Reflection after Semester at Sea by Chase Hirshorn

Embarking on my Semester At Sea journey, we were presented with an extraordinary opportunity—to travel from Belgium to Thailand, passing through the Suez Canal and visiting 12 diverse countries along the way. However, the course of our adventure took an unexpected turn due to an unforeseen conflict in the Middle East. Originally set to enter the Suez Canal and explore destinations like Jordan, Dubai, and India, our plans faced a…

Day in the life on Semester At Sea by Chase Hirshorn

Embarking on Semester At Sea is like stepping into a dream for any college student. The sheer awesomeness of traveling the globe on a cruise ship, hitting up three continents and thirteen ports, transforms us into true global citizens. Living among 500 fellow students and 300 staff members creates an incredible sense of community. We’re not just studying abroad; we’re coexisting, learning, and exploring together. This unique experience turns us…

Introduction by Dane Shuart

Hi! My name is Dane Shuart and I just finished my freshman year at the College of Charleston. I am currently a finance major with a double minor in economics and religious studies. Over the Maymester, I will be studying abroad in Israel for religious studies. I chose the study abroad trip to Israel because I became extremely fascinated with religious studies after taking my first Jewish studies course this…

Israel by Madilyn Milici

During our first day in Jerusalem, I had the fantastic experience of walking Via Dolorosa and the Holy Sepulcher Church. Before visiting these locations, part of our “classroom hours” (they were just lectures on the bus rides) discussed the importance of these sites to Christianity. Via Dolorosa is the pathway that Jesus took while carrying the cross, on his way to be crucified. Among this walk, there are 14 stops that are important to the legend of the crucifixion, which included where he was…

International Development Work in Amman by Farah Chowdhury

While abroad I had the opportunity to intern at a non-governmental organisation called Tkiyet Um Ali. This was by far my favorite part of study abroad. In addition to receiving course credit at The College, I also managed to explore a career path that interested me. At Tkiyet Um Ali, I was working with underprivileged persons in all governorates of the Hashemite Kingdom. This organisation not only offered food support…

“Touring but not Tourists” by Farah Chowdhury

*Written previously* The School for International Training turned out to be the perfect choice for me. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and passionate. Our academic director, Raed Al Tabini, would constantly remind us that we are “touring but not tourists” as we explored some of the governorates of the Hashemite Kingdom. In choosing a study abroad program, it’s clear that Jordan will not be your typical abroad experience. Despite the…

Short-term Study Abroad Programs Versus Semester-long Programs by Micah Feinstein

I am exceptionally fortunate to have studied abroad several times during my college career. I have completed four short term study abroad programs through CofC. These programs have varied in length and destination: from a one-week spring break trip in Cuba, to two two-week Maymesters in Ghana and Iceland respectively, to a three-week summer program in England and France. Now, I am halfway through my semester abroad in Greece. Other…

Studying Abroad as a Gilman Scholar by Abigail Martuscello

This time last year, I was filling out scholarship applications like there was no tomorrow. Between juggling classwork during the week, waking up early on weekends, and dedicating substantial amounts of time during CofC’s Fall Break – I knew if I wanted to make my dream of studying abroad a reality I needed to secure as much financial aid as possible. I took advantage of some of CofC’s departmental scholarships…

Common Myths About Studying Abroad in Israel by Abigail Martuscello

Abigail Martuscello is a Gilman Scholarship Recipient. Israel is not your average place to study abroad. Nestled on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean and neighboring Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, this country, roughly the size of New Jersey is packed with history, culture, and political momentum. Unless you’re of the Jewish faith, most people associate Israel with either the Bible or with its seemingly intractable conflict with the Palestinians who…

University of Haifa by Abigail Martuscello

Abigail Martuscello is a Gilman Scholarship Recipient. My name is Abigail Martuscello and I am a Junior at the College of Charleston studying Political Science / Jewish Studies / Middle Eastern Studies. This semester I will be studying abroad through USAC at the University of Haifa in Israel. With a lifelong goal of becoming fluent in another language, I always knew that the location of where I chose to study…