jeancharlotblog-blog

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Free subject

The Boston’s Freedom Trail

Located in the city of Boston (Massachusetts), the Freedom Trail is a downtown pathway which give the opportunity to see 16 famous historic monuments and locations of the city. It’s a 4km long path, marked by a red line which starts at Boston Common and end at the USS Constitution, the oldest warship of the United States. Founded in 1630 by English migrants, Boston’s is one of the U.S. oldest city, that’s why Boston has a huge historic background and the Freedom Trail is a great way to get you back in the past and have a better knowledge of the US colonial history.

Boston Common, the starting location of the trail is the oldest public park in the history of the USA and during the Independence War, the park was used as a military camp for the British troops. From the park, you can see the Massachusetts State House and its golden cupola, which is the center of the state governance. Then, you walk along Park Street, where you can see Park Street Church, and right next to the street there is the Old Granary Burial Ground, where most of Boston’s famous revolutionaries were buried.

After passing the burying ground, King’s Chapel and one of the oldest american bookstore, you will arrive to the Old Meeting House, this building was used by the patriots to speak to the crowds and encourage people to revolt against the British Crown. A little further, there is the Old State House which was the place of the colonial government before the revolution. Then you will see the site of the Boston Massacre, it’s there where the British troops shot 5 colonists and this event is considered as one of the key events who leads to the revolution

The next stop on the Freedom Trail is Faneuil Hall, this building was (and is still) used as a marketplace, on the first floor, you will find a large choice of food and dishes, from sea products to Italian cuisine, after you’ve got your food you can have a seat on the second floor to taste it, back on times, the second floor was a meeting place for the patriots to unite the colonist population in order to fight the British oppression. There is also a statue of Samuel Adams in Faneuil Hall, he is one of the Founding Father’s of the United States.

While you still walking on the trail, in the north direction, you will see the Paul Revere House (home of a famous express rider), the Old North Church and the Copp’s Hill burying ground. Then you cross the river and arrive to the Bunker Hill Monument which commemorates the battle of June 17, 1775 between the British and the colonial forces. The last step on the Freedom Trail is the USS Constitution which is probably the most famous warship in the U.S. because it won more than 40 battles and was never captured by the enemy.

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Most significant local news story

The America’s first offshore wind farm in Rhode Island

On December 12th 2016, America’s first offshore wind farm started to run. This farm is located off the coast of Rhode Island near Block Island, a famous vacation destination of the east coast. This new wind farm will provides 90% of the energy needed by Block Island residents. The turbines were produced in France, in the old Alstom factories in Saint-Nazaire by a division of the General Electrics company.

The Block Island wind farm is made up by five turbines and is capable to powering about 17 000 homes. The cost of this farm is about $300 million and represents a 40 000 tons per year reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to Europeans nations, the U.S. are late in the wind energy business and the supporters of this sustainable energy think it’s a great start for the wind power in U.S. and will motivates others states for the creation of new wind farms all over the U.S. coasts.

This totally new market seems to be very attractive for investors, and according to the American administration, the share of wind energy in U.S. can grow from 5% in 2016 to 20% in 2030, and supply 16 million houses. In addition, the main part of the U.S. population is living near the west or the east coast and the creation of others offshore wind farms will be a great improvement in order to reduce the pollution and also creates a lot of reliable jobs in the sustainable energy field.

This topic is still touchy in the U.S. because some NGO’s for the wildlife defense are against these wind farms and president Trump, who unsuccessfully fought to block the construction of a wind farm of the coast of Scotland near one of his golf course is opposed to these projects. Trump is skeptic on wind power and has already said in an interview for The New York Times that « the wind is a very deceiving thing » and also that « the Trump administration might be looking to get rid of all energy subsidies ».

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Geopolitics

Presentation of country’s government

The chief of the state is the President Donald Trump since January 2017 and the Vice President is Michael Pence, in US the president is both chief of the state and head of the government. There is two main political parties in US, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, the others are the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. The country is actually lead by the Republican Party which win both the Presidential elections and the Congress elections. The Congress is composed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and represents the legislative part of the US government, its members are elected through a direct election.

Regional political context

Since the 1930’s the Rhode Island State is historically under the Democrats control, like many East Coast states. The governor is the democrat Gina Raimondo and both the executive offices, the State legislature and the US congress of Rhode Island are from the Democratic party. During the last presidential elections, Hilary Clinton was elected with 54,4 %, and Donald Trump’s score was 38,9 %. The governor has a veto and the power to name department heads. An amendment, in 1994, gave the governor the power to nominate justices of the courts (with the consent of the General Assembly). This change was instituted after that two consecutive chief justices of the state Supreme Court were accused of corruption and resigned under the threat of impeachment.

External regional conflicts and tensions

The US has intensified domestic security measures and is collaborating closely with its neighbors, Canada and Mexico, to control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and commodities across the international borders. The US is the leader of the international coalition against ISIS in Syria. The Mexico-US border is still a delicate issue because of the illegal immigration. Canada and the United States dispute how to divide the Beaufort Sea and the status of the Northwest Passage but continue to work cooperatively together. The Bahamas and US have not been able to agree on a maritime boundary. The US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease. Haiti claims US-administered Navassa Island. Finally, US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other states.

Internal conflicts or tensions

The gun control : The multiples gun massacres in US caused several states and cities to pass strict gun control measures but in 2014, 21 states passed laws that expanded the rights of gun owners allowing them to possess firearms in churches, bars, schools and college campuses. The federal government has not passed any gun control measures since 1994 and 42 states now allow the possession of assault rifles.

The drug policy : Measures in several states including Colorado, Washington and Oregon have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. These laws apply only within the respective states and have no effect on Federal law. More and more states are ready to start discussions about the legalization of marijuana for both recreational and medical use.

The NSA domestic surveillance : Thanks to the Patriot Act, the NSA is allowed to collect citizens phone datas. Opponents include civil liberties advocates and Senator Rand Paul who argue that the collection of these datas is unconstitutional since it is done without a warrant. Supporters of the collection argue that the collection is necessary to track suspected terrorists.

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Social rituals

Customs

In general, the life in the United States is informal. Americans usually dress casually and most of the time, tend to treat everyone equally no matter the age, title, or status. Activities such as picnics and outings to historical sites are good opportunities to learn about the American way of life and make friends with people.

When you are invited to a specific event, it is polite to respond with a definite answer. If you agree to attend and later find that you are unable to go, it is expected that you notify the host as soon as possible. If you plan to bring someone else who was not invited, ask for your host’s permission first.

Americans are very time conscious, When you are invited somewhere or when you have to meet someone at a designated area, it is very important that you arrive exactly on time or even a few minutes early. Most Americans have little patience for people who are late.

It is proper to shake hands when introduced with both men and women, looking them in the eyes and smile. Greetings such as « How are you ? » and « What’s up ? » should not be taken literally. These expressions mean the same as « Hello ». Also when people say « See you later », they really mean « Good bye »

Tipping : it is customary to leave a tip after receiving most services, such as eating in a restaurant, buying drinks in a bar, getting your hair cut, and riding in a taxi. It is expected that you will leave a 15% tip in a restaurant, but if the service is very good, you should leave 20%.

National celebrations

Halloween - October 31 People traditionally dress up in costumes for parties. Children go from house to house to « trick or treat » for candy and others goodies. The traditional colors are black and orange.

Veteran’s Day - November 11 A special day to honor the courage and patriotism of all men and women who have served in the United States military.

Thanksgiving Day - November 24 Celebrates the arrival of the early immigrants, the pilgrims, to Massachusetts. People traditionally join with family or friends for a large meal, usually include turkey and apple or pumpkin pie.

Martin Luther King Day - January 16 Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who led the struggle for civil rights in the 1960’s. This holiday is used to celebrate diversity in the US.

Saint Patrick’s Day - March 12 Originally honoring Saint Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, it is now primarily a celebration of the Irish contribution to the United States. On this day it is traditional to wear green, the color of Ireland.

Easter Sunday - April 16 Christians celebrate the death and rebirth of Jesus Christ. Some Easter traditions include searching for decorated eggs.

Memorial Day - May 29 A day to honor the memory of the people who died fighting for our country. People often decorate their ancestor’s grave with flowers and flags

Independence Day - July 4 The birthday of the United States of America. The day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Most people celebrate through picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks

Cultural habits

Americans are often enthusiastic and always manage to find the good side of things. Even in the worst moments. American way of thinking is definitively optimistic. Most of time, they do not judge and accept difference. The history of the United States being based on immigration, there is a great diversity with many different communities, cultures and religions. As a result, the differences are rather well accepted.

They also like to discuss. Americans can very easily engage the discussion with strangers in the streets, at the supermarkets, and discuss about their lives without any problem. They are always ready to help you to find your way when you look lost, even when you don’t ask. Americans have a casual look, they wear large pants or shorts, and sporty and tight-fitting outfits for women. They don’t pay attention a lot to the clothes they wear except when they go out for the night.

Americans work a lot, they do a lot of hours, some have to do two jobs to live, and they do not have a lot of vacation. The culture of work is very strong in the US. For students, it is common to work more than 25 hours a week in addition to classes work. In the US, people are very patriotic and proud of their country. Many houses have the American flag on the facades. They don’t criticize the government policy as much as we do in France. Obviously, this can’t describe all Americans because there is also US people who challenges the government choices.

Events

One of the main attractions during the summer is the Waterfire show. One Saturday a month, plenty of braziers are lighted alongside the canals and transform Providence into a glowing work of art. Bonfires sparkle above the water that snakes through downtown Providence, Rhode Island, illuminating the buildings. This very popular event began in 1997 during a new year eve when a wealthy guy organized Watefire to revitalize the center of Providence. It was so successful that Providence people decided to settle this event every year. Waterfire also feature live music, art and food vendors.

Rhode Island Robot Block Party. This event includes hands-on-activities, demonstrations and exhibits of robots used in research, education, work and play. Created by Rhode Island Students of the Future and the Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative and the Department of Computer Science at Brown University, the Robot Block Party highlights the innovation of the Rhode Island robotic community, bringing together industry and schools.

Family habits

American families are not really different than French ones, most American families consist of a mother and a father with an average of 1 or 3 children. It’s usual in most families that both of the mother and the father are employed full time and are at work while their children are at school. 

There are a large number of families in United States that consist of one single parent and children as a result of divorce. In most families, when the child has become a teenager and graduated from high school, he leaves the home and start to work, or go to university. Most families, no matter where they are located, will all get together to celebrate family occasions such as weddings, birthdays, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

University profile

University name, location, short history, housing

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is an institution who offers programs in varied fields like engineering & design, arts & sciences, business, nutrition, hospitality and culinary arts.

Johnson & Wales is composed of four campuses located in four US cities : Providence in Rhode Island (the original campus), North Miami in Florida, Denver in Colorado and Charlotte in North Carolina.

There is two campuses in Providence, mine is the downcity campus located in the city center where the business related courses are given. There is also the harbourside campus which is specific for culinary and pastry programs.

As an exchange student, my house is on campus, in a big dorm building called McNulty hall where I share a room with two roommates, one from Boston and the other from China.

Welcoming and integration

When I arrived in the university, all the students were already in their spring break so the campus was quite empty. I was only with the exchange students from various countries such as Indonesia, Netherlands, Spain, Morocco or Australia. 

To break the ice and discover the campus, we were supposed to go to mandatory events organized by the international students service of Johnson & Wales. We also organized by ourselves a trip to Boston for a week end in order to create links and explore the city. 

After the first week and due to the beginning of the classes we’ve met americans students, in fact the major part of the classroom is composed by american students.

 After 2 weeks, it’s was St Patrick’s day and during this festive period it was easy to meet new people for the local background. For example, I went to fraternities parties, good places to meet people in a good atmosphere and have an experience of typical american universities nightlife. Most of americans are casual and approachable so the integration is not a difficult process.

Class content

For the first term (from March to May) I have to follow 4 courses :

Contemporary business management : This course provides students with the fundamental understanding of business, management, and the different disciplines within business. The history of management and the evolution of organizations are examined. The course addresses the different functions of business and management while identifying the impact of business strategy and ethics on stakeholders. Integral to this course is career exploration and development of professional interest.

International relations & world politics : This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. Presented in this course are foundational ideas for understanding major historical and contemporary events in world politics, the behavior of states, and their relationship to the global order. This course prepares students to interpret world politics through analysis of particular trends, patterns, crises and global change. Politics and economics are also considered.

Introduction to the sports, entertainment and event management industry : This course introduces students to the sports/entertainment/event management field. Emphasis is on the historical development, organizational structure, use of technology, and career opportunities that exist within the industry. Operational issues related to the management of events and facilities such as arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers and stadiums are also discussed.

World geography for tourism & hospitality : This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to work and travel in a global environment.  Students explore both current and emerging destinations from around the world.  The course discusses the cultural, recreational and social significance to the traveler and the economy.

Cultural differences in the classroom

There is plenty of small differences about classroom behavior in USA compared to France. For example, if you want to leave to the classroom for any reason like make a phone call or go to the toilets, you don’t have to ask to your teacher, just go out silently. Hats and caps are tolerated is US classrooms, it’s not considerate as a disrespect if you keep it on your head inside a building. If chatting to your classmates is strictly forbidden, there is a lot of interactions between professors and students. You can easily stop your teacher to have a real discussion with him and show your opinion, even if your are not agree with him. 

During the class, the teacher don’t sticks to the syllabus and can approach different subjects who are not strictly related to the course. When you go to your class you are supposed to have already read the chapter who will be discussed in class. Student’s profiles in class are various, in term of age or field of study. For example, in the same classroom, you can find someone who is 19 years old sitting next to someone who is 24, or someone’s majoring in business next to another one majoring in graphic design. That can be explain by the fact that US scholar system is more flexible than us and if you don’t like one course you can easily change for another during the semester, it’s very common here. There is also a lot of homework to do associated to many team projects and presentations. 

Student’s interaction, social life, sports, clubs

Social interactions between student by getting involved in university clubs or sport teams is part of the university life. Many students has got one job (sometimes more) on campus like working at the dinner halls, the campus store or the gym center... There is also a lot of events organized by university students like discovering others cultures by tasting their food or organizing athletics events off campus. They also have fraternities and sororities, it’s like an association designed to integrate freshmen students to university, every fraternity is different and have a specific history. They provides academic help, give the opportunity to create a network and also organize events and parties.

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Boston’s buildings, in front of South station

[jeancharlotblog-blog]

Monday, the 27th of October

Departure from London Gatwick airport, 7 hours flying to finally land at Boston airport. As expected, the US passport control is a very long process but after all I’m able to get out from the airport and catch a shuttle to South station where I can take the train to Providence.