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In my blog, I have never explained why I am studying abroad in Budapest. So, in list format, (my favorite format) here are some reasons why I am in Budapest now- fall semester of my junior year at McDaniel.
- Talking with McDaniel students who have studied abroad
My parents always told me that studying abroad was a “must-do” in college because their study abroad experiences greatly impacted their own lives. And while studying abroad sounded interesting to me, it was never a main focus, just something that might happen for me in college. However, when I arrived at McDaniel, students who studied abroad told me about their stories and demonstrated why their semester abroad was the best time of their life. After listening to quite a few students, I realized that study abroad should definitely become a part of my time at McDaniel.
- My roommate
Shannon has been my roommate and best friend since my first day at McDaniel (yes, I realize how extraordinarily fortunate I am). Although talking about study abroad with Shannon can be listed in the category above, I need to give her more credit due to her influence. The first day we met, she talked about her need to study abroad and why traveling was important to individual growth. Her passion and opinions were infectious. Shannon influences countless aspects of my life, but her desire to see the world remains one of the greatest gifts she has given me. I hope that you will have your own Shannon when you get to college- that is when you know that you are truly lucky.
- Global Fellows program
While talking with other McDaniel students convinced me to study abroad, the Global Fellows program made study abroad a reality for me while it also increased my awareness on global events and issues. First year students have the opportunity to apply to this program and if accepted, the next three years are filled with interesting colloquiums, an environment that fosters learning with an international focus, and a variety of globally focused classes (studying abroad is also a requirement in this program). When I applied to the Global Fellows program, I knew that study abroad was necessary for me. After attending workshops and events organized by Global Fellows, I became more excited about studying abroad and became increasingly prepared for my experience.
- International Programs Office (IPO)
The experts in the IPO office help students apply to basically any study abroad program. Students have a plethora of options and choose one depending on their financial means, major, and geographical interest. I stopped by the office at least two times a month asking for help making my dream of studying abroad a reality. Without this office’s help, my preparations would have been much more chaotic, disorganized, and stressful.
- A happy mistake
Originally, I planned to study abroad in Zimbabwe in the Africa University exchange program (this is another excellent option for McDaniel students). However, due to problems with dates and other unforeseen circumstances, studying abroad in Zimbabwe was not a viable option for me. So, rather last minute, my plans changed, and instead of Zimbabwe, Hungary became my new destination. Although I was disappointed that my original plan did not come to fruition, I am now ecstatic about living in Budapest. I absolutely love Budapest and at the moment, I can’t help but think that everything (even events that are frustrating at the time) happens for a reason.
 A rare picture of me at Moose Falls, a two minute hike off the road in Yellowstone. Hi guys,
My name is Ema Barnes, and I’m one of those people who does way too many things.
I’m majoring in English and Political Science. I’m minoring in Spanish, Writing, and Computer Science, and I’m a Global Fellow. I’m planning on going to Morocco to study abroad for my entire junior year. Yes, this is all possible–I have my classes for all four years planned out (because I plan when I need to release stress!)
I was born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand. I lived in San Francisco for six years before moving to Maryland for college. I consider Yellowstone National Park to be home–that’s where I’m happiest.
I’m a Resident Assistant for ANW’s second floor. I work on campus as a shift lead at our Telephone Outreach Program. I am the secretary of our pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. I am the attorney general of Maryland Student Legislature, a simulation of state government where we write and debate our own legislation, and I also participate in Models Arab League, European Union, and United Nations. I also participate in our Outdoors club.
I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing with my life in terms of a master plan, so right now I’m doing interesting things that make me happy and trying to make it through alive. For fun, I write when I don’t have writer’s block, I read a lot of really bad young adult fiction and occasionally some good literature, and I obsess over music such as the Cure and Pink Floyd. I have a lot of fun, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you!
Ema
Hey guys,
Yesterday, the staffs of ANW and Blanche came together and hosted an End of Summer Bash in the quad between ANW and DMC.
We had cotton candy, corn dogs, and Rita’s ice, which is as East Coast thing that people seem to adore, and with good reason. It’s like shaved ice, except the flavours are stronger. The food is why a lot of people showed up–who can resist free food?!–but I was really excited when people stayed, too. We had weird and unusual games (again, East Coast things?!) like corn hole and ladder golf as well as a ball for playing catch, a volleyball net, and water balloons.
I must admit, I hate event planning. I hate how one can spend so much time preparing an event just to see it start and end in the flash of an eye. But this one I actually really enjoyed because it was a total success. We had a lot of people come and it was a great opportunity to meet my residents as well as other people I live with. I can, to the surprise of many, be super shy and so I really appreciated the chance to simply hang out with people. We did a great job of planning everything, so it went super smoothly and was relatively stress-free.
I really love how enthusiastic McDaniel students can be, and how willing they are to be silly and throw water balloons and to dance to some good music. I’m excited for the next events we hold!
Ema
  
 This is me, Annie Brown. My adventures around Maryland brought me to this beautiful sunflower field in Jarrettsville last fall. Greetings, readers!
The third week of classes on the Hill begins this week, and since the school year is relatively new, I figured it would be a good idea to introduce myself to you all again sooner rather than later.
My name is Annie, I’m a senior, and this is my third year blogging for McDaniel’s Office of Admissions. I’m an English major and a writing minor, so part of what I love about this job is having this opportunity to write for an audience. But more importantly, what I also love about this job is that by reading my blog posts and the posts of other McBloggers, prospective students and their families can get a feel for what McDaniel College is all about–an especially wonderful opportunity for people who might not be able to come see McDaniel in person.
When I was in the process of choosing which college I would go to, I was very interested in attending a small liberal arts college that would give me lots of flexibility in what courses and subjects I could take and one with an English major that offered courses beyond just the standard literature courses that are out there at colleges and universities throughout the country. I wanted to be an involved student, and I wanted to have professors that are involved in my life. With McDaniel, I have found all of those things and more. Being at a small school has been a great fit for me, I’ve taken classes in a variety of disciplines, and the English department, which offers lots of courses in rhetoric, composition, and new media, is full of faculty whom I can’t imagine my life without, as they have enriched my life in so many ways. McDaniel has become my home, and it’s strange and frightening (but also exciting!) to think about how this time next year, I will be off in the “real world” doing I can only imagine what. But over the past three years, McDaniel has prepared me for real world life, and the preparations will continue–at full speed!–this year.
Outside of the classroom, I can be found working as a peer tutor at McDaniel’s writing center, a place where all McDaniel students can go to receive writing help in all types and disciplines of writing. It’s a job that’s taught me a lot about writing and myself.
I’ve also been a member of the McDaniel Free Press since my first year on the Hill, and this year, in addition to occasionally writing articles, I’m serving as web editor. I’ve also been an active member of Contrast, the campus literary magazine, and this year, I’ll be serving as co-editor. I’m a member of McDaniel’s Honors Program and I’ve also been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta and Lambda Iota Tau honor societies.
In my free time, I enjoy writing, Tumblr, baking, spending time with my friends and housemates, and trying to catch my breath from all of the many things I do on the Hill!
I hope that as I document my final year on the Hill, the stories I share with you will help you learn why McDaniel is a truly wonderful place to become educated for life.
What an unusual first week of classes! Classes officially started on Tuesday due to Labor Day, and I must admit that I felt some apprehension the night before class. I was not only nervous for the new classes, but also for completely new professors, a new campus, new students, and a new atmosphere.
I am taking two political science classes for my major as well as some courses for the McDaniel Plan (including Photography and Salsa Dance!). Both of my classes on Tuesday were intriguing, especially due to the fact that I am in classes with students from around the world. In my political science courses, I am with students who come from New Zealand, Ukraine, Cyprus and Iran, and this diversity created a fascinating discussion with ideas and thoughts that I had never before considered.
After Tuesday’s class, McDaniel students were able to see a familiar face- our very own President Casey spoke at McDaniel Budapest’s convocation ceremony, complete with his pop culture references and famous rap. After the ceremony, we were treated to a river cruise which made the first week in Budapest even more memorable (which I did not think was possible).
On Wednesday I had one class from 4-5:30, so during the day I was able to walk around Margitsziget (or Margaret Island) enjoying the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, due to eight hours of waiting at the immigration office for visas, McDaniel stude nts had to miss Thursday classes. I think that I speak for everyone when I say that we would much rather sit in class than wait in a crowded waiting room.
Thursday concluded my school week as I do not have any classes scheduled for Fridays. Three day weekends every week- it is as great as it sounds. In order to celebrate the first week of classes (if one can call two days of classes a first week) my apartment mates and I walked five minutes to the Parliament building and had a picnic in front of the Danube- just a normal Friday lunch! Hopefully next week I will be able to attend each of my classes and begin a real schedule.
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