Grinnellians Abroad: Engagement & Learning

Life-changing experiences await Grinnellians who study abroad or off-campus—made possible through a wealth of fellowships, internships, and programs.  

So what is it like to study abroad? How does what you learn — in diverse cultures thousands of miles away — affect you and others once you return to Grinnell?

A panel of students and an alumnus who studied in China, Austria, and Guatemala will discuss their experiences during the presentation “Grinnellians Abroad: Engagement and Learning.” The event will be held at 7:30 p.m., April 21 in the Burling Library lounge.

“We can all have trouble projecting ourselves into an experience we haven’t had yet,” says Caleb Neubauer ’13, a post-baccalaureate fellow who traveled to China. “So hearing someone talk about their actual experiences can help other students see themselves doing something similar, too — and then act on that ambition.”

Other panelists include Lea Greenberg ’14 who will discuss her trip to Vienna, Austria. Amy Flores ’15, Enrique Romero ’15, and Jason Camey ’16, of the Student Organization of Latinas and Latinos (SOL) will discuss Guatemala.

Neubauer and Andy Delany ’13 spent six weeks in Shanghai and Beijing exploring art galleries as part of a Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) that culminated in an art show upon their return. They stayed in hostels and with alumni.

“I had never traveled abroad to that capacity,” Neubauer says. “So we both learned the many lessons of international, prolonged travel.”

Neubauer’s presentation will include how to plan a trip to China, and he plans to encourage students to seek out the Lan-Chang Fellowship.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The discussion is co-sponsored by the Center for International Studies, Off-Campus Study, and the Grinnell College Libraries.