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- Melissa K. •
- Global Seminar Programs in Ghana and Rome
• - Studio Art and Psychology Majors
“The
seminars both gave me different perspectives and something
to work with to decide which way I want to go.”
—Melissa K. |
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As a studio art and psychology major, and art history minor, Melissa has participated in two different Global Seminar courses through the Learning Abroad Center. In Ghana, she learned about dance and music from a new cultural perspective. In Florence, Italy, she was able to view the original works she had studied in her Art History coursework at the University of Minnesota.
Melissa used the credit she gained from the Global Seminars to fulfill both major and liberal education requirements. The two programs were different types of learning experiences. Melissa was excited about the Florence trip because she was finally able to view classic art in person, and while she was there, she found herself literally surrounded by famous works of art. In Ghana, on the other hand, Melissa’s learning was more hands-on. Instead of viewing art, she participated in learning dances and songs from local groups, both in rural and urban settings. “I think it showed me a different approach to learning, which I think I could apply anywhere,” she said.
Melissa’s goal is to work in arts administration after graduation. She said, “I’m not sure if I want to go into gallery work, which would apply more to my trip to Italy, or into nonprofit, social policy, how the arts affect communities and culture. The seminars both gave me different perspectives and something to work with to decide which way I want to go.”
Melissa chose to do the Global Seminars both because of her interest in the subjects, and the length of the programs. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit an entire semester to going there [to Ghana], but a month is a good amount of time to get a feel for it, not too brief, not too long.” She found that each seminar had components of a longer study abroad experience, such as family stays in Ghana and language learning in Italy.
When asked if she would recommend a Global Seminar to other students, she said, “Jump on the opportunity to do it if you can. It’s a great way to be exposed to culture; you’re not there for a full semester, and it’s one intense class to get out of the way. I’d say go for it, for sure. I’d also say do a little research before you go. Look into the programs, look into the countries to see if it’s for you.”
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |