It's hard to believe that this week marks the end of my first year in grad school studying Cross-Cultural and International Education! Its been quite a wonderful year; I've been blessed with new friends, awesome professors and the opportunity to get back into learning about things that are so incredibly fascinating! It's so easy to forget how much I love studying new things.

Some of my research projects in my program have been on the effects of international education exchanges on identity construction, specifically of global citizenship identity, in undergraduate students. It's been a really fascinating endeavor and furthers my belief in the power of promoting peace and awareness through intercultural exchange. In a recent article that my professor gave me during my research pursuit entitled "Global Seeing," William Gaudelli wrote: "If we can learn to more fully see the world, rather than to consume it or be consumed by its spectacle, then we can see the beauty that exists in the world and in each other. And we can learn to aspire towards greater intimacy with our everyday others while opening ourselves to the possibility of being more fully with those we encounter on our many journeys."...a beautiful sentiment not only for those we meet in international contexts, but with those we meet everyday. Scholars like these make me smile on a Tuesday night.

 In my own international education journey, I am excited to say that in a week I will be embarking on another travel adventure! This time around I will be completing an internship at Pusan National University (http://www.pusan.ac.kr/) in Busan, South Korea for the months of May and June. I will be working with faculty and students in the Center of Teaching and Learning on English presentations and writing. Thanks to my academic advisor, I will be staying with a Korean host family (her sister, brother-in-law, and two daughters)during my time there, giving me a taste of Korean culture and daily life. In July I am super excited to have the chance to visit Tokyo for 10 days to catch up with some Japanese friends I met while at Hope. I welcome suggestions on places to visit in Tokyo!

This internship couldn't have been soon enough! Recently I have felt a sense of "cabin fever" and itching to go overseas again. Perhaps its studying cross-cultural education, being part of a program that is composed of 80% Peace Corps returnees, or maybe because its been 3 years since I lived in Australia. Needless to say, I am fully looking forward to it. There's just something about going to explore a new place, people, and culture that is just so enticing! Thoughts and prayers for safe travels are always welcomed. If you have a funny cross-cultural story of traveling overseas that you may think would cheer me up on an overwhelming day (which I'm sure will be many, my Korean consists of one word!), send it to me! My email is chelsea.vaneck@gmail.com.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and lovely summer!

Cheers, Chelsea