#dukestudyabroad

[dukeglobaled]

Why I booked a one-way ticket to Dubai after graduation from Duke

My Study Abroad Path: Emily Crutcher ‘06

“Completely exasperated with my job search after graduation, I got a one-way ticket to Dubai. During one of my interviews, I was asked why they should hire me. In retrospect, they were probably wondering why an American girl was trying to get a job in commercial real estate in Dubai.”

After graduation from Duke, Emily Adair Crutcher '06, moved back home to Charlotte, N.C. and began applying for jobs with real estate developers and commercial real estate firms in the Middle East. To her dismay, she found that none of the companies would take her application seriously because she was not living in the region. Rather than closing the door on that path, Emily sealed her commitment to her job search by booking a one-way ticket to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  

Emily landed an interview with JLL, a global professional services firm specializing in commercial real estate. When the interviewer asked why the company should hire her, Emily pointed to the various global activities she had pursued while at Duke – a semester studying away at the American University of Beirut, Arabic language coursework, and a summer internship in Amman, Jordan with the U.S. State Department – as evidence of her interest in the Middle East. 

On campus at the American University of Beirut

Emily also referenced an academic excursion arranged through her architecture course in Beirut. The instructor took the class to visit the offices of Solidere, the company responsible for the master planning and redevelopment of Beirut's city center after the civil war. Upon hearing this, the JLL interviewer smiled and shared that Solidere was one of her clients. 

The interview was a success, and Emily began her career with JLL in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 2007. She worked on the strategic consulting team, advising developers and investors on the feasibility of development projects.

The path towards Emily's career beginning might seem straightforward, but like most people, Emily experienced a variety of twists and turns during her four years at Duke. In fact, it was not until her senior year that she gained the clarity to steer towards a career in real estate. 

Emily credits her study away experiences for helping her discover an untapped interest in architecture and urban planning. She actually studied away for two semesters – Duke in Berlin for a fall semester, and the American University of Beirut the following spring. It was in Berlin that she enrolled in an architecture course as an elective. She was so interested in architecture that she took two more architecture courses the following semester in Beirut. 

Excursion to Beiteddine Palace, Lebanon

By physically being in Berlin and Beirut while studying those cities' rich histories, Emily was able to connect her classroom learning to the host locations. She explained, "I spent countless hours wandering around both cities, investigating how each city had implemented urban redevelopment plans to stitch together cities which had been divisively separated (i.e., the Berlin Wall after World War II and the Green Zone after Lebanon's Civil War). Upon my return to Duke, I began to form the idea that a job in urban planning or real estate might fit my interests."

Prior to her senior year, Emily's career interests were a moving target. Growing up, Emily's family instilled in her the value of being a global citizen. In middle school and high school, Emily’s family hosted exchange students from Toulouse, France and Krefeld, Germany, respectively. In turn, Emily traveled to those countries to stay with the students’ families. By the time she got to Duke, she knew that studying abroad was in her future, and she could imagine an international career, but the shape that vision took often shifted. 

Visiting Crusader Castles with Professor Meloy

When asked to reflect on her career aspirations while at Duke, Emily laughed and said, "I assure you, I had not assiduously mapped out my career path when I was an undergrad. At best, I knew a few things I did not want to do. I also knew I wanted adventure – international adventure! As I began to feel pressured to 'figure it all out,' all I could figure out was that a job with the State Department or the Central Intelligence Agency might offer international adventure."

Thinking that an internship with the U.S. State Department might pave the way, she interned the summer after her sophomore year at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Looking back, she said, "The internship was helpful in that I realized I did not want to work for the U.S. State Department. And that was the summer I fell in love with the Middle East."

Emily's affinity for the Middle East inspired her study away choices her junior year – she knew going back would be transformative: "I thought studying abroad, particularly in Beirut, would be a ticket into the CIA. With Arabic language skills and a semester at the American University of Beirut, I thought the CIA would send a secret operative to recruit me. Well, I failed the Foreign Service exam and no secret operative ever recruited me!" 

A trip to Prague while studying in Berlin

Even though studying for a semester in Beirut was not transformative in the way Emily anticipated, it was indeed pivotal in guiding her to a career that offered – and continues to offer – an incredible international adventure. 

She ended up staying with JLL in Dubai for five years, working her way up to an associate with the strategic consulting department. She then transferred to JLL's public institutions team in New York City, where she advised state governments, city governments, transportation agencies and public universities on public-private partnerships. After four years in the Big Apple, Emily moved back to her hometown, Charlotte. Now as a vice president with the company, she continues to work for JLL's public institutions team focusing on clients across the Southeast.

Emily acknowledges that her post-graduation path may not be the norm: "While I'm probably one of a handful of Class of 2006 graduates still working for the same company, not only has JLL facilitated my professional growth and supported my life/work balance, but the company has provided me with impactful and interesting work. I cannot underscore the importance of actually enjoying what you do for a living."

When asked what advice Emily has for students who are unsure about studying away, she said, "Go! You will need the soft skills you acquire while living abroad when you leave the Gothic Wonderland. You will need a global perspective on the world to successfully compete in tomorrow's workforce."  

Story by Jill Powell, Duke GEO Marketing & Recruitment Manager

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[sayheymisscarter]

If you've never had swordfish and mystery vegetables before, I HIGHLY recommend it. #DukeStudyAbroad #DukeInVenice #DukeIsEverywhere @dukestudents (at Ristorante Ribot Venezia)

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My Study Away Path: Neuroscience Studies to an Internship with the Philharmonie de Paris

By Cole Jenson 

This photo was taken in a small town on the south east coast of France called Cassis. I lived there for six months when I was seven years old, and this was the first time I got to go back. It was a pretty surreal experience, and I was struck by how little had changed, down to the street vendor that I had bought crêpes and ice cream from after school. 

Why did you decide to do Duke in France/EDUCO for a semester?

I decided to do this program because I love France and French language and culture. Going to Paris seemed like a great way to get to know French academic life (which I hadn’t seen much of yet), as well as more about Parisian culture. It also set me up to be able to travel pretty much anywhere else in France or in Europe that I wanted to go, which was great. And as with all immersion programs, I really looked forward to improving my language skills.

This photo is looking down from one of my favorite place in Paris, Montmartre, after a lovely afternoon exploring. Photo credit: Meade Inglis

Compare how your skills or knowledge changed after doing this program.

I left with a much more profound knowledge of the French language, especially the idioms, accent, and speech patterns specific to Paris. I also left with a much deeper understanding of French musical culture and system of notation. Outside of academic life, I was lucky enough to get an internship at the Philharmonie de Paris which left me with a unique perspective into the professional music world in Paris and the production of arts and culture in Paris in general.

This photo is in Milan, Italy, in front of the Arco della Pace. My girlfriend and I were able to meet up in Italy for a weekend trip and explore the amazing food and culture and learn about one of the centers of Italian industry and modern culture. Photo credit: Meade Inglis

Thinking back to what you expected this program to be like, would you say anything surprised you or turned out differently?

I was quite pleasantly surprised by the quality and number of excursions and activities set up by the program in Paris and in other parts of the country. There were wine tastings, truffle making, baking, and cooking classes from Parisian chefs and bakers and chocolatiers, interesting panels and talks, day trips, and weekend long tours of certain parts of the country.

This photo was taken on one of the program led excursions in Normandy, at the Chateau d'Isigny. We were served a delicious lunch while the current owners told us about the history of the area. 

Tell us about your greatest takeaway from this program.

I think my greatest take away from the program would be to dive in early when ever you’re in a new place, especially if you know you’ll have to leave soon. I definitely waited too long to start talking to my French classmates, and to start interacting with communities within the city. Within the last month I went to a few open mics and found some really cool communities at them that I wish I could have interacted with more. I also got to see some really cool political groups in action when I finally made the time to go to a rally one weekend, but sadly it was the last one before I left. So, my advice would be not to fall into the trap of putting things off and spending all of your time with your American friends doing things you could do back home.

This photo is of an amazing sunset down the Boulevard St. Germain on the way to get some delicious gelato. Photo credit: Cole Jenson.

How did/will this program affect your career interests or next steps after graduation?

The largest effect on my career interests came from the internship I did at the Philharmonie de Paris. Seeing how much the employees got to learn from and interact with the musicians and music was incredible, and watching how such an important institution affects the musical sphere and culture in Paris was very cool. I also got to talk to a few people about really cool positions I hadn’t even thought existed that combined other interests of mine (even neuroscience) with music.

Cole Jenson, Class of 2018 Neuroscience Duke in France/EDUCO

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My Study Abroad Path: A Year in Paris and a Summer in Haiti Inspire Senior Thesis and Plans for a PhD

By Daniel Lam

Discovering the untouched gems of the Balkans over fall break. Photo by Jasmine Tsai.

Why did you decide to do Duke in France/EDUCO?

As a travel enthusiast, during my sophomore fall, I decided that I did not want to stay in Durham for too long and that I wanted to go abroad for a year. Originally I planned to study in Paris for the spring semester and then in Copenhagen for the fall semester. Paris was an obvious choice as I really like French language and culture. Moreover, my French courses at Duke have all been really enriching and inspiring, especially a French politics course with Professor Christelle Gonthier and a cinema course with Professor Anne-Gäelle Saliot. As such, I wanted to explore what I have learnt in the country itself. After a semester there, I felt really satisfied with the experience and wanted to practice my French even further; that was why I stayed for the whole year in the City of Light.

Duke in Paris excursion to Provence. Photo by Daniella Ochoa.

How did your skills or knowledge change after doing this program?

Well, the changes have been immense. My French skills went from barely conversational to a level where I felt really comfortable talking to other Francophones. The homestay experience was definitely an important factor contributing to such a drastic change. Living with French families not only helped me practice my speaking and listening skills but also allowed me to pick up cultural knowledge that is quintessential in conversations à la française. For example, the French families I’ve been with usually love to talk about politics and arts on their dinner table so I have learnt a lot of new words as well as world knowledge through those casual conversations alone. Studying at French universities also enriched both my language skills and knowledge of French culture incredibly. Very interested in linguistics, the courses I took in French linguistics have given me a more analytical view of the language, which I really appreciate. Also, making new friends with whom I was forced to converse in French was definitely nice too! The friends I have met are really nice and helpful.

A French dinner with friends of Duke in France/EDUCO. Photo by Katherine Couch.

Describe how your ideas and perceptions changed as a result of doing this program.

I did my study abroad there during a rough year of French history, flanked by two violent attacks in the capital. I was even there during the weekend of the attack in Bataclan. It was indeed a traumatic experience but through the experience I witnessed so many things that I did not normally see during the halcyon days. People hugged strangers on the street to express their solidarity. The Saturday after, I walked with my host parents for six hours along the quiet streets of Paris where I saw the resilience of the city and its people. I still remember my host dad reminding me that during hard times like this, though some people want to make religion or immigration the culprit, it is important to consider rights from wrongs and to stand together instead of to blame and divide. Although I have learned this lesson many times, it was that particular context and my amazing host family that inculcated it in me even further.

Duke in France/EDUCO castle exploration. Photo by Krista Kowalczyk.

How did/will this program affect your career interests or next steps after graduation?

A year in France taking French linguistics courses and traveling to different parts of the country and the continent reaffirmed my passion for world languages and cultures, so that I decided that I want to become a linguist to further explore the wonders of languages around the world. Some of the courses I took in Parisian universities were so cool, especially a course on the history of French language, where I actually learned Old and Medieval French. Thus, I am now really interested in French and Francophone linguistics. I went to Haiti over the summer and learned some Haitian Creole there. My senior thesis is on a comparative complexity analysis between Haitian Creole, French and some other languages. I will go on to do a PhD program in Linguistics after graduation and I am certain that my year in France is definitely a major factor contributing to my acceptances to some competitive programs. And of course, I will continue my research on French and Haitian Creole.

Enjoying the beauty of the heights of Les Baux-de-Provence. Photo by Daniella Ochoa.

What advice do you have for other students considering this program?

I’d say that firstly, do not fear the homestay experience. It is probably my favorite part of the program. You get to enjoy living in a family with a culture totally different from yours. Yes, there will be challenges at first but those challenges only help you to bond with your family further and to understand their culture better. Such an experience will help you be more comfortable integrating into foreign cultures and comprehending why people do the things they do, a skill set that I feel is really important in our troubled world nowadays. Also, consider staying for a second semester, especially if you are considering a major in French studies or a humanities discipline. First semester, you are only a visitor dabbling in the language and the culture and getting excited visiting all the tourist attractions. It is the second semester when you really feel like you are a part of the society itself and you feel more comfortable with your language skills too, and that is definitely an invaluable part of cultural exchange. And you get to eat delicious French cheeses and drink inexpensive French wine for a whole year, who doesn’t like that!

Daniel Lam, Class of 2017 French Studies / Biology Duke in France–EDUCO (Spring 2015, Fall 2015), Duke in Paris (Summer 2015)

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The New Zealand Catlins

By Henry Taylor

“In addition to work, it's crucial to see the world around you.”

The highlight of New Zealand was being able to go out and explore one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen every weekend. This is a picture from the Catlins – an area on the southeastern tip of the South Island. 

I will come back to Duke open to crazy experiences, such as climbing the ridge to capture this picture. This has helped me realize that in addition to work, it's crucial to see the world around you. Sometimes you need to take your mind off of work, and see the world while you can. 

If you are considering going to New Zealand, DO IT.

Henry Taylor, Class of 2018, Biology Arcadia – Otago, NZ (Duke-Approved program)

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Força Barça! Becoming a Member of the Barcelona Community

By Abby Muehlstein

“The program did a great job of matching my academic and career interests to a local small business where I could get relevant international job experience.”

The game ended 0-0, but I feel like a winner for watching FCB play in Barcelona! Barça fans could give Cameron Crazies a run for our money any day. They love their football club, and they love being from Barcelona! Program excursions like this one, plus my local internship and the "Exploring Barcelona" class, made me feel like I really belonged in the city. 

I fell in love with the food, people, and language of Catalonia; does anyone know any Catalan speakers in the Triangle that I could practice with?

My favorite part of studying on IFSA-Butler: Engage Barcelona was my program-sponsored internship in a local music therapy facility. The program did a great job of matching my academic and career interests to a local small business where I could get relevant international job experience. Now, I'm familiar with how music therapy is conducted and its effects--in Spanish!

Thanks to my host family, internship, program-specific classes, local language practice, and excursions, I feel like I really became a member of the Barcelona community. Wherever you go and whatever you study, I encourage everyone to utilize program offerings and find your own ways to become a part of your host city!

Abby Muehlstein, Class of 2018, Psychology IFSA-Butler: Engage Barcelona (via petition process), Fall 2016

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My Semester in Dublin, Ireland as a Mechanical Engineering Student

By David Talpalar 

“...what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals...”

My semester at University College Dublin (UCD) was unforgettable. I knew when I decided to come to Dublin that I would be in a bustling city with great character. But what I could never have imagined was the relationships that I would make with the locals, the welcoming environment that I would be a part of, and the life in Ireland beyond simply the Dublin city centre.  

I loved visiting Howth, Galway and Kilkenny, and I am really excited to return to Ireland again soon. On top of all of that, the transition from Duke to UCD was very easy. The staff at UCD is amongst the most helpful people I have ever met, and I am incredibly grateful for their help. 

Studying abroad here has made me a better-rounded, educated young man –both inside and outside of the classroom.

David Talpalar, Mechanical Engineering Duke Pratt School of Engineering, Class of 2019

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Confidence Multiplied: Just One of Many Takeaways from the Duke in Montréal French Language Summer Program

By Erin Butrico

“...I don’t think I realized how much I would be out and about in the city to learn. And I loved that.”

Explain why you decided to do Duke in Montréal. 

Duke in Montréal was the perfect fit for my summer. For starters, I decided a bit late in the game that I wanted to major in French. I thought that I would have to overload to get all of my French courses in, but this program helped to fix that problem. 

Secondly, I loved the idea of an immersive course. I knew that this course was not just a sit-in-the-classroom-and-take-notes kind of thing, but an interactive, hands-on way of learning. As I was headed to France in the fall, and was comfortable with my written comprehension (but extremely uncomfortable with oral comprehension, and speaking the language itself), I knew that this interactive program would give me confidence to survive in France. 

Thirdly, when I showed interest in this program, Madame Reisinger responded with the utmost enthusiasm. I’ll never forget going into her office to talk a bit about the program, and leaving so genuinely excited about the course, the different site visits, and the itinerary in general. That was contagious, and ultimately led me to chose this program as my summer plan.

Compare how your French skills changed after doing this program.

My French skills changed enormously after this program. Coming in, I could read and write French perfectly. If you gave me a passage and asked me to analyze it, I could do it no problem. If you asked me to write a 10-page paper, I would also be fine. But listening to the radio and understanding? Having a conversation with store clerks in French? Impossible. This program changed that. 

By having class for a few hours a day, and then having the opportunity to go out in Montréal and do projects on the culture there, we were forced to engage with French-speakers. We were thrown into the heat of the French language, forced to interview Montréal citizens, engage with government officials during our site visits, and having meals with Madame in French. Little by little, the spoken language became more and more familiar, and I really became comfortable with it. 

I felt brave to try speaking myself, but was assured by the fact that I could use English, as a fall-back, if I didn’t understand the person I was speaking to (thanks to the high rate of bilingualism). This program changed my confidence and made me more open to the language. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Describe how your ideas and perceptions of Montréal and Québec changed as a result of doing this program. 

I didn’t have any real ideas of Montréal and Québec coming in (besides that they were French-speaking!), but I came out with a deep appreciation for them both. These two cities are filled with culture – I learned this through my study of Little Italy and the Juste pour Rires Festival for my two projects. 

I learned that these cities have millions of layers. They love to dance, they love to create. They love good food, and encouraging people to learn French. They are proud of their version of French, and have laws to uphold its usage. What a fascinating place.

Thinking back to what you expected this program to be like, would you say anything surprised you or turned out differently?

I think I was surprised with how much freedom I had in Montréal. I knew that class wouldn’t be all day, and that a lot of learning would be done outside the classroom, but I don’t think I realized how much I would be out and about in the city to learn. And I loved that. 

I loved working with volunteers, in the Juste pour Rires program, to really feel immersed in the French language. I loved taking videos of the different festivals, and interviewing individuals on their work, Québec culture, and their take on summer in Québec, in general. I loved being able to roam around and not forcefully learn something, but easily absorb culture, language, and understanding as you walk and explore.

Tell us about your greatest takeaways from this program. How did this program prepare you for Duke in France?

For me, the greatest things I gained from this program were: (1) comfort with the French language (2) a sense of spontaneity, and (3) confidence with ambiguity. 

This program really exposed me to French: not only in the classroom, but in the streets, with our discussions, and interactions with Madame. This program really taught me how to be spontaneous, go with the flow, and be open for any endeavor we were about to undertake (whether it be visiting the American consulate, drumming at the African drum festival, volunteering with Québec youth at the Juste pour Rires festival, by ourselves). 

This program taught me that it’s okay to not understand – it’s okay to be vulnerable and not have a clue what is going on in a different country with a different language. This program taught me that persistence in trying the language, being open to critique, and slowly absorbing what you learn into everyday usage, will make you a better speaker of the language. I carried all of these traits over into France, and they have been extremely helpful.

What kind of student would succeed on this program?

A spontaneous, open-minded student who is curious about marketing, is enthusiastic about the French language, and is unafraid to make conversations with strangers. 

What advice do you have for other students considering this program?

Take advantage of everything! Go to all the festivals, try the poutine, talk to as many Québec youth as you can. Speak in French at every opportunity – don’t feel nervous trying. You’ll only get better by practicing. See every museum; spend a bit of time in each festival. Profitez bien – Québec rocks.

Erin Butrico ‘18 Duke in Montréal, Summer 2016 Duke in France/EDUCO, Fall 2016

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One mundane question that I received from every single person I discussed politics with in Europe has stuck with me: 'Why is Trump so appealing to Americans?'

Nikita Gawande, “Brexit, Trump and My Summer in London,” Duke Campaign Stop 2016

[dukeglobaled]

It's a dangerous concept to think of a nation as its stereotype...

Katherine Berko, ‘Beyond bullfights, flamenco and sangria,’ Duke Chronicle, October 27, 2016

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The issue of illegal immigration will never revert back to a statistic and a pile of articles for me. Instead, I will forever have that day in Morocco cemented into my memory, with real faces to connect to the issue and two young boys' lives, which I know nothing about, to contemplate.

Katherine Berko, ‘A new perspective,’ The Duke Chronicle, December 8, 2016

[dukeglobaled]

My Study Abroad Path: From Duke in China to a Graduate Certificate in Chinese and American Studies

By Tarela Osuobeni

Why did you decide to do the Duke in China program?

I wanted to expedite my Mandarin language study in order to achieve proficiency. My global advisor explained that Duke in China was the best way to do so. Within my political science major, I became interested in learning about China’s global standing in the world but felt I wanted to see the nation for myself. 

How did going abroad improve your language skills and/or influence your ideas about Chinese culture?

Speaking Mandarin and retaining the language at a fast pace became easier. Going abroad gave me a realistic view of China as a nation. For example, visiting Tiananmen Square and the National Museum in Beijing gave me tangible experiences and perspectives to attach to my political science studies related to China. 

How did your Duke in China experience influence your undergraduate experience?

Once I returned from Duke in China, I continued studying Chinese language for the rest of my time at Duke, fearing that I would lose the language if I stopped. I also got involved in clubs that related to China and Chinese language such as the Chinese Conversation Club, Duke East Asia Nexus, The Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford and the Duke Kunshan Ambassador Council. I became more immersed in knowing all that I possibly could about the nation. 

Is there anything about this program that surprised you?

Besides language, I learned so much about Chinese culture. The weekend excursion to Xi’an made a huge impression on me. In Xi’an we were exposed to calligraphy and intricacies of Chinese traditional-style art. Riding bicycles on the Xi’an wall was also amazing because it finally helped me understand the function of Chinese walls in protecting the City when China was a conglomerate of empires.

What kind of student would succeed on this program?

Someone dedicated to improving his or her Mandarin abilities and willing to overcome initial fears of learning a language. Having an open-mind and being flexible and curious will also help students enjoy the program.

What are you doing now?

I’m obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Chinese and American Studies at the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center. I’m taking Mandarin courses on topics ranging from International Law to the Chinese Constitution.  

Tarela Osuobeni ‘16 Duke in China, Summer 2014 Duke Kunshan University Global Learning Semester, Fall 2014

[dukeglobaled]

A Spanish Festival Unlike Any in the United States

By Lauren DaSilva

The people of Alicante, a small town on the Eastern coast of Spain, consistently look forward to an extremely important annual tradition: Las Hogueras de San Juan. This festival lasts a week and is centered around the wooden sculptures built and beautifully painted by local artists. 

In addition to the sculptures, there are daily parades featuring locals in traditional costumes and mascletás that are fired off in the town plaza. At the end of the week, the wooden sculptures are set on fire (by local firemen) and the crowd that gathers to watch is soaked with water. Fireworks are also shot behind the buildings symbolizing the burning of each sculpture. 

This festival is unlike anything we have in the United States and is celebrated by individuals of all ages, showing how strong the sense of community in Alicante is. 

I am very grateful that I got to experience this festival and for my host family's willingness to share with me.

Duke Intensive Spanish in Alicante, Summer 2016

[dukeglobaled]

Abroad for the Election? Vote from Overseas in 5 Easy Steps

By Liz Brown

Hi everyone!!! My name is Liz Brown and I am a junior studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am writing to tell you about ABSENTEE VOTING! Being abroad is amazing and escaping the chaos of election season in the US is no small perk, but that doesn’t mean our right to participate is any less important. Particularly in this election, voter apathy from young people is NOT COOL; so don’t use the fact that you are MIA from the USA to shirk your duty. 

Below I’ve listed some tips and helpful advice I picked up from registering absentee just a few weeks ago. So, put down your croissant and GoPro and get ready to embrace DEMOCRACY!

Register: If you haven’t registered to vote, DO IT! I would recommend registering with your Durham address so that your vote counts in North Carolina – we are a swing state: YOUR VOTE COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE. If you don’t have a Durham address because, duh, you’re abroad, just put the 1700 Duke University Road, Durham, NC 27701 and you’re good to go.

Fill Out an Absentee Ballot Request Form: Once you are registered, go to the following link: https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Forms/fpca2013.pdf and fill out the form (print it front and back!). The form is fairly straightforward, but a few parts can be a bit confusing. If you want to know specifics for your state go to this link: https://www.fvap.gov/vao/vag and click on the state where you are registered on the map.  Specifics if you are registered in NC: 

You can enter your state issued ID number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number, so don’t freak out if you don’t have both! 

NC will send you your ballot by email, so no need to deal with snail mail if you are in a country where it can be unreliable! 

In Block 7, put the address with which you registered to vote. For me, this was that Duke address I listed above. 

In Block 8, put your abroad address! If you don’t know it/don’t have one, I would suggest putting the address of your study abroad program office. This all shouldn’t be a huge deal if you get an email ballot, but always better safe than sorry when it comes to your right to vote!

Send the Form to the Board of Elections: Fold the page in half and mail. Because you are already abroad, you will need to pay for international postage. Go to a local post office, buy a stamp, and send her off! Send it into the Durham Board of Elections (if you are registered in Durham County) or the BOE wherever you are registered. (Find your BOE: https://www.fvap.gov/vao/vag). The Durham BOE address is: Durham County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 868, Durham, NC 27702-0868. Want Confirmation? You won’t get any type of confirmation that your request has been received, so don’t freak out. If you’re like me and want some sort of thumbs up that your right to political participation won’t be ignored, you can email the BOE and confirm! 

Wait for Ballot: After that, go enjoy abroad and wait for your ballot to come via email/mail/fax. 

Send Ballot In: Make sure you send your ballot in by 7:30 PM on November 8! If you mail it, it must be received by 5 PM on the 9th day after the election, so plan accordingly.

I hope this outline was helpful and that you now feel more confident than ever that this election includes your voice! If you feel like this is too hard: a) you’re wrong, b) it actually takes 5 minutes, and c) Facebook message me and I’ll do it with you. 

Enjoy abroad SO MUCH but don’t forget: your new cell phone number will last 4 months, this president will last 4 years…VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!  

For a how-to video and resources related to voting abroad, visit the Duke Global Education Office website: http://globaled.duke.edu/for_students/currently-abroad/voting-while-abroad

[dukeglobaled]

Daily Experiences in Costa Rica Make for a Unique Lifestyle

By Harry Liu

"It is the everyday interactions with my host family that I cherish and will miss the most!”

Studying abroad in Costa Rica gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in an entirely new culture. The Ticos, what the Costa Ricans refer to themselves as, live by the motto "Pura Vida,” or Pure Life. Staying with a Tico family for a month allowed me to experience and live out the Pura Vida lifestyle.

The photograph was taken during one of my visits to a fería, or local market. The first thing I did with my host family was visit a nearby fería. Going to the market is truly a social experience. 

We chatted with each other the whole walk to the fería. In addition, I met some neighbors there and my host mother introduced me to them. Afterwards, we inspected the locally grown fruits and vegetables of each stand and talked to the vendors. For dinner, in addition to the rice and beans, I had a full plate of fruits, which we just bought together. There were papayas, mangos, pineapples, and watermelon slices!

The Pura Vida lifestyle is best summed up as the combination of the many daily experiences that Tico has. The experiences I’ve had taught me that in order to fully immerse yourself in and understand a culture, you have to keep an open mind, be flexible, and completely embrace it. In other words, you have to challenge yourself to try new things. 

The photograph of the fería shows just one of the many unforgettable memories that I have had this summer. It is the everyday interactions with my host family that I cherish and will miss the most!

Duke in Costa Rica, Summer 2016