Group Photo of 2009 Wheaton College/UWC retreat participants

United World College (UWC) was founded on the principle that “education should be a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”.  UWC students carry with them a special mission to follow through on these ideals.  Last year, Wheaton College with support from Diana Davis Spencer ‘60, Trustee Emerita, and the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation, provided a forum for UWC students to engage in a weekend of discussion designed to reconnect them with core UWC ideals.  This year continued this “new tradition” and built on the success of last year. Once again we are grateful for the support of Diana Davis Spencer ‘60, Trustee Emerita, and the Shelby Cullom Davis Foundation.

Moving Forward

Keeping in mind the goal of building on the discussions of last year, the program sought to help students develop some hands-on skills necessary to actively engage with real world problems.  In addition, facilitators raised important questions about individual identity and social responsibility as well as providing the opportunity for UWC students to strengthen their networks with each other.  It is these connections that we believe will serve as the basis of future achievements.

Retreat Facilitators

Two very accomplished individuals facilitated this weekend as they sought to challenge participants’ perceptions of themselves and assist them in “expanding the realm of the possible”.  Both brought a rich wealth of knowledge and experience and raised questions about self, and the responsibility of privilege. In addition, they provided students very practical advice about the planning and implementation of grassroots projects.

Peter Dalglish

Founder of Street Kids International, Mr. Dalglish is a leading authority on working children, street children, and war-affected children. A graduate from Stanford University and Dalhousie Law School, Peter Dalglish organized an airlift of food and medical supplies from Canada to a starving African nation.  In 1986, Peter Dalglish began the Sudan’s first technical training school for street children, funded by Bob Geldof of Band Aid. In the same year, he set up a bicycle courier service run entirely by street children in Khartoum.  In 1988, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of destitute African children, he was selected by the Junior Chamber International as one of the ten outstanding young people of the world.

Kenneth Williams Ed.D.

Professor Williams is an Assistant Professor of Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management at World Learning, School for International Training Graduate Institute.  Dr. Williams completed his doctorate in organization and leadership at Columbia University. He teaches Social Identity, Organizational Behavior, and Practitioner Inquiry.  Williams has taught and lived in the U.K., Bermuda, Bangladesh, Thailand, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the United States, as well as in Barbados, where he founded a number of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Friday – October 9th

Events began at Wheaton College with students checking in on Friday evening.  Starting at 2PM students arrived and reported to Wheaton College’s Balfour Hood Atrium.  There they were greeted and received their welcome packet.  Students who arrive before 7PM were given a tour of the new “UWC House” in the Davis International House, which was recently refurbished thanks to the generosity of Diana Davis Spencer ‘60.  Food and refreshments were provided as students gathered.

Friday – October 9th – (cont.)

Later in the evening there was a brief introduction by Alfredo Varela, Dean for the Center of Global Education and a welcome by Linda Eisenmann, Provost.  This was followed by a presentation by recent Wheaton Alumnae, Ann Kwan ‘09.  Ms. Kwan one of the founders of this retreat, discussed the role networking has had in generating opportunities in her life after Wheaton and provided some practical tips for students looking to take the next step in their careers.

Buses left for YMCA Camp Burgess on the Cape at about 8PM. Upon arrival the 60 participants (57 students and staff) from 15 colleges and 25 countries engaged in a series of ice-breaking exercises in preparation for a weekend of focused conversation.  While most came from colleges in the Northeast, one group of students drove over 14 hours form Earlham College in Indiana to be with us this weekend.

Saturday – October 10th

Morning/Early Afternoon –

After some student initiated warm-up sessions, Peter Dalglish began the day by raising questions important to the professional and personal development of all those committed to world peace and social justice.

Who am I to think that I can make a real contribution or change? Can I choose not to make a difference? If change affects the “status quo” for my friends and family is it worth the risks?  For many UWC students these questions challenged the very core of their beliefs and forced them to examine the structure of the institutions they came from.  Presenting examples from his rich vault of experiences “Peter” made a compelling case for confronting “the way things are” in exchange for the possibilities of “what should be”.

Kenneth Williams followed this session by introducing “The World Cafe” – a technique for engaged conversation. This provided a space to work through some of the questions raised by Peter and ensured that everyone actively contributed to the discussion. Students were also able to address their own specific areas of interest such as child labor, the environment, and women’s rights.

Leadership and Team-building

Later in the afternoon everyone participated in a series of physical team-building exercises.  Because the networks created now serve as the basis of future accomplishments, these exercises gave participants the opportunity to build bonds of trust and mutual respect. This is part of the Camp Burgess & Hayward experience and was lead by their Leadership staff.

“Round the Tables”

Energized, students were ready to continue tackling the difficult questions presented earlier in the day.  So over dinner they divided themselves into three groups: 1)UWC topics and issues, 2)Identity, class, and social justice, and 3)Looking beyond the UWC college experience.  For about 90 minutes participants moved from table to table contributing to each discussion.  President Ronald Crutcher and Betty Neal Crutcher, who had arrived earlier in the day, joined in these discussions.  President Crutcher also took the opportunity to welcome the participants and to thank Wheaton students for all their hard work in organizing the retreat.

“Together We Will Move with the World”

After a full day, everyone gathered for an evening of celebration and rejoiced in the new friendships created, the discoveries made, and the opportunities that await us.  An “open mic” session provided the opportunity for creative expression of the emotions and ideas generated throughout the day.

Sunday – October 11th

What to do? How to do it?

Early Sunday morning, Peter Dalglish re-engaged with participants.  This time the group focused on specific projects areas and conceptualized concrete avenues for taking on some daunting issues such as dwindling water resources, child labor, human trafficking and unequal access to education.  Focus was on practical issues such as engaging stakeholders, identifying resources, and making decisions about the organizational structure of a movement.

UWC “In Action” -  Poster Session

Participants were invited to share projects they have worked on since leaving their UWC campus or ideas for projects they hoped to create. This open forum was designed to provide an opportunity to network and raise awareness about issues of importance.

The Center for Global Education says, "Welcome to Wheaton!"

New International Student Orientation 2009

Arriving from places as far away as China, Bhutan, Japan, Nigeria, Botswana, Bulgaria, Ireland and Italy over 50 new faces arrived on the Wheaton College campus over the last two days.  While the majority of this group is made up of new first year students, it also includes four exchange students (from Germany, Ireland and Botswana) and six Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (from Spain,

Students from around the globe gather for their first meal in Emerson

Italy, France, Argentina, Russia and Germany).  This year’s international student population reflects an increase of about 40% from last year.

Here to welcome the students to Wheaton College and the U.S. was a dedicated group of International Orientation Assistants (IOAs).  This group of students took time off their summer break to return to campus early in order to make sure our new friends from around the world received a warm welcome.

This year in order to make the transition more seamless, the Center for Global Education (CGE) provided a scheduled van pick-up at Boston Logan Airport.  Also in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, the CGE was able to streamline the check in process, so after what was almost two days travel for some, students could be taken directly to their rooms.

Students arrive to campus and possibly the U.S. for the first time.

As international students, issues regarding visa status, their ability to be employed, getting a driver’s license or even purchasing a cellular phone are all very different from our domestic student population.  So over their first two days at Wheaton, this global group of students engaged in activities and presentations designed to introduce them to the variety of resources and opportunities they will have during their studies here at Wheaton.  In addition, discussions of cultural diversity and possible adjustments issues took place.

While these students have a special place in the hearts and minds of the staff of the Center, one goals of the orientation is to make our international students aware that here at Wheaton College many doors are open to them.  So we hope you will join us in welcoming this new eager group from around the world.

The photos shown here provide only a partial glimpse into all that took place over the their first two days but will hopefully  server as introduction to some of the new faces you will see on campus.

From the start IOA, Rebecca Proctor begins answering questions

After checking in the new group of international students are given a tour of the campus

IOAs help students check-in as they arrive

Jill Ostrowski, C.G.E. Associate Director and International Student Advisor offers insight to one of the new students

IOA, "Kachi" Udeoji directs Soki Yoshida and his parents around campus

Students sponsored by C.G.E., The Marshall Center and Academic Resources gathered in Emerson for lunch before beginning an afternoon of orientation presentations.

Their "first taste" of college life at Wheaton

As the afternoon proceeds students are "oriented" to life at Wheaton

In any language it means the same - Welcome!

Center for Global Education Open House

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at the CGE buildings 5 & 9 Howard Street. Stop by the “NEW” Center for Global Education offices at 5 & 9 Howard Street! Tell your friends, too!

International Student BBQ

Friday, September 4, 2009 from 12 to 2:00 pm at the CGE, 5 Howard Street. Join the CGE staff as we enjoy hamburgers & hot dogs together with our new and “veteran” international Wheaton students! This event is for our new and returning international students.

Welcome Back Dinner & Slideshow

Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in Faculty Dining/Emerson

For students returning from a semester or year abroad this your official welcome back to the Wheaton campus from the Center for Global Education.  Please RSVP and send your slideshow photo (.jpg format) to globaled@wheatonma.edu by Friday, September 8, 2009

Slideshow: Students should electronically submit one photo (.jpg format) of themselves from their abroad experience to globaled@wheatonma.edu no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2009.

Returnees’ Reunion Gathering

Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm in the Center for Global Education, 5 Howard St.

Feeling a little anxious?  ”Home” just a bit different than you remember it?  Not quite sure how to share all those great experiences you had while overseas?  Join other study abroad returnees in sharing the experience of returning to Wheaton and learn about resources for your next work, intern and/or study abroad opportunities. Bring an artifact or photo from your host country to share with other students. Delicious pizza will be served also!! RSVP by Noon, Monday, September 14, 2009.

Peer Advisor Program – Peer Advisor Applications are due by Friday, September 11, 2009

Mandatory Training: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm in the PDR I & II

Now that you’ve studied abroad – you know it is an experience everyone should take advantage of – here is your chance to make that happen.  The Peer Advisor Program is a great way to share your experiences with other students and build your resume! You should plan to send or bring a photo of you in your study abroad location to display in the CGE.

Applications can be found on the CGE Website: http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/Global/pdf/PAApplication.pdf

Norton Public School Visits

Are you interested in presenting your study abroad experience in a Norton Public School Classroom (K-12)?  Norton students will be interested and excited to hear about your experiences, while giving you a chance to contribute to the community, motivate and encourage them to study a foreign language or to see the world! International students are also invited to talk about their home countries.  If you have any questions, contact Valerie Desmond (desmond_valerie@wheatonma.edu)

Study Abroad Fair

Friday, September 18, 2009 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in Balfour Hood Atrium

For students returning from a study abroad experience this is a chance to reconnect with your study abroad program and meet with representatives as well as current Wheaton students who are exploring the possibilities for studying overseas.  For students new to Wheaton and want to find out about all the great international opportunities this is an excellent chance to see the full range of program Wheaton has to offer.  Representatives from many of our programs will be on hand to answer questions and give you all the information you need to plan your study abroad experience.

Returnees & International Students Pot Luck Lunch

Friday, October 16, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm (Location: TBA)

Have you met with international students on campus?  You may find someone from your host country!  Do you remember how you felt when you arrived in your host country?  Meet students who have just arrived in the U.S. and are looking for new American friends.  Let’s cook a dinner together and have a fun evening!  This event is for returning study abroad and international students.

Major Connections in Math/Computer Science

Thursday, October 22, 2009 (Time/Location TBD) Come to meet Wheaton alums who will speak about their Math/Computer Science major. Enjoy a reception following this discussion. For more details, contact Elizabeth Hallowell at the Academic Advising and Career Services Center, ext. 3797.

Major Connections in Women’s Studies

Thursday, November 19, 2009 (Time/Location TBD) Come to meet Wheaton alums who will speak about their Women’s Studies major. Enjoy a reception following this discussion. For more details, contact Elizabeth Hallowell at the Academic Advising and Career Services Center, ext. 3797.

Coming February 2010:  Annual Study Abroad Re-entry Conference

More details to follow via email from the Center for Global Education

Meet study abroad returnees from around New England; learn about work, volunteer, internship, and teaching abroad opportunities.  There is a minimal cost (approximately $10.00 ($15.00 at the door) and must be paid by check or money order made out to NAFSA Region XI.

Study Break with International Students & Peer Advisors

Friday, December 11, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Center for Global Education

Take a break with international students before the final exams!

This week in addition to practicing Tai Chi students experienced firsthand the long practiced TCM treatment of “cupping”.

Wheaton student participate in TCM "cupping" treatment

Cupping is used to release “heat” form the unbalanced system in the body,and it is also used to relieve pain and to remove poison. A cotton swap soaked in alcohol was lit and the flame was put into a glass cup for half a second. The cup is then quickly put on the the skin. Since a slight vacuum is thus created, the cup will be stuck to the skin. It can be made to glide in a large area on the vasoline treated skin or stay stationary for a period of time. The skin under the cup will then turn red or purple due to subcutaneous bleeding which in turn will release the “heat” or “poison” in the blood.

Professor Ed Tong also added:

Students on the herb brewing "assembly line"

“We also did Herb brewing yesterday and massage today. Five herbs were brewed together in separate containers on a large scale in the hospital. You can see Wheaton students working on an “assembly line”. After it was done, we all drank the brewed medicine which help us to supress the “heat” and balance our Ying/Yang energies.”

Students are shown practicing the martial art of Tai Chi

A group of Wheaton students are currently in Kunming, China with Professor of Biology Ed Tong participating on a three-week program studying traditional Chinese medicine.  This is the first time Wheaton is offering this course (Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine – BIO 298).

Students will be introduced to traditional Chinese medical practices and the philosophy of Chinese medicine. These include herbal remedies, medicinal preparation, Chinese Tuina massage, acupuncture, moxibustion and other traditional therapeutic treatments. In addition to regular lectures, students will have daily interactions with Chinese medical doctors, students and hospital staff; participation in various hospital activities; and educational excursions to observe rural medical practitioners of several minority groups. Regular discussions sessions also will be held to determine connections between Eastern and Western medicine.

a model of the human body indicating acupuncture points

Based in the city of Kunming in Yunnan Province, China, and run in conjunction with the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the program provides an introduction to the ancient philosophy, theory, history and practices in traditional Chinese medicine, one of the world’s oldest, best-known and most-developed medicinal systems, placing it in the social context of modern China.

On a recent outing, Wheaton students learned about and practiced the martial art of Tai Chi (see above), which is known for its ability to maintain a healthy circulation of energy throughout the body.

Wheaton’s program in Kunming is one in a portfolio of faculty-led study abroad programs the Center for Global Education offers in the summer and over the January break.  This coming year in addition to our TCM program the Center is planning to offer the following programs: Greece: Of  Minoans and Mycenaean’s – An Archaeological Exploration of the Greek Bronze Age (Classics 398); Trinidad and Tobago: Innovative Music Traditions of Trinidad and Tobago (Music 204); and South Africa/Botswana: Witnessing Contemporary African Society and Culture (Interdepartmental 298).  For more information regarding our faculty-led programs please contact Jill Ostrowski, Associate Director at the Center for Global Education (ext. 4950).

As everyone has heard in the news, a new North American strain of Swine Influenza has appeared and there have been confirmed cases in the United States, Mexico, Israel, Spain, United Kingdom and New Zealand with reported cases in several other countries.  While there have been a number of deaths related to this disease it is good to keep the current situation in context. 

According to the Center for Disease Control over 13,000 people in the U.S. have died of related complications since this January as the result of known flu strains.  “Regular” flu strains are responsible for approximately 36,000 deaths a year in the U.S. alone.  So while we need to remain vigilant and cautious about how this new flu virus spreads we should keep in mind that known flu strains present similar risks. 

We should take this opportunity to remember that there are some very basic steps we can take to prevent contracting or the spread of this and other diseases.  Below there are several links that provide information regarding best practices and other information about this new strain of influenza.

We have made arrangements for our students who were studying in Mexico this semester to return home. This decision was made when the Mexican government, in a move to prevent the spread of the disease, decided to close all university campuses.  Arrangements have been made for students to complete their coursework here in the U.S. and receive credits for the courses they successfully complete.  All the students were healthy and had been practicing the appropriate precautions in order to prevent contracting the disease.  Had we been able to assure the safe and successful completion of their term in Mexico, we would have allowed them to remain in Puebla. 

We also know many of you are concerned about being or traveling abroad during this period of heightened awareness. We want to assure you that the Center for Global Education is constantly monitoring the situation and will be providing updates as relevant information becomes available.  Should you have any questions about being abroad we invite you to contact us and we will be happy to speak with you about your travel plans.  Students currently studying abroad, or planning to in the summer ‘09 or fall ’09 should remain in contact with the Center for Global Education for information updates. 

The Center for Global Education can be reached by phone at 508-286-4950 or e-mail at globaled@wheatonma.edu.

Helpful links for more information about the North American strain of Swine influenza:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194

By Lynn Gaylord, Associate Dean, Center for Global Education

“While the very act of study abroad can be a life-changing experiential learning, the systematic reflection that occurs in an internship program enriches and deepens students’ academic and personal training.” - Professor Grace Baron, Department of Psychology; Chair, Educational Policy Subcommittee on Experiential Learning

For anyone who has traveled and lived abroad, Professor Grace Baron’s words ring true: the most memorable study abroad learning takes place through daily life and being engaged in another’s culture, language and all that these embrace. When study abroad, (a structured, credit-bearing, university or school-based program) includes an informed and guided experiential component, students can be transported to broader and more powerful explorations than ever imagined. Their understanding of the concepts, theories and events taught in academic halls, take on deeper meaning when presented in professional work environments, with real problems and people. Recent participants in semester and summer internship programs, sponsored by the Center for Global Education, offer you insight into what the experiences have meant for students and how these experiences have served as bridges to further study and new directions back at Wheaton, and for developing plans beyond graduation.

In the early 1990’s, through the initiative of Wheaton faculty in International Relations and Political Science, among these Professor Darlene Boroviak, Wheaton sought out its first major affiliation with Boston University’s International Internship Program in Dublin, London, Paris and Sydney. This partnership allows students to combine traditional studies with internship placements in Journalism, Politics, Law, International Relations, Economics and Business, Psychology and Social Policy, and Arts Administration, including Theater and the Performing Arts.

In order to receive academic credit for an internship, experiential learning must be linked to an academic seminar, and involve written work, which is evaluated and graded by a BU faculty member.

As the Center for Global Education has expanded its offerings, more programs now include internship opportunities. Among these, and most notable for a European university, the University of Edinburgh offers a Parliamentary Internship Programme in the Scottish seat of government.

Professor of Psychology Grace Baron, conducts Visit to Internship Sites in Dublin and London

Professor Grace Baron (center) visits psychology major Olivia Mcmaster (left)

“ I especially enjoyed meeting with Stephen Clift, our Psych majors seminar instructor. Over tea and collegial hospitality, we compared our syllabi and our hopes for student learning in our parallel human/health services seminar. Knowing the teacher (as well as the content, process and expectations) of my students’ London seminar makes me more confident and thrilled to see them go off on their study abroad… thus connecting the Wheaton and BU/London curriculum are connected in a very integral way.”

Diane Wathen ’09. Sociology. Editorial Intern, Readers Digest, London:

Following a semester in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen, Diane engaged in a Journalism Internship in London.

Diane Wathen at Canary Wharf Manhatten on the Thames

“My everyday activities at Reader’s Digest were quite diverse. I did everything from writing research reports, to fact checking, contacting celebrities’ agents for fact confirmation and even wrote some articles.  I was asked to localize and revise U.S. edition articles to better suit a U.K. readership. I also collaborated with the editors in planning future issues and the editorial positioning of articles and features. Aside from learning lots about the journalistic and publishing process, I gained valuable experience doing investigative research and interviews. Perhaps more importantly, I realized what I may want to do when graduating from Wheaton. I loved being in such a fast paced, goal and deadline oriented environment and having such concrete evidence of my work in the form of a magazine and being involved in such an international and diverse work place. While in London, I applied and was hired for a summer position as a Web-journalist Photojournalist for Exploration, a summer educational program for middle school and high school students. My experience at Reader’s digest was essential in the application process, and my experience set me apart. It was not only a journalism internship but a journalism internship in a foreign country for a world renowned publication. Since returning from my year abroad I’ve remained connected to my experiences abroad as a peer adviser for the Center For Global Education. I also explored the connection between Lutheranism, Design and the Welfare State in Scandinavia in an independent study with Professor John Grady.”

Jonathan Schwartz ’10. Political Science. Parliamentary Intern to Roseanna Cunningham, Minister of the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, Scotland

“Being able to work abroad for a foreign government is an experience that I will never forget: to learn first-hand how a young parliamentary system is growing in a country that is not my own. I was assigned to Member of Scottish Parliament Roseanna Cunningham, the current head chair for the Rural Affairs & Environment committee and a member of the Scottish National Party. During the day-to-day operations, I was briefing and researching for debates and speeches that were being delivered in the Parliamentary Chambers, which were attended by all 129 members of the Parliament, including First Minister Alex Salmond. My main focus was heading the preliminary research process for a five day “Long Distance Route” in Scotland called “The Pilgrim Way,” which is set to unveil around 2012. This route invites tourists to learn about the history of Scotland, while they are able to view some of the breathtaking sites Scotland has to offer. Seeing how an entirely different culture plays into political action and thought was a learning experience, in that people have ideals of their own based on cultural upbringing.”

Chad Mirmelli ’09. Biology/Pre-Med. Clinic21, Surrey, England; Clinic21 is a sports therapy center and private medical practice, near Wimbledon.

“As an observer, I was learning diagnosis, treatment and medical techniques. I had the opportunity to help diagnose patients, work on treatments and practice/review exercise strategies with patients. The experience helped me realize that this was one area of medicine I was not interested in pursuing. However, it did motivate me to take Intro to Physiology with Professor Tong, as well as Biochemistry and Angiogenesis. While my original career goals have changed, my internship directed me that much more towards going to medical school.”

Meaghan Jordan ’11. The Alliance for Global Education, Beijing, China. The Beijing Olympics. Summer, 2008.

While initially planning to participate in an internship at the Summer Olympics, politics interceded providing a different and unexpected lesson in life: 

 

Meaghan Jordan at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics in the Bird's Nest stadium

 “Originally we were supposed to volunteer at the Games, but the company using us withdrew the offer due to the political unrest associated with Tibet. So, instead I spent my summer learning Mandarin and taking a Sociology class about the Olympics, its history and organization. While I was there I was able to attend Olympic events in swimming, beach volleyball, track and field and women’s soccer. Even without the internship position, I still learned a ton about Chinese culture and how such a large global event can impact one country. One of the topics I an interest in was the marketing plan and sponsorship for the sports apparel of the Games, specifically focusing on Adidas, Nike and Li-Ning. The topic became my capstone project for the Sociology course; a theme which also came up in my Sports Age in Globalization class this semester. The knowledge I gained in China about their athletic systems in relation to American sports has transferred over to the topic of globalization in the realm of sports.”  

Jessica Meisner ’09, Psychology. Teachers Assistant Evelina Children’s Hospital School. London 

“Being an intern in the Dialysis Ward was helpful for me since I’ve been considering teaching for some time.  I was able to work with children ages 3-17 in subjects ranging from math and science to art.  My prior teaching experience had come from informal, experiential settings, and in the outdoors. While this still is not your typical classroom, it was a good transition into a classroom-like environment.  Being able to work with a variety of age groups was important, in that it helped me narrow down what age group I really would like to work with. Working with youth with extreme illnesses was a new experience for me. I’d say the most beneficial part of the internship was being able to brighten the days of children who must receive three- or four-hour long dialysis treatment daily.  During my time at Evelina, two children also received kidney transfers. While neither body fully accepted its new kidney by the time I had left, it was amazing to see how a six and eight year old could be so strong.”

Professor of Political Science Darlene Boroviak, Advisor for International Relations Majors.

Professor Boroviak was instrumental in establishing one of the first connections which allowed Wheaton students to engage in overseas internships, for which academic credit would be awarded.

“The kind of internships that are offered are great learning experiences for our students, since the placements are so good and so well supervised, with seminars that go along with them. I think that students learn more about another culture (and yes, London is another culture, as is Paris) having to work within it, negotiating the workplace with British or French professionals, observing how hierarchies of authority and power might work differently there, and testing their own knowledge, expertise and ability to think through situations that they have never confronted before. The translations of classroom learning into lived experiences in the workplace can provide a jolt that opens the mind to what differences and similarities actually mean in the ‘real world’.”

Michelle Riccio ’09. Theater Intern, Nasty Sweets Theater. Finsbury Park, London.

Though struggling at first to find an internship placement to fit her growing fascination with the dramaturgy/writing/playwriting/literary side of theatre, Michelle’s persistence landed her an opportunity at a small London theater. She was able to gain experience serving as an assistant dramaturge and assistant director, mastering the show’s lighting system. With this now added to her repertoire of talents (and a few good contacts), she secured a summer volunteer position at the acclaimed, world-renowned Edinburgh Festival, working in various theater venues.

Michelle Riccio and crew at the Edinburgh Festival's Jokerdome

“Working for the Fringe has been a dream come true. The city is flooded with performers, artists, directors, stage mangers, crew, electricians… I lived, breathed and slept theatre. For those 30-40 days, the population of Edinburgh doubles as people come from all around the world to participate and watch performances. There is a pervasive feeling of joy and celebration; we are all here to experience this thing we love so much. I was based at the Pleasance Theater in Edinburgh, which was comprised of 21 venues, offering 200 shows a day. I worked as Crew for a small sixty seat venue called the Joker Dome. My work day went from noon to midnight: I ran the lights for eight shows a day!"

“My work back at Wheaton has included the production, HONEY, a play that I wrote; it had its debut stage reading (in March)in the EX. HONEY a very lyrical, poetic, raw, uncensored play explores the lives and memories of two people whose lives have been intertwined beyond separation. Earlier, MILK was a ten minute play that I wrote which was performed in the Ten Minute Play Festival last semester. This play helped me write HONEY.” 

The Center for Global Education is pleased to present our new version of the Global Dispatch! In keeping with Wheaton College’s commitment to a green campus we have decided to change the format and go completely on-line. While this new format will be a change, it will also allow much greater flexibility and accessibility. Also rather than coming out only twice a year we will constantly be updating this page with international news and stories of interest from campus and around the globe. We hope you will participate in this new endeavor and invite you to submit ideas for columns. We will also be reaching out to “Wheaties” currently studying abroad for reports about their lives overseas.

On the immediate horizon the Center will soon have its own facebook page. This page will be setup so that “friends” can get up to the minute reports about events and other activities here at 9 Howard Street.

As always the Center for Global Education remains committed to “bringing Wheaton to the world and bringing the world to Wheaton”.

Alfredo Varela
Dean – Center for Global Education