IPO News

Picture of Nick Oo at the Fall Study Abroad Fair

Nicholas Oo Accepted into Prestigious NAFSA RISE Fellowship Program

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Congratulations to Nick Oo, who is currently working as Education Abroad Administrative Coordinator at UMass Amherst’s International Programs Office, for being accepted into the highly competitive and distinguished NAFSA RISE (Representation, Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment) Fellowship program. The NAFSA RISE Fellowship is a two-year professional development program with the goal to support and empower international education professionals from underrepresented backgrounds with resources and tools to contribute to their institutions and communities. 

Picture of Nick OoAs part of this fellowship program, Oo will be enrolled in NAFSA’s Academy for International Education and will receive training in the primary knowledge areas of international education for his first year. In addition to receiving free tuition for the NAFSA Academy, he will also receive free registration and a travel stipend for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. For his second year, he will implement his learning plans into the work he does at UMass Amherst, as well as give back to the field by volunteering with NAFSA and engaging in the NAFSA RISE Fellows alumni program. 

Oo says, “Ipicture of Oo at the Education Abroad Advising Center with Peer Advisors am looking forward to networking and continuing to meet amazing individuals that work in this field as well as attending the NAFSA Academy to further my growth as a professional and international educator through experience and learning from seasoned veterans in the field. I am also very excited to continue my work within the realm of diversity and equity in this field and hope to gain some new insights and strategies that I can utilize in my work at the International Programs Office and how it will benefit our overall mission of increasing study abroad access for all students.” 

Oo’s interest in international education began at UMass Amherst as a first-year student selected to be a part of the renowned Emerging Scholars Residential Academic program. His participation in this program provided him with the unique opportunity to study abroad for ten days in the Dominican Republic as part of a faculty-taught program based on service learning. Upon his return, he served as Education Abroad Peer Advisor for three years, helping the office’s efforts to recruit more students for study abroad. This experience ignited his passion for pursuing a post-graduate career in this field. After graduating, he was asked to be the Program Assistant for the First-Year London Experience, UMass’ inaugural first-year study abroad program in collaboration with CEA CAPA, formerly known as CAPA: The Global Education Network in the Fall of 2022. In London, he supervised the cohort on cultural field trips and provided guidance and support for navigating their first semester abroad.

Ipicture of Nick Oo at podium at Fall Study Abroad Fairn his current role as the Education Abroad Administrative Coordinator, Oo primarily focuses on organizing the semesterly study abroad fairs where external and internal campus partners are invited to speak to prospective students. For many students, this is the first opportunity they get to learn about the prospect of studying abroad. In addition to his fair responsibilities, he is particularly motivated to increase access and the visibility of study abroad opportunities to underrepresented students. Currently, he is organizing a video series featuring study abroad alumni with the goal to highlight diverse voices and stories. He understands the importance and benefits of international experiences and strongly believes that everyone should have the opportunity to study, live, or work in another country for an extended period.

picture of Ava Greemo in London phone booth

Abroad in London ft. Ava Gremo

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

This past Spring semester I was lucky enough to be able to study abroad in the amazing city of London, England. While I was abroad, I took classes at the University of Westminster through the CIS Abroad program. CIS Abroad is a fantastic program that helped support me along with the other students through our semester abroad and provided us with so many opportunities and experiences.

During my time abroad I got to take classes that were London-specific, these classes not only fulfilled my requirements at UMass but also helped me learn more about the city I was living in during these few months. The classes I took included Modern Art in London, the Holocaust in London, and the Cultural and Popular History of Jack the Ripper. From these classes, I learned more about the history of London and was also given the opportunity to explore the city since many of our sessions were outside of the classroom exploring the city, museums, and galleries.

When I wasn’t in class, I spent most of my time exploring the city and traveling with friends from my abroad program. Similarly, CIS Abroad organized a number of events that would teach us more about London culture and introduce us to our peers. These events included Afternoon Tea, a weekend trip to Wales, a river cruise on the River Thames, etc. I traveled within and outside of England including places such as Cambridge in England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, France, and more. Studying abroad within Europe was a great decision since there are a number of transportation options to get to other countries since they are within close proximity to one another making traveling affordable and easy.

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life and I highly recommend it to all students. Specifically, I strongly recommend studying abroad in London with the CIS Abroad program for Westminster. London holds so many opportunities, experiences, and culture making it a great place to spend a semester!

picture of Elinor Everett at a pool

Greetings from Peru ft. Elinor Everett

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Greetings from Peru!

I’m writing from the Amazonian lowlands in the northeast of Peru. I’ve always wanted to visit the Amazon, but I never planned on it. Living your dreams is surreal.

I’ve learned many things from my experience abroad, especially since I had never left the United States before. Now, I know how to dress for a nighttime frog transect and identify local bird species by their calls.

This experience has improved my confidence with Spanish, as well. Understanding explanations before getting an English translation validated my hard work in my Spanish classes. I knew I wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, and it’s certainly taught me vocabulary and phrases I wouldn’t get from a classroom. Did you know fried rice is called chaufa, here? We use that word a lot.

This experience has taught me about human nature and given me life skills. Social dynamics were supercharged because 15 students and half a dozen staff members live in the same Center. We eat, sleep, work and play together. This was a lot to get used to after the anonymity at UMass.

I have some fun stories, like celebrating birthdays with karaoke and visiting a castle that’s younger than I am. I have some funny stories, like finding off-brand Pokémon cards and being told our Center flooded right when we were supposed to return home for the night. I have a lot of stories that I hope will be funny in hindsight, like shouting “No!” at an old man who kissed my friend, walking over 10 miles in rubber boots in the intense sun, and checking toilets for bats.

I’m grateful for the people I’ve met. I’m incredibly grateful that I was able to study abroad. I sound like a broken record, but truly, I’ve learned many things that can’t be quantified. I thank the financial support that has allowed me to do this, such as a scholarship I got from the UMass IPO.

Kimberly Stender

Sorrento’s Sant’Anna Institute: An Incredible Study Abroad Opportunity in Italy

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Author: Kimberly Stender, Executive Assistant to Dr. Kalpen Trivedi, Vice Provost for Global Affairs & Director

I recently travelled to the picturesque early-Medieval city of Sorrento on a site visit to the Sant‘Anna Institute, a program on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. The purpose of a site visit is to vet the caliber of academic programs, condition of the campus facilities, and the community’s culture and safety.  More on the Sant’Anna Institute later - spoiler alert - this school is incredible!

Perched high upon jagged cliffs that plummet into the Bay of Naples with the celebrated yet notorious volcano Vesuvius (you recall the story of Pompeii) in the distance, the enchanting harbor town of Sorrento is a well-kept secret compared to its congested rival, Florence. Whether you arrive by ferry or train, you are greeted by the intoxicating scent of rosemary, lemons, and the sea. The comforting sound of church bells and the buzz of motor scooters awaken your senses. One can easily understand why Odysseus found it nearly impossible to ignore the cries of the mythological Sirens as he sailed just off the coast centuries ago.

Although considered a “city”, Sorrento is a small but bustling town that oozes Italian history, charm, and beauty. Picturesque town squares, classic architecture, great restaurants, luxury hotels and shops, museums, ancient churches, and the most breathtaking views make Sorrento one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Art, music, fashion, cuisine, and culture saturate Sorrento. I completely understand why the rich and famous flock to Sorrento each summer. In addition, the equally charming towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno are easily accessible by bus, and the enchanted island of Capri is just off the coast.

Sorrento caters to pedestrians. There is a main street lined with shops and restaurants and a maze of narrow streets. At night, these areas bustle with tourists and locals. Everyone greets each other warmly! Sorrento is very clean and conveys a sense of safety.

And now, some info about the Sant’Anna Institute!

Surrounded by lush gardens, the Sant’Anna Institute was founded nearly 25 years ago and is in what was once a convent in a quiet residential corner overlooking the Bay of Naples. It is just steps from the heart of the town and all its offerings.  

Bright and modern classrooms are cooled by ocean breezes although a modern HVAC system runs throughout the ADA accessible building. Staff and faculty are always on site. The school has everything necessary for academic success – engaging faculty who conduct classes in English, labs with SMART boards; library and art and dance studios; tutoring sessions and weekly reflection meetings. A vast variety of classes is offered including Marine Biology, Art History, Archeology, Business Studies, and Volcanology (once again Vesuvius takes center stage). Gender and European Literature and the History of the Mafia are very popular courses! Academic and extracurricular activities provide a cultural deep dive. Independent study, honors research projects, and experiential learning opportunities abound. Internships are available in hotel & tourism management, marine conservation, and zoology, which speak to the strong partnerships with local businesses.

Sant’Anna offers a modern kitchen, laundromat, large terraces overlooking the sea (picture yourself participating in a study session or yoga class). Students can elect to stay in dorms, shared apartments or with host families. Students enjoy local food and gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available. Counselors, emergency services and a hospital are nearby for students who find themselves in distress. Other critical program components include Sant’Anna’s approach to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and dedication to foster an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students. In addition, the LEaD Program prides itself on promoting leadership, engagement, and professional development.

The students we met were making the most of their study abroad experience. The cohort was friendly and diverse in many ways. They praised staff and faculty for being supportive. Students noted the integrity of the academic and extracurricular programs and the availability of internships and individual research projects. They spoke candidly about the initial language barrier and some common mistakes they made when they first arrived, and how they overcame homesickness and the anxiety that comes with it.  The students were grateful for the close-knit group at Sant’Anna Institute and looked forward to more adventures throughout the semester.

So, if you are looking for a great study abroad experience in Italy, the Sant’Anna Institute just may be the place for you! Sant’Anna truly is a remarkable place to learn and live!

Learn more about Sant'Anna Institute!

classroom of the Sant'Anna Institute kitchen at Sant'Anna Institute
kitchen at Sant'Anna Institute

 

Picture of Selene Bonafini on the steps in Cyprus

Summer in Cyprus ft. Selene Bonafini

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

After two delayed flights, a few hours on Lufthansa’s customer service line, and missing my flight in Germany, I finally boarded the plane. Getting to this point was stressful to say the least. But finally, I would get to live and study in Cyprus for the summer.

A lot of people don’t really know Cyprus, and I didn’t either, but I am glad I do now. It’s an island a third of the size of Massachusetts in the Mediterranean ocean right between Greece and Turkey.

I’m a journalism student and I wanted to study abroad to give myself a more global perspective, and honestly, just travel to cool places too. I also am minoring in sociology and art, so I took European Anthropology/Sociology and Photography courses abroad. Although these classes weren’t directly related to journalism, they were two of the most important classes I’ve taken so far. In addition to the classes, I met great friends and traveled to beautiful places. This study abroad program offered me a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience that I will never forget.

Nicosia

Sun shades above shops in Old Town Nicosia.

 

I stayed in Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus. It was far from the coast and sunny beaches, but was rich with culture and life. A bus ride away from me was Old Town Nicosia. This part of the city was encased in a circle of old stone walls, dating back to the 1500s. Inside, there were narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants, museums, and a beautiful park. It seemed to me like the city never ended, with new shops and new places to explore every time I visited.

Above some of the streets were these sun shades, to keep the cobblestone road from getting too hot from the blazing Cyprus sun. Though seemingly just practical sun shades, they add color to the streets and are a signature of the city that I have yet to see anywhere else.

Paphos

As a part of the program, one weekend, we went to Paphos—my absolute favorite weekend of the trip. The birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. Once we got there, I could immediately see why this was her birthplace.

My friends and I signed up for a Jeep tour of Paphos. They took us through the desert, mountains, and the beach. I was absolutely in awe of the diverse landscape and beauty in this city I had never heard of before. At the end, to wash off the dirt and dust we had accrued from flying through the desert, we visited Adonis Baths Waterfalls.

Jeep tour of the desert.

 

Going on spontaneous adventures like these was made possible because of my Gilman International Scholarship. Without this scholarship, I would not have had enough money to go on the program, let alone go on trips or try new things. Scholarships, like the Gilman International Scholarship, can be used for expenses outside of your program costs, like travel and activities.

Apply for the Gilman Scholarship for your study abroad here!

Classes

Graffiti in abandoned home in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

 

I took European Anthropology/Sociology and an Intro to Photography course. Although these classes didn’t necessarily count towards my major, they were some of the most important classes I’ve taken thus far.

The European Anthropology/Sociology course taught us about the political issues in Cyprus, specifically the Turkish invasion and immigration in Cyprus. In 1974, Turkey invaded Northern Cyprus. Now, the Northern part of Cyprus is controlled by Turkey and the Southern part is independent, though Turkey forced all Greek-Cypriots in the North to go South.

I ended up doing my research project on immigration in Cyprus because it was so interesting to me. Researching the political conflict, the Turkish invasion, and ongoing immigration issues on the island made me realize that this place was not just a beautiful vacation spot, but also a nation with culture, controversial politics and history.

One day, my friends and I decided to cross the border into Northern Cyprus, controlled by Turkey. On the walk into town, we came across this house that was likely destroyed by the Turks in the invasion. When they invaded Cyprus, they forced all Greeks in the north out of their homes, making Northern Cyprus an exclusively Turkish-Cypriot state.

I took a picture of this graffiti and this gave me the idea to do my final photography project on political graffiti around Cyprus. I was fascinated by how the people used graffiti as a form of political protest and a way to express their thoughts. It was so fascinating to study the politics and culture of Cyprus in this unique way—through graffiti all over the island.

Leaving

At the end of the day, this experience changed me and my career path for the better. If I hadn’t gone abroad, I would have never had these unforgettable memories. After taking these classes and exploring the island, I know that I want traveling or exploring to be a part of my journalism career. Not only that, but I came back to the US with friends I would have never otherwise met.

If you think you would enjoy an experience like this, get started with the study abroad process now!

Picture of Kevin Carberry pointing at a building

An Adventure James Bond Could Only Dream Of ft. Kevin Carberry

Friday, November 25, 2022

During my first semester of college through UMass Amherst, I traveled to four countries, went to some of the most famous museums in the world, and stood in line for fourteen hours to pay my respects to Queen Elizabeth II. At this point you may be able to guess, but I’ve been spending my first semester studying abroad in London.

Living in London has been a dream come true. Especially because this is my first time traveling outside the United States. When I was offered the opportunity to study abroad my first semester, I couldn’t pass it up. I was so excited to interact with different cultures and people. Coming from Milton, Massachusetts– it’s given me the perfect balance of going far away for school and then being close to home for studies in the spring.

London itself is very different from how I imagined. I was expecting pouring rain, smog, and people drinking tea while discussing their adoration for Her Majesty to be the bulk of my experience. My expectations were shattered pretty quickly when I arrived with clear blue skies and met British people who made me realize there is a lot more to the London experience than the Crown or Harry Potter. London is also one of the most diverse and multicultural cities on the globe– which is amazing and hard not to notice, coming from a small town. I have to say that gaining a realistic understanding of British people and life in London has been my favorite part of this program. It’s opened my eyes to different perspectives in a way I never expected.

This experience has certainly made me see the world differently but it’s also made me catch the travel bug. After planning weekend journeys and excursions alone, I feel so much more comfortable traveling and plan to do so a lot more, not only during my time at UMass, but throughout my life.

I have felt so lucky these past few months for this unbelievable experience. Some highlights have been traveling to Paris during our break week, swing dancing in world famous jazz bars, rocking out at punk clubs, participating in pub quizzes, reading poetry on the White Cliffs of Dover, and ending a long day of classes with a cozy night at the local pub with some mates (as you can see I’m very immersed in British culture).

Going in, I was worried about homesickness. I had insane plans to call home and friends for hours long facetimes basically every day. But the wonderful friends I’ve made and the supportive community I find myself in, have really made London feel like home. I’ve still kept in touch with family and friends, just not as much as I thought I would– and that’s okay.

Thinking about leaving in just about two weeks brings up a lot of different feelings. After being away for so long, I’m ready to visit home and see the people I love (and my dog!). But in many ways, London has become my home. I’ve developed my own routine, I understand the city, and I have friends here to whom I’ll have to say goodbye. It sounds cliché, but I love the life that I’ve built here. And that’s what’s so fantastic about studying abroad— it can make such a temporary experience feel like you’re living a new life.

As the semester winds down, I’m trying to cram in as much of the British experience as I can by visiting museums, restaurants, and parks that have been on my list for a while. I’m also looking forward to a UMass sponsored trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland next weekend to see the UMass hockey team play. Even thousands of miles away, UMass doesn’t forget about their Minutemen abroad.

I would encourage anyone reading this to study abroad; I know I’m planning on doing it as much as possible. The First-Year London Experience has been the adventure of a lifetime. As I gear up for a return home, I’m also preparing for another adventure, just as exciting– my first real semester of college on the UMass campus. The accents may be different, but I know that I’ll continue to learn things inside and outside of the classroom, make new friends, and try things outside of my comfort zone. Not to mention #1 dining is a welcome change from the regular fish and chips. GO U!

Life Lately in London ft. Jocelyn Canton

Friday, November 11, 2022

Hello from 3,328 miles away! My name is Jocelyn Canton and I am a first year student studying abroad for my first semester in the great global city of London. I am a UMass student studying Public Policy in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. 

I chose to study abroad for my first semester because I had never gotten the chance to travel outside North America, let alone live outside my hometown (Newton, MA). With one month left, it is time for me to start reflecting on my experience and the lessons I have learned by living and learning in a foreign country.

The biggest skill I’ve gained from this trip is time management. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of living in a big city, but learning how to set aside time for myself helped me become grounded in my surroundings. During my first month in London, I was so keen on going out to pubs and clubs every weekend, and while I love exploring London’s nightlife, I was becoming “clubbed-out.” In order to fix this, I made myself take walks either after classes or on weekends. During the time I set aside for decompression, I discovered the side streets of our neighborhood (Kentish Town) and watched the sunsets on Primrose Hill. Taking breaks meant that I could discover a different side of London. Through my walks I am able to find beauty and tranquility while surrounded by a busy city.

Being in London for my first semester has offered so many unique opportunities that I would have never been able to experience anywhere else. Within two months, I have been in London to witness three prime ministers and two monarchies. Since politics is a subject of interest for me, I have been invested in the British government and comparing their processes to US politics. Being here for the Queen’s passing also presented the extremely unique opportunity to witness people from all over the UK come pay their respects by visiting her coffin. A small group in our cohort, including me, made the decision to join the queue to pay our respects. We left Kentish Town at around 10 PM, but we finally entered the queue at midnight. After fourteen hours of standing and slowly shuffling every half hour, we finally arrived at Westminster Hall. Personally, I thought every hour of standing half-asleep was worth it. Although we only spent about a few minutes inside Westminster Hall, the experience allowed us to meet people that had traveled from all over the UK. Unique experiences such as these have made my time in London unforgettable.

Another opportunity that studying abroad has provided me is that I was able to travel around Europe. During our break week I traveled to Vienna and Prague with another person in our cohort. Along with a break from our classes, we were able to eat amazing food and explore two amazing European cities with beautiful architecture. As odd as it sounds, while we were away, I became a little homesick from London. I realized that I had created a life in London that I thoroughly enjoyed. When I was sitting in a Tube station at 2 AM coming back from the airport, I realized how much I have loved my time in London.

With less than a month left in London, I will continue to reflect on the skills I’ve gained through studying abroad, while also trying to fit in more museum trips and day trips into my weekends.  I am so thankful that I was provided the opportunity to spend my first semester in London. It is an experience that I will never forget, and I cannot wait to share my experience with others!

 

picture of Jocelyn Canton
picture of Jocelyn Canton picture of Jocelyn Canton
Picture of Dan Passov in front of flowers

A City Unlike Any Other ft. Dan Passov

Friday, November 4, 2022

Hello from Kentish Town, one of London’s many great neighborhoods! My name is Dan Passov and I am fortunate enough to be able to join eighteen other first year students abroad in England as we navigate through this amazing global city. A little about myself is that I am a Political Science major at the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences. I was super excited to begin my college career at UMass, yet when I received the opportunity to study my first semester in London, I knew I had to take the chance. I am from Sharon, Massachusetts, a small and quiet suburb of Boston, so moving to such a large city like London appealed to me a lot. Additionally, I have always prioritized travel and pushing my limits in general—another reason why I made the leap to foreign lands.

I have been living here in London for just shy of two months now, but there are so many fantastic and unique memories already added to the highlight reel of this trip. It feels like the list is endless at this point. Obviously, there are the more famous things that London has to offer like checking out Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace—and they’re great—but I want to bring light to some more unique experiences that I believe makes London the special city that it is. Another thing about me is that I am really into basketball, so when I got here, I made it a point of emphasis to purchase a basketball and find the nearest court. The nearest “court” near me is just a hoop attached to a brick wall, but that does not stop me nor the locals from playing hard and competitive games. The first night there were many people from all kinds of different backgrounds, unified by a game that is on the rise in the UK. I met some of the friendliest people while playing there and it truly helps me feel more at home as basketball is a big part of my life back in the United States.

Another more traditional British activity is going out to enjoy the pubs, as they are so much more than just a means of drinking. Pubs in London act as community centers, as everybody in the neighborhood comes together to drink, eat, and converse with one another. By going to these pubs on Friday and Saturday nights, I have met so many interesting and different people and had so many great and genuine conversations with the locals of the city, explaining to each other the cultural similarities and differences. The food at these pubs is as traditional as it gets, but if traditional isn’t your thing, London is home to some of the best international foods I have ever tasted. I have had incredible Turkish döner kebabs, Indian curries, and Japanese ramen just to name a sample of the vast choices of cuisines available in London. All tastes amazing.

Lastly, but arguably most importantly, is that I was able to be connected to the eighteen other people participating in this cohort. Without being brought to a foreign and grand city like London with a group of people who were practically strangers, made us all incredibly close (whether we liked it or not). However, personally, I think it is so special to be able to share these amazing journeys with one another and that we get to enter college with such astounding and special experiences.

picture of Dan Passov picture of Dan Passov
picture of Dan Passov picture of Dan Passov

There’s a Lot to Like about London ft. Jesena Kalabokis

Friday, October 28, 2022

Hello! My name is Jesena Kalabokis, I’m a first-year student at UMass majoring in journalism. I have spent the past semester studying abroad in London, and it’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through. 

Living and studying in such a global city has felt like a dream come true. People come to live here from all over the world, so even though I’m not from London, I have felt truly welcomed by the city and its people. While riding the tube, Londoners seem quiet and in their own bubbles, but above ground tells a different story where almost everyone I have had the opportunity to talk with has been friendly and genuinely interested in getting to know you.

Each day brings a new adventure. There is so much to discover here, from the rich historical sites to the newly built attractions. One of my favorite things to do if I have free time during the day is to just walk around different neighborhoods and find cafes, go window shopping, or browse around in the local markets.

If I ever feel the need to get away from the bustling city to breathe some fresh air, I have been enjoying spending time in green spaces that are in and around London, such as Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, or Painshill Park, which was just a 40-minute train ride outside of London on the national rail. 

The accessibility to public transportation here, and how interconnected everything is, has been a major bonus. I still can’t imagine trying to figure out how to drive a car here on the left side of the road, but luckily that is completely unnecessary because there are trains and buses that go to practically any destination. My friends and I have utilized this to go on a weekend trip to Canterbury and Dover, where we got to explore the medieval town of Canterbury, frolic on top of the white cliffs of Dover, and explore Dover Castle. We even caught a view of France from across the English Channel, where a few weeks later we departed on a ferry to spend five days of our midterm break week in Paris. 

Living and studying in London during a time of such historical governmental changes and political unrest has certainly defied my expectations of what this semester would be like. As a journalism major, it has been particularly interesting getting to be a first-hand witness to the reactions of the Queen’s passing, three different Prime Ministers, and even tomato soup thrown on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers by climate activists at the National Gallery. There is certainly some frustration in the air, as Londoners seem to feel like their city just can’t catch a break from the media these days. 

Overall, choosing to study abroad has been one of the best decisions of my life. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world, and I am constantly learning every day, inside and outside of the classroom. If you are considering studying abroad, my advice is to just go for it! You will be rewarded with whole new perspectives, amazing friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.

picture of Jesena Kalabokis picture of Jesena Kalabokis
picture of Jesena Kalabokis picture of Jesena Kalabokis
Picture of Gabriel Futterman in front of flowers in Bhutan

Hello from the High Himalayas: In the Land of the Thunder Dragon ft. Gabriel Futterman

Friday, October 21, 2022

Kuzuzangpola! My name is Gabriel Futterman, and I’m a senior in the Social Thought and Political Economy (STPEC) program at UMass. I’m currently studying in the country of Bhutan, half the world away and nearly as different of a place from Massachusetts as one can imagine.

 

If you’ve heard of the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan at all, you may have heard it called the “happiest country on Earth”, or the “last Shangri-La”; a peaceful hidden abode untouched by modernity. It only opened its borders to the outside world in the 1970’s, and since then in very limited capacity. Bhutan is probably most known for its guiding policy of Gross National Happiness, rooted in Buddhist ethics, which prioritizes physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing for all sentient life over GDP or purely economic “progress”. The country's population is less than that of Worcester County, yet it is extremely diverse, with each valley and elevation bearing distinctive features, such as dress, language, and belief in local deities.

I’ve been here since July, studying anthropology at Royal Thimphu College through the API Bhutan program, and so far it has been a wonderful and fascinating experience.

Part of the reason I chose to study abroad in Bhutan was that I probably wouldn't be able to come here any other way. This is important to note if any of this blog post sparks your interest in visiting Bhutan. Tourism is limited by the country’s low volume, high value policy, in which foreign tourists have to pay a $200 sustainable development fee per day to be here, as well as an additional few hundred for accommodation and the mandatory accompanying tour guide. This doesn't apply to students.

Another reason I chose to study here was to delve deep into Buddhist practice and to experience and learn from the contrast of a deeply Buddhist society (with embedded and preserved traditions) with that of the United States. Tibetan Tantric Buddhism (fused with belief in ancient local deities) predominates and is pervasive in nearly all aspects of life. It remains central to the individual and collective philosophy, in ways of relating to others and the world at large, and to the daily functioning of society and all institutions therin.

Festivals and rituals such as rimdros, pujas, and offerings abound and have not ceased to amaze me in their sensory overloading displays of traditional culture. I was fortunate to attend the biggest ritual in the country last week- the Thimphu Tshechu, a multi-day event featuring the famous masked dances. Thousands attended dressed in their finest, most spectacularly colorful ghos and kiras (the national dress).

Besides visiting monasteries, I’ve been going to clubs, cafes, bars, basketball matches and rap shows. I run into the same people everywhere– a mark of a small country. (Also, a mark of a small country: I’ve been in a movie with the foremost director, am friends with several famous singers, and have had drinks with the king’s brother). I am very excited that this week I’ll be visiting the northernmost region, Laya, for the Royal Highlanders Festival, an exception to the foreigner travel restrictions. I’ve been fortunate to travel around the country with the dozen other international students every other weekend, from white water rafting in Punakha valley to hiking to the most holy and most famous spot in Bhutan: Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery in Paro valley, perched high on the side of a sheer cliff, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the bringer of Vajrayana Buddhist to Bhutan and revered as the second Buddha, flew to on the back of a tiger demoness and meditated for three years, three months, and three days.

Anyway, I highly recommend the experience of being a student in a foreign country (rather than a tourist, as is most often the case late in life), because it is, in my opinion, one of the most effective ways to delve into “real” life there, as you spend a considerable amount of time in one place, and it facilitates you easily making friends with local folks (that is if you are at a college with local students and don’t just hang out with other international students). Spending significant time in a different culture gives one valuable insight on one’s own culture and tempers the exotization of the distant other. The differences in culture: in food, dress, language, etc., are minimal in comparison to the similarities. This can contribute to a profound sense of solidarity with all people: I have found it just as easy to get along with someone from Panama, Palestine, Morocco, China, or Bhutan, as from my hometown.

Some advice I have for those studying abroad is to be open: open to sharing and to receiving, and of course, to delve as deeply as you can into local culture. Those entails being a little brave: speaking as much as the local language as you can, wearing what the locals wear, eating at the small local spots, or even better, friends families houses, making friends outside of the school even, exploring on your own, engaging yourself in local sports teams, art collectives, or other organizations, trying unfamiliar things, following the subtle customs and etiquette, etc. It may be uncomfortable but is deeply rewarding. Basically, do as much as you possibly can, you are there for the broader experience, not just the academics, do things you can’t do back home. Getting out of your comfort zone and your home culture is, in my opinion, highly beneficial for shaping your sense of humanity (and self): it gives perspective and fosters solidarity, it is humbling and expands the mind. And I further recommend you get off the beaten path a bit, go somewhere unusual or unique, do what others don’t, it’s bound to be a good time regardless.

Hope this inspires you!

Best wishes from the Land of the Thunder Dragon,

-Gabriel (Feel free to reach out at gfutterman[at]umass[dot]edu)

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