Living Learning Corner
INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE, FALL 2011
This semester has been a fun and exciting one for the First Year Honors Community at International Village. Starting with a kick off Trivia Contest that tested students’ knowledge of all things pop culture and Northeastern, this semester has been filled with wonderful and engaging programming. Honors students also got the opportunity to take multiple trips to the Museum of Fine arts for College Dance nights, exhibits on Greek Culture and to explore the contemporary art wing of the museum.
The Museum of Science was not the only Boston institution that was highlighted. Students also got to experience college night lead by our Resident Assistants at the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium. Our RA staff also introduced students to some local Boston Traditions by taking them on Duck Tours, a Whale Watch excursion and the annual College Fest at Fenway Park.
Some of the marquee programs that the Honors Community has participated in at International Village are Halloween Haunted House and our annual International Thanksgiving. Students were able to celebrate Halloween by exploring a Haunted House located in the INV basement, participate in a costume contest and carve pumpkins! At our International Thanksgiving, students were able to taste food from different cultures and also learn more about the history and traditions surrounding Thanksgiving
Honors Students were also able to take advantage of one of the more unique aspects of International Village, having two faculty members live within the community! Our Faculty in Residence, Rifat Sipahi and Carey Noland have hosted various discussions and get-togethers in their apartments allowing students to enjoy facilitated conversations over Turkish coffee or Crepes.
UPPERCLASS HONORS – WEST VILLAGE F & C, FALL 2011
In October the upperclass Honors residents of West Village F & C went to the Museum of Science to see the Pompeii exhibit, which features items on loan from the Pompeii excavation in Italy. This program provided students the opportunity to be exposed to another part of the world that is difficult to get to and Pompeian life and culture. We hoped that by immersing them in the history of a foreign place and ancient culture, students can better begin to understand the long history and complexity of the world around them and that they may enjoy the culture that exists at their door step.
What would October be without spending time at Northeastern’s department of Career Services’ Career Fair. Residents had the opportunity to participate in resume review and interviewing techniques skills prior to participating in interviews.
In November we thought everyone could use a good laugh so we partnered with Spiritual Life on a program they were presenting on Laughter Meditation and began to take residents on a weekly basis to the program. We wanted students to learn about the therapeutic effects that laughter has on the body and to learn techniques on how to distress.
Who better to lead a spirited conversation about South Africa after viewing the movie Invictus then Professor Adam Thomas. Dr. Thomas led the Dialogue to South Africa this past summer and will lead the Dialogue again next summer. Dr. Thomas extolled the virtues and impact of leaders like Nelson Mandela had on the culture and development of South Africa.
What would December be without a trip to The Boston Ballets The Nutcracker. Residents of West Village F were introduced to a renowned piece of music and theatre that has been considered a holiday classic for years. Residents had an opportunity to learn through a discussion led by Professor Strukus before the performance about the compositional aspects of the masterpiece and the culture of ballet.
If residents were still hungry for food and culture they had an opportunity to participate in a dinner in Chinatown at The Q Restaurant. Professor Hua Dong, and international students from China joined the residents for dinner and cultural dialogue at a traditional Chinese Hot Pot restaurant. After dinner Professor Dong intrigued residents with a discussion of the Dialogue he would be leading this summer in China. Also, Professor Dong led a brief tour around Chinatown and explained true Chinese culture.
Stressed over finals Professor Dorett Hope led the group in breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help students relax as they prepare for this strenuous time of the semester.
