embraces the various cultures of each place both domestically and internationally. There were many times when she saw more in me than I could see in myself. She would always remind me that with God nothing is impossible. I have carried and continue to use all of the lessons that she has and continues to teach me.

Madrina is one of the main reasons why I chose a career in Study Abroad/ International Programs. She was with me every step of the way as I prepared to study abroad during my undergrad matriculation. She was always a phone call, email or text away when I graduated and as I completed graduated school a couple of years later. She is such a supporter of my career and has been a true inspiration. She is such a source of encouragement and advice as I successfully make my way in my chosen profession.

Hampton University has a true gem in my Madrina. So many of her students love and adore her.  As I work with my students, faculty, administrators, parents etc.  I pray that Madrina's spirit and influence shines through. There are many times that I think if I could affect another students life even half as much as Madrina has affected mine then I would have done something right. 

Thank you Madrina for the person that you are and for all that  you have and continue to do in my life and the lives of your students. God has truly blessed me with your continued presence.  My life truly would not be the same without you!  

                      

KoMiSa'sThoughts: Who has made a positive impact on your life? Have you let them know? If not and you can, do so. And if you are looking for a great read that personifies mentorship and inspiration check out the book "A Hand to Guide Me" by Denzel Washington. Madrina's hands among others have guided me. Whose hands have guided you?

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa

Cooking up Memories

A couple of days ago I had an afternoon and evening of cooking. I realized that it was a bit like traveling. I got to travel through food as I made curry chicken for a friend and later made tacos for dinner with my family. 

When I think of experiencing other cultures I often think of traveling to different places. (I have definitely been bitten by the travel bug over and over again) However in the in between times of traveling I love doing things that remind me of my travels or things that will allow me to experience other cultures, sometimes without even leaving my home. 

Some of my closest friends are from Trinidad thus I have an affinity for the music, food, and other cultural aspects I have experienced through my friends.  Trinidad is definitely high on my list of places to visit!  Thanks to my friends I have learned to make a some Trinidadian dishes. My friend Shalana gave me her curry chicken recipe a few years ago while I was in Spain. I made it for my roommates and parents when they came to visit. It was a hit and I have been making it ever since. I made it a couple of days ago. It brought me back to the times I enjoyed eating with Shalana, her family and my other Trinidadian friends as we ate their native dishes, listened to soca and calypso music and talked about the fun they had living/ visiting Trinidad. 

 

Making tacos that same night brought me back to when I spending time with at my host family's house in Guadalajara, Mexico. As I made the different components that went into the taco bar I felt like I was in my host mom's kitchen watching and helping. We ate tortillas with almost every meal. I got the way that I warm up my tortillas from her.  I warm them up on top of the stove but I don't use a pan. Instead I put the tortilla right on top of the eye of a gas burner stove. Watch it carefully!  It only takes a few seconds on each side to.

 My family really enjoyed the tacos and my friend was really happy when she picked up the curry chicken I prepared for her. I am glad I could travel a bit through food and remember some great times with family and friends. 

KoMiSa's Thoughts: Whether you like to cook, just eat or both try a dish from another culture or country. It's a great way to learn about another culture and wet your appetite not only for food but for travel too.  

Hasta el proximo vez,

KoMiSa