Welcome Week

By:

Romina Pinto

Published:

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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 Welcome Week at the university! I went there on Wednesday to pick up my student ID, and since I received my class schedule early in the week, I also wanted to visit the classrooms where I have seminars scheduled. I wanted to get familiar with the buildings before the first day of class. There were a few tables set up that day, and I stopped to chat with a few people. I had the chance to meet a few students at the International Opportunities table. They provided me with some information that I might look into during the semester. On Friday, it was a busier day because the Kent Union was holding a welcome fair, and there were tables set up for student groups, societies, and sports teams. I walked around and stopped at different tables like the Yoga Society, the Salsa Society, the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, and the Mature Student Society. I am interested in all of these, but I will join the Mature Student Society. Anyone 21 or older can join this group, but the group aims to provide a place where mature students can talk about common challenges, but also a place to chat and relax. The group holds lunches twice a week in one of the dining halls at the university. I am also interested in the Salsa society, and I might stop by one of their sessions, although these are scheduled in the evenings, and I would need to see if there is a late bus that can take me back home. With my student ID, I bought a student pass to use the local buses in the Kent area. This pass is valid for the duration of the semester, and it was a good deal that will save me some money. Also, this past week, professors uploaded information for each class into Moodle. I spent some time reviewing this information and getting familiar with my schedule, as we have pre-recorded lectures to watch and scheduled seminars to attend. I was feeling a bit nervous but also excited to start classes, particularly because the seminars will be held in person!!