Bulldogs Abroad Blog

Written by: Ilanah Mangan |  Fall 2022
IFSA Rome

Going abroad was something I have wanted to do since I was a little girl. I’ve always had a fascination with traveling and experiencing the world outside of the bubble of the United States. Yet, when I came to college, I still did not have the resources to do so, and it left me only wanting to pursue it more. When I found out about studying abroad, I knew this was something I absolutely had to do. By the time my junior year came, by second semester I gathered up the courage to finally apply and was accepted to my program. Next thing I knew I was making packing lists and saying goodbye to my family and friends and I was heading to Rome! However, a few weeks before I left it hit me: I have never left the United States and I did not speak a word of Italian. This was something swirling in my mind up until the moment I left on the plane. I thought to myself “is it the best idea for my first time abroad to be 3 months long and to a place with a foreign language I have no conception of?” The short answer: absolutely. Although I stepped of the plane slightly frightened and hoping I did not make a mistake, I look back knowing I have only two weeks left in Italy and wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.  

I think it is important to acknowledge that a lot of students consider studying abroad but do not have a lot of travel experience and fear this might be too overwhelming for a first experience. I’m here to provide the solace that it will absolutely be ok, and more than that, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. For those fearing the language barrier as well, trust me I understand. My first-time speaking Italian to a server at a café I was petrified and completely stumbled over my words. The words that came out were some kind of concoction of English, Italian and I’m pretty sure Spanish mixed in there. Little did I know 3 months later I became a regular at that café and had conversations in Italian with that same server, who now greets me warmly and knows my order by heart.  

Fear is a powerful force that is capable of convincing us of many untrue things. I am here to say conquer those fears and take the chance to see the world. I am nearly 3 months into my journey and as much as I love my home, I know the day I leave my friends here in Rome and all the memories I’ve made behind, many tears will be shed. Then again, I know many more memories are to come. I am planning on seeing these same friends in the summer to continue our travels through Europe after graduation. Leaving your home to come to a completely foreign place is no doubt a source of anxiety and puts many doubts in your head. However, what you put into this experience is what you will get out of it. Take the chance, meet new people, push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try to learn the language, mess up, try again, and keep going. If you put in the effort, I promise the return will be tenfold.

Studying abroad has changed my life and perspective in many ways. I found myself much more independent, strong, curious, and ambitious than ever before. I went from never leaving the United States in 21 years, to 3 months after studying abroad having visited 4 new countries, and 25 total cities. Leaving everything behind may feel like completely uncharted territory, and it is. But that does not mean it is something you should never explore. Broadening your horizons and seeing the world beyond our home and college towns is something truly extraordinary. Being immersed in a culture for months at a time allows you the time to travel and see the world in a way that is different from anything else you may experience in your life. If ever in doubt, trust your heart and your passions. You never know what lies waiting for you on the other side of the world.

Written by: Nick Chinn |  Summer 2023
Butler Honors in Germany

This summer I had the honor of traveling abroad to the beautiful country of Germany with the Honors College. I heard about this trip last year but due to scheduling conflicts I was unable to go at that time. I have always wanted to visit Germany, in fact I was supposed to go on a school trip to Germany in high school. But, that was in the year 2020 and you can probably guess why I wasn’t able to go on that trip. That’s the reason why I jumped on this opportunity when I was able to, and I couldn’t have chosen a better group of people to go abroad with, I had an incredible time.

Throughout our trip we had many scheduled activities, and those were amazing experiences. But, I had the most fun when we had entire free days that we were able to use to explore the places that we visited. On one of these free days a group of us decided to see some of the tourist destinations around Munich.

The first place that we went was the Olympic Tower in Munich. The 1972 Summer Olympics were held here and it was such an interesting place for us to visit. One of the most striking things that I experienced in Germany was the scenery that we experienced throughout almost every activity that we took part in, and the Olympic Tower was no different. When we arrived we took an elevator up to the top and it took nearly a minute to get all the way to the top. This tower is 291 meters (about 950ft) tall! We all took advantage of that and the stunning backdrop that Munich provided and took some pictures. Of course we also stopped at the gift shop on our way out, and our group probably single handedly boosted the German economy with all the souvenirs that we bought. Overall, the Olympic Tower was a super fun experience that we were able to check it off the list of places that we visited in Munich.

The final place that we went on this day was actually right next door to the Olympic Tower. We went to the BMW Museum and I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t super excited to visit this place. I’m not a huge car guy, but my expectations were definitely exceeded. The BMW had a very interesting blend of history as well as innovations that pushed the future of auto technology forward. There were cars from way back in the day as well as cars that had yet to be fully released to the public. But, by far the best thing there was this technology where you could get your face scanned and then your AI generated face would be broadcast to the entire museum on a screen where your AI character would drive a futuristic car through space. It was… interesting to say the least. And of course we had to stop by the gift shop.

I had so much fun on this free day and it was definitely one of the best highlights from my trip. This day was kind of a representation on how study abroad is beneficial. Even if things seem like they aren’t up your alley it is still important to get out of your comfort zone with some new people and have new experiences. I would recommend studying abroad for anyone who is thinking about it.

Written by: Astrid Ariana |  Summer 2023
Arts and Cultural Management in Italy

Growing up Jewish gave me a strong sense of familial community throughout my entire life. However, I think the United States struggles as a whole to have a strong sense of community. This was strikingly apparent to me while traveling abroad in Italy. Prior to studying abroad in Florence I did extensive research on the Holocaust in Italy as well as the Synagogue and Jewish Museum of Florence. Although their Jewish community has always been small, even greatly diminished, it has remained viable and vibrant.

Most Jews who originally settled in Florence were merchants and money lenders with their community officially founded in 1437. Fortunately, their community was protected by the Medici family, one of the most historically powerful families in Florence, who had major influence in the art and architecture that is iconic to Florence. Without their support, the Roman Catholic clergy would likely have exiled the Jews. When the Medicis briefly fell from power in the 1490s, Jews were ordered to leave the city.

In an effort to preserve their community, they loaned money to the Republic of Florence to delay their expulsion. The tactic worked, and when the Medicis returned to power in1512, the Jewish community grew. Sadly, when Cosimo de Medici consolidated his power, he also enacted a multitude of anti-Jewish laws. He created a special dress code for them and established the Jewish ghetto of Florence in 1571. This was located in the Piazza della Repubblica, a central piazza of Florence that our study abroad group went to frequently. These and other challenges catalyzed tension and disunity, complicated because the Italian Jews were commingled with Spanish and Portuguese Jews.

Napoleonic forces occupied Florence in 1799 leading to a moment of emancipation for the Jews. There was a new constitution created where Jews were given rights. By 1861 Jews were given full citizenship and the ghetto was leveled for urban renewal. But with the Holocaust, World War 2, and the Nazi invasion of Italy, life for Jews deteriorated. Nazis arrested and sent Jews to Auschwitz. Almost all of them were killed except for the few who were hidden and saved by other Italians. Their previous place of worship, The Great Synagogue of Florence was occupied by Nazi soldiers and used for storage. After the war, the Jews who remained, restored their Temple and added a Jewish museum with Jewish ceremonial art. They intended to use the space to help rebuild their community.

The architecture of the Synagogue stands out with Moorish design as well as a bright, teal oxidized roof to stand out on the Florence skyline. The level of preservation of the Synagogue as well as the artifacts and art brought to the Synagogue and museum are incredible. When I visited the Synagogue it cultivated a lot of emotion for me as well as my friends who came. The Synagogue was almost completely empty. Due to excessive tourism in Florence, most churches and historical sites we went to were packed. The fact that there was practically no one there actualized how small the Jewish community in Florence is and the hardships they have faced. It was a much more intimate setting compared to the business of everywhere else we had been, allowing a safe space for us to feel and appreciate the perseverance and determination of these Italian Jews.

I asked the staff member there how all of the artifacts in the museum were so well preserved in spite of the Nazi invasion and occupation of Florence. She responded that everything that remained had simply been hidden very well. For example, one of the Torahs preserved still had completely visible and intact Hebrew. They had also preserved traditional outfits for adults and infants and many other artifacts.

Today, they have built up the community surrounding the Synagogue with Jewish-owned businesses. There are bakeries, restaurants, and many of the Jews live in the area surrounding the Synagogue. It is beautiful to see the community they have fought for and preserved in Italy.

These values of community are apparent to me in every part of Italy that I went to. When we visited Siena, we were fortunate enough to come on a day with a festa titolare. This is a “parade of the districts” where the town puts up their Siena flags and drums throughout all the neighborhoods. Men and boys of all ages marched with drums through the streets dressed in their traditional attire. Their pants were bright red on one side and white with a green stripe on the other side. They had green velvet tops on, some striped with white as well. On their heads they wore a red velvet cap or other red headpiece. We gracefully stumbled upon a community gathered and watched the festa titolare parade through. Everyone seemed to know each other and hugged and celebrated. I was in awe of the feeling of closeness juxtaposed against what seemed to me a very large city.

My group of close friends, with whom I roomed during my time in Florence, collectively realized these differences of cultural values and knew we wanted to incorporate them into our lives back in the United States. Endeavoring to start immediately, one sunny afternoon in Florence, we went to a local market near our apartment and got an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and lunch items. We brought our things to a park and picnicked together for a long while talking, eating, laughing, and painting in watercolor. That afternoon was so special to us because while we were in Italy, the values we were appreciating were things that we could immediately incorporate into our lives and to inspire us to do so back in the U.S. later. We agreed that when coming back to Butler we would meet every Wednesday evening to cook together and enjoy each other’s presence.

Americans have become so privatized and separated from one another that it seems loneliness has become normalized. Through studying the Jewish community in Florence, as well as learning about Italian values as a whole, I felt my own values in life shifting. I wanted the closeness of my own Jewish family to inspire me further by creating community in other dimensions of my life. I believe community heals the soul, and I could not be more grateful for the ways Italy changed me, indefinitely, and for the better.

Written by: Daylen Byrd |  Summer 2023
Art and Culture in Vienna

Inside the Secession, “Beethoven Frieze” -Gustav Klimt

An aesthetic can be defined by its physicality or set principles. One merely experiences an aesthetic when obligated to do so, although others commit themselves in doing so. To flourish in the aesthetic is to command experience and perception. Qualities that help to define or redefine the nature of such. Traversing countries and continents mends a perceived yearning for cultural understanding and artisanal appreciation. Here a person becomes self-aware, relating the foreign to their domestic, establishing if not growing who they are in relation to the world around them.

Venice, Italy

Within the artistic parameters of my global education, I have come to experience Florence, Italy in the summer of 2022 and now Vienna, Austria in 2023. Florence became the ladder to my contempt sanctuary. There I was able to relinquish the prejudice that kept away progress. Surrounded by preserved artistry and a culture foreign to my own, I found the urge to expand. To expand in a way that would teach me about myself and how to evolve in my pursuits. An expansion of self and skill. I floated across waters, hiked centuries-old architectures and adapted to my changing environments, and yet I still yearned for adventure. I left Florence as someone who possessed a keen inspiration and a firm perception of self. But the state of possession has the ability to shift from one hand to another. On June 8, 2023 I left to spend 2 weeks in Vienna.

Vienna, Austria

I knew that a change in scenery brought much needed alterations to life and provided the opportunity for reflection. For years I had found comfort in art, as both expression and a source of happiness, and it is why I pursue it. Much like art, Vienna provided not only a space for expression but it also became an environment of creative exploration. I would visit numerous museums daily, such as the Leopold and the Secession. I rode subways into modern cities merged with historical buildings. I even walked gravesites filled with classical sculpture. But most importantly, I allowed myself to experience the aesthetic.

Upper Belvedere Palace, Vienna

Traveling gives you this opportunity to experience pleasant change. Any student should consider studying abroad as I find it as a way to make traveling more accessible and it provides greater opportunities in discovering yourself outside of your comfort zone. You start to learn more about yourself and your passions, and while in a foreign place you give yourself a sense of freedom that lies outside of a campus or a dorm. When seeking an aesthetic, flourish within it. Go into it with the hopes of learning and changing, appreciating all there is to offer.

Vienna, Austria

Written by: Giselle Varre  |  Summer 2023
Communication in Ireland

If my time in Ireland has taught me anything about myself, my identity at home and abroad is similar, which is good. As a Black woman, I carry that identity with pride daily at home and on campus. I expected that identity to experience little change with my time abroad, but I did expect it to expand. I would always be that proud Black girl with a few new experiences and additional knowledge. I do also hold the identity of a nurturer in my daily life. I made it my mission to care for my friends and family, and that did not change while abroad. I was prepared to look after my peers during our time abroad and assist Professor Stevenson-Holmes if needed, and I did just that. I also met some fantastic people who held that same outlook, making my experience much more fruitful.

Even when I travel in America, I prepare myself for my identity to be challenged racially or intellectually. So this hypothetical is something that I have to keep in the back of my mind so it won’t be a crippling surprise when it does happen. I did not experience any racial issues in Ireland. Still, my peers and I did make sure to read reviews before going to restaurants and pubs and did discover some bad reviews regarding race. I expected this experience abroad to help me grow as a woman of color. In addition, studying abroad was the first step in building an international network of my peers. Being abroad also helped me leave my comfort zone and navigate unfamiliar situations.

As people of color, we are commonly brought together by our cultures and struggles. To my surprise, I found both of these things in Ireland. Ireland has a history of struggle, from war against the British to inner conflict with British loyalists. They also have their own culture, like food, dance, and lore preceding Anglo domination. Expanding my knowledge of a European country that isn’t precisely Eurocentered was fascinating. I am also grateful that I was able to develop my Butler identity on this trip.

My peers and I often discussed the social gap that we call “the Butler bubble” on our trip. The “bubble” is commonly referred to as a colonial mindset that prevents students from experiencing other activities and groups within and outside of Butler University. We all confessed that we didn’t think we would have been friends without this experience. Most of my peers in Ireland are a part of Greek Life back at school, which I have perceived as a separate entity from the entire student body. This experience has motivated me to not only expand my horizons abroad but to expand them back at school as well.

To my surprise, the location that offered me the opportunity to reflect on my identity the most and meet other people were the pubs! We would break into smaller groups and go to the pubs almost every night after our group activities. Pub culture is influential in Ireland. We could enjoy live music, talk to new people, and have the opportunity to get to know each other better. Even if you aren’t a drinker, the pubs are for you. I felt most comfortable and at ease in this setting, but I also had to give some of that credit to the fantastic group of friends I made.

My biggest lesson from studying abroad with Butler was that I can sometimes let myself get in the way; I need to allow myself to be more outgoing back at home. I don’t want a world-shifting experience to motivate me to talk to people and not overthink things about approaching people outside my circle. I’ve missed so much at home by thinking about what was and was not okay, but I didn’t hold back in Ireland. Instead, I said yes to every positive experience and allowed myself to let go. I learned so much about myself and Ireland in 10 days and couldn’t be more grateful.

Written by: Amelia Dessauer  |  Spring 2023
BU Exchange at Kedge Business School

Best in Marseille, France – Amelia’s lovely blog layout

Marseille, located off the Mediterranean coast is known for its bustling port and beautiful, diverse landscape spanning from the mountains to the sea. Marseille is truly unique with rich cultures and elegant Greek architecture. I am going to be taking you through some of my favorite restaurants in Marseille.

Splendido

A unique trait that I have discovered in Marseille is the numerous amounts of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza. With circus inspired decor, delectable pizzas, and exceptional pasta, you cannot go wrong with Splendido. I recommend ordering one of their many pizzas made with sweet Italian San Marzano tomatoes perfected with fluffy crust. Splendido utilizes a wood-fired oven resulting in a perfect bake, a standard throughout Marseille. Steps away from vieux port, Splendido is in a fantastic location to watch the sunset over the port after a meal. I have eaten at Splendido a couple times already and plan on going back.

Tuba

Tuba Club, located about forty-five minutes out of the city on the sea, is the freshest seafood I have ever had. Starting with this beautiful plate filled with scallops, traditional French snails, tuna, and oysters I was truly impressed. Next, was the catch of the day prepared in front of you finishing off with a pumpkin desert paired with refreshing ice cream. If you are ever in Marseille, I highly recommend taking a trip to Tuba.

Cote Sushi

Becoming a sushi lover recently has made me very grateful of Marseille. There are dozens of fresh sushi options at a great price. The app, The Fork, has lent me great deals on sushi and various other types of foods. The app currently is not used in Indianapolis, but I hope the app expands soon so others can get quality food at a discount. The trend of quality food has been prevalent here in Marseille and all over Europe.

Creperie Chez Mamie

Located steps from my nearest metro station, Creperie Chez Mamie is a an exceptional creperie. I find it best as a snack on my way home from class or being out for the day. The staff is friendly and warm, and the crepes come out quick. Crepes are a traditional French food and there are many options all over the city in every area. These crepes will definitely be missed, and I hope to attempt when I come back.

Bakeries

Another food that cannot be missed in Marseille and France in general are croissants. You can find a bakery on every corner with dozens of croissants, pastries, sandwiches, baguettes and many more. The croissants here are unlike any I have had before with the flaky buttery crust and soft doughy inside. Paired with an espresso or tea, croissants are a great breakfast or snack throughout the day. The French take croissants very seriously and I have come to realize why. Croissants are a must try in France!

Steak ‘n Shake

Changing pace here and surprisingly on my list is the Indiana based chain restaurant, Steak ‘n Shake. Being from Indiana, I was happily surprised to see a Steak ‘n Shake so far from home, so I had to try. I ordered a classic cheeseburger with fries and a shake, and it was amazing. The quality standard of food here is much higher and it is illustrated in the fast food. Due to this quality, the price is higher, but it is a small price to pay for this delicious meal. As you can see in the picture on the left, I was given wooden utensils. I am always grateful to see restaurants using a more sustainable option and here in Marseille if a restaurant doesn’t use metal utensils, then wooden or bamboo utensils are utilized. Something that the US should take note on.

All in all, I am very grateful to Butler and to Kedge for allowing me to travel to a new country, gain a fresh perspective and experience new opportunities along the way. Especially with the food 🙂

Written by: Jocelin Diaz  |  Spring 2023
IFSA Study in Barcelona Plus

My first mistake when it came to study abroad (and you will make plenty of them but that’s totally okay!!) was thinking that I would be a changed person the first day I got to Barcelona, Spain. To give a bit of background on the type of person I am: I am a super chilled, laid-back individual who is also very reserved and shy, with a hint of anxiety. Also, I have never been out of the country before. So with no major travel experience, I told myself I was going to make up for never having the opportunity to do so in my life before.  

As soon as I arrived in Barcelona, I was very much in that honeymoon stage. I explored everyday, I went out at nights, and I met so many different people. And then after the first week I began to travel all over Europe. The first month involved trips every weekend: weekend trip to Madrid, weekend trip to Switzerland, then Sevilla. Then following these weekend trips, friends began to visit from other parts of Europe and even America for days at a time (and let me tell you, hosting can be tiring, even if it isn’t your friend visiting!). While in the midst of this all, I still had school (with exams around the corner). 

Now this all sounds amazing, and it 100% was! I gained experiences like I never had in my life and will cherish forever. But the one problem with all of this is that I did not give myself the time to relax. My time in Barcelona is short, only 3 months. But I saw that short time as “There is no time to relax and take these moments for granted, so go wild!” When I look at that statement now, that is so not true! There were nights (even while I was traveling) where I would be so stressed about so many different things at the same time. Most of the time it would be things like I have homework, my internship, making flights on time, my money situation, homesickness, etc. To make things worst, I was barely getting any sleep.  

Finally the day hit me that I needed to chill out and take a break. And this happened because my boyfriend had visited for a week and he left to go home. Seems typical – your boyfriend visits and he goes home. But for some reason that really hit me like a rock. My homesickness HIT. I never gave myself time to relax and register that I was not home anymore or time to miss anyone. I was always go go go. But as soon as I let those feelings in (a month and half later), it was harder to push them away. I think I stayed in my apartment (obviously went to class but did not do much other than that) for almost a week after that. My relaxation that I was supposed to be giving myself time for in the beginning was catching up to me now in a not-so-healthy way. 

What I realized during that time was that it is totally okay to combine relaxation and exploring the country of Europe. It may not be easy 100% of the time, but it will definitely make it easier to give myself a good nights rest with a movie day every once in a while.  

Now that my time is almost up here in Barcelona, I would not change a thing. After my little upset halfway through my study abroad experience, I was able to pick myself up and even spend a week in Paris, France. And since then, I have been spending my last couple weeks in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Everything that has happened, has led me to here, and again, I would not change a thing.  

My advice – surround yourself with your support system of friends, TAKE TIME TO RELAX, and explore. 

Written by: Maddy Simpson  |  Spring 2023
ISEP Exchange in Buenos Aires – Universidad del Salvador

As I was preparing for my time here in Argentina, I was constantly thinking about finances. How was I going to afford to live there? Was I going to run out of money? What if I get stranded somewhere and don’t have any cash? How was I going to exchange money? 

However, after a couple of weeks here in Buenos Aires, I’ve adjusted to the different economic system. While I can’t use my debit card or Venmo like I’m used to, cash is easy to use and it’s easy to keep track of how much money I have. I’d like to acknowledge that while living in Argentina is cheaper for me because of a favorable exchange rate, that does not mean that the same is true for the Argentines who live here. Every day, Argentines face higher and higher inflation which makes budgeting difficult and makes necessary goods cost twice as much in a year. Here are some examples of how this has affected daily life in Argentina:

1. The Exchange Rate(s)

In Argentina, there are two exchange rates. The first is the Red exchange rate. This is the official exchange rate set forth by the government’s central bank. This is the rate that you’ll see when you look it up online. The second rate is the Blue rate. This rate is an unofficial rate that changes more frequently and more accurately represents the current exchange rate. 

When I was preparing for Argentina, I was told to wait to exchange my money until I got there so that I could use the blue rate and get more pesos for my buck. One of the first things I did after I arrived at my homestay was go to the exchange shop to exchange my money. At the shop, I got 366 pesos per dollar. If I had gone to the bank to exchange my money, I would have only gotten 170 pesos per dollar. 

   2. Cash, Cash, Cash

Almost all business in Argentina is done in cash, from buying lunch to paying the guy who comes to fix the sink. Even when using services like Uber, you can opt to pay in cash. Many Argentines are reluctant to store their money in the bank because they don’t trust it. So they’ll hide their money in a safe place at home, often in US Dollars. Then they’ll take out what they need for the day, convert it, and carry on. 

   3. Prices

When you first look at prices in Argentina, you may be shocked to find that a simple Big Mac costs $1800. But don’t worry, that is a reasonable price for a good meal in Argentina. Inflation has led to higher and higher prices in Argentina with the peso valuing less and less. The cheapest product I’ve seen during my time here cost 25 pesos. Argentina has a cent (called the centavo), but inflation has made prices so high that it’s almost never used. 

Not only are prices high, but they change frequently. It’s not unusual to be handed a menu with prices crossed out and changed. A coffee that cost 540 pesos this week may cost 620 pesos next week.

   4. Installment Plans aka Cuotas

It’s not uncommon to see signs outside of stores advertising payment plans for larger items, like bedding sets or expensive new shoes. These items can cost thousands of pesos and most people don’t have the full amount on hand. So, it’s not uncommon for people to set up monthly payments to make the purchase more reasonable. 

   5. Rounding Down

Because most business is done in cash using larger bills, most stores prefer exact change. But if something comes out to 566 pesos, the store will simply round down to 560 pesos. Some stores will even give discounts if you don’t have exact change. For example, I bought something that cost 520 pesos, but I didn’t have any smaller denominations, so I only paid 500 pesos. 

While it definitely took a little getting used to, I’ve adapted to the Argentine economic system. Like all of my experience here, all it took was the first step and some practice. While I don’t know exactly what these next 3 months will be like, I’m looking forward to all the new things I’ll get to experience. My advice to you future exchange students is this: Do some research and take that first step. It’ll turn out okay.

Written by: Cody Estep  |  Spring 2023
ISEP Exchange in Belfast & Northern Ireland

I chose to study abroad in Europe because of the possibilities for travel. Being in Europe opens up countless possibilities for travel. Possibly the biggest change I still have not gotten used to is that sights a nd cities that used to feel so far away were now close enough to hop between over short breaks. For most of my life, I had simply accepted that France was at least a fourteen-hour flight away (not to mention the expense of crossing the ocean). Now I find myself only a short two-hour flight away from the same place. How could I not take advantage of this amazing opportunity?

However, the largest challenge I have run into has been trying to find friends to travel with. There are a number of roadblocks for travelling, not unknown to myself, that prevent people (especially locals) from travelling as much as I intended to while over here. Friends I have met have familial responsibilities and financial limitations. While I have budgeted and saved for this specific purpose, they are more accustomed to life in Europe and have also previously seen many of the locations I have been waiting to see. This feels extremely disheartening.

If I am truly honest, I never saw myself as much of a traveller. Moving to Indianapolis from my hometown in Colorado was stressful enough, let alone moving across the Atlantic Ocean. Before now, most of my travel experience came from across the US. It is incredibly intimidating to even consider exploring a brand new place alone, especially a place that doesn’t primarily speak English. But something I’ve learned throughout this experience is that nothing is insurmountable. Nothing.

All it takes is a small moment of confidence. I thought to myself, here I am in Europe. For the first time in my life with real agency and the money to go anywhere I want. I was only missing one thing: a group of friends to complete my dreams of world travel.

When you go abroad, whether you go with friends or alone, you have to think about what you want from the experience. I was thinking about this from the moment I was accepted into the program. Did I want to go along with friends from America or did I want to embark into the unknown on my own? Did I want to go to an English-speaking country or not? I considered what I wanted. I wanted to see the world. So, I packed my things and went out on my own. I never realized what a freeing experience it could be.

Making friends abroad is hard. I mean, making new friends in any situation is hard, but possible. However, spending time with yourself can be incredibly rewarding. My first solo trip was to the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. It is a sight popularized by the television series “Game of Thrones.” It was only a few hours from my university, but was far more challenging to get there then I could ever imagine. After taking a train, a bus, a cab, and then grabbing a ride with a friendly local, I finally made it. At the end of the trip, all I could think about was that I did that. I have always been extremely independent but now I am halfway across the word from any support system I had built, and I had just travelled across a foreign country completely on my own. From there I began to expand my realm of travel to the South of France and Spain. Although not completely alone throughout this entire experience, I have had to learn a myriad of new skills and confidences in myself. I have made countless connections with friendly locals anywhere I go and experienced real life in a number of unique countries.

Though it maybe isn’t ideal. I certainly am not living an idealized film of a life. But then again, who does? Life is simply a series of challenges and our experience is comprised of how we respond to said challenges. These past few months I attacked each roadblock head on, not always with unbridled confidence but with the understanding that no matter what happened I would make it out with a new experience under my belt and an even better story to tell when I return home.

My point is, be afraid. It’s what drives us. The feeling of fear and passion combined is powerful within us. Its motivating more than anything else. But do not let those feelings squander your desire to do something amazing. The world is larger than I ever thought it could be. There are more people than I could, personally, ever imagine. I thought I had everything figured out, but nothing could have been more wrong. So, travel. Try new things. Take risks. You can be the wind beneath your own sails and accomplish all of your goals on your own terms. It is possible. Trust me, its worth it.

Written by: Elizabeth Bocksenbaum  |  Spring 2023
ISEP Exchange at the University of Malta

When coming to Malta, I expected to appreciate the history and practice the principles I learned as an anthropology major. I knew the Island had been described as a living museum and had worked to preserve many incredible archaeological sites and historical buildings. Little did I know how my courses at the University of Malta would connect me directly to the people and narratives that heavily developed the ways in which archeology is performed globally. I also wasn’t anticipating the closeness I would have to see the historical sites and artifacts that made this Island so important in history.

Archeological site of Ħaġar Qim

Within my first week of classes, I discovered that each of my archeology professors were active participants in the ongoing digs and archaeological research throughout Malta. Not only do some of the professors actively work on the Maltese sites, but they encourage current students from the university to work on digs with them to gain field experience. Other professors produce main academic journals and excerpts that update the research of the Maltese archeological sites. Because of this close connection to the archeological sites and research on the Island, many professors will even incorporate Maltese archeological history into lectures as a main point of reference. For every archeological concept given in a history lecture, a reference to Malta is used to further explain and provide context to a specific practice.

Not only was I amazed by the direct connection to the archeological sites and research in Malta, but how fully immersive my experience was in understanding the practice and art of archaeology. Throughout my weekly lectures, I go from understanding the development of archeology, seeing how research translates into our understanding of ancient civilizations, learning how to draw and scale pottery and artifacts, to physically conserving and strengthening historical books and documents in the National Library in Valletta.

Archeological structure in Mellieha

For my archaeology theory course, I learn about the foundations of archaeology and how it has developed into the ever-changing process it is today. I then take these ideas to my Ancient Civilizations of the Mediterranean course and my Ancient Israel course and attempt to understand the records and information found on groups of ancient peoples. Later in the week, I take a course on how to draw different artifacts with tools and record them into a digital archeology database. I then take all this information into my conservation placement where I work with the National Library in Valletta and help conservators conserve historical documents and books. Once my classes are done for the day, I then get to explore the different museums and historical sites on the Island and see how the content of my lectures manifests into the physical displays of archaeology. By the end of the week, I not only learn about the history of archeology and Mediterranean discoveries, but the ethnocentric perspective of how an archeologist theorizes, performs, and perceives. Ultimately gathering an anthropological insight into a very anthropological field.

In my experience, the most beautiful part about the archaeology in Malta is that it is far from being done. When Maltese archeological sites were first excavated in the mid-1800s, most of the remains found were simply thought to be just Phoenician. The idea was that remains found in the west were believed to always be newer and remains found in the east would always date older. When the use of Carbon dating was developed after World War II, the entire dating system used to identify archeological remains and sites was completely demolished and renewed. When carbon dating was applied to the remains found in these Maltese sites, it revealed the sites to date back to 3600 BCE, older than the great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. This discovery not only changed Maltese practices of archaeological dating, but the principles used to develop archaeology as a whole.

Valletta, Malta

This discovery still influences the ways in which archaeology is practiced in Malta through the displays presented next to archaeological remains in museums. When walking through the National Museum of Archeology in Valletta, you can see a diverse set of artifacts and pieces of architecture on display along with signs that admit the lack of information on particular pieces. The beauty in this is the acceptance of a need for further research rather than blindly guiding guests into believing we have discovered everything there is to know about the archeological sites and artifacts. Not only is this practice displayed in the museums, but is heavily reflected in the lectures I take at the University of Malta. While there had been many discoveries in the archaeological community in Malta, there will always be more perceptions, practices, and principles to discover and consider. 

National Museum of Archeology, Valletta

The entire experience moves full circle and brings me back to the initial excitement of coming to this Island. From the personal relations with the professors and conservationists, the physical practices of conservation and archeological illustration, to the exposure of historical sites and museums, my time in Malta has provided an immersive archeological experience that has developed the ways in which I appreciate the practice of anthropology and archeology. While the art of archaeology may begin with the physical remains and structures of the past, it continues to be fueled by the ever-changing perspectives and practices of people.