Hailing from Germany and Mexico, students broaden their educational experience in the U.S.
By Katie Morris '09
As globalization continues to rapidly modify the political, economic, technological and social landscape of our world, Virginia Wesleyan College remains committed to offering foreign exchange and study abroad opportunities for its students.
At the same time, the College also welcomes students from various cultures and countries into the Virginia Wesleyan community. This year, the College, with the help of the Office of International and Intercultural Programs, is hosting three international students: Carolyn Ludwig, Jasmin Rahman and Karina Viveros.
CAROLYN LUDWIG
College: Humboldt-Universität, Berlin
Major: English
Minor: Latin
How has Virginia Wesleyan helped you? "I've really learned a lot and have gotten a few new perspectives on things. Before I came here, my expectations were shaped by what I had heard in the media or read about America. Being interested in politics, this seems to be the perfect time to be in the United States."
What is the biggest difference between college in Germany and the United States? Compared to Humboldt-Universität with around 35,000 students, the atmosphere at Virginia Wesleyan is much more familiar and personal. The student-teacher-ratio is much better and so is the relationship between the professors and the students. It is much more personal, which helps to provide a creative working atmosphere for students.
What are the similarities? "Both Humboldt-Universität and Virginia Wesleyan offer a wide range of study fields. Also, both are located in an historic area. Virginia is one of the most historically interesting parts of the country."
How do you feel about your Study Abroad experience? "I love studying abroad because it teaches you more than just the language. You have the opportunity to meet lots of different, interesting people and make new friends. You get to know the country and its people and customs first hand."
Campus involvement: Amnesty International and Trail Club
JASMIN RAHMAN
College: Humboldt-Universität, Berlin
Major: English
Minor: Spanish
How has Virginia Wesleyan helped you? "I have studied abroad before, a year in Spain. I feel that my experience in the United States and Spain have helped me to grow as a person."
What is the biggest difference between college in Germany and the United States? "What I like, in comparison to my school in Germany, is that Virginia Wesleyan is more familiar. I know my professors better and it's easier to find and receive help. We don't have a close campus like Virginia Wesleyan. Our campus is much more spread out and sometimes you need to take a train or some form of public transportation to get to a campus building. You don't get to know people as well, and you don't get that familiar with the professors."
What are the similarities? "There's a wide range of subjects, and the education is very good."
How do you feel about your Study Abroad experience? "I recommend studying abroad to any student. You grow in yourself and you get more self-confidence. What I love is that you get to meet new people."
Campus involvement: Spanish Honor Society
KARINA VIVEROS PEREZ
College: Universidad Madero (UMAD)
Major: Foreign Trade
How has Virginia Wesleyan helped you? "Being closer with the professors has been a great experience. I like my professors and they always help me with anything that I need."
What is the biggest difference between college in Mexico and the United States? "Virginia Wesleyan's campus is smaller, and it's closer. You get to know people better, and you get more familiar with the professors. However, it's also harder to get around because everything is all spread out. It's harder to get some place if you don't have your own car. There's not a lot of public transportation in the United States."
What are the similarities? "Both schools have a lot to offer academically. Virginia Wesleyan is just smaller and closer."
How do you feel about your Study Abroad experience? "Studying abroad is just a great experience, and I've enjoyed Virginia Wesleyan. When you study abroad, you learn more than just a language. You can really grow as a person."
11.05.08