“The highlights of my time in Iceland include dedicating a whole month to enriching my artistic practice of fibre art and exploring how textile-based art therapy interventions can be used in medical settings. I also met talented people who turned into lasting friends.”
Her advice for students considering a field school?
“Self-direction, as well as an interest in exploring new materials and techniques, is a must.”
Grabowecky adds that her work in Iceland was very independently driven and hands-on, though extracurricular group activities ran the gamut from workshops about the production of Icelandic wool to a visit to the Blanda Hydro Station.
A transformative month in Israel
Yana Moscovitz, a second-year student in the Department of Biology, spent a month of her summer vacation in Jerusalem as part of a program offered by the Azrieli Institute of Israel Studies.
While taking a course taught by Csaba Nikolenyi, professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Azrieli Institute, Moscovitz was able to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds — ultimately opening her up to a world of new ideas, opinions and beliefs.
“We tend to become close to those who resemble us — other biology students, in my case — as we visit similar facilities, clubs or associations,” she says.
“By going to Jerusalem through the Azrieli Institute’s summer program, I became friends with amazing people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, which I'm very grateful for.”
She notes that the opportunity to participate in a field school in lieu of an on-campus course is quite special.
“Not many people get to say that they took field trips for a university course. Learning about the politics of a new country while travelling gives a much stronger appreciation of the material.”
Moscovitz advises students to jump into the field-school experience with both feet.
“It might be scary at first to immerse yourself into a new country, maybe without knowing anyone in your program, but it will be worth it. The stunning views, connecting with lovely people and taking a captivating course made my summer the best one yet.”