Study Abroad

Global Learning

Students Take Advantage of Opportunities to Study Abroad

“The listening begins on the plane as we each insert our ear buds and we create individual listening worlds within a collective travel experience. As we cram our bodies and bags into small, shared spaces we find comfort through what hear; headphones allow us to choose what we listen to and attempt to drown out unwanted sound, for example, babies crying, a neighbor snoring uncomfortably close, inane conversations between those who know each other too well or those who've just met and are trying a bit too hard. Yet what listening experience are we truly engaging in? Do these little worlds close us in or shut everything else out? I found for me it actually allowed for a more singular focus offsetting the awkwardness of mass transit. I don't know if this is true for all, but I finished the ride with copious, reflective notes that energized me as I prepare to immerse myself in the musical adventures of Berlin.” –Ken Parsons, Chair of Religious Studies & Philosophy.

Dr. Parsons teaches a variety of courses in the areas of Ethics, Political Philosophy, and the History of Philosophy. His research in Political Philosophy and Contemporary European Philosophy orients around issues of violence and power, globalization, and social justice. This fall, Dr. Parsons lead a group of students on an adventure to the culturally-rich lands of Berlin as part of the IS/PL 344 course, Music and Politics. The trip lasted from October 16^th-23^rd.  

On their first night in Berlin, the group decided to dine at the Unsicht-Bar, a unique restraint where customers dine in total darkness. “Our servers were all blind, thus expertly equipped to add us through the experience of navigating the world of forks, glasses and conversation in total darkness, for 2+ hours,” said Parsons. Because the class is focused on music and sound, Dr. Parsons and the class thought this dining experience would be a good way to refocus their senses. “This proved to be an ideal environment for attuning to our surroundings and one another in ways we all agreed was fresh and excitingly ‘eye-opening’ for our ears,” said Parsons.

Don’t be disappointed if you missed out on the trip to Berlin, for anyone interested there are also four travel courses offered this spring! For 2013 there are opportunities to visit Montreal, Canada, Rwanda, Africa, India, and the Bahamas. Space is still available but the classes are filling up fast so pick up a registration form in the registration office. For more information on upcoming travel courses, visit avila.edu/travel.