Each study abroad program offered students 3 credits, and provided the participating students an opportunity to study, learn and experience different aspects of three cultures. What follows is a description of each program’s academic and cultural activities:
Viareggio, Italy
Fifteen students participated in the Field Experience in Italy Program (SSC 150) offered by the Department of Social Science and Human Services.
Students were required to take two courses : a three credit Culture course taught in English that emphasized the Geography and History of Italy including various topics on modern-day Italy, and a total immersion Italian language course, the level was determined through a brief oral and written exam upon arrival at our host institution, the Istituto Linguistico Mediterraneo(ILM).
The program dates were July 1-26, 2007 at the ILM location in Viareggio, a seaside city in Tuscany. In addition to the culture and language courses, students participated in two, one-day excursions to Cinque Terre, San Gimignano/Volterra, cities in Tuscany and an overnight excursion to Venice.
Most students also took advantage of a free weekend to travel on their own to Rome, Bologna and other locations in Italy. The academic experience of BMCC students at the ILM was enriched by the presence of students from other countries with whom they interacted on a regular basis in activities and afternoon excursions offered by the Istituto Linguistico Mediterraneo.
It is expected that the Italy program will be offered again in July 2008. Final program dates, program costs and related program information will be available during the Fall semester 2007.
Ghana, West Africa
Twelve Students participated in the Black Experience in Africa, Ghana Program (AFN 253) offered by the Center for Ethnic Studies. The class was geared at teaching students about general Ghanaian history, culture, and society. The program ran from July 20 until August 16, 2007 and involved a combination of lectures, workshops, and excursions to various historic sites in Ghana. Students also participate in two orientations prior to departure.
Students were housed at the University of Ghana in Legon, Accra. Students attended classes and lectures by professors from the University of Ghana from various fields, such as from history, religion, economics, politics, and women studies. Key topics discussed were the colonial history of Ghana, including their involvement in the Atlantic Slave Trade; the diverse ethnic groups in Ghana, particularly the Ashanti; the various religions practiced; and the recent political atmosphere in the country.
In addition to attending lectures, students conducted first-hand individual research on various aspects of Ghanaian culture. Topics covered were varied and include: the practice of skin-bleaching, naming among the Ashantis, drumming, hairstyles, hip life music, Kente and Adinkra textiles, traditional medicines, and others. Students also participated in workshops on tie-and-dye and batiking, Adinkra textile stamping, as well as drumming and dance.
The Study Abroad Program to Ghana is expected to be offered in Summer 2008. Exact dates and schedule will be available later in the semester.
Oviedo, Spain
Twelve students enhanced their knowledge of a foreign culture through class meetings, seminars, and on-site visits to places of historic and cultural importance.
Students were immersed in the culture of the country and attended Spanish literature and writing classes and lectures on the traditions and history of Spain. They consolidated knowledge of contemporary Spanish literature and were exposed to the different aspects of Spanish culture and history. They read, commented, and analyzed texts of contemporary Spanish authors, wrote reports and essays on poetry and narrative, kept a diary and visited cultural and historical places. Some even traveled to Madrid, Toledo and Burgos at their own expense.
The course covered an array of themes, some related to local authors and the poets of the Generation of 27. The University of Oviedo complemented Professor Hilario Barrero’s classes with the assistance of Professor Taresa who taught two hours every day.
For more information
Students interested in obtaining information including program(s) requirements on any of the summer programs sponsored by BMCC as well as other study abroad opportunities in CUNY should contact Professor Michael Giammarella in Room S 329. Also, he can be reached at (212) 220-8151. Interested students are urged to seek the necessary program information, and apply as soon as possible. BMCC Association makes scholarships available to BMCC students who are accepted in any of the college’s summer study abroad programs. The program coordinators would like to express their appreciation to the Student Government and BMCC Association for its continuous support in funding Study Abroad scholarship for BMCC students.
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