July 22, 2011

SABINA 2011

STUDENTS FROM TEXAS A&M, UAF, LVAIC AND UMKC JOINED THE “DEUTSCHE WELLE” GLOBAL MEDIA FORUM IN THE FORMER BUNDESTAG IN BONN, TOGETHER WITH 1300 PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD


I was standing at the Heusalle U-bahn at eight in the morning waiting for other people from the SABINA program to arrive. We were going to attend the annual Conference on Human Rights at the Deutsche Welle. This year, they were focusing on global media, and the way it can help or hinder human rights causes. I was excited, but had no idea what to expect!
When we arrived at the old German National Parliament we were instantly loaded with papers and schedules, and surrounded by colors and people and displays. After a few minutes to get oriented and decide which programs to attend in the afternoon, we were ushered into the plenary session to hear a debate on the economics of human rights. I was hooked instantly. The whole room was an edge, hanging on every word being said by the speakers, poised to contradict or approve. As soon as the floor was opened, everyone was clamoring to get a chance to voice their opinion. When they finally cut off discussion, I had no doubt that it would be a day to remember.
After the exhilarating start to the day I went to sessions on women’s rights in Latin America, ways to clean up the slums in Kenya, and using mobile phones to capture local stories in Africa. I learned a lot, but more than anything I got inspiration. I was surrounded by people who were passionate about some of the same things as I. Having discussions with people from all over the world, including someone from the at the time soon to be South Sudan, was enlightening. It made me realize some things I hadn’t even realized I took for granted.
That day was ended with a boat cruise on the Rhein that included, not only food and more discussions, but also a dance party. By the end of the night, I had met so many people I couldn’t remember all of their names! I was lucky also to meet numerous people from the Deutsche Welle Academy who I was able to meet again before I left Bonn. One of girls I met became my best friend from the entire trip. The experience for me was eye-opening, and I would even stretch as far as to say life changing. The day in itself, added onto the friendships I made was more than I could have asked for.

By: Ashley Kaminski, Lafayette College / Pennsylvania

July 20, 2011

BTHO France! Halfway around the world, the twelfth man trades in its maroon for red, white, and blue.

This past Wednesday, students from Texas A&M University had the opportunity to support a football team of a different kind.
Aggies from three different study abroad programs at AIB attended the Women's World Cup semi- final game between the USA and France in Mönchengladbach, Germany. In true aggie fashion, no corners were cut in our efforts to display team spirit and to support the good old U S of A. We prepared by making posters, sporting our red white and blue, and going a little overboard with patriotic body paint (A bit of cold and rainy weather was not going to deter us from reaping the full experience of this once in a lifetime opportunity).
 After hours of preparation, faces were spotted with stars, stomachs were adorned with red and white stripes, and a row of shirtless boys read "USA!!!".
Finally, we got on the bus and headed towards the stadium.

We weren't quite sure how we would be received upon arrival since we were fitting the obnoxious and loud American stereotype.
The French and Germans alike greeted our enthusiasm with open arms and flashing cameras. Before we could even reach our seats a mirror image of us, (the french in blue, white, and red) wanted a photo to document the friendly rivalry and the good sportsmanship between the countries. Minutes later we discovered a group of Germans with a "Germany loves USA" banner. After being in Germany for about a week and a half we were still getting used to everything and felt a little awkward being out of our element, but that sign instantly made us feel welcome and honored. We took a picture with the women who had brought the banner and it could be seen on their faces how much they enjoyed our appreciation. The energy extended beyond the walls of the stadium, as students from the A&M Sports Management Program provided live updates on Twitter. Their news feeds were eventually posted on The Eagle, an online newspaper for the Bryan College Station area, sending our excitement back home to friends and family. (http://www.theeagle.com/local/15-Aggies-in-the-study-abroad-program) People from various parts of the world were united by a commonality of mutual respect and the love of soccer.