Unique classes — offered only abroad
There are some very clear advantages to studying abroad — being in a foreign country, being exposed to different cultures, eating amazing food, traveling, and the list goes on…but there are also some fantastic academic differences that allow you not only to experience foreign educational systems, but also to take unique classes that you wouldn’t be able to take elsewhere!
La Provence — I am taking this class through Vanderbilt-in-France in which we study the geography, culture, language, paintings, and literature of the region in southern France, in which I am studying, known as Provence. It is taught by a professor born and raised in Provence and has turned into one of my favorite classes this semester because everything we learn is applicable to my life right now. From learning provencal words that would only be understood in the south like “fada” for crazy, instead of “fou,” to learning about the plethora of famous artists — Cezanne, van Gogh, Gaugin, Picasso, Monet, and Signac…to name a few –who have come to Provence to study the amazing light found here.
Irish Gaelic 101 — One of my friends, studying abroad in Galway, Ireland, is taking an Irish Gaelic course so that he can learn a language natively spoken by less than 100,000 people. His class even visited a small region in Galway called a Gaeltacht where Irish Gaelic is the predominant language, instead of English.
Forestry — In New Zealand, one of my good friends is taking a Forestry course where she learns about conservation, sustainable resources, and wildlife preservation. This is definitely not something that would ever be offered at Vanderbilt.
No matter where you go, there will be courses like these that highlight the culture and priorities of the country you study abroad in. And I strongly suggest that if you ever have the chance to take a course like these that you do so!