London-bound!

While the rest of us long for the longer, warmer days of March (especially on this snowy Friday morning in February), three young folks from Moraine Park will be spending their spring break traipsing the streets of London (and then Paris). In addition to their tours of the splendor that is Windsor Castle, the Tower of London (gawk in awe at the Crown Jewels!), and the British Museum, I hope they enjoy learning more about Charles Dickens' local hangouts and influences. Ahh... London. In all her splendor and glory, pomp and circumstance, London delivers. In addition, a couple of the travelers will chunnel on over to Paris and enjoy the excess that is Versailles. One of the most beautiful rustic villages on the grounds of Versailles is Peasantville, which was Marie-Antoinette's retreat to escape the demands of the grand house. Oh my, how I envy those of you returning to London and Paris over the next few weeks!

While they're in London, I hope they will have the chance to visit The Tea House in Covent Garden; take a peek at the infamous 10 Downing Street (and marvel at its simplicity); and trek the hundreds of steps circling up into the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. Oh, and there's Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. And what about Big Ben and Parliament? Or the London Eye, to get that panoramic view of London and the extending countryside? Perhaps they might want to lay memorial flowers at the gates to Princess Diana's home at Kensington Palace? Enjoy the solemnity of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (watch for the Royal Standard flag -- the Queen Mum will be home!). There's Shakespeare's Globe--a rustic and simple playhouse used by the bard, and of course Westminster Abbey (built in 960 A.D. ... 960!), where they can see the resting places of so many significant influences in British history.

Whatever they do, I hope they soak in this opportunity to experience two among many of the history-laden and culturally-rich cities in the world. We look forward to seeing a few photos and reading more about their trip in a future blog!

Bon voyage!
Caron

International Innovation - Global Influences on Students & Community

January was a busy month for a few members of the International Education Committee. Larry Clark, Kim Olson, James Simmers, Christine Jaglowski and I presented information and promoted upcoming travel opportunities to the faculty during the January 18-20 professional development days. While Christine, James and I scurried among campuses – Wednesday in West Bend, Thursday morning in Beaver Dam, and Thursday afternoon in Fond du Lac – to present about Germany and London, Larry and Kim enjoyed the opportunity to present updates on their China trip via TelePresence. They presented updates about their experiences last summer as they toured manufacturing sites in China. Their sessions were very well attended, and several faculty had great questions during those sessions.

We were pleased with the discussions and interest faculty have in exploring not only international travel but also international competencies in their own classes. Cross-cultural experiences are heightened when one is able to navigate the transportation system of London or negotiate items at street markets in China, but we can also share these experiences and educate each other when it comes to cultural awareness and sensitivities. Exploring these issues in the classroom can sometimes then lead to the desire to open Pandora’s travel box.