Free Food with a Side of Education Abroad

By: Ashley Martinez

On October 17th, the Global Living Learning Community hosted Tapas Night. Prior to the event, many eagerly anticipated what types of discussions would transpire during the night, but only one thing was certain: a promise for free food, which was thoroughly fulfilled. Upon entering a classroom in Juniper Poplar Hall, students were greeted by a table full of international dishes from plantains to yucca, to guava pastries, hummus and sushi. International students and Honors students alike stuffed their faces with home-style food they could only wish was served in the dining halls. Amidst all of the stuffed cheeks and bellies, Lisa Booth, also known as the mother of the Global Living Learning Community, ushered the students into the classroom.

The aura of the room was very relaxed as a representative from the International Affairs Department discussed the study abroad opportunities for the 2010 Summer and Spring semesters. Some of the more enticing awards discussed were scholarships specifically for study abroad are available for Honors students. Due to an agreement with other universities participating in “student swaps,” USF students are able to study abroad for the same tuition they'd pay in Florida.

Following discussion of study abroad opportunities was a chance to hear about the experiences students had studying abroad and are currently experiencing here at USF. Leonardo Cirigliano from Venezuela discussed his decision to travel to the United States and pursue his four-year degree here at USF. Cirigliano described life in Venezuela as more restricting, explaining that here in the United States it is safe for him to roam around outside, whereas in Venezuela, due to a high crime rate, he would be more restricted to staying indoors, at school or at the mall.

Chandrakanth Saravanan, a resident of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, also discussed his decision to pursue a four-year degree at USF, explaining that the Middle East does not have many universities, so it is essential to study abroad. Saravanan specifically chose USF because his father works and travels frequently from Dubai to the nearby Orlando.

Jacksonville native Linda Rogers also spoke about her experiences through Rotary International, having the opportunity to study abroad in Turkey for the summer and in India for an entire year. Rogers encouraged students to seize the opportunities they have at studying abroad.

“Traveling is what I want to do with my entire life,” Rogers said.