The Forum-Nexus summer 2014 program was one for the books, or in this case, blogs. Students of diverse nationalities eagerly awaited a summer of discovery, exploration, and fun. With an impressive itinerary to Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece, the Forum-Nexus month-long study abroad program almost seemed too good to be true.
Prior to the quickly approaching adventure, the Forum-Nexus team worked diligently to ensure every student was prepared and accommodated for the time abroad. The travel plans were carefully set. Tickets purchased, passports secured, monies converted, and minds braced for the unknown.
On July 2nd, 2014, 52 college students arrived in Barcelona, Spain, ready to embark on an unforgettable summer adventure. Students representing the United States, Egypt, China, Ukraine, India, Palestine, and Russia; 53 complete strangers joined together in a foreign country. Some had never left their home countries, while others were well-seasoned travelers. 53 students of different backgrounds, ages, and majors all united to learn about the wonders of Europe and the deep culture it possesses, in hopes that the Forum-Nexus goal of each student becoming a more globally aware citizen would be reached.
Leading this great adventure were the most culturally-intelligent and qualified professors any student would dream of being taught by: program director and founder, Dr. Hugo Hervitz, an outgoing, gracious, Argentinian professor dedicated to teaching ambitious students about the world; George Rocourt, an easygoing professor, always eager to teach and share his vast knowledge with inquiring students; and Peter Resch, the good-humored and friendly German professor known for challenging students to expand their critical thinking of the world and culture. These were three completely different professors ready to pour their knowledge into each pupil for the next five weeks.
One enriching month lay before the eager group of students. In this time, they would learn about the European Union, cross-cultural communication, international business strategy and they would develop their international IQ. However, to the students’ advantage, they would learn about these concepts first-hand, in host countries, and not just from a textbook or classroom lecture.
Little did this ambitious and diverse group of students known how life-changing this experience would be. The promise of deep friendships and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences awaited each individual as they stepped off their plane and onto Barcelona soil.
Stay tuned for more!
By: Alyssa Fronk, Summer 2014 Alumnae