Culture – Page 2 – Off-Campus Study Blog

February 10, 2016March 15, 2016

The Wonderful Benefits of Being Uncomfortable by Ava Baker ’18

Ava Baker ’18
Global Studies & Music Majors
JanPlan in India, Kalimpong, India
January 2016

Being uncomfortable is actually quite comfortable. Contradiction? Maybe on the surface, but when you actually think about that statement, it’s quite true! The only way to extend your comfort zone, is to be uncomfortable. The more your “zone” extends, the less things, actions, or people can make you squirm, blush, or hide. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing because it allows you to open your mind to the blissful wonders of this world. Continue reading “The Wonderful Benefits of Being Uncomfortable by Ava Baker ’18”

January 29, 2016May 29, 2016

An American in Bremen by Brandon Blackburn ’17

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Brandon Blackburn ’17
Majors: English and German Studies
Minor: Art
Teaching intern at the Ökumenisches Gymnasium in Bremen, Germany
January 2016
Welcome to Germany

—Vierundneunzig, fünfzig Euro bitte.

The woman behind the help desk at DB Bahn Frankfurt smiled expectantly and handed me the printout of my new ticket. I began to run calculations in my head. Let’s see… that’s four.. and nine… no, she must have said ein… but that doesn’t make sense because the tens are zehn… is there another number that sounds like neun? Let’s see: eins, zwei, drei…

—Wie bitte? I asked.

She repeated herself, a bit more slowly this time: Continue reading “An American in Bremen by Brandon Blackburn ’17”

October 29, 2015March 15, 2016

Jeg Elsker København (I love Copenhagen) by Alison Grover ’16

Alison Grover ’16
Architecture Major / Anthropology Minor
DIS Copenhagen, Denmark
(Spring 2015)

I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark during Spring 2015. I decided on the DIS Architecture Foundations program because it is such a hands-on design studio, and because Copenhagen has a great selection of modern Danish architecture. And I knew, going into the program, that it would be a great experience, not just academically. But I never expected to love the city and the Danish Continue reading “Jeg Elsker København (I love Copenhagen) by Alison Grover ’16”

October 7, 2015March 15, 2016

Six Reasons to Love France in the Fall by Gabriella DeConti ’18

Gabriella DeConti ’18
Environmental Science Major
First Semester Abroad: Colby in Dijon
(Fall 2014)

It’s been about a year since my semester abroad in Dijon, France and I am still reflecting on the experiences I had there now that I’m back at Colby. This year, as I spend my first fall semester on campus, I am not only looking forward to weekend trips exploring apple orchards or climbing Mount Katahdin, but I am also growing quite nostalgic for my time in Europe. As the leaves turn Continue reading “Six Reasons to Love France in the Fall by Gabriella DeConti ’18”

September 23, 2015March 15, 2016

Mora Mora, I miss you by Kate Riley ‘16

Kate Riley ‘16
Psychology, Neuroscience concentration
SIT Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (spring 2015)

After a couple of weeks back at Colby, its starting to feel like I never left. Classes and commitments have picked up speed, and once again, I find myself caught up in the whirlwind of what comprises life at Colby. Before I continue, I must disclose that I love being busy. I’ve always jam-packed my schedule, running (often literally) from one thing to the next. I can only sit still for so long, and slow summers drive me stir-crazy. Continue reading “Mora Mora, I miss you by Kate Riley ‘16”