Gulbenkian Arts Centre

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Romina Pinto

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Romina Pinto

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hello <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> University of South Carolina <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Canterbury, United Kingdom <i>Program provider:</i> University of Kent <i>Major/minor:</i> Major: International Studies Minor: Linguistics <i>Demographics:</i> First-generation, non-traditional <i>Future career aspirations:</i> After graduation, I would like to pursue a master's degree abroad in Global Security and Borders or in Violence, Terrorism, and Security. My goal is to be a part of an international project or international nonprofit organization to help bring the best practices to law enforcement or assistance generally, to improve the lives of people. Especially vulnerable communities, where families face violence or other critical issues that threaten their safety and impede their development and progress. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1- Broaden my knowledge and gain the necessary expertise to strengthen my professional competencies regarding international cooperation and international security matters. 2- Increase my understanding regarding the UK's new role in Europe as the Brexit process takes place and how this affects the UK and neighboring countries. 3- Engage with a diverse community from whom I can draw more insight and different perspectives into the world, as well as establish lasting friendships and a network of contacts to further a cultural and professional collaboration.

Last week was also a busy week since the due date for the first essays in each class is rapidly approaching. I finished my third essay last week, including the revision process, and I started my fourth essay for the module on Terrorism and Political Violence. I spent some time in the library on Thursday between classes because I needed to do additional research for this fourth essay on the topic of “new terrorism.” I did locate a couple of books that had the information I was looking for to improve my argument. On Friday, I went to the Gulbenkian Arts Centre at the university. The Nu Civilisation Orchestra presented Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album’s release. The show was divided into two parts; the first part covered Gaye’s Trouble Man soundtrack album, and the second part focused on What’s Going On. It was an excellent show, and the orchestra played brilliantly. I am glad I had the chance to attend and enjoy the show. Over the weekend, I spent more time reading and finished writing my fourth essay. I just need to make some revisions and go over it to make sure my thesis is clear and that the essay explicitly supports the argument I am making. This week is going to be a little different because some of the faculty members at the university are taking part in a strike action regarding pay, conditions, and pensions in the higher education sector. Three of my four professors are taking part in the strike, which means that I will only have a seminar session for one class this week; however, the recorded lectures are still available for all classes. The professors taking part in the strike have made the necessary adjustments, and the school is providing students with the support needed. I will use this time to start working on the following four essays.