SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta students have taken the world by storm this summer, with nearly 70 embarking on a record number of immersive, international learning adventures. This year, the university offered seven different summertime faculty-led programs (FLPs), which are short-term study abroad opportunities. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, FLPs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and often service-learning opportunities. Students get to apply their classroom knowledge in a completely new setting and learn unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. This is the most extensive summer offering SUNY Oneonta has had, and the Office of Global Education hopes to offer seven FLPs again next year. "Faculty-led programs give our students a 'mini study abroad,' if you will, and foster deep academic exploration while enhancing cultural awareness, making the learning experience truly unforgettable," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer so many life-changing opportunities for experiential learning, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

Twenty-five SUNY Oneonta students are studying abroad during the fall 2024 semester through programs offered by the university. SUNY Oneonta offers summer and semester programs through study abroad and exchange international partner universities and many short-term faculty-led programs through the Office of Global Education (OGE). Of the available programs, these students are studying abroad at the American College of Greece in Greece, Seinan Gakuin University in Japan, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Yonsei University Mirae Campus in South Korea, Instituto Lorenzo de' Medici and John Cabot University in Italy, Univesitat Politecnica de Valencia, Universidad de Granada Centro de Lenguas Modernas, University of Salamanca, University of Barcelona, University of Granada and Study in Valencia in Spain, Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), Linneaus University in Sweden, Bond University in Australia and University of Toulouse - Jean Jaures in France. Thirteen students received scholarships from SUNY Oneonta to study abroad, including the Bill and Khuki Woolever Scholarship, Caroline Turner '53 Study Abroad Scholarship, David '77 and Nancy Frick Global Connections Scholarship, David Daly '82 & Arthur Dauria Scholarship for International Travel, Gary '71 and Pamela '73 Tutty Study Abroad Scholarship, Gerald J. Ferrante '77 Scholarship in Memory of Margaret A. Ferrante, Julia D. Galusha '71, '75 Endowed Fund for Global Connectedness, Klaritch Family International Education Scholarship, Tracey (Wolf) '86 & Keith '87 Drayer Annual Fund for Global Experiential Learning and the Global Connectedness Fund. One student received a scholarship from their study abroad university after being nominated by SUNY Oneonta. More than 20 scholarships were established by the SUNY Oneonta Foundation to provide support for students who might otherwise not have the financial means to study abroad. Scholarships are made possible through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff and community members, and are awarded each semester to qualifying students.

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with 11 students having recently returned from a short-term study abroad opportunity in Greece and Turkey. From May 23 until June 10, students in the course "PHIL 3500: Ancient Philosophical Thought: Rediscovering the Art of Living Well" explored Greece and Turkey, the birthplace of Western philosophy, led by Dr. Daniel Patrone. Participants immersed themselves in the history and culture of the region, from "balancing their humours" in geothermal waters a la Hippocrates to performing Sophocles' "Antigone" in an Athenian amphitheater to continuing philosophical discussions late into the night, under the stars on the beach. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, SUNY Oneonta's faculty-led programs (or FLPs) incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and often service-learning opportunities. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with six students having recently returned from a short-term study abroad opportunity in China. From May 23 to June 5, students in the course "Experiencing Cities and Architecture: China" explored the Guangzhou and Hong Kong regions with Dr. Matthew Hendley and Dr. HoHon Leung to study the cities and architecture in the context of the history of urbanization and modernization in modern China. Students could choose either a history or sociology focus. The goal of the trip was to understand and analyze the relationship between the nature and development of cities and the functionalities, meanings and symbolic power of architecture from a cross-disciplinary approach. Key themes included the integration of Guangzhou/Hong Kong into the Greater Bay area (which includes Shenzhen), the impact of tourism and trade on the region, and the balanced development between the built- and natural-environment there. The group traveled to Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui tourism shopping district, Wailing Ding Island, Shamian Island, Weiyuan Ancient Fort, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Temple of Six Banyan Trees, Liurong Buddhist Temple, and more! They were able to meet with Guangdong University and Huangpu Military Academy students, and even learned how to make dumplings with the Huangpu students. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks, faculty-led programs (or FLPs) incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and often service-learning opportunities. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Assistant Professor of Photography Wesley Bernard and 10 of his students spent from from May 20 to May 31 taking photos and touring Madrid for the course "Documentary Photography." With cameras in hand, students used photography to witness and document the rapidly changing Spanish culture regarding cattle and beef production, sustainable food practices, global warming's effects and cultural celebrations. Students visited museums and the Royal Palace of Madrid and saw a flamenco show, enjoyed delicious tapas, paella and gelato, visited a ranch, and witnessed firsthand what goes into the tradition of Spanish bullfighting, even getting to attend a live event. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Dr. Ann Fradkin-Hayslip and 10 of her students spent from May 19 until May 28 studying Finland's educational system, consistently ranked the best in the world, for the field course "Cross Cultural Comparisons of Educational Systems." The group visited schools in Finland, from pre-K through high school, observing in classrooms and meeting with administrators, teachers and students. They discovered a completely different educational system, one where teachers "are highly revered and respected, on par with doctors" and have "tremendous autonomy," Fradkin-Hayslip said. In Finland, standardized testing, homework and school buses do not exist, and shoes are not worn inside the school. Instead, students are encouraged to play, walk to school or ride their bike. In addition to their academic courses, students take cooking and carpentry classes that let them learn important life skills. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. For the course "Philosophy of Life and Death," Dr. Daniel Patrone led 12 of his students and a student teaching assistant on a three-week journey through England, Scotland and Wales from May 24 to June 13. Beginning in London, the group visited historic sites, galleries, museums, temples, gardens, theatres and more, all the while discussing, exploring and debating the meaning of life, the ethics of euthanasia, the rights of the terminally ill, the possibility of life after death, and more. The student philosophers' itinerary allowed them to trace the history of wars, plagues, executions and more, visiting "haunted" sites and having class on the floor of the ruins of a Roman gladiator arena, where they discussed the ethics of spectator violence. They took in cultural treasures in the British Museum, debated whether the Elgin Marbles and Benin Bronzes should be returned to their cultures of origin, and visited Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Stonehenge. Their research culminated in "an impressively thoughtful and intense debate" on topics covered, Patrone reflected - "This is what deep learning looks like!" Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Each year since 2013, Dr. Tracy Allen has taken students to Guatemala for the interdisciplinary course, "Water and the Environment of Guatemala." The course touches on the geography, geology and environmental science of the region and prepares students to find solutions to contemporary water resources issues in the developing world. From May 22 to June 4, students took water samples and analyzed water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding watershed in order to share the results with the community. They also toured solid waste and wastewater treatment plants, visited Mayan homes to install water filters, sampled city and school wells, and taught school children about water quality. In their free time, they enjoyed boat rides, toured Mayan ruins and a coffee plantation, hiked volcanos and even visited a butterfly conservatory. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. Allen said FLPs "open students' eyes to cross-cultural understanding and change lives. For students to be successful, they must be globally aware." "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Each year since 2013, Dr. Tracy Allen has taken students to Guatemala for the interdisciplinary course, "Water and the Environment of Guatemala." The course touches on the geography, geology and environmental science of the region and prepares students to find solutions to contemporary water resources issues in the developing world. From May 25 to June 7, 10 students took water samples and analyzed water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding watershed in order to share the results with the community. They also visited Mayan homes to install water filters, sampled city and school wells, and taught school children about water quality. In their free time, they toured Mayan ruins, art galleries and a coffee plantation, and visited an active volcano and sea turtle nesting site and hatchery. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Dr. Ann Fradkin-Hayslip and eight of her students spent from May 20 until May 28 studying Finland's educational system, consistently ranked the best in the world, for the eight-day field course "Cross Cultural Comparisons of Educational Systems." The group visited schools in Finland, from pre-K through high school, observing in classrooms and meeting with administrators, teachers and students. They discovered a completely different educational system, one where teachers "are highly revered and respected, on par with doctors" and have "tremendous autonomy," Fradkin-Hayslip said. In Finland, standardized testing, homework and school buses do not exist, and shoes are not worn inside the school. Instead, students are encouraged to play, walk to school or ride their bike. In addition to their academic courses, students take cooking and carpentry classes that let them learn important life skills. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

It may be summer break, but learning at SUNY Oneonta is certainly not on pause, with numerous students participating in faculty-led programs abroad. Assistant Professor of Photography Wesley Bernard and 10 of his students spent from June 9 to June 25 taking photos and touring the country of Portugal for the course "Documentary Photography." Cameras in hand, students traveled to Lisbon and Terceira, using photography to investigate and document the rapidly changing Portuguese culture regarding beef production and sustainable food practices, global warming's effect on the country's coastline, and vibrant cultural celebrations. Along the way, they took in the country's rich art scene, colorful museums and architecture, and delicious cuisine. Using photos they took, students produced their own small portfolios. Short-term, faculty-led programs incorporate coursework, cultural experiences and, many times, elements of service learning. The trips give students the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a completely new setting, often covering unique subject matters not regularly taught on campus. "Faculty-led programs are wonderful because they allow our students a 'mini study abroad', if you will," said Office of Global Education Director Michelle Lopez. "We're incredibly happy to be able to offer these life-changing opportunities again after a necessary pause during the pandemic. Faculty-led trips mean invaluable experiential learning for students, something we prioritize at SUNY Oneonta!"

Three SUNY Oneonta students are studying abroad during the spring 2023 semester through programs offered by the university. SUNY Oneonta offers summer and semester programs through 12 study abroad and exchange international partner universities and many short-term faculty-led programs through the Office of Global Education (OGE). Of the 12 available programs, these students are studying abroad at Seinan Gakuin University in Japan, Hankuk University of Applied Sciences in South Korea and the American College of Greece in Greece. Two students received scholarships from SUNY Oneonta to study abroad, including the Bill and Khuki Woolever Scholarship, Gary '71 and Pamela '73 Tutty Study Abroad Scholarship and the Global Connectedness Fund. One student received a scholarship from their study abroad university after being nominated by SUNY Oneonta. More than 20 scholarships were established by the SUNY Oneonta Foundation to provide support for students who might otherwise not have the financial means to study abroad. Scholarships are made possible through gifts from alumni, faculty, staff and community members, and are awarded each semester to qualifying students.

After two years of canceled flights and postponed itineraries, SUNY Oneonta students were once again able to travel internationally and take part in life-changing study abroad programs across the world this summer. Through the college's Office of Global Education, 12 SUNY Oneonta students completed summer exchange programs at the American College of Greece in Athens, Greece this summer. Seven other students participated in exchange programs in different countries. "The full re-opening of study abroad programming is something to celebrate," said Global Programs Coordinator Denise Leinonen. "These experiential learning opportunities enrich the lives of our students and offer experiences that further develop important skills such as intercultural communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and independence. Ask anyone who has been on one: study abroad trips are life-changing."

After two years of canceled flights and postponed itineraries, SUNY Oneonta students are once again able to travel internationally and take part in life-changing study abroad programs across the world this summer, with more set to leave in the fall. Through the college's Office of Global Education, 12 SUNY Oneonta students completed summer exchange programs at the American College of Greece in Athens, Greece this summer. Some of the students received scholarships through the College Foundation to help fund their experiences. The full re-opening of study abroad programming is something to celebrate," said Global Programs Coordinator Denise Leinonen. "These experiential learning opportunities enrich the lives of our students and offer experiences that further develop important skills such as intercultural communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and independence. Ask anyone who has been on one: study abroad trips are life-changing." When not in class, the students went scuba diving, took part in a sunset meditation experience in Cape Sounion, went cliff jumping on the Greek islands of Hydra and Santorini, went to Poseidon's Temple and the top of the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, and took part in other incredible sightseeing opportunities.

Twelve SUNY Oneonta students from a variety of majors traveled to India in the beginning of January for a 10-day, faculty-led study abroad course called "Sustainable Development in India." The main focus of the trip was the sustainable use and production of energy in what will soon be the world's most populous country. Students were accompanied by faculty instructors Dr. Sunil Labroo (Physics and Astronomy) and Dr. James Mills (Geography and Environmental Sustainability). Highlights of the trip included a visit to a hydroelectric power station in the Himalayas, tours of the planned city of Chandigargh, and interacting with faculty and students at Panjab University. Students also visited one of the Ninash Foundation schools started by professor emeritus Dr. Ashok Malhotra. Class visits also included a day at the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Agra and the Astronomical Observatory and Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Seven students enrolled in SUNY Oneonta's Cooperstown Graduate Program traveled to Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, in the beginning of January for an 11-day field course called Museums, Landscapes, and Society in the Canary Islands.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta students are touring the United Kingdom for their class "The Philosophy of Life and Death," a course that examines the "big questions" about life and death, including their nature, meaning and value. Accompanied by faculty members Daniel Patrone and Elizabeth Seale, the students have made stops in England, Wales and Scotland, all the while examining important conceptual and ethical questions concerning individual, social, and political responses to catastrophes and other existential threats; the rationality and significance of religious faith and the possibility of surviving the death of the body; and the treatment of the dying and the dead. This is a three-week trip, and students will return June 20. Students have explored and discussed ancient religious practices surrounding death; beauty, illness and patient rights issues; death and suffering in art and entertainment; the meaning of suffering; and end of life care, among other related topics. Students have visited Canterbury, Stonehenge, Bath, York, Edinburgh, Dover, Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square, and attended a performance of Hamlet at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. While investigating many philosophical traditions, problems, perspectives, and arguments that transcend the common cultural and intellectual traditions of the United Kingdom, the students are exploring, in depth, the cultures, traditions, and histories of Great Britain.

Eighteen SUNY Oneonta students spent a little over two weeks (from May 13 to May 26) completing service projects and working with impoverished youth and families in Quito and Mindo, Ecuador as part of an upper-division Human Development and Family Studies course. The students were involved in three service work projects - building a greenhouse for an elder-care facility; working with a preschool program developing activities and refurbishing a room into an activity room for future use; and working with the mayor in Mindo on a beautification project in a high-poverty district. As part of their cultural immersion, students took 20 hours of Spanish lessons and lived with an Ecuadorian family. In their free time, they were able to visit museums, tour communities, visit historical and ecological attractions, attend programs learning about food and the arts, and visit with indigenous populations (primarily Quichua). This service learning program was designed for students interested in learning about sustainable solutions to poverty in developing countries. It offered exciting hands-on work opportunities and meaningful cultural immersion, while encouraging an awareness of the risk factors of impoverishment.

From May 25 to June 5, 26 SUNY Oneonta students enrolled in three separate courses joined forces and traveled to Guilin, China together to learn all about cities and architecture in the region and study the history of urbanization and modernization in China and the impact of tourism on Guilin. Accompanied by professors Ho Hon Leung (SOCL 294), Matthew Hendley (WHIS 294), and Wesley Bernard (CART 211), students in sociology, world history and photography explored the meaning and symbolic power of man's influence on his environment from a cross-disciplinary approach. Following the same itinerary, students attended lectures and classes at Guangxi Normal University and visited the 700-year old Longji Rice Terraces, where they were greeted by Yao and Zhuang villagers, who still use the terraces for growing premium quality rice. They also hiked, explored nearby caves and parks, and shopped in the bustling market town of Yangshuo.

It's one thing to read about water resource problems and environmental issues in the developing world. It's an entirely different experience to see these issues - and the people they affect - first-hand and work toward solutions. Twenty environmental sustainability students from SUNY Oneonta recently returned from a summer international field course where they did just that. The annual field course, called "Water and Environment of Guatemala," brought students to Guatemala for two weeks, where they took water samples and analyzed water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding drainage basin. The course is led by Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences Tracy Allen. Based on their observations, interactions with local residents, and data collection, students worked to identify sustainable solutions to the area's water resources problems. Students were also able to learn about agriculture while touring a coffee plantation and, later, take in the area's natural wonders, including the Pacaya volcano, which is active. The students went into a Guatemalan elementary school to teach children about the lake and water quality, and they also installed water filtration systems into some of the area homes. Students said these interactions were particularly meaningful and rewarding, and the trip was eye-opening.

Nine art students from SUNY Oneonta were in France from May 13 to 26 learning art history firsthand for an upper-level course on Impressionism. Led by their professor, Dr. Pearlie Rose S. Baluyut, the students learned through a combination of on-site lectures and discussions based on assigned readings and in front of original paintings in major museums and artist studios, including L'Orangerie, Musee d'Orsay, Musee du Louvre, and Musee Marmottan-Claude Monet, among others. The group explored parks, boulevards, apartment buildings, cafes, theaters, gardens and bridges in Paris, and visited historic sites and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower. They also made cultural excursions to Giverny, Cannes, Nice, and more. While deepening their understanding of art history's two greatest stylistic movements, students gained a global awareness and experience as a responsible citizen of the world.

A total of 27 SUNY Oneonta students studied abroad this spring through programs in 10 countries.

Four SUNY Oneonta education students traveled to Cali, Colombia over spring break with assistant professor Dr. Thor Gibbins. The students completed field experience in bilingual schools - one an affluent foreign-school and the other in a less-privileged area. Students said the trip was eye-opening. "We were able to compare education systems in the United States to those in Colombia," said Mckenzie Hyer, an Early Childhood/Childhood Education major from Cobleskill, NY. "We saw how some schools are given more opportunities and resources than others, just as you can observe in the United States, and to see how that influences children in both societies is something I will continue to consider as I grow as an educator."

Two SUNY Oneonta seniors traveled with professor Dr. Robert Compton to Zimbabwe during spring break to learn about development in an environment of economic turmoil. Students learned about the political development and political economy of Zimbabwe and the difficulties of NGO operating under unstable socio-economic conditions. The students met with and received briefings from a large array of groups including Parliament staff and elected national legislators, the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust, the Clerk of Parliament, the National Association of NGOs, the University of Zimbabwe, the US Embassy, and a brief stopover to the opposition MDC offices. There, they saw the after-effects of the riots in Zimbabwe after the elections and the accompanying damage to the offices, which included shattered windows and the charred markings of a fire bomb. Students also did some sight-seeing, visiting Heroes Acre (built by the North Koreans) and Domboshawa Park (one large granite formation for miles and miles), took a tour of Mbare high density suburbs, visited Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, and enjoyed the sunset on a Zambezi River cruise. They also visited the Mbizi Game Reserve and the famous Hwange National Wildlife Reserve, where they saw animals including zebras, bushbucks, hippos, baboons, giraffes, elands, and elephants. Despite experiencing electoral conflict, violence and a declining peacetime economy, the students found that Zimbabweans were hospitable, friendly and hopeful for the future. Prior to arriving in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, the students spent several days in Johannesburg, South Africa and attended a theater performance in Newtown and participated in a Graffiti Tour. They also visited the University of Johannesburg.

Five SUNY Oneonta students traveled to Seoul, South Korea over spring break for a short-term cultural immersion program called "The Philosophies of Peace," which let them explore philosophical, cultural, social, religious and historical aspects of various conceptions of, and issues surrounding, the notion of peace. Accompanied by SUNY Oneonta philosophy adjunct professor Daniel Patrone, the students visited Confucian Temples to learn about Confucian philosophy and its enduring place in Korean culture. They met with monks at a Buddhist temple to learn about Buddhist thought, practice and temple life. And they examined issues in political and international justice as they visited the DMZ, where students toured the Demilitarized Zone; learned about the history and current political situation involving North and South Korean relationships and U.S. and Chinese involvement in these; and met and spoke with a North Korean defector about life in North Korea, his experiences defecting, and the prospects of a stable and lasting peace in the region. Students were immersed in various aspects of Korean history and culture, visiting several palaces and museums, touring significant cultural sites in the city, and attending contemporary and traditional Korean dance and music performances. In concert with the college's partnering institution there, students also visited Sungkyunkwan University to meet with students and faculty and attend philosophy classes with their Korean peers. In the evening, students from SKKU hosted SUNY students at a traditional Korean BBQ for a chance to learn more about each other and to develop new friendships.

Four SUNY Oneonta art students traveled to South Africa over spring break for a week of academic and cultural exchange with students at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where Nelson Mandela once studied. Working closely with Wits University host students and host faculty member, Dr. Alison Kearney, SUNY Oneonta students were able to develop a greater understanding of identity politics, social justice, and human rights through art and creative research and applied-service learning activities at the Wits University, Wits Art Museum, and Play Africa, a non-profit community organization that serves families and children from disadvantage backgrounds.

Ten SUNY Oneonta students traveled to the Pacific for Geography 294 to soak up the sun, fun, views, culture and history of the 50th state - Hawaii. Accompanied by professors Wendy Lascell and Ken Johnson, the students visited popular landmarks, were immersed in the Hawaiian way of life and participated in various eye-opening activities. One of their first stops was the Tantalus Overlook, where they were treated to a spectacular view of the Honolulu side of the island. Next, they visited a Japanese Buddhist temple and cemetery complex. Other points of interest included Ioni Palace, Kualoa Regional Park, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, and a Senior Community Center. One particularly interesting stops was at the Kualoa Regional Park, a state park that manages sustainable ancient fish ponds which have been struggling with pollution. At the state park, the students saw first-hand Hawaii's cat overpopulation problem. At the park, and in many places in Hawaii, there are huge groups of feral cat colonies. Students spoke with people who feed the state park colony and take care of them - about 70 cats in total. It is a major issue in Hawaii, as the government and locals are at odds about what to do. Other notable items on the itinerary included visiting the University of Hawaii and the Bishop Museum; snorkeling at Haunama Bay Nature Preserve; taking a tour of Hawaii's Plantation Village; hiking Diamond Head Crater; and seeing a hula dance and gorgeous sunset at Waikiki!

In early January, 11 SUNY Oneonta students traveled to Japan for their class, Biology 271 - Global Studies in Conservation and Sustainability, taught by Dr. Kiyoko Yokota. The goal of the two-and-a-half week course was to teach the students how they can meaningfully contribute to conservation and sustainability efforts around the world, according to Yokota, who accompanied the students along with professor Paul Lord. While in Japan, students visited Tokyo and the islands of Chichijima and Hahajima. The locals of Chichijima and Hahajima work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to remove invasive species and prevent the transfer of new invasive species onto the island. They also work to protect the populations of indigenous species like the Japanese wood pigeon and the Bonin flying fox.

17 SUNY Oneonta students recently traveled to Peru to study tropical biology. The group spent one week in the Andes Mountains learning about ecosystems in the highlands, as well as agricultural practices and culture. Students also learned first-hand the effects of high elevation on the human body! A highlight of their time in the mountains was the visit to the ancient Incan town of Machu Picchu, considered to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Five SUNY Oneonta students flew to England recently to perform in a choir in Durham, UK. The students rehearsed about 25 hours, during which they learned 18 short choral works for performance at the English Choral Experience course held at Durham Castle, part of Durham University. The English Choral Experience was led and directed by prominent English choral conductor, Paul Spicer, who serves as choral conductor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatory. Durham Castle is a Norman castle that has been occupied since 1840 by University College, Durham. It is open to the general public to visit, but only through guided tours, since it is in use as a working building and is home to over 100 students. Oneonta students rehearsed and stayed in the 16th century Great Hall. In order to be selected for the trip, SUNY Oneonta students had to audition. They were required to prepare one song of their choosing and complete several sight-reading exercises. The students were able to do some sightseeing, as well, visiting the cathedral where segments of two Harry Potter movies, the latest Avengers film and "Elizabeth I" were filmed. The trip was conceived through a Faculty Center grant for Applied Learning. The D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund, the Fund for Oneonta, the Dean of Humanities and the Music Department all supported the trip.