Andreas Stocker
Hey,
my namés Andreas. Ím currently a senior International Studies major at WVU. My educational interests are in International Development and relating environmental issues. Ím originally from Austria and moved to West Virginia after graduating from high school in August 2004. Ever since, WV has definitely become my second home and always will be so, regardless of where life shall take me next.
For the longest time I was considering to pursue a graduate degree in International Studies for the time after receiving my undergraduate degree here at WVU. However, Ím now more leaning towards law school in order to continue in International Law. I think that́s the better fit for me and will hopefully open the necessary doors to an enriching career in International Affairs.
I love to travel, and simply cańt get enough of other cultures, their languages, their music their way of dealing with everyday life. This is my third time in South America, Íve previously visited northern Brazil during the summer session of 2007, and spent the Spring semester 2008 in Cochabamba, Central Bolivia. Both times through Amizade Global Service-Learning Programs. At this point Íd like to say, if yoúre interested in traveling and an affordable, yet most unique studying abroad experience without delaying your graduation, and if you also happen to have an altruistic vein in your body, urging you to make a difference for the better in the world, Amizade is a great way to get started!
(www.globalservicelearning.org) nah,... unfortunately no commission for me! : )
The main reason for me to sign up for this course was… very selfishly: I wanted to go back to South America again. The course sounded very unique when I initially found out about it, and the final trip to and through Peru will be the ultimate pinnacle to it all!
The class meetings throughout the Fall 08 semester at WVU proofed to be very interesting. We had many interesting guest lecturers on a variety of subjects, and we got a good overview of what to expect once we are to set foot on Peruvian soil. We are a small group of six students and two professors, which allowed us to get to know each other quite well, I think. As Rose has already put it in her post, everybody seems equally excited about this program, which in turn will ensure that we all will have a good time.
I actually already left for Peru on Monday, the 15th of December, but only received a brief glimpse into what is hustlińand bustliń Lima, as I immediately took advantage of the opportunity to travel back to Bolivia before the start of this program in Peru. I spent 36 adventurous – sometimes crowded, at other times very roomy and comfortable – hours in various busses, and finally arrived here in summery Cochabamba Thursday evening. So, now Ím in one of the countless internet cafés dotting the streets of Cochabamba, as is the case with any major city in Latin America. Before heading back to Lima to really get to know Peru, I will spend some quality time with my host family from this previous spring semester, experience the Bolivian way of celebrating Christmas… and will probably take a plane back to Peru instead! : )
Wéll keep you posted as often as possible, and wéd surely appreciate your comments and questions.
Nos vemos… Andreas
