Gill Budd, US Study Abroad Student at Vesalius College
Coming from a small liberal arts university in South Carolina, USA, I had no idea what to expect when I came to Vesalius through my school’s study abroad program. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my professors really challenged me to move beyond textbook thinking to develop my own opinions about the world. In taking two upper level Communications Courses (Communication Theories and Intercultural Communication), I learned how to apply theories and concepts to my own life through personal journals and comparative research projects. In one of my Intercultural Communications papers, for instance, I compared European advertising to American advertising. I really had to take my personal observations into account when constructing this paper.
Gill Budd in front of the Royal Palace
The international setting of the classes at Vesalius has been extremely eye-opening as I have learned to observe and analyze subjects from beyond the American perspective. With so many cultures and histories present in one classroom, the exchange of ideas is constant.
I have also been fortunate enough to make a number of new friends from all over the globe through Vesalius and connected with them inside as well as outside of the classroom. By attending VSG sponsored events, I have had the opportunity to explore the Brussels nightlife with new friends, and to learn about local hot spots and secrets that I never would have discovered on my own. I now know where to get the best “frites” and how to find the best American football games. I will never forget dancing into the night at “Le You” with my newfound Vesalius friends -- cultural differences go out the window when there is good music and dancing!
Between cultural adventures and engaging class discussions, I can truly say that, thanks to VeCo, this has been an adventure that I will always remember.