Student Experiences
Charlie Johnson's Spanglish is welcomed in Valparaiso
As a part of PC’s Maymester program, I had the opportunity to come to Chile for two weeks last May with the Spanish department. One of the things that struck me at the time about Chileans was that everyone we met seemed to be very open to foreigners in their country
My First Two Months (Mas o Manos) in Chile
I’m not really the type of person to go off on grand globe-trotting adventures, so for a couple of months after I sent in my study abroad applications, and even for a little while after I had confirmed my participation in the IFSA-Butler program in Valparaíso, Chile, for this semester, I waited for that compelling urge to chicken out.
Five PC students arrive in Cuba for Fall Semester
The second year of the Presbyterian College/University of Havana Semester in Cuba Program began recently with the arrival of five PC students in Havana.The quintet will begin a program of study that includes educational activities in the city of Havana and in six provinces of the island country.
Entreprenurial student's European itinerary includes climbing rocks, improving French, riding horses
I have really enjoyed my time in Europe. I am studying abroad in Grenoble, France, located in the heart of the French Alps. I am surrounded by snow-covered mountains, and the city is amazing. There is always something to do -- museums, rock climbing (my personal favorite), or just relaxing at a local cafe.
Bippity Boppity Boo: Sonya Gee sees Cinderella's castle and other places she's dreamed about
My favorite part of studying abroad is the opportunity to see places in Europe that I've always dreamed about. I've gotten to go to Paris, Rome, and other places in France and Germany. I've also gotten to see Neuschwanstein, the castle that Cinderella's castle is based on. I'm also going to get to see Pompeii, Italy, and that has been my dream since I was six years old
Studying abroad in Spain was the best experience I've had in my life, and the best choice I have ever made. The semester I spent abroad flew by quickly, yet by the end I felt like I had been living in Spain for years, and I was certainly not ready to come home. I have so many memories that it seems like I was there for much longer than four months.
O'fun! Ryan Thackray visits medieval castles in Ireland and takes a mystery trip to Poland
Studying abroad has been one of the best opportunities I have taken since becoming a student at P.C. I have made friends with students from all over Europe and different parts of the United States. Studying abroad causes you to think outside the box and step out of your comfort zone. This can sometimes cause awkward situations, but they have been great learning experiences and are many times fun to look back upon and laugh about.
PC student Lauren Joyce's journal entries from Istanbul, Turkey
Days One and Two - At the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, I hugged and kissed Mama and Daddy goodbye at the Lufthansa terminal and ran to meet my group waiting to go through customs
Day Three - Waking up with a headache from the seven-hour time difference, I shook the jet lag off with a shower and morning coffee on the terrace overlooking the city.
Day Four - Rising early once again, I was awakened by the sound of raindrops hitting the cobblestone street outside the Hotel Nena. Despite the weather, we all boarded a bus to tour the walls of the city.
Day Five - Monday morning we went inside the Haghia Sophia, which loomed above much of the city. The sheer magnitude of the mosque was unbelievable, with dizzying arrays of tiles and patterns on the dome above us
Day Six - Tuesday morning dawned beautiful and clear, the perfect day for our scheduled cruise on the Bosporus. Before hitting the sea, we trudged up the hill to Suleyman’s mosque, which was probably the most beautiful and ornate mosque we saw the entire trip.
Day Seven - Today was our first day without any defined touring or activities, and I have to say that in a way, I was glad. After going hard at it all week, my body needed a little rest and relaxation.
Day Eight - Thursday morning, I awoke at 5 am, running on about two hours of sleep. I crammed the last of my souvenirs into my suitcase, wrapped my breakables with care and lumbered down the spiral staircase at the Hotel Nena dreading going home.
Studying abroad in Rome has been one of the biggest adventures I've ever taken in my life. It has taken me completely out of my comfort zone and forced me to open my eyes to the world around me, which has been a priceless lesson.
The Day I Conquered My Worst Fear while in Rome
In order to fully appreciate this story, you have to know that I am from a small town, and I have no sense of direction whatsoever. Rome was the first city that I had ever lived in, and while it was incredibly exciting, it was also incredibly scary.
This past semester I had the wonderful opportunity of studying in London with the Hansard Scholars Program. I took classes at The London School of Economics (LSE) and had the privilege of being an intern in Parliament.
On the Go at Otago: Alison Recknagel in New Zealand
I'm spending a semester at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand and thus far, it's been a blast. I came over with the IFSA-Butler programme that started off my trip with a great orientation which included a visit to a Maori Marae.
Geisha-gazind and karaoking in Kyoto: Japan hits the high note during Rachel Smith's Semester at Sea
After visiting 12 countries in 109 days during my Semester at Sea, I’d have to say Japan was my favorite country, and I didn’t expect that at all. When our ship landed in Kobe, I immediately headed to the train station to go to Kyoto, the last city in Japan that has Geisha.
It has been amazing to be able to come here and visit some of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Only in Barcelona is one able to find the works of Gaudi, a famous architect in Spain. Some of his works include Parc Guell, a public park; Casa Batlo, an amazing house that seems to have come out from a fairy tale; La Pedrera, a building made of white stone that defies the laws of gravity; and La Sagrada Familia, a church which Gaudi spent his last years working on.
PC junior studies theatre at the University of London
“Since I grew up in Clinton, I made it a point to take every opportunity to see other parts of the world when I get a chance,” he said. “I don’t want to regret (not going) 20 years down the road.”
The International Programs Office is located in Brown Commons.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
