At Global Expo, Students Showcase Preview Experiences

By Caitlin Burns | April 18, 2018

The 350 first-year and transfer students from Arcadia’s 15 Preview courses presented a world of discoveries, from traditional dresses to hand-woven hammocks made of recycled plastic, at the 25th annual Global Expo on April 13.

From March 9 to 16, students on Preview traveled to England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Greece, France, Austria, Oman, Vietnam, Spain, China, Nicaragua, Benin, and Italy. This year, Preview featured two new programs: one in Benin, which explored the francophone nation’s history with the Americas, its rich culture, and its rise to one of the most safe and stable nations in Africa; and another in Nicaragua, which investigated the relationship between religion and history, as well as what it means to be “Catholic,” “Protestant,” or “Unaffiliated” in both Nicaragua and the United States.

“It was amazing to work with deaf and disabled individuals, and see how they are sustaining themselves in such an impoverished country like Nicaragua,” said International Studies major Francesca Romaniello ’21. Students learned how to make hammocks made of plastic bags, which are traditionally crafted and sold for income. “I’ve been to 14 countries, but this was my first service abroad. This experience opened my eyes to these types of trips– I’m now looking for a service based internship when I study abroad.”

Other topics the Preview courses focused on included music, history, industry, religion, art, politics, economy, social issues, and language.

“Preview assured me that study abroad will be a good experience,” said Accounting major Allan Pedersen ’21, who participated in the “AU Get Your Groove On” London Preview. He hopes to study abroad in Norway. “It made me confident that I could do it.”

Each year, the University hosts the Preview Photo and Video contest, which provides two grand prize winners with $500 travel vouchers courtesy of STA Travel, while runner ups and honorable mentions receive Arcadia swag. This year, Riley Crouthamel ’21 from the China Preview won the photo grand prize, while Ashley Selig ’19 from the Vietnam Preview won the video grand prize.

Global Expo is an annual event which fosters cross-cultural exploration and celebrates international education.