Winter Sessions in Thailand and Ireland
A number of Marist students spent their winter breaks travelling abroad as part of the Marist Abroad office’s winter session programs.
This year’s sessions sent students to two destinations: Ireland and Thailand.
“Short term programs, whether in the winter, spring or summer are a great opportunity for our Marist students,” said Caitlin Paul, Marist Abroad Coordinator who played a large role in organizing this year’s initiatives. “Many students may not be able to study abroad for a full year or a semester so these short term programs are a great option for them.”
One of the winter session programs offered this semester, titled “Perceptions of America in Ireland,” centered around examining Irish media and analyzing how issues in the United States were portrayed in the press.
Communication adjunct professor Babette Fasolino led a group of eight women from Jan. 2 to Jan 10. alongside her husband, Joseph, and Shane Duffy, director of the Freshman Dublin Experience Program.
“I have always wanted to go abroad but never wanted to commit an entire semester to being away,” said Patricia McGuinness ‘21, who enrolled in the Ireland short term program. “I thought that an attachment or winter program would be the perfect amount of time to experience ‘going abroad’ while still being able to return to Marist for the upcoming semester.”
While in Ireland, the group travelled to Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. Stops on their tour included St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Cliffs of Moher, among other destinations and walking tours.
The students also participated in a Q and A session with multimedia journalist Della Kilroy. Kilroy is a reporter for RTE, Ireland’s National Public Service Multi-Media Organization, and has led an extensive career covering refugees and women’s issues.
“Perceptions of America in Ireland” was offered as a communication class, but most students’ areas of study fell outside it. The majors of the students that enrolled included psychology, special education, biology, mathematics, and political science.
“I had a great time and would definitely recommend this specific winter class to anyone, from any major,” said McGuinness. “Our class consisted of people from various majors, but there was something interesting for everyone each day. We learned so many different things about Ireland, history, journalism and art.”
“We happened to go at a time when America’s relevance in the world increased greatly,” explained Kayla Petrilli ‘22, commenting on the death of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani as a result of an American drone strike. “It was interesting to see how different cultures view our president and our lifestyle. As a teacher, you have to be open to learning about new cultures and embracing every student in your classroom. Reading newspapers, watching broadcasts, and looking at public art depicting the United States will assist me in keeping a levelheaded mind and remaining unbiased while assessing students.”
Another group of students ventured into Thailand under a biology-focused program called “Global Health in Thailand.” Led by professor Amy Cahill, students travelled to five cities from Jan. 1 to Jan. 18. Their destinations included Bangkok, Pak Chong, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ao Nang.
While in Thailand, students “...learn[ed] about Thai traditional medicine, observe[d] patient care in rural villages, small clinics, and major city hospitals, and [spoke] with representatives at the Ministry of Public Health about the state of healthcare in Thailand,” according to the course description.
The cost for the Ireland and Thailand short term programs were $3,400 and $4,700, respectively, and allowed students to earn academic credit.
Paul explained that the Marist Abroad office accepts proposals from faculty members for its programs.
“It is the faculty members that propose the subject and location for the programs we run, with guidance from our office,” said Paul. “The Marist Abroad office approves a number of programs every year, in varying locations and subject areas.”
Previous winter session programs have been held in Paris.
Cover photo: NeedPix.com