Study Abroad, Co-op, and Experiential Learning

Student Reflections

View student Emily Turner's video slideshow of her experience on the 2007 Geneva Dialogue.

"This academic experience was unlike any other. It's not study abroad. It's not a vacation. It truly is a unique opportunity to explore another culture, another way of life with other Northeastern students, and Northeastern professors leading the way. The professors that went with me were so knowledgeable, and their guidance and insight were invaluable. One of the best things about going to Egypt, about my experience, was the people of Egypt. When you think of traveling to Egypt you think: Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian history, Arab Society, Cairo, ... then once you return, you realize the true treaures of your experience were the people you met and the interactions you had with other individuals. Learning from them, from their perspectives, from their values was amazing. I learned more about myself through seeing other people in their environments. The humanity that exists all around the world is something we often take for granted. We see things in a macro scale, often overseeing the micro. Through this academic experience, I saw far beyond that, seeing the humanity, the human face of another country. If only every American had this experience, there would be more love in the world, less violence. Every nation has individuals with large hearts. Those hearts opened up to a group or 20 Northeastern students in Egypt, and that's something that will be with us forever." - Erica Taylor, Egypt, Summer 2005

"The experience of the Dialogue has redefined my understanding of Chinese society, and in a different direction to what I had expected. I now have more conviction rather than less in the importance of Sino-American relations." -Oscar Camargo, China, Spring 2005

"One of the most wonderful times of my life was an educational experience in Egypt. I fell in love with the Red Sea in a matter of days." -Pablo MacEira, Egypt, Summer 2005

"The trip to Egypt was a once in a lifetime experience. We were able to study Egyptian culture, government, family, religion, and people from both an academic and personal viewpoint. We were able to interview Egyptians, conduct firsthand research, and travel to places that the average tourist wouldn't even know about. It was amazing and I absolutely recommend it."
-Cristin O'Leary, Egypt, Summer 2005

"Egypt was perhaps the one experience in my life where all of my stereotypes were proven wrong. Things I thought I knew in my mind were wrong, and I was blown away by how similar a culture could be while how different it could be at the same time. It killed all of my ethnocentric views of the world and to date was the best trip of my life." -Melissa Allen, Egypt, Summer 2005

"The Egypt trip was an amazing opportunity to see another part of the world while advancing academic studies. During our time in Egypt, we met with students, professors, diplomats and politicians and got to hear their perspective on issues from politics to family life. I also enjoyed being able to travel around to see the sights of Cairo and the Sinai- it was awesome! My experience from the Egypt trip has enhanced my research skills and helped me obtain a job with a think tank. This trip was definitely one of the best opportunities that I've been able to take part in, and I recommend it to all!" -Craig Oppenheim, Egypt, Summer 2005