After months of research and planning, I'm finally travelling to Europe on Wednesday, May 3rd. To be honest, I'm having mixed feelings because I also have my final exams this week. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. However, I need to focus on my studies at this point, especially with Physics which is driving me crazy! I'm also starting to realize that I have been eating way too much pizza for the past weeks. It's time to adopt a healthier lifestyle!
When you don't know how to cook!
I will be studying abroad in London and Paris through the USF Education Abroad program. I think the program is closely related to the sixteenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nation that is Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The class that I'm taking is called “Comparative Government and Politics of selected Countries or Areas.” Since we will be in London and Paris, we are going to study and compare the political history between the UK and France. Both the UK and France have a long and strong political history from the age of monarch to a new constitutional democracy. Learning about the political institutions of both countries while being there physically will be a once in a lifetime experience.
According to my class syllabus, the goals of this academic tour are to enhance students’
- understanding of urban politics, using London and Paris as on-site case examples;
- understanding of comparative politics, using the U.K. and France;
- critical thinking skills; and
- recognition of the globalized nature of social, political, and economic systems.
There were class meetings throughout this semester that we were all required to attend. The course was taught through a combination of on-campus and on-line activities. Our advisor wanted to make sure that we have all the necessary information prior to departure so that we have a safe and smooth trip. I'm going to Europe for the first time and I'm glad this program will count towards my major. It's also an incredible opportunity for me to explore new cultures and cross Europe off my bucket list. Plus, having a study abroad experience will look good on my resumé!
Our advisor is super nice and she sounds very confident and knowledgable about the places that we are gonna visit. This is going to be a 10-day trip where we will be staying in London and Paris for five days each. Considering the amount of places we are going, I hope I don't die of exhaustion! After that, I'm going back to Mauritius to spend the rest of the summer with my family and friends.
