By Sullivan McGee//
A Hood College senior and integrated marketing communications major has been studying different cultures and global issues in Singapore this semester.
The student, Lydia Kazakavage, traveled to Singapore to study with the CIEE Open Campus Program. The Open Campus Program allows students flexibility in their study abroad experience and allows them to customize their courses, destination and program length.
While her other study-abroad locations were canceled, Singapore still offered something she was interested in.
“I really wanted to study in an Asian country, and I was intrigued by Singaporean culture because of how diverse they are,” Kazakavage said.
Kazakavage has a minor in global studies, so getting real-world experience in another country provides a unique learning experience for this topic. “Singaporean culture is vastly different than culture in the U.S., so it helps give a more diverse view on global issues,” she said.
Kazakavage has several fond memories from her experiences abroad so far such as her visits to different cities, including Taipei, Seoul, and Manila.
This semester, Kazakavage is taking several courses studying Singaporean culture, including Identities in Singapore and Singaporean Culture and Cuisine. She recommended that all Hood students study abroad.
“Aside from being able to travel, you get to experience so many things you might not come across depending on what you want to do in the future,” Kazakavage said. “It also helps give you a different perspective on how the world works.”
To students going abroad, Kazakavage offered several pieces of advice.
“Keep an open mind and don’t go in with expectations,” she said. “This can hinder the overall experience of being abroad. In other words, just go and actually be where you are. Take in everything and every opportunity you have.”
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