Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Hello!

Greetings from Austria! I’m in Vienna and heading home tomorrow afternoon. I can’t believe that it’s already been 3 weeks since I left, it went by so fast. I’ve traveled with my group through Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and now Austria. Most of the trip was by bus but we also took a ferry overnight to travel up the Croatian coast.

I’ve enjoyed all the cities we’ve visited but Sarajevo in BiH was definitely my favorite. We started there and spent the first five days going to speakers and seeing the city. Over the centuries, Sarajevo has absorbed the cultural trademarks of all the groups that live there and has long been considered a major ‘melting pot’ in Europe.

Sarajevo’s older sections have cobblestone paving, beautiful mosques and cathedrals. Busy coffee shops and stores line the roads and in the more touristy sections hawkers sell ‘turkish coffee’ sets, postcards and scarves. The lingering signs of the four year siege that devastated the city - damaged buildings in strange juxtaposition to newly remodeled ones, the pink painted ‘Sarajevo roses’ on sidewalks and bullet holes in cemetery gravestones are faint reminders of the war that occurred in Bosnia.

Outside of the city the scars are much more visible. Driving through the Bosnia-Herzegovinian country side there are remnants of many burned out homes. Depending on the area, they were once the residencies of Serbs, Croats or Moslems who fled the violence or were killed. It was very difficult for me to make myself believe that they weren’t just abandoned buildings like the ones I sometimes see driving home from school or around my town. I’m not sure that even now I really grasp the reality that those empty homes represent.

Coming from my own perspective, it’s been very difficult for me to understand the connection between ethnicity and religion that has so much significance in the area. Genetically, all three groups are indistinguishable and some individuals from older generations identify not as Serb, Croat or Moslem but as Yugoslav. Additionally there are many mixed marriages and some children grow up without a strong connection to any ethnic identity. A major part of this trip for me has been learning how to better understand these identities and how the people I’ve met relate to them. While I don’t think I’ll ever be able to relate to it completely, I do have a better understanding now than before.

I’ve also been able to gather a lot of information for my research paper! I’m focusing on the situation of the elderly in post-conflict situations and many speakers have touched on relevant issues, for example pension reform. I’ve also had a one-on-one interview with a woman who works specifically with the elderly, so that was extremely helpful.

All in all, it’s been an amazing experience and I’d love to come back for a longer period at some point. Most people have been very open and honest in their responses to our questions and the entire region is just so beautiful! If I can figure out how to post pictures to the blog I will try to do so after I return.

Good luck to all the students leaving soon for their trips abroad!

-Kathleen


Friday, October 16, 2009

Greetings from Vienna!

Hello all,

As my last post stated I am traveling to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Vienna, Austria for three weeks. Currently I am sitting in the Vienna airport waiting for my flight to Sarajevo, we'll return to Vienna for three days at the end of the trip. The flight over went well, I wish I had been able to sleep more but hopefully the jet lag won't be too bad.

I'm so excited to finally be on my way! There was a lot to finish this week- I had friends visiting last weekend, my internship Monday and Tuesday, a research paper draft to prepare for today and all of my packing! It was definitely worth the stress though and we'll all be in Sarajevo so soon!

I'm going to try to get a little more sleep before we board, so this post is going to have to be very short. I will be sure to try and post a few updates during the next three weeks.

-Kathleen

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Hello! My name is Kathleen Stephan and I’m enrolled in the Washington Semester at American University program on Peace and Conflict Resolution. This is my senior year and even though it is strange to think I only have one semester left, I’m really enjoying being in the nation’s capital. Living and studying in DC is helping me to better understand how I can apply my International Studies degree after graduation.

My program is intensive and I am constantly on the go, from my internship at a human trafficking think tank to attending speakers on conflict resolution and peace-building in the Balkans, my days are always full. At times it’s pretty exhausting but I am learning a lot about this field and am getting very excited for my trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Vienna, Austria!

I’d like to talk about two things that are specific to my program and that I’m both anxious and excited about. The first is my research paper. This is a major research project that I have the semester to complete. In the AU program you can select to do a research elective, course elective or just do the seminar and internship. I chose the research elective and even though it is stressful at times the process is teaching me how to better conduct research and plan for longer papers. My topic is an exploration of the provision for elderly persons in post-conflict areas and advocating for their importance to the peace building process. I hope to compile policy recommendations for how existing NGOs can incorporate programs for the elderly into their existing initiatives.

The second is my upcoming trip to the Balkans. My group is flying to Europe in 8 days and I cannot believe it is almost here! I’m excited to see the countries that we have been studying and to learn more about peace building. We will first visit Sarajevo, the capital Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The country of Bosnia and Herzegovina was divided into two federations, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, by the Dayton Accords in 1994. Even though it is one country there remain many cultural and political divisions between the two sides. From Sarajevo we will travel into Republika Srpska and visit Banja Luka. We will also travel to Belgrade in Serbia, through Croatia back into BiH and end in Dubrovnik on the Croatian coast. We will leave Dubrovnik by boat up, travel up the coast and ultimately fly to Vienna for the last three days.

I am still waiting for the exact schedule for our trip but I know we will be very, very busy. My director has already mentioned that we will be meeting with survivors of the war from all sides, religious leaders, politicians, NGO representatives and visiting two orphanages-and those are only the things he’s mentioned in passing!

I’ll be sure to post during my trip if I can and definitely after. I hope everyone is having a good semester at Stonehill and if you have any questions about the Peace and Conflict Program feel free to email me, kathleenstephan@gmail.com

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Foreign Policy

Hi Stonehill!

My name is Casey Gallagher and I am a junior international studies major.

I decided to do this semester in Washington after looking at the opportunities it presented and realizing that it would be a good place to fulfill my internship requirement.

Though not totally what I expected, it has turned out to be a good experience thus far.

First off, going into the program, being from an American institution, I figured that most other students would be from American schools. However, just over 50% (or so I was told) in the program actually come from around the country. The rest are from schools all around the world, which we began to find out as my roommate Erin and I were pleasantly surprised with a third roommate from Germany.

Being in one of two Foreign Policy sections in the American University program, my class is made up of 4 American students and 17 international students- from Germany, France, Sweden, Morroco, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and South Korea. This makes the class a truly unique experience. Everyone in the class is interested to hear the perspectives of someone from another country. We have had several interesting speakers and lessons, like a simulation on drafting policy as Mexican or American policy makers regarding the Mexican drug war, but the learning truly extends beyond the classroom. You become close with your classmates as you travel around the city to different speakers with them each week, and you begin to learn about how students from around the world view various issues, such as immigration, an issue of every country. In addition, you begin to feel the need to learn a foreign language as most of your classmates appear to converse freely in English, it being their second or third language. The class dynamic mixed with the speakers' insights will truly make this semester unforgettable.

Along with taking classes 3 days a week, two days of our week are devoted to internships. This semester I am interning with the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, a branch of the Columban Missionary Society. For those of you planning on doing the Washington Semester Program at American University, I would advise to being your internship search early! Coming here without an internship proven to be highly stressful. However, in beginning your query as soon as possible, I would suggest thinking up and researching the places and types of places which you feel you would really want to intern with most, and carefully craft cover letters to each, and submit them in accordance with their online directions and due dates, and follow up on the application! Trying to apply over the summer, I found myself trying to send out many cover letters and resumes and not really catering each to a specific internship and then summer became too hectic to follow up. However, if you do not have an internship or interviews set up upon arrival, the internship bazaar American University puts on is very helpful. It allows you to make personal contacts that help when following up with them after the fair. I received two offers from places that I had met in person at the fair. In addition, I received offers from each place that I had conducted an in person interview with, but could not seem to land an offer over the phone. So, I would suggest trying to get in person interviews, or being thoroughly prepared for an over the phone interview (sitting outside of a starbucks and talking outside the morning after supervising a camp out are also not ideal for phone interviews :)).

At my internship, I am responsible for researching updates on Climate Jusitice issues, which is everywhere as the international talks at Copenhagen approaches and there is a push for the Senate to pass a Climate Change bill before the summit in December. I am also trying to devise my own project to do while here, but waiting to get the ok on it. The information I am finding is very fascinating and I am anxiously waiting/trying to find ways to put it into practice in the context of the organization.

The third component of the American University semester in Washington is the research project. For my project, I am researching the factors that go into the policymaking in regards to the crisis in Darfur. Right now, I am exploring articles and Senate Committee hearing transcripts that dealing with US Foreign Policy in Africa and Darfur. These next two weeks, my class is having speakers on Africa and US Foreign Policy making, that will really help with my project and in making contacts for interviews for research.

Finally, everything to be learned in this city does not come from books. There is so much to explore here there should never be a dull moment! Along with all of the free Smithsonian museums, there are monuments and statues scattered throughout the city waiting to be found. One Saturday, I cam upon a statue figure of John Marshall staring over a small park, and upon walking a bit further I came to AaBenjamin Banneker (an African American whose mathematic and astronomical work supposedly helped design the city) memorial, that was on the root of some sort of independent walking tour of the city (much too long for me to start to try and follow that day). In addition, during another days exploits I came across a display in Union Station promoting the culture of Colombia and learned a lot about the country and its heritage (along with a free tasting of Colombian coffee) There is a new adventure to be found at every turn and I can't wait to see what lies next!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Transforming

Hi Stonehill!

I am having an amazing time in D.C. There is SO much to do- although the busy schedule often can be tiring! My program, called Transforming Communities, is essentially a sociology course centered around public policy. My professor is incredible. She has practiced law, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Iran, and was part of the Civil Rights movement march on Washington! She has more energy than all of students! Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it motivates me to give 100% in all of our assignments discussions. I am learning so much this semester. Our class travels around the city- and I mean ALL around the city- to hear speakers who are experts in their field or are working within communities to solve some of their toughest problems. Because the classes here are small and meet at length three days a week, you form close bonds with your classmates. I have found most people here to be friendly and outgoing. My surprise third roommate (I didn't know there would be three of us until I arrived) is one of the sweetest people I have ever met! Patti and I have become great friends and she even coming home with me for Thanksgiving. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the Washington Semester program has a large number of international students. As cliche as it sounds, getting to know people from other countries has really opened my mind to other perspectives and changed the way I look at everything from daily practices to political processes.
Of course, another huge part of this program is the internship- and the search for an internship was pretty terrifying. I was much more nervous than I should have been, but most of us were, which made it worse! However, everyone gets through it and it is nice to be able to seek out and choose a place yourself. I am interning at the Peace Corps Regional Recruiting Office in Virginia, just one stop outside of the city on the blue line. Everyone in my office is very nice, and I respond well to the relaxed atmosphere. My favorite part of work is writing press releases about Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and promoting the personal projects they work on at their service sites. The volunteers need donations to help fund their projects, and I like to think I am helping them by writing up press releases and sending them to local publications.
It is always unsettling to be in a new place, but I am so glad I made the decision to come to Washington. Being in a vibrant city where high-profile events are around every corner, neighborhoods offer new cultural experiences, and change is in the air is a refreshing and exciting change from Easton! I would definitely recommend this program, especially the Transforming Community section.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Where Are They?

This Fall, Stonehill students are interning in a wide variety of sites:
Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Senator Edward Kennedy/Paul Kirk
Interpol
St. Columban Missionary Society
Office of Representative Dave Camp
Peace Corps Mid Atlantic Regional Recruiting Office
The Center for Education Reform
Financial Services Roundtable, HOPE NOW
mCapitol Management
Catholic Diocese of Arlington - Migration and Refugee Services
The Protection Project@ Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced Interntaional Studies
Institute for Global Engagement

Monday, September 28, 2009

Greetings from the Capitol!

My name is Brenna Kelly and I am a junior Political Science major at Stonehill. I am studying at American University through the Washington Semester Program. The program I am enrolled in is American Politics, and I am interning in Senator Kennedy's office.

What an experience this semester has been so far! I began researching and applying to internships over the summer, and was lucky to secure the position in Senator Kennedy's office in July. I was sent an intern binder with all types of information regarding working on "the Hill," and was so excited to get here and start! Sadly, on August 25th, Senator Edward Kennedy passed away after holding his senate seat for over forty years and creating a legacy as one of the most well respected and influential members of Congress in history. I began my internship on August 27th, and really did not know what to expect. Luckily I was able to stay in the office, and the opportunity of working there during such a historic time has been incredible. I have been able to meet all kinds of people, and I now truly understand how much positive change you can create by dedicating yourself to public service, as Senator Kennedy had.

That being said, Capitol Hill is pretty much the coolest place you could work. On my way to the office everyday after exiting the Capitol South metro station I get to walk by the US Capitol and the Supreme Court as the sun rises over them. As corny as it sounds, as a poli-sci nerd I totally appreciate this! I have also spotted various politicians in my adventures around the Hill, including Vice President Biden, Senator Kerry and Senator McCain.

My seminar program at American is just as interesting. I decided to study through AU because the program is focused not only on interning, but a great deal on academics and I felt this was the best way to get the most out of being here. I am incredibly happy with this decision. So far we have studied elections and campaigns, campaign finance reform, the financial bailout, and will soon be moving on to the presidency, which I am very excited for! Some of our speakers have included Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Norm Eisen (Special Counsel to the President for Ethics and Government Reform), Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), Leon Sequeira (former Asst. Secretary of Labor, Program Policy, Research and Technology), Bob Schieffer (CBS Chief Washington Correspondent), Tad Devine (one of the leading campaign PR people in the world) and Steven Walther (Chairman of the Federal Election Commission). My class has also visited some great places too, including the Newseum, National Holocaust Museum, and various committee hearings.

Also, as part of the Washington Semester program, I am conducting a research project on the Family Reunification Act of 2009, that was introduced on the Senate Floor on May 20th and on the House floor in June. The professors here have gone above and beyond helping with the internship, research project, and making the overall DC experience a wonderful experience.

Finally, living in DC is great because it is such an incredible city. We live on the AU "Tenley Campus," which has its own academic building, gym and cafeteria. It is a five minute walk to the Tenleytown AU metro stop, and is also very close to Subway, Bestbuy, Whole Foods, CVS, Dominoe's, an amazing smoothie place, Robek's, and Guapos, a great Mexican restaurant. There is always something to do, and so many cool places to visit. Besides the monuments on the National Mall, I have visited various Smithsonian museums (American History is my favorite, you can't beat seeing Dorothy's ruby slippers!), the International Spy Museum (so cool!), Georgetown for shopping and great restaurants, a Nationals game (not the Red Sox but still lots of fun), the National Book Fair, and Six Flags America in Maryland. I still have a long list of places I want to visit before I leave!


I hope this helps! Have a fab semester and stay tuned for more posts!

Semester in D.C.

Hi Stonehill!

My name is Jennifer Juliano, I am a junior and an Economics and Elementary Education double major. I am participating in the American University Washington Semester Program, specifically the Economic Policy Seminar Program, and I am interning at the Center for Education Reform.

I decided to "study-abroad" in D.C. instead of going to another country for two reasons. The first being I lived overseas for 12 years before coming to Stonehill and I felt that I already had the international experience and wanted to explore the U.S. and what it had to offer for me. The second reason I chose to spend my semester in D.C. was that I felt it would point me in the right direction for what I wanted to do after graduation. Since I am not interested in becoming a school teacher, but am interested in the policy making of education and its reform, D.C. has been the perfect place for me to explore this interest. Up until this point I haven't been able to combine my two majors and Washington has allowed me to examine both subjects together and see the relationship between education and economics.

I am in the Economic Policy Seminar and like Therese said, there are a lot of international students studying here with us. This has made for a very rich learning environment and has allowed me to get the different economic perspective of students from Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Korea and Japan. There is also an American student who is a strong follower and believer of Ron Paul which has resulted in some very interesting debates. My professor starts off each week with an interactive lecture about the topic of the week. So far we have covered the current state of the U.S. economy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, U.S. housing policy, health care and next week is energy policy. With each new topic we visit at least two speakers and go to a hearing on Capitol Hill. Last week at the Hearing of the House Committee on Financial Services Timothy Geithner was testifying on financial regulation. Some of our field trips include Capitol Hill, the Pentagon and the Newseum. We have also had speakers come talk to us from the Federal Reserve, the Congressional Budget Office, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Council of Economic Advisors, the FDIC and other various agencies and think-tanks.

My Internship at the Center for Education Reform has also been a great learning experience. So far I have been doing a great deal of work with charter schools which has been fascinating since charter schools are not taught in the Education classes at Stonehill.

D.C. definitely has a lot going on and a great deal to offer! It is a great fast-paced young city that I'm sure you will enjoy just as much as I have!

I hope our posts have given you a good idea on what the semester in Washington is all about! I'll post more later!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

busy busy busy

My name is Therese Mance and I am a current Junior, International Studies major, studying at American University Washington Semester Student interning at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington - Migrant and Refugee Services.

Stonehill, here are my words for you...

I consider myself pretty well traveled and I've always been one to look forward to meeting new people, trying new foods, and experiencing new adventures. Washington, DC is like nothing I've ever encountered! Although I'd have to say that people aren't quite as friendly as Stonehill (but really who IS?!) I've been blessed enough to have been offered a dream internship at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington - Migrant and Refugee Services. The small office that I work in is the most diverse group I've worked with in my life, there are Nepalese, Somalian, Colombian, Egyptian, American, Iraqi, and Europeans representing various religious differences as well....It's truly amazing to work with these people everyday! I work specifically with the Education office where we help students register for school, get tested for ESL (English as a Second Language), and set up mentoring and tutoring volunteers with the students in their transition to the new culture. Since beginning my job, I have already been given various tasks to complete, some fun, some uncomfortable, but always teaching me something new about myself or the life of an immigrant or refugee in the United States.

My internship search was pretty normal, nothing too exciting occurred. I applied to 4 places, but only ended up hearing back from 3 groups for interest in a follow-up interview. Some of the interviews were more casual than others, but I found it to be helpful to write an introspective paper before going into the interviews. By the end of my search, I was offered positions at all three of the groups and choose the Migrant and Refugee Services in Arlington, and despite the hour long commute every morning, I regret nothing in my decision.

The community at American University has been receptive to all kinds of people and the language barriers that are everywhere! I live with 2 french graduate students in the Tenley Campus dorms, and despite my 6 years study of French, I still understand very little when they speak. One thing I didn't know before coming to Washington was how much of an international program this was, I believe its somewhere between 50-55% of the program is foreign students studying for the semester or year. Ranging from French, German, Swedish, Colombian, Japanese, English, Ukrainian, Nepalese, Chinese, and Mexican, this program has some of the brightest students from around the world coming to DC for internships, networking, and experience. It can seem overwhelming at first, but it's a lot of fun to meet all these different people.

I am part of the Foreign Policy Seminar so my professor has found a nice balance between American politics and international relations. I have gotten the chance to meet with many different people as guest speakers in my seminar including Bob Scheiffer (CBS Washington Chief Correspondent), Senator Richard Lugar (Rep.-Indiana), Mr. Julius Menn (Holocaust Survivor), Ted Carpenter (CATO Institute VP for Defense and Foreign Policy), Dr. Theodore Bromound (The Heritage Foundation), and so many more! As you can see there is so much to say and I've only been here for a month!

Outside of classes, studying, and interning, I have taken the time to really explore various parts of the city including the National Mall, The National Archives (to see the Constitution which is the most important document in our nation's history and must be known for any class with Professor Ubertaccio... he'll even offer you a pocket Constitution.), the National Holocaust Museum, the U St. Neighborhood, and most importantly Georgetown Cupcake. As you can see things have been pretty busy down here in DC and things will not be letting up anytime soon...

stay posted for later posts.

First Month in Washington!

Hello future interns!

My name is Diana Cabral and I am currently a junior at Stonehill! My major is Criminology which is why I am taking part in the Law and Criminal Justice program at The Washington Center here in D.C.! I am interning with INTERPOL- U.S. National Central Bureau. This organization handles domestic and foreign intelligence requests while coordinating international policing matters. If you have never heard of this organization, no worries, I didn't either. While I initially hoped to work with the CIA or FBI, I am pleased to say that I am very thankful with my opportunity to work for INTERPOL. I strongly encourage you to explore an internship with INTERPOL if you wish to have a future job in law enforcement.

INTERPOL is co-managed by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice. This unique sharing of the organizations allows for agents from both departments to hold positions at the USNCB. I am working in the Drug Division of INTERPOL under two senior DEA agents. In the same building, there are DHS/ICE, FBI, USSS, USMS, FDA, CBP, EPA, and ATF agents just to name a few. Not only does my internship allow me to network simply within my division, but I am able to walk down the hallway and have access to numerous agents from the a/m agencies in order to gain a holistic understanding of how each agency works!

As far as adjusting to life in Washington....

Although I have never had to rely on public transportation in my life, it is relatively easy to get used to. You figure out pretty quickly how to navigate to and from work, class, and program events.

The apartments rented for The Washington Center are very nice... or so I hear from other interns, whatever you do, DO NOT live in Grosvenor Towers. (Apparently I missed the memo that the nickname for Grosvenor Towers is "Ghetto Towers" and now I am living in an apartment with numerous problems.) The other apartment complexes are very nice, especially Fenestra, so try to live there if you can! At any rate, a spacious apartment is still preferable to living in a dorm room.
There are many thing to see down here so make sure to plan trips to visit the monuments and museums if you decide to come. The Metro can get you in walking distance of pretty much everything so don't feel trapped if you cant bring your car.

This program is a great way to experience Washington D.C. and learn how to work in a professional business setting while still getting credit at Stonehill!

I hope this little bit of information helps you out and I will be sure to post more in the future!