Be sure to...

Check out my new page called Kitchen Kreations to see and read about my adventures in the kitchen! Enjoy!!!

Lessons Learned

     So far, as a junior living in the 4s, I have learned many things.  One might say that I have grown in so many ways since becoming independent of Alliot and relying on myself and my roomies! 

1. do not put salt in oatmeal- my first attempt at making oatmeal ended in a salty mess.  I'll explain- it says in the directions to put a dash of salt in, so I did.  I learned to NEVER do that again.
2. bananas cannot stay in a cabinet- I didn't put them in the cabinet, but my roomie did and we had a small fruit fly infestation
3. you only need 1 or 2 of every dish/ utensil- if you overload on cutlery and dishes, that's just more you have to wash
4. don't let dishes pile up- my motto is- you use it you wash it (right after you use it!)
5. make a grocery list of ingredients you will need for certain dishes so you don't forget
6. always have a back up dish in mind when you go to the grocery store if they don't have what you need.  This week when we went shopping, I was going to make salmon and tabbouleh.  Guess what? They had neither, so I had to come up with some other things quickly!
7. buy a frozen meal for those just in case times when you don't have time to cook or you run out of food!
8. always have an open mind about living with new people and try your best to be fair and equitable when making decorating plans or trying to share your space

Kayley

P.s check out my new tab at the top called Kitchen Kreations to learn about my culinary discoveries!

The Best of Long Island

     I would have blogged more this summer, but I've been working 6 days a week at my summer job and babysitting.  So, needless to say, I've had little down time to do fun things! However, the local parks in my area have sponsored bands and movies and other events throughout the summer and I like to go to them. So far I've seen Disco bands, Motown bands, Irish bands, and the movies Grease and Sleepless in Seattle.

Here are some pictures:

Here are some low quality videos:



Until next time!

Kayley

Your Questions Answered

     Recently on the Facebook Page for the Class of 2016 I wrote in inviting incoming students to email me questions regarding study abroad. So far I have gotten 3 emails asking very good questions! I realized that the questions these students asked are ones that everyone thinks, but are frequently left unanswered! I thought it would be helpful to copy and paste the questions and my answers. I'd also like to say that I do not know all the answers to the questions asked and that if I have given any misinformation, please feel free to contact the director of Study Abroad Peggy Imai at pimai@smcvt.edu !

NUMBER 1
 
Hey Kayley! 

I'm an incoming student for next year, and I had a few questions about studying abroad. I figured I would ask you since you offered on the Class of 2016 Facebook page, but feel free to refer me to the offices if you don't know, or whatever.

Anyhow, I was wondering:

1. What years do students generally do study abroad.

2. What Saint Michael's pays for and what you have to pay for.

3. If you can do two semesters in a row, in different places. 

Thank you!! :)

Jess

My answer:

Hi Jess!

Thanks for the questions (although they are a little hard:)

1. mostly students study abroad in their junior year. Some choose to do so in their sophomore year, but the bulk of the student population choose to go abroad in their Junior year.

2. Ok, this I'm a little less clear about, but I've asked this question myself and I can do a basic "translation". So, SMC will pay for (not sure, but let's say for an even #) 23,000. That's about the cost of one semester. If your program is within that cost then you don't have to pay any extra. However, if it goes over the 23,000 limit, then you are responsible for that extra money. You still are paying for everything though. We technically say that SMC is paying for 23,000 but you are still paying tuition to smc even though you aren't at Saint Michael's. I think that you will be paying smc and that money is then transferred to your program. I am not entirely sure that I have all the facts down, so you should definitely email Peggy Imai, the director of study abroad, at pimai@smcvt.edu

3. It is possible to go abroad for a whole year, as for a whole year abroad with 2 different programs? I am not sure. So you'll need to ask this question to Peggy also, but you have to be careful that the 2 programs you choose don't have conflicting dates. Some programs start and stop at odd times so you would have to check in to that.

http://www.smcvt.edu/Experience/Study-Abroad.aspx

Hope this helps!

Kayley

NUMBER 2 

Hi! My name is Martha and I will be a new student this fall. I am extremely interested in going abroad as soon as possible. Ideally I would like to travel to Italy. How soon should I look into going abroad?

-Martha

My answer:

Hi Martha!

Starting with study abroad research really depends on you! I started at the end of my freshman year and I think that any time your first year is definitely ideal. I was interested in both France and Spain, so I had a ton of brochures to look through, but it was really nice to just read and research over the summer and then start thinking further in the fall.  Also, I recommend just getting every brochure that has a program available in Italy. That way, you can compare and contrast with the other programs and services offered. I DEFINITELY recommend going to visit some Italian professors at SMC to ask their opinions on programs, set up an appointment and go to them with the programs you are interested in and ask for their opinions! That is a great way to find out from their experience and to also get in contact with former students who participated in those programs. Finally, Peggy the study abroad director will be able to give you student emails who participated in programs and she knows so much about studying abroad in general.

http://www.smcvt.edu/Experience/Study-Abroad.aspx

Hope this helps!

Kayley 

NUMBER 3

Hi Kayley,

My name is Brianna and I am going to be a freshment at St. Mike's this fall. I am really excited and it has always been a dream of mine to be able to study abroad in college. I saw your message post that you left on the St. Mike's Class of 2016 page and I thought you might be able to answer a question that I have about the study abroad programs. I really would like to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea. I am not sure if St.Mike's has a connection with any universities there, but there is a certain university in Seoul that I would like to study abroad at. I was wondering if that is possible....to be able to study abroad in a certain city/university even if St. Mike's does not have a connection
with it. Can you find a different program with another
university/college and do that instead. As much information and advice that you have would be helpful in answering my question.

Thank you,
Brianna

Hi Brianna,

 

I tried looking on the study abroad website for SMC, however I can't find any connection we have with South Korea. I would not give up though! My recommendation is that you contact Peggy Imai, the director of Study Abroad, at pimai@smcvt.edu to ask her for more specific answers. She is always able to find programs that fit your specific needs. If you are able to find a program in S. Korea I hope that you can go to that university that you are interested in, but if not, you should nonetheless still study abroad there! Also, you still may be able to study abroad in S. Korea with a program, however SMC might not "recognize" your work there, meaning that the classes you take will not count for credit. I hope this helps, sorry I can't give you more information, but definitely contact Peggy because she'll be able to help you further!
http://www.smcvt.edu/Experience/Study-Abroad.aspx

Kayley 

 

Well, I hope this is helpful and feel free to send me more questions! I am happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

 

Kayley

Other Key Tips

Other Key study abroad tips:

$$$$$$

• It's not necessary (or safe) to carry your passport around, so instead just make a couple photo copies and keep one in your hand bag or backpack.
• in your room put your extra money and passport in a safe, secret place. Use your imagination, not the obvious!
• don't carry too much money with you in your wallet, but in case you get robbed, always make sure to have some money in your shoe or pocket
• stay away from the ATM at night, always take out money in the daytime in a safe area

FREE TIME

• pick up local newspapers to find out current events happening in your area
• use your student i.d. when visiting museums or even stores to try and get a discount
• get a travel book of the city you are in (not just the country) to get an even more in depth look at museums and events in the area
• just in case you are extremely bored...which you should never be, YouTube has free movies that you can watch! Just click the tab at the top in between browse and upload.

2 more steps to a Parisian Transformation

Step 6: DRESS

• flip flops are not worn here, so wear sandals instead, and sorry guys but no mandles!
• shorts also are generally not worn, not at all for men and no short shorts for women
• scarves are the wonderous accessory that most Parisian women love! So bring some from home and you may want to invest in some here!
• leather jackets are also a very fashionable item here, as well as blazers
• try and stay classic, not too trendy, but you don't have to dress frumpy either
• sorry guys, but baggy, saggy jeans are out! European men wear a more fitted jean
• neutrals are very important, blacks and beiges are a staple in Parisian dress
• do not wear "casual" clothes, no sweats (save a sweatshirt), no leggings (not acceptable in the US either ladies), no yoga pants
• basically- dress to impress all the time
• jeans are more acceptable now than in the past, but slacks are nicer as are dress pants, dresses, and skirts
• try to leave the "tourist" clothing at home, don't wear basketball shoes or white tennis sneakers, no rain coats/ all weather coats
• definitely bring an umbrella with you and carry it with you at all times
• ABSOLUTELY NO American logos. Obviously if you are wearing something with an American logo you will be calling "negative" attention to yourself.

Step 7: HOUSING

• be respectful of neighbors
• be quiet at night/ early in the morning
• say bonsoir or bonjour if you meet someone
• remember, there are people below you and next door to you, so don't drag things across the floor or blare your music
• just a reminder- wash your dishes, the dishes elves will not come and clean them for you
• don't rearrange your furniture unless you plan on remembering where it was originally and putting it back correctly when you leave

A GUIDE TO BEING AS PARISIAN AS POSSIBLE

First: the apology- sorry I haven't blogged that much, but give me a break I am in Paris after all, and I'm taking classes here, and make my own meals every night!

Second: the blog-

A GUIDE TO BEING AS PARISIAN AS POSSIBLE

Let's face it, they (the Parisians) all know that you are not Parisian, (they have telepathy or something) but you don't want to stand out and you can still fool the other tourists and that is the plan. SO,

Step 1: THE METRO

• try and grab FRENCH magazines to read. All the Parisians read on the metro, so grab some free reads on the way in
• look into space on the metro and don't make eye contact, it's a big no no to stare at people (although you will get stared at)
• personal space is optional, it can get pretty squished in the metro, so buddy up to the person you're next to
• don't eat on the metro, that is not advisable and don't bring odorous foods either.
• say "Pardon" if you have bumped into someone, this is just for politeness
• don't speak on the metro, this will pinpoint you as an outsider, especially if you are speaking English.
• always keep your bag closed and close to your body, you don't want to invite pickpockets!
• when exiting, don't dawdle. Know your destination and move quickly.
• on escalators/moving sidewalks stand to the RIGHT if you are going to stand still, people like to try and squeeze by on the left so don't get in the way
• the metro closes at certain hours during the week and stays open later on the weekend, however they do not hit every stop, so plan accordingly
• the metro is not entirely safe late at night/ early in the morning, so try to stay by groups of people or even go the train car right behind the conductor

Step 2: THE STREET

• walk quickly and with a purpose, if you have to look at a map step to the side
• ok this one is hard and a definite judgment call, but in Paris there are many homeless, so if you are generous, give to those who you feel deserve
• street performers: you can listen to them for about 5 seconds if you don't want to give them money, however it is free entertainment and their livelihood so you are expected to throw them something
• if you smell urine...it probably is, so watch for puddles
• watch where you step because dog poop is sometimes just sitting around on the sidewalk, so watch it!
• It is not uncommon for people to sell fake souvenirs outside of attractions so be adamant and say no or just walk away, don't be forced into buying anything that you don't want!

Step 3: MEN

• this may come as a shock to you, as it did for me, but men are more forward here than in the USA.
• so, if they stare just ignore them and do your best to look away
• if anyone approaches you just say "Laissez-moi" which means leave me alone, and they should go away
• if you are still being annoyed or followed find an old woman, a police officer, or go into a restaurant/store and try and point the guy out to "shake" him up a bit
• don't attempt to go home early in the morning without coming across some trouble!
• take a taxi home if you ever feel in danger
• lastly, don't take the attention seriously, it happens to everyone! Just be aware of it and deal with it the best way you can!

Step 4: CLASSES

• classes here last 3 hours, with a break at the half way mark. Bring a snack or money because you will be hungry
• grading is harder here and the scale is different
• go to the bathroom before/after class and on break, it is not acceptable to leave in the middle of class and is very disruptive. Trust me, I have seen the "death" stare my professor gave one student
• ask your professors to explain words you don't understand, they will be more than happy to explain to you, and there is probably someone else who doesn't know the answer either
• always complete your assignments and hand them in on time (this also goes for the US too!)

Step 5: FOOD

• be polite when you order at a restaurant or cafe
• ask for a jug of water or you will get a bottle of water you will have to pay for
• keep both of your hands visible on the table (not in your lap)while you eat, this is just a cultural thing, so try your best!
• tip is included, so don't feel obliged to leave one unless the food was excellent or the service extraordinary
• if you don't know a lot of food vocabulary, it might be a good idea to bring a pocket size dictionary with you, although many places do put English subtitles
• if you are budgeted, don't try and find a cheap place to eat on a main street or right next to a tourist spot, try to go a little more inward away from the hubbub
• don't try and eat crepes or bread and cheese for every meal
• in the grocery store you may have to pay extra for bags so byob
• some markets have you weigh your own food and put printed labels, so look out
• don't expect the cashier to bag your food, do it yourself!
• at a boulangerie make your selection quickly and definitely buy something, it is VERY rude if you walk out without anything, so you could just make up something stupid and ask if they sell milk

These are just a few tips that I have been told and found out myself while living here in Paris. So keep these in mind and they can be helpful when going abroad anywhere.  Just do a little research and buy a travel book!

Kayley

*More tips to come*