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College of ACES Academic Programs :: International Adventures

International Adventures

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only a page."
-- Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Sir John Mandeville

Anonymous portrait of Sir John Mandeville from an early printed edition (1459) of his magnum opus, The Travels of Sir John Mandeville. According to his travelogue, Mandeville journeyed from his native England to visit the Middle East, India, Indochina, Indonesia, China, Tibet, and Central Asia. His book, which details his globetrotting adventures between 1322 and 1357, was completed ca. 1370 and became immensely popular throughout Europe during the Age of Discovery.

Each year, ACES James Scholars from the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes may choose to participate in an international experience. This may consist of a two-week study tour, a semester or two at an institution in another country, or an internship with an international corporation. This page showcases the experiences and adventures of ACES James Scholars and friends of the Honors Program who have traveled beyond the United States to embrace the global civilization of our collective future.

The following links lead to stories and photos submitted by intrepid ACES adventurers for inclusion on this page. To submit items for consideration, please contact the Honors Secretary, Rob Chappell -- and be sure to check out the section of links to historical travelogues at the bottom of the page.

Finally, before you depart on your own international adventure, be sure to pay a visit to the Cosmopolitan Club on campus. One of the oldest student organizations in existence, the Cosmo Club promotes international understanding and friendship through activities that bring together American and international students for fun and fellowship. Check it out!

Contemporary Travelogues from ACES Adventurers

  • ELEANOR HODAK -- ACES James Scholar Alumna (Class of 2005)
    Eleanor Hodak, an enthusiastic contributor to James Scholar publications during her junior and senior years, spent the spring semester of 2004 in New Zealand. Follow the above link to a collection of her writings and photos from this exhilerating phase of her academic career!
  • AVENTURA MEXICANA DE MEG -- MEG'S MEXICAN ADVENTURE
    ACES James Scholar Meg Dill studied at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico during spring 2006. Follow the above link to her weblog, where she shares her experiences through edutaining letters and photos. Meg's insights into the culture that she visited and how her encounters with it have changed her are both witty and profound.
  • BETHANY SIX AND JESSICA ANDERSON -- Travel with the ACES Global Ambassadors to Argentina!
    In January 2006, James Scholar Media Team members Bethany Six (Class of 2007) and Jessica Anderson (Class of 2008) joined the ACES Global Ambassadors on a fortnight-long study tour to Argentina. Follow this link to read their story and see photo highlights of their adventures!
  • MICHELLE BLASCHEK -- Follow Michelle's Adventures During Her Six-Week Stay in Salzburg, Austria
    Michelle spent the last half of May and most of June 2006 in the picturesque city where The Sound of Music was filmed back in 1965. There, she had the opportunity to pursue her interests in the German language and opera performance as part of her international experience. Share Michelle's enthusiasm and excitement as she learns about the people and culture of Austria.

Links To Historical Travelers and Travelogues

"Travelblogs" from the "Pre-Internet Age"

Transnational Organizations

Travel Information and Preparation

Please visit this page often, as new stories and photos will be added as they become available. For detailed information about ACES Study Abroad opportunities, please contact:

Dean Andrea Bohn
ACES Academic Programs
109 Mumford Hall, MC-710
(217) 333-3380
abohn@uiuc.edu
Office of Academic Programs, College of ACES, University of Illinois
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