Academic Creativity and Excellence Day
The semi-annual research colloquium at Bushnell founded by Dr. Tim Bergquist.
Learning Through Experiences
In this presentation I will discuss my time abroad in Cusco, Peru. I will present on where I stayed, the school I attended, my volunteering projects, and the different excursions/hikes I went on and how they all taught me different things.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Bucher Room
1 – 1:30 PM
Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
I hope to reveal the beautiful differences of the United States and Spain, but in particular Barcelona. Participating in a different culture and language is both eye-opening and fascinating, not to mention a little daunting. Fortunately, I have been able to experience international travel from an earlier age. My previous experiences could not have fully prepped me an experience like this, but prior research and inquiry was essential for success in my host country. The aim of this presentation is to show the rewards of traveling and living in a host country. Though a lot of learning happens within the classroom, it is my belief that most of the life experiences and education happens outside of the classroom. Meeting people from all over the world and sharing experiences with them has shown the importance of human relationships and connectedness. Working through the difficulties of the pandemic, I have discovered that experiences like studying abroad are even more precious than we know.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Bucher Room
1:30 – 2 PM
Costa Rica 2020
Studying abroad in Costa Rica spring of 2020, nothing would’ve prepared me for what I learned and experienced. Cultural differences taught me more about the world, myself, and my faith. My Spanish speaking abilities greatly improved as well. Living with a host family, I learned a lot about how family should be honored and put first. Volunteering teaching English in a nearby town, I was challenged. Making the decision to leave early from the program, I learned so much about putting my own mental health first. Overall, if I had the chance to do it all over again, I 100% would.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Bucher Room
2 – 2:30 PM
The Valuable Lessons I Learned While Studying Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain was a major step outside my comfort zone, but it is a step that I am glad that I took. Living and studying abroad gave me first-hand experience on what it means to live and interact in a different culture and with a different language. While abroad, I took classes to finish my minor in Spanish and fulfill the global business requirement of my Business Administration major. The concepts I learned in the classroom were things I was experiencing in real life and it made my understanding of these concepts much more concrete. Studying abroad enriched my college experience and has given me a unique perspective that many college students lack.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
SPS 100
2 – 2:30 PM
Study Abroad in South Korea
In this presentation I will cover my experiences while studying abroad at Dankook University in South Korea. I will cover the different parts of my trip, while highlighting the points that made for an unforgettable experience.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
3 – 3:30 PM
Historical Locations: Study Abroad Mexico
Santiago de Queretaro, Queretaro, Guanajuato City, Guanajuato, and Mexico City were locations filled with rich Mexican history and heritage. From historic buildings turned into world class museums to ancient structures built in the pre-Hispanic years, our study abroad journey was filled with visits to many locations which provided enriching knowledge on the many layers of Mexican culture and patrimony. Queretaro fascinated us with its famous colonial aqueduct and it’s Theater of the Republic, the location of the signing of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. Guanajuato impressed us with its colonial era fervor, the historic Alhondiga de Granditas, the neoclassical Juarez Theater, and the colossal statue of El Pipila overlooking the city. Mexico City graced us with pre-Hispanic architecture and ruins both in and outside of the city, with a Royal Castle nestled in the vast metropolis, and with incredible monuments and theaters that celebrate distinct eras of Mexican history. All of these historic locations added an invaluable opportunity to experience and immerse ourselves in locations we learned about in our studies and influential to the history of the incredible country we resided in.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
L203, Poster 13
10AM – Noon
Pyramids, Mummies, and Home Stays…Oh My!
Our poster presentation will target current Northwest Christian University students interested in the faculty led Mexico Study Abroad Program. We will focus on three main areas we experienced on the trip, pyramids, mummies, and the home stays. Many people don’t realize mummies and pyramids exist outside of Egypt so we will explain their presence and history in Mexico. We will also talk about our experience with our home stay families, as that was a huge and impacting part of the trip and has led to friendships and relationships that last well beyond the month long stay. Lastly, we will give brief and basic information about what the Mexico Study Abroad trip entails and the steps to sign up.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
L203, Poster 9
10AM – Noon
The Arts of Mexico
The goal of this presentation is to explore various forms of art and locations spread throughout Mexico.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
1 – 1:30 PM
Exploring Mexico’s Art: Murals, Sculptures, and More
After embarking on a month long trip to the heart of Mexico, we learned how important art is to the Mexican culture. No other form of art has struck our hearts like this. We have seen, smelt, tasted, heard, and touched the cities of Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Miguel, and Mexico City. Our presentation will give you a small glimpse of all the beauties we were able to witness. The sculptures and murals were much better to experience in person, but the photos displayed should be sufficient. Hearing and seeing people’s stories in person is much better than watching a video, reading a book, or listening to a lecture. We are so glad we took the opportunity to study abroad and we hope that our decision can inspire you too!
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
L203, Poster 4
10 AM – Noon
Summer Abroad in Stirling, Scotland
Studying in Scotland, I learned a variety of things. Many things were learned in the classroom, but there was also a lot of learning that took place outside of the classroom. I learned more than I thought possible about art and psychology the psychology of it. I learned the importance of being flexible and not having a plan for every single moment in my life. I also learned what it means to live out my faith outside of a Christian based community.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
1:30 – 2 PM
Twice in a Lifetime
Studying abroad is generally something students do once in a lifetime, but in this case it was twice in a lifetime. After having already been to the host country and city before I did not think there were going to be that many challenges because of familiarity; however, I could not have been more wrong. Over the course of this presentation, I will discuss those challenges, my time at the American University of Rome (i.e., the students and environment), a sample of basic Italian, the benefits of blending into your host culture, being abroad alone vs. a faculty led trip, and some random fun adventures and stories. Lastly, I will share about places I visited after Rome and life lessons I learned during the trip as a whole.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
2 – 2:30 PM
The Parthenon Became My Playground
This ACE Day project will focus on my experiences while studying abroad in Greece. It will outline how I grew intellectually and personally. I will discuss the culture, culture shock, and diversity I experienced as well as showing pictures of some of the most historical places in Greece. I will explain why this trip was important to my academic career and how it enhanced my studies. Lastly, I plan on describing how I can use these experiences in my life outside of college and in my future career. My hope is that I can motivate fellow students to make time to study abroad while they are in college and to educate them on why they should.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
2:30 – 3 PM
Learning from Unexpected
This presentation describes how common unexpected situations can occur while traveling in another country. Although it is difficult to fully prepare for the unexpected, this presentation will share a series of steps to take while preparing for travel in order to reduce unplanned obstacles, as well as helpful key strategies to have when placed in an unexpected event. Alongside the preparation steps and useful strategies, this presentation will highlight two to three unexpected events within the presenters study abroad trip, that support the necessity for preparation and strategies. The events and key points made within the presentation will reveal how the unexpected can expectedly shape an individual’s trip, their problem solving skills, and their ability to use such skills in future career and/or life pathways.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #6
1 – 3 PM
Italy Study Abroad
Immersing yourself in a different culture helps you to grow in your knowledge of the world and experience the histories of people around the world. By visiting sites like the Duomo and the Duomo Museum in Florence, Italy, we were able to understand the connection between the people who helped to design some of the most well-known artifacts and places of the city. By going to churches in different countries you are able to notice the similarities and differences in worship and sermons. Visiting sites like the Mamertine Prison, where St. Paul was held in Rome, connects the history of the Bible to or understanding of Christianity today. Time management skills and understanding how to read a map helps prepare you to navigate in a different environment while you are away from home.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #7
1 – 3 PM
Sammy Johnson
Italy Study Abroad
Italy can not be wrapped up into one presentation done by one senior education major but we can start to tackle a single part of the Italian culiture. The mamertime prison is something that is profoundly important for the Christian culture and the Italian culture and being a part of both of those cultures personally I think there’s no better thing to present on.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #8
1 – 3 PM
The Roman Roads Became The Classroom
Through studying abroad, I gained a vast amount of knowledge that can be applied academically, spiritually, and culturally. I feel that the church history class, art history class, and a ministry named “Il Soggiorno” that I volunteered are the three things taught me the most. The church history class taught me a more in depth history of the early church and expanded by Biblical knowledge. This was beneficial to learn about in Rome because many of the sights/history we were studying are places that can still be visited today. My art history class was an onsite class that visited multiple churches around Rome. The class focused heavily on examining the iconography and design of churches. This new academic knowledge allowed me to have a greater appreciation for the all of the churches I visited. Lastly, during my time at Il Soggiorno I was working with Iraq/Afghan men. I learned much more about the refugee crisis that is taking place around the world, specifically in Rome, and also about the Middle Eastern culture. This knowledge grew my cultural understanding to better help me serve the Kingdom. All of these experiences taught me many lessons, and further advanced my knowledge that I am now able to apply in the classroom, ministry and day to day life.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P003
11:30 – Noon
Dickens, the Tube, and Mac & Cheese in a Can: Abroad in London
“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” –Samuel Johnson
The English culture and history is so rich; one cannot help but grow fond of this lovely city. In this presentation, there will be discussion on the education system in London, including lectures, assignments, and grading. More importantly, there we will explore literary England, including but not limited to the blue plaques, C.S. Lewis’ place of worship, Shakespeare’s birthplace and grave, and the Dickens museum. I will also go into the major cultural differences, such as living arrangements and food. My own personal development “whilst” abroad in London will also be discussed.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P003
11 – 11:30 AM
Italian Food Culture
During our travels in Italy, the experience we had with their food culture was vastly different from what we are used to. The time for preparation was greater, the quality of food was better, and the atmosphere was calmer and more relaxing. Their meals were a time to come together and stay for awhile. They are a social event rather than a rushed through sit down. A few key differences between Italian and American food culture is the length of the meals, the service, and the collectivist culture that was reflected in the dining experience in Italy.
Our take away from our study abroad experience is that there is a significant benefit for having a slow food culture, and this is evident in the healthier lifestyle that Italians lead. In our presentation we will discuss the statistics that back up this claim.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #2
1 – 3 PM
Study Abroad Italy Culture Shock Experience
Students who study abroad have the opportunity to not only experience another country, but to see a world that will certainly open up one eyes. When we studied abroad in Italy, we got the chance to learn about the renaissance and the birth of Christianity. One of the cultural shocks that we experience is not expecting that their traffic signals and traffic laws are completely different from the U.S. Our goal is to encourage any students to take the chance of a lifetime to Study Abroad, however we want to share our experience that we learned along the way about helpful tips in doing so.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #3
1 – 3 PM
Food/Dieting in Italy
As a group, we went through some challenges on this Italy trip, however, our experience provided us with a great lesson. We learned how (Italy diet is broken down in to groups), which would affect us mentally and physically, meanwhile, our body would emotionally feel the toll of because of the overall culture shock that took place the second we walked off the plane. With an entirely new diet into our lives, it created turmoil which made us irritable and homesick. At first we weren’t familiar with each other as individuals in this Italy group, however, we created friendships through this experience, which we will carry through our lives. The best part was that we all created those friendships and memories with each other through sharing meals and taking on this new diet together as a group.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #4
1 – 3 PM
Encountering the Global Church
Studying abroad provides the opportunity to learn and experience culture in a new way. On the Italy summer abroad trip, I encountered the significance of experiencing history in its context and interacting with it rather than simply learning it. In this new environment, I came face to face with the global nature of the Christian Church on both a current and historical scale. Furthermore, within the coursework pertaining to the Renaissance era that we covered throughout the trip, my mind was opened to the history of the church as we looked more in depth at the positive and negative realities of the church at this time. I was challenged to contemplate stereotypes and biases that I took in to the experience and allow the reality of what I encountered to alter my perspective.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #6
1 – 3 PM
From Italy to France: The Story of a Wayward Son Turned Wayward Traveler
Studying abroad can be the single greatest experience in one’s life. It presents many interesting and unique learning opportunities, growing opportunities and challenging yourself and your beliefs. Over the course of this presentation, I will explain and demonstrate what life was like for me during the three weeks I was abroad. I was challenged in many different ways, having Asperger’s and social anxiety issues certainly presented many extra challenges abroad that made for a fun, enriching and in some moments a more stressful experience. I will give you some fundraising tips/strategies, pros/cons, things to avoid (i.e., tourist traps), fun facts and places you should visit while abroad. Lastly, the struggles one could have with reverse culture shock which affected me more than cultural shock.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
P114
10 – 10:30 AM
The Mamertine Prison
The Mamertine Prison is located in Rome, Italy at the bottom of Capitoline Hill that looks over the Roman forum. This place held prisoners in a dungeon-like setting where it was small, wet, and cold (Hill 2017). This is supposedly the place where Paul spent his time while imprisoned. 2 Timothy 4:12 gives potential facts to back up this information (Jackson 2017) for it says, “Make every effort to come to me before winter.” Paul was writing to Timothy while in prison. Paul was known to continue rejoicing and praising God for all his blessings in life while suffering in prison. This really had me thinking about the attitude I should have while living a blessed, comfortable life under the love of Jesus Christ. We can compare and contrast Christians nowadays to the life Paul lived back then. Paul was very mistreated for his beliefs but maintained a strong, faithful relationship with God. Nowadays, some Christians do undergo persecution and trials because they are Christians. Some Christians do not, but regardless, we should be striving for the joy and trust that Paul had in the Mamertine prison.
GLST 295: Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #7
1 – 3 PM
San Francesco Monastery
My presentation will show pictures of the monastery with some historical information.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
Banquet Room, Poster #8
1 – 3 PM
Study Abroad in Costa Rica
In the summer of 2016, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Costa Rica for six weeks. I stayed with a wonderful host family in Heredia, which is fifteen minutes away from the capital, San Jose. I studied Spanish at a local university through a program called, Sol Study Abroad. On the weekends, my friends and I went on excursions to explore the beautiful country. I went river rafting and zip-lining through the rain forest, watched a surf competition on a black sanded beach, played soccer and volleyball, and saw many sloths. Although it was only for six weeks, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.
GLST 295, Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
L203
1 – 1:30
A Day at The Blenheim Palace
I am presenting about the historical significance of The Blenheim Palace located in Woodstock, England. The presentation will be a discussion of the historic figures that lived within the palace walls and the famous portraits among them.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
10:00 AM – Noon
Winston Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms in London, England, had been a beneficial learning experience to my study abroad trip. The Churchill War Room Museum was the original location where the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and his cabinet had met during World War II (WWII) to discuss their plan of action to defeat Germany and its allies. During WWII, Winston Churchill had been advised to leave London and be kept somewhere safe from war but Winston Churchill had insisted that he’d stay and have the same war experiences as his fellow Londoners. The War Rooms were used for a variety of functions: to keep track of the enemy by map, to telephone others for help, to house the Prime Minister, and to serve as a bunker. Having been able to personally experience the war rooms had a valuable impact on my education because I was able recognize the importance and positive impact Winston Churchill had on the British community as well as the rest of Britain’s allies.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
10:00 AM – Noon
Experiencing England
A brieft presentation on my experience in England with a slight focus on the Tower of London and Warwick Castle.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
10:00 AM – Noon
Influence of WW1 on British Society
The poster presentation will focus on the influence that WW1 had on British society. A traumatizing event that forever changed the world’s landscape, this poster will specifically look at how WW1 impacted the government of Britain, the men who fought in the war, and the women who stayed at home.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
10:00 AM – Noon
Study Aotearoa
This presentation explores the Study abroad semester of Molly Goossens. It discusses the differences of living away from home in a different country, describes attending Victoria Uni of Wellington, details the aspects discovering the world outside of Oregon, explores the adventures of a home-body forced outside of her comfort zone, and attempts to make sense of things that may have been learned during that aforementioned semester abroad. It contains anecdotes of fun times and places, photos of amazing places, and speaking in tongues.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
PFB 003
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Dankook International Summer School
Every summer NCU partners with Dankook University in Jukejon South Korea to offer students a two month long international study experience. Three NCU students participated this past summer and each will present one view of their own experience. Allison Keeney will describe the English teaching experience, Alleya Harris will present some of the paid cultural activities available through the program, and JaNae Haggard will enlighten us with the things she has learned through the experience. There will be at least 10 minutes at the end to ask the presenters questions.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
PFB 003
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Discovering Dover
Dover, England, was one of the places we visited during the three weeks of studying abroad in England last summer. Dover is a port town located in southeastern England and faces France on the English Channel. Dover Castle has served as a fortress for over nine centuries. Most recently, the castle played an important role during the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War Two to rescue thousands of Allied troops. Our group had the opportunity to experience a visual reenactment of the events that took place during the War in one of three underground tunnel levels of the castle. One of the most famous parts of Dover, which we were also able to see, are the White Cliffs located along the beach. The white color is a result of its chalky composition and can be seen across the Strait of Dover from the beaches of France on a clear day.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
10:00 AM – Noon
Study Abroad in Costa Rica
I spent four months of this year studying abroad in San Ramon, Costa Rica. I took classes, improved my spanish, lived and made friends with amazing people, and fell in love with a new country as I stumbled and navigated my way across it. I learned that the best way to grow is to be thrown outside your comfort zone, that rice and beans are a staple, and that ‘pura vida’ is the best mindset to live in. These months abroad were the best of my life, and I’m excited to share why.
GLST 295 Study Abroad
Lauren Riley
PFB 003
2:00 – 2:30 PM