Blogger: Ian Olive
Location: Reutlingen, Germany
Ian is a senior digital media student from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born in South Korea and having lived in dozens of states as well as Australia, travel is an integral part of his life. He first visited Germany in the 9th grade with an international youth orchestra and has fallen in love since. From enjoying famous composers Haydn and Mozart to his classic Mercedes Benz and his Leica camera, Ian has caught the German bug. Ian has a strong passion for photography, film, architecture, music and automobiles. He hopes that his photographs and blog posts will inspire students with the beauty of travel, culture, and new experiences. Ian is extensively involved in the Torch student newspaper, Valparaiso IMC marketing department, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and is the president of the Photography club. He graduates in the spring of 2017 and hopes to pursue either a photojournalism career or a media position in the armed forces.
Blogger: Caroline Dienes
Location: Cambridge, England
Blogger: Caylyn Anne Moglia
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Caylyn Anne Moglia is from Ada, Michigan. She is a sophomore at Valparaiso University and double majoring in Theology and Spanish. After graduation, she plans on attending seminary and becoming a pastor in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). This fall, she will be studying abroad in Costa Rica! Although she is nervous about going, she knows she will have the experience of a lifetime. She has been studying Spanish for the last 14 years and is anxious to improve her language skills as well as learn more about Costa Rican culture. She hopes to learn as much as possible during her semester away. The two aspects she is most excited about: living with a host family and taking a Spanish theology course! She will also be able to revisit her old neighbors who now live in Costa Rica!
Blogger: Tiffany Luehrs
Location: Hangzhou, China
Tiffany Luehrs is a rising junior at Valparaiso University studying International Business and Chinese. This fall she will be studying at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. Tiffany can’t believe that she will soon be 7,526 miles from home. The distance doesn’t scare her though, and she is beyond excited for the adventures and opportunities that await her arrival in Hangzhou. The last time she was in the capital of Zhejiang province was just a little over a year ago when she studied and interned in Hangzhou through Valparaiso’s summer study abroad program. Five weeks was definitely not enough, and she can’t believe how blessed she is to have this opportunity to return, revisit the old, embrace the new, and truly integrate herself into Chinese culture during the next few months. She is excited to expand her Chinese vocabulary and understanding through Zhejiang’s intensive Chinese courses and embrace the profound cultural immersion that comes from living in a host country for more than a few weeks. She is most looking forward to running along the beautiful West Lake, shopping on Hefang street, exploring the botanical gardens, and adding a few more to her list of bizarre foods she’s tasted! It’s likely going to be an exhilarating semester a few thousand miles away in Asia and she looks forward to sharing her experiences with you! 🙂
Blogger: Maia Moore
Location: Hangzhou, China
Maia Moore is a junior IECA and CJS double major. She is originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and will be studying abroad in Hangzhou, China for the fall semester! She is a tad nervous for this upcoming trip but mostly excited, especially since she will be arriving in China on her birthday! She is most excited to practice her Chinese skills and of course, for the food! She hopes to gain a better understanding of Chinese culture and become more fluent in Mandarin.
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