Togo: Global Connections and Interdependence

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Pre-departure


Mikaela, Me, and Jordan at a trip meeting

Hi! Thanks for following me on my exciting trip to Togo, Africa.  This is just a quick test post to introduce myself, the program, and what my blog will entail:

  • My name is Ashley Budzol, and I am graduating from CMU this August.  I am going on this study abroad program to finish my French minor (Togo is a francophone country) and apply some background information from my English major (such as themes from African American Lit).  Be prepared for some French and lit quotes!
  • This program is open to all majors and is tailored towards what academic area the student wishes to pursue.  The trip is three weeks long and is broken up between spending time in the south (Lome) and the north (Kara) where we will be having classroom discussions, experiencing local culture, and taking trips.  Dr. Adewui, a professor here at CMU, will be leading the trip as he is originally from Togo (so don't worry, he knows exactly what we should and shouldn't eat!).
  • The purpose of my blog is to advocate this program by sharing my experiences traveling.  Part of our assignment is to keep a daily journal and explain a picture we took in connection with the culture.  Time permitting, I will be uploading these photo reflections as my blog and including historical context in comparison to Africa as a whole and also to U.S perceptions.  

I will post soon about what I will be researching specifically while abroad (I already checked out half the library on all things Togo!).  Other than that I am currently immune to many things, have obtained my visa, and have ordered the necessary Vera Bradley travel accessories of course (hey, it's my birthday).  Take off is May 14th, just a couple weeks away!