Study abroad a cultural experience, not a Îparty'

I am writing to express my disappointment in the article about students studying abroad in the Thursday edition of the Wildcat. In my opinion, the article, which discussed whether students spend more time abroad studying or partying, was largely unrepresentative of UA students who study abroad.

First, the information in the article was incorrect ÷ I spent five months studying in Hanoi, Vietnam, while Sarah Beck spent a year in Ho Chi Minh City. Beyond these inconsistencies, though, I feel the question of whether students spend their time "partying" or studying abroad is overly simplistic and generally unrepresentative of the experience one has when living in a foreign country. Going to a foreign country to study and live for a period time, students are not only there to study, but just as importantly to experience the culture. There is often a lot of time spent traveling to various regions of the country, getting a better understanding of the history of the country, learning to speak the language and bumbling through learning social mores and folkways. As time goes on, students begin getting to know the people who live there and understanding current events and issues that are politically, socially and economically important to that culture and its people. While abroad, students also see a different side of social interaction than we are used to here. Around the world, people spend more time socializing over food and drink. Dinner can last for four and five hours sometimes, and is central to cultures less dominated by television as a means of entertainment. But lumping social interaction outside of studying under the heading of "partying" misrepresents the experience and detracts from the importance of the experience abroad as a whole. [Read article]

With ASUA primaries underway and the general election just around the corner, we decided to indulge our columnists' delusions of grandeur and ask them, "If you were campaigning for student body president, what would your platform be?"

What students really need

As ASUA president, I would put my ear to the ground and listen to students' most pressing campus concerns. After carefully contemplating the feasibility of several campaign proposals, I have decided upon the following (And rest assured, unlike some candidates, I will keep my promises!): [Read article]

Someone who is both interesting to watch and actually has the potential to shape where the country will go after the 2004 elections has finally stepped into the already riveting presidential race.

Ralph Nader, by no standards a typical politician, brings something unique to the table. While the uniqueness may add spice to things, it also offers the American people he attempts to rally a harsh reminder of the state of American politics. [Read article]