Manhattan College students seized the opportunity to traverse the globe during the winter through diverse study abroad programs spanning Europe and Asia. The programs featured visits to France, Ireland, and Singapore, providing students with unique educational experiences.
In Ireland, students engaged in The Catholic Mass & its Music course, led by adjunct professor William Mulligan from the Department of Music and Theater. Brian Dunn, a junior mechanical engineering major, opted for this program to delve into his cultural roots. Dunn, originally considering Rome, was drawn to Ireland due to familial ties. His study focused on religious persecution, offering insights into the cultural shifts and religious evolution throughout Ireland’s history.
Dunn recounted a remarkable experience at an abbey where he engaged with monks, gaining valuable perspectives. Conversations with a monk challenged his preconceptions about the potential conflict between science and religion, emphasizing their complementary nature. Dunn advocated for students, especially those studying abroad, to interact with locals to gain diverse insights.
Anastasia O’Neil, a junior nuclear medicine technology major, joined the Ireland trip, creating a presentation linking Brian Boru’s March with the Book of Kells. The interactive assignments provided a unique classroom setting, fostering a deeper understanding of Irish culture.
In France, students participated in the Paris, Religion, and the Intellectual Life course, taught by Dr. Andrew Skotnicki, a professor of religious studies. Delia Collis, a junior communication and philosophy double major, found the class appealing for its philosophical exploration intertwined with the Catholic faith. The course took students to significant locations, establishing connections between philosophy classes and the broader intellectual landscape.
The international field study seminar in Singapore and Malaysia, led by Professor Grishma Shah from the Department of Marketing and Management, attracted students pursuing the global business co-major. Laenaly Guerrero, a senior finance and global business major, highlighted academic activities such as business visits and factory tours. The program offered hands-on experiences, enabling students to interact with company founders and engage in consulting projects.
Cara Loganadhan, a sophomore finance and global business double major, emphasized the practical learning experiences, allowing students to witness business operations in diverse global contexts. Laenaly Guerrero expressed gratitude for the program, emphasizing its role in fostering cultural understanding, exposing students to varied cuisines and creating an appreciation for different countries.
Brian Dunn echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the value of interactive class sessions abroad, providing a distinct hands-on learning approach that diverges from traditional classroom settings. Anastasia O’Neil encouraged fellow students to embrace study abroad opportunities, emphasizing the chance to form bonds, explore countries academically and recreationally, and consider it among the best experiences in college.
