With International Program deadlines quickly approaching, deciding which program(s) to apply to can be difficult. And while freshmen and late-blooming sophomores may have spoken with various upperclassmen and gotten what are most likely relatively biased reviews of one program or another, it’s less likely that prospective IP students have gotten a candid sell of all of them, especially of newer, less-established programs like the one in Shanghai. Thus, in the following columns, you will be sold, in 130 words or less, all six of the academic-year international programs.
To begin, Moore Haus and the nearby Schloss, in Heidelberg, Germany, together form what is surely the closest thing Pepperdine has to Hogwarts. On top of that, the classrooms are located in the Altstadt, a neighborhood that contains dozens of centuries-old buildings, and hosts a number of festivals, including the famous Christmas market. The house is smaller than those in most international programs, but it makes for a close-knit community and an authentic place to call home. While Germany’s legendary food and beer exist in abundance, the walk up the steep hill from town to Moore Haus usually keeps waistlines in check; expect to make the walk at least once a day.
In Buenos Aires the night is always young. Enjoy the best steaks on the planet before dancing the night away and trudging home with the morning light. After your last tango, you need to get out of town. Patagonian wilderness runs down to the very end of the world. Amazonian jungle shelters Iguazú, the most awe-inspiring waterfalls on earth. Don’t forget that living with a host family will get you more contact with the language and culture than anywhere else. After a year, you could be a Spanish expert without even trying.
The brilliant English wordsmith Samuel Johnson hits the nail on the head when he said “You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Sure, it’s the IP mecca for Hogwarts hopefuls (despite what the Heidelbergers claim) and Beatlemaniacs, but once you’re there you begin to understand what beauty inspired Frank Sinatra’s “London by Night” and what a richly unparalleled and generally awesome experience you’re in for. And you don’t even have to learn another language. (Well, sort of.)
Florence, as the birthplace of the Renaissance, may particularly appeal to those fascinated by art and history. The iconic Duomo sits at the center of town, and masterpieces like Michelangelo’s “David” are abundant. For students who appreciate good food, the delicious Italian cuisine will be one of the city’s highlights, with some of the best pizza and gelato available just around the corner. It is true that Florence has the most difficult academic program, and time in the library will be necessary for students who want to keep up their GPA.
Life in Shanghai isn’t a glamorous world of dumplings and boba tea. This Chinese city that never sleeps will provide challenges and experiences unique to its location as the only IP in Asia. A stroll down the street won’t yield accordion music and small cafés accompanied by the pleasant aroma of crepes and croissants, but rather the bustling noisy din of tourists, students and shop owners amidst the stench of stinky tofu. Only the daring few will brave it and get out to explore the hidden charm of this large exotic city. Shanghai isn’t for tourists. It is for culturally interested individuals for whom the experience of language, exotic food and excitement are more important than snapshots in front of famous landmarks.
Take a look at a map of Europe and you’ll see that Switzerland is in the center. While the Lausanne program’s location provides easy access to travel throughout Europe, the country provides great experiences as well. Switzerland is the place to be; it’s the center of international business, economics, NGOs and more. Don’t let us fail to mention that they have some great chocolate and snowboarding as well. Anything you could ask for, Switzerland has to offer, and the program’s director, Mary Mayenfisch, will make sure you see, taste, experience and learn from it all.
Whichever international program you decide on, the Graphic staff guarantees that you will have the time of your life. Some of Pepperdine’s greatest assets are its study abroad experiences. While it can make coming back your junior year to a campus full of people you don’t know a bit awkward, the chance to experience a culture other than your own and find your place in an extremely tight-knit group of friends is priceless. A true Pepperdine experience is incomplete without studying abroad at least once. All you have to do is pick a program.
