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INT

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ThuRsDay, fEb. 19 - suNDay, fEb. 22, 2015 • VOLumE 101 • IssuE 44

PhOTO by cONNOR guy, sTaff PhOTOgRaPhER; DEsIgN by kaTE LEONaRD, aRT DIREcTOR

Be InternatIonal Blog p3 • housIng woes p4 • student profIles p5 • tales from aBroad p6-7 • InItIatIves p9-10 • quIck facts p11

the study abroad issue

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FEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COMTHE STUDY ABROAD ISSUE

AROUND THE WORLD IN 12 PAGESTHE STUDY ABROAD ISSUE

DAVID HERNANDEZNEWS EDITOR______________________________

If you’re someone that

doesn’t enjoy traveling,

I hope it’s because you

haven’t had the chance to.

I encourage anyone who

asks to study abroad because

a vast majority of my college

memories occurred while I

was in Barcelona, Spain, for a

semester last year.

Hopefully, you too will

become inspired as you travel

around the world in these 12

pages.

If you have gone abroad,

this issue should be a fun ride

down memory lane.

For a look into the life of an

Aztec who traveled to Spain

and is now a study abroad

adviser, be sure to check out

page 5. On that same page,

read about an international

student from Malaysia who’s

enjoying her time here despite

tragedies back home.

To see where San Diego

State students have traveled

and get a glimpse of their

experiences abroad, check

out pages 6 and 7.

Also read about out a new

SDSU program, on page 9,

that allows students to travel

to Spain and learn all about

wine.

For a look into how coffee

sessions at SDSU allow

students to display their

culture, check out page 10,

which includes the upcoming

Coffee Hour sessions. The tall flats, or apartments, in the Spanish island of Mallorca, maintain the shade in the streets.DAVID HERNANDEZ, NEWS EDITOR

THE STUDY ABROAD ISSUEFEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

• High frequency• Limited stops• All day, every day• Connects to Rapid 235

and all Trolley lines

Plan your trip at

between SDSU and Downtown

NURTURE • YOUR • CALLING

“ In the nutrition program, we learn to take a whole foods approach to health.”Daniel Andras, MS (2013)

Learn more: Profession.Bastyr.edu • 855-4-BASTYR • San Diego

Create a Healthier World Pursue a career in nutrition at the most respected school of natural health.

JAMIE BALLARDSTAFF WRITER_____________________________

Seven San Diego State students studying abroad are giving the world a real-life glimpse of their experiences through the recently launched SDSU Be International blog.

Alina Bilal, Rose Borges, Rubi Carrazco, Douglas Chun, Kira Collins, Noelle Lovgren and Jessica Nicasio will be sharing their thoughts, daily events online. Six of the students are studying abroad for the first time this semester, although Borges has been studying abroad in Istanbul, Turkey since last fall and will continue studying there through spring semester.

Bastian Treptau, the international communications specialist for SDSU’s International Student Center, said these students were chosen with the goal of representing a wide range of grade levels, destinations and program types. The Be International initiative also sought students who demonstrated commitment and motivation to keep up with their blog posts, which can include videos and photos in addition to

writing. Treptau

said the reason the Be

International blog came

about was the desire to provide a different and more nuanced perspective on the study abroad experience.

“We have a good amount of very official university websites, which are great to give students info about study abroad, but we wanted to enhance the student perspective,” he said. “That’s the central point. I do think it’s valuable to have an Aztec abroad speaking about what they’re actually doing ... you get a different idea of what it’s like to live somewhere else for six months.”

Students will create consistently new content, with posts approximately every other week. Treptau estimates that each student will have about 9 or 10 posts throughout the semester, as well as one “wrap-up” post when they return to the U.S.

Nicasio wrote about the ups and downs of her first few days settling into Madrid in a post

titled “Madrid, The City That Never Stops.”

“Let me just say how glad I am to be writing this blog from my new apartment because finding a place was by far the most stressful thing I’ve had to do,” she wrote.

She also remarked on the difficulty of registering for classes abroad.

“If you think registering for classes at SDSU is hard, then you have never registered for classes abroad,” Nicasio wrote. “WebPortal, thank you for everything, seriously!”

However, the speedbumps don’t seem to be impairing an enjoyable experience, as she also wrote about how exciting it was to be meeting new people from around the world and exploring the “surreal” city of Madrid.

Borges, who has been studying in Istanbul since last August, gave a rundown of her experiences there so far, from the cultural surprises to the hospitality. One particularly heartwarming experience she shares is the kindness of many Turkish people.

“I live in an apartment with three other exchange students and we are renting from a friendly local Turkish guy,” she wrote. “Today, my German flatmate mentioned to him that I am sick (it’s just a normal winter cold). So on his way over he picked up some fresh mint and lemon and brewed me his special feel-better tea. My landlord! How awesomely nice is that!?”

The Be International blog also features students in the United Kingdom, Korea, Sweden and Hungary.

#TRAVELBLOG

Aztecs blog stories from abroad

Jessica Nicasio attends student orientation at her host university in Madrid. Her posts are featured in an university blog.COURTESY OF JESSICA NICASIO

Students planning to study abroad visit the Study Abroad Office for information on shot-term housing in the near San Diego State but are often redirected.CHADD CADY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Leases hinder travel plansADRIANA MILLARSTAFF WRITER____________________________________

Despite San Diego State’s national ranking as a top university for students studying abroad, Aztecs have few short-term housing options when preparing to study abroad for a semester.

SDSU sent 21,19 students abroad in the 2013-14 school year, according to the Study Abroad Office. However, many students who choose to study abroad for a semester find it difficult to secure short-term leases in the period before or after they go abroad. Most student apartments and houses in the area only offer 12-month leases, making it difficult for students who only plan to live there for just a semester.

“We went to the Study Abroad Office and they said there was nothing they could do,” international security and conflict resolution sophomore Renee Bunn said. “We felt pretty discouraged.

Bunn is studying abroad in the spring of 2016.

The Study Abroad office encouraged Bunn and her roommate to search on Facebook for someone to take over their lease for the spring semester they’ll be abroad. Bunn and her roommate were able to find two girls studying abroad in the fall on the Class of 2017 Facebook page, and they’re splitting a lease at College Campanile Apartments.

Bunn is among several students who turn to Facebook. Many students turn to SDSU international

student pages to find someone to split a year-

long lease. But not all students find a perfect

match.“I see so many people posting on

Facebook consistently, and I worry they won’t find something,” Bunn said.

Other students use their own connections.

“I’m in a sorority, so it’s easier,” journalism sophomore Victoria Ruiz said.

Ruiz is studying abroad in the fall and is splitting a lease at an off-campus house with one of her sorority sisters who is studying abroad in the spring.

“I got really lucky,” she said, adding that she was strategic with her timing.

She said it’s easier to find someone to cover a lease in the fall because she’s found that most students study abroad in the spring.

SDSU offers upper-division, on-campus housing, which does allow students to end contracts early if they meet the criteria, including proof of spending a semester abroad. However, most students opt for off-campus housing due to lower prices.

SUITES ON PASEO• No short-term leases• Allows someone to take over a lease

AZTEC CORNER• No short-term leases• Allows someone to take over a lease• Also has relet lease option, which

keeps a student’s name on a list in case someone comes in later and wants a room. the students would be paired up

BLVD 63• No short-term lease• Allows someone to take over a lease

($350 resident replacement fee)

5025• Offers short-term leases in spring

(from Jan to July)• Allows someone to take over your

lease

SHORT TERM OPTIONS

FEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COMSTUDY ABROAD

Who’sWho?EDITOR IN CHIEFMonica Linzmeier

MANAGING EDITORMadison Hopkins

NEWS EDITORDavid Hernandez

ASST. NEWS EDITORCamille Lozano

SPORTS EDITORKristian Ibarra

ASST. SPORTS EDITORMatthew Bain

OPINION EDITORElpin Keshishzadeh

ASST. OPINION EDITORAnthony Berteaux

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORNick Knott

ASST. ENTERTAINMENT EDITORRyo Miyauchi

FEATURES EDITORKelly Hillock

ASST. FEATURES EDITOROlivia Litsey

PHOTO EDITORJenna Mackey

VIDEO EDITORWesley Beights

DIGITAL CONTENT EDITORKelly Gardner

ART DIRECTORKate Leonard

PRODUCTION DESIGNERCameron Salce

VOLUNTEER WRITERSJamie BallardAdriana Millar

Christine WhitmanCami BuckmanChelsea BaerAlicia ChavezTorrey Bailey

Ventura Olvera

VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERChadd CadyKelly Smiley

_________________________________

ADVERTISING DIRECTORTony Disarufino

SALES MANAGERAdam Zabel

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVERadbeh Rabaz

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESAlfonso Barajas

Jordan DennisonPeyton Fedorka

Sarah Richardson

ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTSMichael Bratt

Kalie Christensen_________________________________

STREET TEAMEmily AlvarengaShelby Snyder

Conor NordbergPaige Plassmeyer

_________________________________

GENERAL MANAGERJay Harn

GRAPHICS SPECIALISTChris Blakemore

_________________________________

What’sWhat?ADVERTISING619.594.6977

advertising@thedailyaztec.com

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES619.594.4190

editor@thedailyaztec.com

PRINTThe Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies

twice a week.

WEBOur website, thedailyaztec.com,publishes daily content, videos &

breaking news._________________________________

The Daily Aztec has beenSan Diego State’s independent student

newspaper since 1913.

“We found out last minute that the school offered on-campus apartments (for students studying abroad) but they’re so expensive, so that was our last resort,” Bunn said.

According to the Office of Housing Administration, Tarastec, Piedra Del Sol and Villa Alvarado will be available apartments for upper-division housing next year. The SDSU-owned apartments house 600 students in total.

#HOUSING

THE STUDY ABROAD ISSUEFEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#SPAIN

CHRISTINE WHITMANSENIOR STAFF WRITER_____________________________ After traveling to Spain with the San Diego State exchange program for the 2013-14 academic year, accounting senior Alma Alvarez is now a peer adviser in the Study Abroad Office on campus.

Being a peer adviser gives students looking to study abroad an inside perspective on everything from the program that fits their needs to the countries available based on their preferences. Students can walk into the office and receive the information and advice they need to help them make their choice on a program or country.

“Every peer adviser in the office is a study abroad program

alumni, and everyone has been to different countries all around

the world,” Alvarez said.

“The advice I have for students that are looking to study abroad is to look into the different programs. Everything depends on the program, and one may fit your situation better or may be cheaper than another.”

As a peer adviser, Alvarez gets the opportunity to calm students’ fears about traveling to different countries around the world. Many students are afraid to travel to a country where they are unfamiliar with the language.

“Knowing the language in a

country you’re traveling to is always helpful, but not knowing the country’s language should not prevent a student from studying in that country,” Alvarez said. “I always tell students not to worry because most academic programs offer classes in English.”

It’s helpful to remember that some majors or minors require students to study abroad, whereas others don’t. In her case, Alvarez was required to study abroad for the international studies minor.

Alvarez traveled alone to a small city in Spain called Zaragoza, which is located halfway between Barcelona and Madrid. Alvarez was the only student from SDSU that attended Universidad de Zaragoza at the time.

The exchange program, one of the study abroad programs at SDSU, offers students the opportunity to study abroad without breaking the bank.

“Traveling abroad through the exchange program was very affordable,” Alvarez said. “I paid the exact same tuition and fees as I would here and all I had to worry about was my housing abroad, airline ticket, and additional expenses.”

Students must also remember every country’s money system is a little bit different. Some countries are more expensive than others depending on the area and time of year.

“I was very lucky because the cost of living in Zaragoza is cheaper than the cost of living here in San Diego,” Alvarez said. “I paid half the price of housing

Study abroad adviser helps from experience

CAMI BUCKMANSTAFF WRITER _____________________________________

With the prime location, supreme weather, and melting pot of cultures, it’s not surprising many international students attend San Diego State.

English and journalism senior Denise Chang arrived at SDSU in the fall of 2013 as a degree-seeking, transfer student. Before arriving at SDSU, Denise was involved with the American Degree Program at Malaysia’s Taylors University.

Similar to the diversity seen in the U.S., Malaysia, which is located in Southeast Asia between the countries of Thailand and Singapore, is populated with various races, such as the native Malay race, Chinese and Indian.

Chang said that because of the various races in her native tropical island, it’s normal to speak multiple languages. In total, Chang can speak four different languages. However, it’s not uncommon for Malaysians to speak up to seven different languages.

“Malaysia is a very accepting culture and is the epitome of diversity,” Chang said.

The differences in Malaysia and the U.S. are vast, but there are also similarities.

“America is a more individualistic country whereas Asian countries are more collective. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just different,” Chang said.

Chang added that Americans are a lot friendlier.

“Here, you can go up to a stranger and start a conversation without others thinking you’re weird,” Chang stated.

“In Malaysia, others might find that strange.”

However, Chang said the bonds Malaysian people have are unbreakable. With English, music and Hollywood films, American culture is influential in Malaysia. Also, it’s unfortunately expected that Chang associates the McDonalds in Malaysia to the stereotypical “fast food fanatic” American society.

When it came down to choosing an American university, Chang knew she wanted to live in California. She thrives on the diversity in California and admits to being exposed to a lot more by living in San Diego.

“I love talking to people and finding out where they’re from,” Chang said.

Chang currently works at the International Student Center on campus. She takes great pride in welcoming the new international students, and she loves giving them personal tours. She said the community of SDSU is very accepting and intrigued by international students.

“People are so curious and always want to know more about my family, my people, and my culture,” Chang said. “I love talking about my heritage and am glad to share with others why I am a proud Malaysian.”

With the 16 hour time difference,

and the grueling 20 hour flight, Chang is a long way from home. She does occasionally become home sick, especially around the time of the Chinese New Year.

Recently Malaysia has gotten vast media attention around the world.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 departed from Luala Lumpur International Airport and lost contact an hour after takeoff. To this day, the plane has not yet been found.

“It put Malaysia on the map, but for the wrong reasons,” Chang said.

Chang has an interesting perspective on the plane disappearance. Chang’s mother was a former air hostess for

Malaysia Airlines who knew some individuals on the plane. Her family was affected by the mysterious tragedy, and the developing country is still trying to make sense of the incident.

Studying abroad has left Chang with many challenges to overcome. Last year, Chang’s mother passed away. Her passing was one of the toughest times for Chang because she wasn’t there.

“It was definitely a test, but it made me a lot stronger,” Chang said. “I’m glad I went through this hardship because it has made me realize how strong I can be.”

Chang is a strong believer in the power of travel. She believes that people need to escape their familiar surroundings and explore the world outside of their comfort zone.

“I definitely encourage everyone to study abroad just to experience a culture that’s different than your own,” Chang said. “It’s cliché, but I really had to leave my country to find myself.”

The traveling doesn’t stop in San Diego for Chang. While in the U.S., Chang has traveled to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. She hopes to someday visit Chicago and New York.

“Traveling has opened my eyes to a lot of things and has changed my perspective,” she said.

Chang eventually wants to go into the digital media field. Social media, online publishing and web content are an industry that hasn’t grown in Malaysia, but she hopes to take the skills and knowledge she has learned here back to Malaysia to help benefit her home.

Malaysian student brings new perspective to SDSU#MALAYSIA

I would have paid here in the States and I was able to have my own room abroad.”

No matter which country the student chooses to visit, there’s always an aspect that doesn’t meet their preconceived expectations. For Alvarez, that aspect was the food in Spain.

“The food in Spain is really just okay, it’s not the best — but the sangria definitely was,” Alvarez said.

She said that, surprisingly, beer in Spain is actually cheaper than water.

“Overall, studying abroad was a great experience,” Alvarez said. “Traveling helps you become more open-minded and see the world from an entirely new perspective, as well as learn about a culture that’s entirely different than your own.”

IMAGES COURTESY OF ALMA ALVAREZ

COURTESY OF DENISE CHANG

graz, austriaName: Woody ArnoldMajor: Environmental EngineeringLength of trip: A semester

What aspects did you like most about your host university? The aspect I liked about my host university was that in their engineering and scientific degree programs, labs are weighed more heavily than lecture classes compared to here and believe it should be that way to really test if you have truly learned the subject and helps with technical experience in the field.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? What I liked most about Graz was the shear beauty of the city, although it is probably second to Vienna to me. Everything is clean and tap water is good as bottled water!

sao paulo, BrazilName: Jessica HazlettMajor: AnthropologyLength of trip: 2.5 years

What aspects did you like most about your host university?I liked their language program that they offered to international students. When I first arrived I didn’t speak any Portuguese so I took four months of classes and every Thursday we would have cultural classes where we went on excursions around Sao Paulo or learned how to do things like Samba, Capoeira, cook Brazilian food, and more.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? I lived outside of Sao Paulo in a city called Santos and commuted to school through this really beautiful mountain pass. I loved the scenery and living on the beach while still being so close to a huge metropolitan city that always had so much going on.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? There are so many that it is hard to narrow down but my two favorite experiences would have to be spending 10 days sleeping on a hammock inside the Amazon Rainforest and going to Rio de Janeiro during the World Cup.

sunderland, englandName: Jane SandersMajor: Art, emphasis in multimediaLength of trip: A semester

What aspects did you like most about your host university? Small, relaxed feel; it was great to have a newly-updated building dedicated solely to the design program; small class sizes let me make friends easily.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most memorable experience abroad was… every weekend! Nearly every weekend my friends and I had planned trips to Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh, Oxford, London and Durham, to name a few.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before traveling abroad? I didn’t know if I was allowed to travel internationally with the student visitor visa, so I didn’t go outside the U.K., but I found out afterwards that I could!

What do you miss most now that you’re back? I miss the British charm and friendliness; ease of public transportation; logical currency system; afternoon tea and scones!

tales from across the gloBeMany San Diego State students can vouch that studying abroad is truly a remarkable experience. This map shows that Aztecs have had unforgettable experiences in all parts of the world. Whether students studied abroad for a week or a year, the sights, sounds and smells of the world are forever in their mind, along with the beautiful people and cultures they encountered.

madrid, spainName: Taylor TrummelMajor: Political ScienceLength of trip: 4 weeks

What aspects did you like most about your host university? I liked that all of the other students I studied with were international. Some were from other states in the US and some from places like Thailand and Germany. It was a big mix of people so there was a lot to talk about and learn.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? Madrid had everything from museums to shopping to quiet parks to nightlife. It had a great Metro system as well that I used at least half a dozen times a day. I also loved walking in the city. Every block offered new sights like tree lined streets, coffee shops, tapas bars, flower boxes and laundry hanging from windows, little cars and scooters buzzing along, and all the different people. It was perfect.

What was your most memorable experience abroad?being in Spain during the World Cup was very memorable. Cheering for America while in Spanish bar eating tapas and drinking sangria was a unique experience.

What do you miss most now that you’re back? I miss the feeling of everything being new. Everyday I woke up and did something new or saw something different. While it could be an overwhelming feeling, it was an adventurous feeling that I’m always craving to feel again.

italyName: Elli BrownMajor: KinesiologyLength of trip: 2 weeks (various cities in Italy)

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? I loved Rome the best! I loved the architecture and the attractions to see there!

What was your most memorable experience abroad? The relationships I made with the people that went with me.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before traveling abroad? How good the food really was so I could diet before I left!

What do you miss most now that you’re back? The atmosphere of being in a new place for the first time.

istanBul, turkeyName: Rosamaria PabloMajor: SustainabilityLength of trip: A semester

Why did you choose the country you visited? I wanted to go to a place that seemed non-traditional and non-western. I didn’t want to go somewhere that would offer many of the things I could get in America. I ended up choosing Istanbul, Turkey because it has a rich history and culture. I also kept seeing it as a “must go to” destination while reading travel articles, which only made me curious as to why not many students were going there. And to be honest, just like many students, I was looking for something affordable.

What aspects did you like most about your host university? I The environment was pretty neat and something that was beyond unexpected is that my host university even had a private ferry that would take me from one campus to the other. It was really great, especially at night!

What aspects did you like least about your host university?Despite loving the ferry, I figured out that it ran every hour or so I had to make sure I planned things ahead of time, but it wasn’t a deal breaker.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? There was so much to see! Istanbul is one of only a few places in which you’re in between two continents! I was able to experience several Turkish cultures and foods by simply taking a big boat ferry to the next continent over (Asia) or by taking the tram to the next district over.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most memorable moment was when I went to Büyükada, an island that is an hour away from Istanbul, with my boyfriend. We were there in April and we didn’t know that it was a day where we would find many pilgrims from all over Europe coming to pay a visit to Aya Yorgi (St. Jorge). It was a spectacular view to see because they all held string of colors, which only led up to the monastery that was at the highest peak of the island where Aya Yorgi was located. Another great that is that, in this particular island, horses and bikes are the main means of transportation. Everything else, like the buildings, sits on the island untouched just like when they were first built centuries ago. It was honestly like a blast from the past, and it was an amazing feeling because all I could focus on was the beauty of this place and not the sound of a busy city.

What do you miss most now that you’re back? The midye dolma (rice stuffed mussels). They were so good! I crave them all the time!

TM

DAVID HERNANDEz, NEWS EDITOR

KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

graz, austriaName: Woody ArnoldMajor: Environmental EngineeringLength of trip: A semester

What aspects did you like most about your host university? The aspect I liked about my host university was that in their engineering and scientific degree programs, labs are weighed more heavily than lecture classes compared to here and believe it should be that way to really test if you have truly learned the subject and helps with technical experience in the field.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? What I liked most about Graz was the shear beauty of the city, although it is probably second to Vienna to me. Everything is clean and tap water is good as bottled water!

sao paulo, BrazilName: Jessica HazlettMajor: AnthropologyLength of trip: 2.5 years

What aspects did you like most about your host university?I liked their language program that they offered to international students. When I first arrived I didn’t speak any Portuguese so I took four months of classes and every Thursday we would have cultural classes where we went on excursions around Sao Paulo or learned how to do things like Samba, Capoeira, cook Brazilian food, and more.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? I lived outside of Sao Paulo in a city called Santos and commuted to school through this really beautiful mountain pass. I loved the scenery and living on the beach while still being so close to a huge metropolitan city that always had so much going on.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? There are so many that it is hard to narrow down but my two favorite experiences would have to be spending 10 days sleeping on a hammock inside the Amazon Rainforest and going to Rio de Janeiro during the World Cup.

sunderland, englandName: Jane SandersMajor: Art, emphasis in multimediaLength of trip: A semester

What aspects did you like most about your host university? Small, relaxed feel; it was great to have a newly-updated building dedicated solely to the design program; small class sizes let me make friends easily.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most memorable experience abroad was… every weekend! Nearly every weekend my friends and I had planned trips to Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh, Oxford, London and Durham, to name a few.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before traveling abroad? I didn’t know if I was allowed to travel internationally with the student visitor visa, so I didn’t go outside the U.K., but I found out afterwards that I could!

What do you miss most now that you’re back? I miss the British charm and friendliness; ease of public transportation; logical currency system; afternoon tea and scones!

tales from across the gloBeMany San Diego State students can vouch that studying abroad is truly a remarkable experience. This map shows that Aztecs have had unforgettable experiences in all parts of the world. Whether students studied abroad for a week or a year, the sights, sounds and smells of the world are forever in their mind, along with the beautiful people and cultures they encountered.

madrid, spainName: Taylor TrummelMajor: Political ScienceLength of trip: 4 weeks

What aspects did you like most about your host university? I liked that all of the other students I studied with were international. Some were from other states in the US and some from places like Thailand and Germany. It was a big mix of people so there was a lot to talk about and learn.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? Madrid had everything from museums to shopping to quiet parks to nightlife. It had a great Metro system as well that I used at least half a dozen times a day. I also loved walking in the city. Every block offered new sights like tree lined streets, coffee shops, tapas bars, flower boxes and laundry hanging from windows, little cars and scooters buzzing along, and all the different people. It was perfect.

What was your most memorable experience abroad?being in Spain during the World Cup was very memorable. Cheering for America while in Spanish bar eating tapas and drinking sangria was a unique experience.

What do you miss most now that you’re back? I miss the feeling of everything being new. Everyday I woke up and did something new or saw something different. While it could be an overwhelming feeling, it was an adventurous feeling that I’m always craving to feel again.

italyName: Elli BrownMajor: KinesiologyLength of trip: 2 weeks (various cities in Italy)

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? I loved Rome the best! I loved the architecture and the attractions to see there!

What was your most memorable experience abroad? The relationships I made with the people that went with me.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before traveling abroad? How good the food really was so I could diet before I left!

What do you miss most now that you’re back? The atmosphere of being in a new place for the first time.

istanBul, turkeyName: Rosamaria PabloMajor: SustainabilityLength of trip: A semester

Why did you choose the country you visited? I wanted to go to a place that seemed non-traditional and non-western. I didn’t want to go somewhere that would offer many of the things I could get in America. I ended up choosing Istanbul, Turkey because it has a rich history and culture. I also kept seeing it as a “must go to” destination while reading travel articles, which only made me curious as to why not many students were going there. And to be honest, just like many students, I was looking for something affordable.

What aspects did you like most about your host university? I The environment was pretty neat and something that was beyond unexpected is that my host university even had a private ferry that would take me from one campus to the other. It was really great, especially at night!

What aspects did you like least about your host university?Despite loving the ferry, I figured out that it ran every hour or so I had to make sure I planned things ahead of time, but it wasn’t a deal breaker.

What did you like most about the city/town you lived in? There was so much to see! Istanbul is one of only a few places in which you’re in between two continents! I was able to experience several Turkish cultures and foods by simply taking a big boat ferry to the next continent over (Asia) or by taking the tram to the next district over.

What was your most memorable experience abroad? My most memorable moment was when I went to Büyükada, an island that is an hour away from Istanbul, with my boyfriend. We were there in April and we didn’t know that it was a day where we would find many pilgrims from all over Europe coming to pay a visit to Aya Yorgi (St. Jorge). It was a spectacular view to see because they all held string of colors, which only led up to the monastery that was at the highest peak of the island where Aya Yorgi was located. Another great that is that, in this particular island, horses and bikes are the main means of transportation. Everything else, like the buildings, sits on the island untouched just like when they were first built centuries ago. It was honestly like a blast from the past, and it was an amazing feeling because all I could focus on was the beauty of this place and not the sound of a busy city.

What do you miss most now that you’re back? The midye dolma (rice stuffed mussels). They were so good! I crave them all the time!

TM

DAVID HERNANDEz, NEWS EDITOR

KATE LEONARD, ART DIRECTOR

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THE STUDY ABROAD ISSUEFEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#AZTECGLOBALALLIANCE

#WINETRIP

Club creates international bondsCHELSEA BAERSTAFF WRITER______________________________________

Global Aztec Alliance is a unique student organization that helps international Aztecs feel more at home here at San Diego State. Members are able to practice new languages, share their experiences from abroad and create lasting friendships.

“My favorite part of GAA is being able to meet a wide array of incredible individuals from across the world and getting the chance to share my study abroad experience with other SDSU students,” psychology senior and Global Aztec Alliance President Savannah Benefield said. “I love sharing our travel stories and learning about different cultures. These experiences have deeply enriched my life, and not that I needed another reason to travel the world, I have an ever-growing list of friends to visit.”

CREATING A CULTURE

Benefield started Global Aztec Alliance in March 2014 after spending

a year studying abroad in many different

countries such as Spain and Australia.

She missed hearing friends’ stories of staying in hostels and traveling on a budget.

This nostalgia helped inspire Benefield to create a student organization for study abroad applicants, returnees and international students who are studying at SDSU.

“GAA provides students with the opportunity to meet new and unique individuals from across the globe, creating a truly intercultural community for local students and international students,” Benefield said. “We’re enabling students to increase their

knowledge and understanding of other cultural perspectives, breaking down barriers one member at a time.”

There are currently 65 Global Aztec Alliance members, one-third of whom have studied abroad already.

Members can also gain leadership experience by joining one of the four committees.

Those interested in mentorship can sign up for a buddy, where they will be paired with incoming international exchange students.

Global Aztec Alliance adviser Veronica Perondi was the chair of a similar organization at San Francisco State University.

“I’m so happy something was created here with the same purpose,” Perondi said. “Global Aztec Alliance has done a great job integrating study abroad students and international exchange students. If GAA influences any student to study abroad, I consider that a complete success.”

BECOMING A FAMILYAfter joining Global Aztec Alliance,

members are placed into “families” with other students from different parts of the world in order to get them out of their comfort zones. There are frequent off-campus bonding experiences, such as hikes up Cowles Mountain, mixers for incoming international students and bowling nights.

“Students who join GAA will have the opportunity to learn about a multitude of different cultures, work collaboratively with others on an international level, build personal and professional connections across the world and gain valuable leadership experiences,” Benefield said.

Students interested in joining Global Aztec Alliance can learn more by attending a weekly meeting. GAA meets at 7:30 p.m. on Monday nights in Park Boulevard in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union. The membership fee of $10 per semester is used to provide snacks and transportation to activities.

Students specialize in wine on trip to SpainALICIA CHAVESSENIOR STAFF WRITER______________________________________

For the past 10 years, San Diego State has offered a Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine through the College of Extended Studies. Recently, the program decided it was time to shake things up and offer a professional excursion trip throughout parts of Spain. Although the trip is a non-credit experience, students of all majors are welcome to travel with the program and taste wines paired with delicious Spanish cuisine.

The Business of Wine program has provided students with wine education through wine and food tasting for more than a decade. Students in the program receive an integrated approach to wine studies, such as lecturing, reading and tasting the wine itself.

“The program is a professional certificate and was structured for people who want to get involved with the wine industry, whether it may be opening up their own wine pub or working in a restaurant,” Program Director Giana Rodriguez said. “It has really evolved and is now including those who are looking to change careers or

wine enthusiasts who just want to learn a little more about the industry.”

Rodriguez said the majority of

students coming into the program are 30 years

old or older and interested in wine education. Some students with a previously established career end up changing their occupation to pursue a profession in the wine industry.

Students are given the opportunity to travel to a few places around San Diego, such as the Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. This year, the program has decided to broaden their borders by offering a nine-day Professional Wine and Cuisine Immersion trip to Spain. Students will have the opportunity to travel and learn about Catalonia, Rioja and parts of the Basque regions of Spain.

“The focus of the trip is to compare the new world to the old world,” Rodriguez said. “Students get to meet the wine makers and see a connection through history.”

Program Instructor and Certified Specialist of Wine Deborah Lazear was one

of the first instructors of the program when it was founded and continues to teach the Wine and Food Pairing seminar course. Lazear will be traveling with students to provide 12 hours of related instruction.

Students traveling on the trip can expect a morning lecture from Lazear on a brief history of Spain. For the rest of the day, a Spanish guide will lead students through private tours of the vineyards, museums and wine classes they will be visiting that day. Other highlights of the trip include lunch inside of an old century wine cave, grape tasting and a visit to a medieval village.

The trip was inspired by the students and their interest in learning about a particular region’s history of wine preparation outside of a classroom.

When the program was getting started back in 2004, the College of Extended Studies decided it was time to explore having a wine studies program in order to help people who wanted to get into the industry.

The program has grown throughout the past 10 years. Lazear said the number of students in each class has doubled since the program was first introduced. There are close to 40 students sitting in each class

now.“The certificate is being more and more

recognized by businesses that want to hire people with education in wine,” Lazear said. “It now has some weight in the business world.”

This wine and food excursion is available to students currently registered in the certificate program, however students from all other majors are welcome. Students must be at least 21 years old in order to participate in the wine and food experience.

The experience is designed as a non-credit traveling opportunity for students interested in learning about foreign influence on a popular drink. For those in the Business of Wine program, the trip will count toward one elective or intensive wine course. The first deposit for the trip is due March 2. Space is limited and prices vary until 16 people have registered.

Rodriguez hopes students will walk away with an intense knowledge of a particular type of wine with a hands-on, educational approach.

“We would love to do more trips like this in the future,” Rodriguez said. “We’re hoping to make it a bigger initiative and offer it to a variety of different programs.”

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THE STUDY ABROAD ISSUE FEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: DAVID HERNANDEZ • NEWS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

#COFFEEHOUR

Students gathered at the Lebanon International Coffee Hour.KELLY SMILEY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Coffee sessions embrace cultural traditionsTORREY BAILEYSTAFF WRITER_____________________________

“Someone from Scotland, someone from India, and someone from Australia all walk into a room …” said Veronica Perondi, the program coordinator at San Diego State’s International Student Center.

It sounds like the beginning of a joke. However, Perondi was referring to the average turnout for International Coffee Hour at SDSU. In fact, students from about 50 different countries attend this event every Friday.

The International Student Association created this event so international and American students could get the inside scoop on each other’s home country. At each International Coffee Hour, a foreign student presents the characteristics that make his or her native country unique.

“Whether it be a little treat from their country that they make or a presentation, it’s really nice to see how much they love their country and how much they want to share it with everyone else,” International Student Association Coffee Hour Coordinator Mirna Farhat said.

French students once chose

• Friday, Feb. 20

(France) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 27

(Spain) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, March 6

(Mexico) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, March 13

(Sweden) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, March 20

(Czech Republic) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, March 27

(Japan) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, April 10

(El Salvador) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, April 17

(Germany) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, April 24

(China) 12-1 p.m.

• Friday, May 1

(Italy) 12-1 p.m.

COFFEE, ANYONE?to play songs

from their favorite rap artists, while Indian

students performed a

traditional dance during their presentation. Last semester, Malaysian students shared an exotic and spiky fruit called a Durian and Scottish men ran around in kilts.

Although students never know what they will find at the coffee hour sessions, music, food, and traditional dress are most common.

“It’s any way students want to share what they see their culture as and how they want to share it with other students,” Perondi said.

Farhat said discussing and questioning the world’s customs is encouraged among students to help break down stereotypes.

Sometimes students debunk their labels, while others admit to them.

“Italy had a good one about Italian stereotypes and Italian drivers,” Perondi said. “(The Italian students) said, ‘Okay most of them are true, but here are other things you don’t know about our country.’”

The International Student Association teaches international students American traditions as well. Near Thanksgiving, students share a turkey dinner, and around Halloween they carve pumpkins.

“When you get to meet people one on one from a certain area or country and you realize that we are, at the end of the day, all people and we are all compassionate and we are all friendly and sociable, that’s what it is all about,” Farhat said.

Perondi said many of the same students attend every

week, but there are also new faces every time.

The International Coffee Hour has become so popular that presentation time slots fill up within the first two weeks of the semester. The International Student Association even had to start a waiting list to accommodate the number of students wanting to share their culture.

These events are open to all students, and dollar donations are appreciated at the door in order to help make the International Coffee Hour sessions possible.

Upcoming International Coffee Hour sessions at the International Student Center

the study abroad issuefeb. 19 - 22, 2015 • THe DAILY AZTeCeDITor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com

ArrivAls! in 2015 the top 10 plAces students cAme to sdsu Are...

depArtures! in 2014* the top 10 plAces sdsu students trAvel to Are...

1. chinA449 students

1. uK304 students

6. jApAn63 students

6. chinA110 students

2. indiA400 students

2. mexico260 students

7. mexico46 students

7. guAtemAlA107 students

3. sAudi ArAbiA213 students

3. spAin237 students

8. tAiwAn43 students

8. itAly105 students

4. KuwAit153 students

4. costA ricA123 students

9. vietnAm41 students

9. thAilAnd87 students

5. south KoreA65 students

5. frAnce111 students

10. spAin39 students

10. germAny72 students

we AsKed you: whAt hAs stopped you from studying AbroAd?54% money

14% grAduAtion

12% lAnguAge bArrier

10% At home relAtionship

6% culture shocK

4% other

the daily aztec received 50 responses to an online survey.

1258124613351507

19981763

spring2010

spring2011

spring2012

spring2013

spring2014

spring2015

1835

14411610

18102119

2009 -2010

2010 -2011

2011 -2012

2012 -2013

2013 -2014

2014 -2015*

international culture at sdsu

incoming exchange and degree-seeking students

outgoing sdsu students

* 2015 data from the study abroad office was not available.

statistics courtesy of the study abroad office and international student center.

CroSSWorDS

ACroSS1 explosive sound5 outer __10 not even ajar14 “Born to die” singer/songwriter del rey15 stadium divisions16 son of leah17 “you’re living in the past,” nowadays20 Flower celebrated in an annual ottawa festival21 move the boat, in a way22 painting option23 like a typical farmer’s market25 “Gotcha!”26 “you can’t go there,” nowadays32 peace nobelist

sakharov35 elijah Blue’s mom36 __ de coeur: impassioned plea37 “Gone with the wind” setting38 “whew!”39 sit a spell40 the pac-12’s Beavers41 ego43 citrine or amethyst45 “nobody can go there,” nowadays48 a Bobbsey twin49 stops53 early new zealand settler56 “something __, something ...”58 Bug59 “never heard of you,” nowadays

62 cinch63 sci-fi staple64 Golf shot65 Breton, e.g.66 Band tour stop, perhaps67 Building additions

DoWn1 olive oyl pursuer2 eagerly consume3 one with degrees?4 sauce of southern italy5 norm: abbr.6 capital ene of custer7 prefix with 5-across8 intercollegiate sport9 lawyer’s letters10 moccasin, for one

11 man around the haus12 layer in the eye13 considerable18 posthaste19 escort24 “here,” on metro maps25 “__ to Billie Joe”27 act the cynic28 coming up short29 Bakery specialist30 Before, to a bard31 scatterbrain32 on the highest point of33 apollo’s creator34 pharmacopeia listing38 abbreviation on a lunch menu39 splendor41 Gastropod for a gourmet42 Geochronological span43 “¿__ pasa?”44 three-time indy winner Bobby46 transported47 Favored to win50 “60 minutes” regular51 sri lankan language52 what a pedometer counts53 catchall file abbr.54 archer of “Fatal attraction”55 common face shape56 redolence57 Jiffy __60 “science Friday” radio host Flatow61 Greek “h”

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HOROSCOPEHAPPY BIRTHDAY (2/19/15) - Mars enters Aries today, motivating profits to begin your next year. Advance your career. Use your power for good. Friends support your success; nurture your networks. Make preparations to realize a personal objective after 3/20. Carefully track numbers, especially after 4/4. Budget extra for the unexpected. Partnership sparks after 10/13. Express your love and appreciation.

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 7 - Slow down and think it over. There's an opportunity if you take time to look for it. Focus on restoring health and wellness, and supporting vitality. Consider mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Rest and recharge.TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Words and actions align, but there may be a roadblock. Try another tactic. Dispel confusion with key questions. Your network has the answers. Take a leap of faith. Others respect your good sense. All ends well. Strengthen reserves.GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 9 - Extend your influence by taking new responsibility. Achieve a career milestone or new level. Do what you said you would, and the pieces line up. Generate profits from home. Let your partner win. Stand for love.CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 9 - Put your money where your mouth is for a fat payout. Remember the rules. Don't fall for an illusion. A delightful adventure carries you off. Post selfies from exotic destinations. Record the amazing things you're learning.LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is an 8 - Don't spend more than you can afford or finance a fantasy. Handle obligations and bills before treats. Listen to your partner's dream, and determine how to support it over time. By working together, you can grow resources.VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 9 - Keep your promises with your partner, and dreams become possible. Do what you said, and then create new promises to realize shared goals. Organize your efforts. Together you can accomplish amazing things this month.LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - The work you do now and for the next month has long-lasting impact. Make bold declarations and realize them. Play bigger than you normally do. Expand your game. Provide exceptional value, and it comes back to you.SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - All that practice pays off. The talents you've been honing shine in the spotlight. Long-term benefit is possible. A dream takes focus. Take on a big challenge and win. It's getting exceptionally fun (and romantic).SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is an 8 - Big home renovation projects (or possibly a move) come together this month. Ask for what you really want, and then show up to do the work to get it. You can make dreams come true. Set long-term goals.CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Talk is cheap, so back yours with action. Get practical, and hone your message down to basics. Declare your intentions, enlist support from your circles, and then keep your word. You can accomplish huge things together.AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 9 - Keep showing up and doing what you said this month, and raise your income without stress. Get creative with your work. Play with it. Stay in communication and meet your deadlines. It could get profitable.PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 9 - You can realize things you thought impossible this month. Put on your power suit and go drive them wild. Others say nice things about you. A personal breakthrough is available. Expand your boundaries. Take new ground.

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box contains every digit 1 to 9.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1 / 4

CROSSWORDS, SUDOKU, AND HOROSCOPES COURTESY OFTRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC., ©2015.

GAME SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE ATTHEDAILYAZTEC.COM

SUDOKU

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec. Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

#DASNAPSHOTS

GALERIE DES GLACESNews writer Brooke Martell took this picture of the Hall of Mirrors in the palace of Versailles outside of Paris, France.

Experience It.

Feb. 24

arc.sdsu.edu619.594.7529

OPENHOUSE

#BARCELONA

I will be back, BarcelonaDAVID HERNANDEZNEWS EDITOR_____________________________________

Forget revisiting Barcelona — I want to live there. Here's how the city leaves a lasting impression:

1. THE WEATHERThe climate is mild throughout the year with minimal rain. Even in the winter, it’s not as cold as northern European regions. The summer is hot, but not unbearable.

2. THE VIVACIOUS NIGHTLIFEThe list of clubs, most of which are grandiose, is infinite. The schedule is a night owls dream: Spaniards typically head to the bars around 10 p.m., to the clubs at 12 a.m. and call it a night at 5 a.m.

3. LONG SUMMER NIGHTSThe sun sets at 9 p.m. in the summer, making nights seem internal.

4. TRANSPORTATIONThe metro system is as accessible as it gets. A six-minute-on-average wait is the most you can expect and transferring between metro lines is easy.

NitBus runs all night. Whether you’re out as "early" as midnight or out until 4 a.m., there’s always a bus to take you home.

5. CATALANThe language is similar to Spanish, but truth be told it takes a while to pick it up. However, catchy words stick. Adéu replaces adios or goodbye.

6. PARC DE LA CIUTADELLAA gigantic park with a majestic water fountain.

7. CERVEZAOnce night falls, vendors selling canned beer walk around the main areas of the city, shouting “cerveza beer!”

(pronounced "cerveza bir”). A beer for a euro during a night out comes in handy every once in a while.

8. PARC GÜELLIt’s an architectural wonderland with a great view of the city. Please look it up.

9. PARC DEL LABERINT D’HORTAA labyrinth park that includes beautiful landscape aside from its windy labyrinth.

10. LA SAGRADA FAMILIAA extravagant cathedral, La Sagrada Familia is emblematic of Barcelona and seen from any high points of the city.

11. CAFÉ CON LECHEForget fancy coffee drinks, this small cup of coffee and milk (essentially a latte) is potent and simple, and most restaurants and cafes offer it for 1 to 3 Euros.

12. ESPIT CHUPITOSThe walls of this bar are lined with an infinite menu of shots, most of which are prepared on fire.

13. THE WARM SEA“It’s a sea!" I was reminded every time I referred to Barcelona’s beaches as an ocean. I could swim for hours. 14. L’OVELLA NEGRAThis rustic tavern offers a small plate of popcorn with any purchase, because jugs of beer or sangria with popcorn on the side are actually great. A favorite is the tavern’s sultry Leche de Pantera — condensed milk and rum topped with cinnamon.

15. SANT JORDIThe equivalent to our Valentine’s Day. Girls receive a rose and guys receive a book. On April 23, the streets are lined with tables and stands selling roses or books.

16. FC BARCELONABarcelona is home to one of the best football (erm, soccer) teams (erm, clubs). Its starting player, Leo Messi is arguably the best player in the world. Camp Nou, the iconic stadium, is a sea of vehement fans decked in blue, burgundy and yellow.

17. SANT JOANBarcelona celebrates the summer solstice by spending the night at the beaches and setting up bonfires. People gather around fires, most of them drinking and going into the water, and stay out until sunrise.

18. PATATAS BRAVASIt’s potatoes galore in Barcelona. Patatas bravas are similar to potato wedges, but better. Depending on the restaurant, they’re crispy, soft or in between. The most delicious aspect is the sauce the patatas bravas are topped with.

19. CASTELLERSIt’s truly hard to realize what the human body can accomplish until human towers, which are part of cultural celebrations in Barcelona, form in front of your eyes.

20. PLAZA DE CATALUNYA An open plaza adorned with a water fountain, Plaza de Catalunya is a typical meeting point because of its accessibility to other parts of the city. 21. LA BOQUERIAStands with small juices for 1 or 2 euros are the high point of La Boqueria, a market that is open every day.

22. DOW JONESIt’s an “American” bar that emulates Wall Street. Screens atop the bar walls show you the prices of drinks, which increase or decrease depending on popularity at that instant. As people order the cheaper beer, it begins to increase in price.

12 THE BACK PAGE FEB. 19 - 22, 2015 • THE DAILY AZTECEDITOR: KELLY HILLOCK • FEATURES@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM