Study Abroad: Greece

BY SARAH THROWER
For the UAS Whalesong
Growing up, my main travel inspiration came from stunning photographs of Greece that I would find in National Geographic or other various magazines. I loved to cut out photos of the white sand beaches, blue waters, little villages, and ancient temples and turn them into collages of my dreams for the future. I had always known I would travel there someday, but last fall, when I was looking into study abroad opportunities I was thrilled to find out that ‘someday’ had come sooner than expected.
Originally I had planned on studying in France but while snooping around the AHA (now GEO) website I discovered a program in Athens that was right up my alley and I was immediately sold. I’m a BLA major with concentrations in history and art, so for me the idea of studying in one of the most historically and artistically influential places in the world was a dream, and the classes offered through the program were not only intriguing, but filled my degree requirements and transferred as 3-credit courses. Continue reading “Study Abroad: Greece”

UASWhalesongNovember 19, 2015November 9, 2015Leave a comment

Features, News

Saving Seahorses in Cambodia: Kate Hauch

BY ANNELIESE MOLL
For the UAS Whalesong
As many of you probably know, over-fishing and pollution are just a couple of the major challenges many marine organisms are facing. This is especially true for costal areas around poorer countries. One organism that is being hit particularly hard is seahorses.
In order to understand why they are being so heavily affected, it is necessary to know a bit about their biology. Seahorses are a monogamous species, when a mate dies they stop reproducing until they are able to find another mate that is suitable. They are also male brooders. This means that after mating, the female seahorse will deposit eggs into the male’s pouch, where they will stay until fully developed. Depending on species, their sizes can range from about half an inch to 14 inches.
Back to marine habitats surrounding poorer countries: over- fishing is huge because it is a source of income. The styles of fishing are can also be very destructive. In order to catch as many fish as possible some of the fishermen trawl (dragging a large net across the bottom of the ocean which disturbs everything in its way), cyanide fishing (sodium cyanide is poured into the water to stun fish), dynamite fishing (explosives are set off under the water and then the dead fish are collected), and ghost fishing (animals and fish become entangled in fishing gear that is either lost or abandoned). Unfortunately, there is also a lot of bycatch and habitat destruction associated with all of these fishing techniques. It is easy to see how quickly many different organisms are having a difficult time surviving in areas where this is taking place unchecked.
Earlier this semester I learned that a couple of UAS students had traveled to Cambodia in order to help save seahorses in these habitats. Over the last week I had a chance to talk with one of those students, Kate Hauch, about that amazing opportunity.
Continue reading “Saving Seahorses in Cambodia: Kate Hauch”

UASWhalesongNovember 13, 2015January 29, 2016Leave a comment

Features, Opinion

Study Abroad: Hawaii

BY MADISON BOVAIS For the UAS Whalesong Sunshine, surf time, and island exploration is why I chose Hawaii but what I returned home with was so much more. And actually my decision to study away in Hawaii was because I wanted to experience a bigger school in a different climate. With my geography and environmental studies major, I knew that Hawaii would offer classes in … Continue reading Study Abroad: Hawaii

UASWhalesongOctober 27, 2015October 26, 2015Leave a comment

Features, Opinion

Study Abroad: Tips

BY STEVEN HANDY For the UAS Whalesong My Suggested Tips for Future Study Away Participants: 1. Assimilate. Consciously disconnect your sense of identity from all groups of which you’re a member to maximize potential for assimilation. When our social groups become our identity it is manifested in our behaviors that, consequentially, may force others to cling harder to theirs. Be a good representative but be … Continue reading Study Abroad: Tips

UASWhalesongOctober 23, 2015October 12, 2015Leave a comment

Features

Study Abroad: Mexico

BY STEVEN HANDY
For the UAS Whalesong
Thirty years into a successful telecommunications career, I began to question to what greater good my career served. The conclusions led to a lot of soul-searching and exploration of options. Consultations with career advisors and batteries of tests revealed a strong inclination to the field of law, a notion I had for many years. I knew the journey to a new career would be long and complex but I gave myself no choice other than to move forward and figured out the next steps.
Fueled by a long-time interest in politics and world affairs, I solidified my new career plans – I would advocate for greater social responsibility and justice in our country’s foreign policy, particularly toward Mexico. I knew I’d need, among many things, a higher level of understanding of Mexico as well as a view of the U.S. from Mexican eyes. These would become two distinct goals for my exchange experience. Continue reading “Study Abroad: Mexico”