Summer 2008

Vitals: Sophomore Electrical Engineering Major

Goals: I'm really looking forward to learning Arabic. I love language and this will be the first time I've studied a language that doesn't share our alphabet. This will also be my first time traveling internationally without a group, so I really want to take advantage of the freedom that gives me to plan my own itinerary. There's a lot to do in Dubai and I want to take full advantage of it.

Motivation I'm interested in a career in the Middle East but I have very little experience with the language and culture. I wanted to make sure that my career goal was something I really wanted to do and think that this is the best way to find out.

Previous Overseas Travel Fiji, Australia, Zambia, Ethiopia, Nepal, and England. All my trips involved some sort of project. In Fiji, we renovated a youth camp and landscaped a school, in Zambia we dug a well for a remote village, and in Nepal we ran soccer clinics with the street children. The other countries on my list were stops that we made for about a week on the way home.

Tyler was selected as a William Jefferson Clinton Scholar at the American University in Dubai.

Vitals: Freshman Accounting Major, Chinese Minor

Goals: I am looking forward to seeing a new country. Since I am Asian and I have never been to any country in Asia, it will be exciting to see and live a part of my culture that I've never experienced. Even though I will not be in China during the start of the Olympics, I am also excited to see how the country as a whole prepares for this international event.

Motivation I decided to study abroad because this was a great opportunity to learn and have an unbelievable experience. I chose the longest possible summer sessions because I did not want to miss any Gamecock events, but still have as close to a semester-long program. China is not like the other places I've visited, and I believe that China will teach me a lot about the country, dialect, business and myself.

Previous Overseas Travel I have visited Germany, England, United Arab Emirates, Cancun and other nearby islands.

Vitals: Senior International Studies Major, Japanese & German Minor

Goals: To see a culture first hand whose language I've studied for a number of years, the experience of living in Tokyo - one of the worlds largest cities, to meet new and interesting people and to polish and improve my Japanese.

Motivation For every action, or lack there of, there is a consequence, I'd rather have had the experience than not, and with an opportunity to so greatly broaden my horizons I'd be foolish not to pursue. I am of the firm belief that individuals should make, and take advantage of, every opportunity they can. I plan on making the most of my Study Abroad experience and to continue blazing my trail into the future in my efforts to live a life less common.

Previous Overseas Travel None

Michael is a recipient of the Freeman-ASIA scholarship for study in Asia