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J-term: Around the world in two weeks

Bradley students Cooper Kaplan, Jack Donahue. Aaron Rapp, and Jon Spray at a Chelsea vs. Arsenal football match.
Photo via Aaron Rapp

While most students enjoyed winter break cozied up by a fire or spending time with family and friends at home, some opted to take classes. More than that, other J-term students opted to travel abroad.

Senior Interactive Media major Hannah Gaska and her fellow ENG 302: Travel Writing classmates flew to Paris for a brief study abroad trip, lasting two weeks. While visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other “mainstream” sights, she said she also uncovered a lot about the culture.

“I had been wanting to study abroad since my freshman year, so I waited until the opportune moment for the experience to work within my schedule,” Gaska said. “This was my second time leaving the United States, and I chose Paris because of its beauty and exotic [and] unique culture.”

Time was spent both inside and outside the classroom as students worked on assignments for over two hours each morning and traveled on class excursions throughout the city.

Students Jackie Payne, Hannah Gaska, and Eric Eisele visit the Château de Versailles.
Photo via Hannah Gaska

“Travel Writing brought to light many of the historical aspects of Paris. As a tourist, I would have ignored these traits and only acknowledged the beauty,” Gaska said. “Due to the daily journals we wrote and essays completed, I was able to understand the culture on a deeper level, and it helped enhance the beauty of the city.”

Senior nursing major Aaron Rapp also took the travel writing course but did so from London.

“The location of London allowed me to explore the city and write about my travels. I could not have done this in Peoria,” Rapp said. “London is a very historic city, so it allowed lots of information to write about.”

Shuttling to and from the different sights and locations, Gaska said there was just as much culture to experience on the streets of Paris. The only issue Gaska said she came across was the language barrier.

“There were those who spoke English and some who didn’t, but it didn’t stop the group from enjoying the culture and picking up some French words along the way,” Gaska said. “It allowed me to see a new perspective on life and helped me to grow as an individual.”

Rapp said he found his trip to be a lot less difficult in England, where he was not as easily “lost in translation.”

“London makes it easy for students, especially first time travelers, because the people of England speak English, so it makes it easy to explore the city and communicate with the [British People],” Rapp said.

Both Gaska and Rapp said they were able to absorb valuable knowledge and experience to take back to Bradley.

“Look for a class that will benefit your college development and plan your schedule to make room. There is no need to cause unnecessary stress,” Gaska said. “Most importantly, do it. No matter where you go, you won’t regret the experience.”

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