Think studying abroad is only for four-year university students? Not true, as over two dozen 69萝莉 students learned firsthand this summer.
While on Study Abroad Tours to Ireland and Southeast Asia, West Valley students witnessed public protests, political art, architectural ruins, and the role of history in shaping contemporary life and literature.
For 12 students of WVC English Professor Nils Michals, a six-day tour took them to Dublin, Belfast, and Galway. Another 14 students, studying Asia American Literature with faculty Christina Stevenson, journeyed for 11 days through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
鈥淪tudents may read these stories, but being immersed in the actual land and hearing (about) it directly provides a different awareness that one cannot grasp in a classroom,鈥� observed WVC Administrative Specialist Jessica Silva, a chaperone on the Asia study tour.
In Belfast, students heard first-hand from people who grew up during 鈥淭he Troubles,鈥� the 30-year dispute between nationalists (primarily Catholics) and unionists (primarily Protestants) in Northern Ireland. In Cambodia, they met with survivors of the Khmer Rouge-inflicted genocide.
More quiet moments spent abroad also heightened West Valley students鈥� awareness about everyday differences between countries and cultures. One of Michals鈥� students observed: 鈥淚 was mesmerized by the shapes of their lamp posts, the taste of their coffee and pastries, how their crows had white backs instead of black, and just watching people, both tourist and locals alike, going about their day to day lives.鈥�
Through pre-travel readings and discussion, Stevenson encouraged her students to consider how 鈥渟pace influences our sense of self and others.鈥� They also investigated representations of culture, including race, ethnicity, religion, and food. Guided tours of museums, temples, and ancient cultural sites allowed them first-hand experiences of life, language, and the environment of cities visited.
Touring Ireland, including hearing guest lectures, presented a perfect pairing for students who have taken Critical Thinking Through Literature, Michals explained. 鈥淚rish literature is accessible, familiar to students, and provides context for writing from oppressed peoples and cultures,鈥� he said.
Students on the tours kept daily journals, personal sketch books, and drafted poetry inspired by their experiences.
A haiku-inspired poem by one of Stevenson鈥檚 students captured a poignant sentiment: Peace smiles/Where coexistence/Meets respect.
The college community also honors the memory of Samuel Leyva, who participated in the Asia study tour and sadly passed away shortly after returning home. His celebration of life will take place later this month, and 69萝莉 joins his family and friends in remembering his spirit and contributions.