Dear <<First Name>>,
WOW! Can you believe all your hard work has paid off and your spring semester is here? It’s been over a year in the making – applying to Mason, to the Gateway Program, getting accepted to BOTH, placed in your Gateway, completing the UNIV course and doing a great job on your first semester of college! Congratulations! We are so happy to share this journey with you.
In order to keep everyone informed and provide a space for reflection, creativity and updates, we’ve decided to start “The Global Gateway Gazette,” a monthly newsletter to each of you with highlights of each Gateway location.
If you’d like to be featured in next month’s Gazette, just send globalg8@gmu.edu photos, letters, recipes, notes, poems, haikus, drawings, any and all updates you want to share with the larger Gateway group.
Deadline for the March 2019 Edition is FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019.
We look forward to hearing from you all!
|
|
Gateway News from Every Corner
|
|
Spain Corner
The GG Spaniards arrived on site January 20th and moved in to their host families. The first week was crazy for them with a city tour, welcome tapas, course registration (!!), and getting to know their new host parents, siblings and pets. UNIV Instructor Mikaela Spencer was there to help students along the way and just returned to work! Madrid is lucky to have these students for a whole semester!
|
|
|
|
"We had a great orientation week, everyone! Less naps, more adventures, eat everything!"
|
|
|
|
"Two weeks have already passed, this semester will FLY by! You will look back at this time and wonder where it went, I promise! Remember to study hard, eat a lot, try something new, and just enjoy this adventure! I look forward to seeing you all in May!"
|
|
|
Ireland Corner
Our Dubliners arrived on January 22nd and hit the ground running! After getting a tour of their new city, moving into their homes, and learning all about Dublin City University, the students headed to a cold and rainy Belfast for a day trip. They took in some serious history (Titanic!!) and much needed warm comfort food. They are well into their first month at DCU and look forward to a few more day trips!
|
|
|
|
“Hey, Ireland students, you are fantastic! You all continue to impress me with your willingness to adapt and excitement to study in Ireland. Best of luck this semester!”
|
|
|
|
"Hello Ireland Gateway students! Best of luck on classes and all your upcoming adventures. We are inspired by your dedication to study abroad and wish you all the best as you grow in all aspects of your college life. Looking forward to seeing you all in April!"
|
|
|
Chile Corner
Santiagans are the last Gateway-ers to fly out but are already chatting with their host parents, UANDES folks and getting amped up for a semester in the Andes Mountains! They’ve got a jam-packed orientation week planned with day trips to Cerro San Cristobal, a walking tour of Paso a Paso, La Moneda Presidential Palace, a cooking class, and a cultural trip to Isla Negra-Pomaire. What a first week it will be!
|
|
|
|
"You ladies are an exceptional group of smart, driven, strong and adventurous women! I am so proud (and jealous) of this journey that you are embarking on. Soak it all up – enjoy the Chilean summer, food and family!"
|
|
|
|
"Make the most of your time and know that you are going to be ok! You are part of a wonderful group. I am so excited to explore Santiago with you. Pack lightly and bring comfortable shoes. The adventure is about to begin!"
|
|
|
Korea Corner
Next week our Korea students board the plane to Asia! They will land and immediately be greeted by their UNIV Instructor, Liz Wallis, and Mason Korea staff and “chingus” (friends). Their first week includes site-seeing in Seoul, a Songdo how-to-survive tour, and LOTS of Korean BBQ.
|
|
|
|
"It’s almost time! The flight is long, but it will all be worth it. Prepare yourself for a semester that will be full of challenge, full of growth, and full of delicious Korean food and K-pop. I can’t wait to see you there and kick the semester off!"
|
|
|
|
"You all have been a wonderful inaugural class! I couldn't imagine sending a better cohort to Korea. All of your hard work and dedication are about to pay off as you go forth on this life changing semester in Korea. I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures. Enjoy the next four months, they will fly!"
|
|
|
Australia Corner
Our Australia students head down under so soon! After the longest journey of all the Gateway locations, our students arrive in Perth on the 16th of February. They hit the summer sun and surf of Australia and straight into the famous week-long Curtin University O-Week – a week full of fun, meet-and-greets and plenty of “shrimp on the barbie”! UNIV Instructor, Dianna Leonard, also has a few exciting tips and trips up her sleeve. Safe travels and soak in the Australian summer sun, Perth-ites!
|
|
|
|
"Have an amazing time in Perth! Be open to new experiences, meeting new people and enjoy your classes. I look forward to hearing about all your adventures and am already so proud of each of you for taking this major step towards a life changing experience!"
|
|
|
|
"I am so excited for this adventure you’re taking on - literally - the other side of the world! Remember to take a few steps out of your comfort zone to meet new people and try new things. You will grow and change in subtle ways during this semester and I can’t wait to see them when you get back. Take advantage of Australian summer while you can. I will see you soon in Perth!"
|
|
|
Be Featured in the Next Gazette
Submit your photos, recipes, notes, updates, etc. by FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019!
|
|
|
|
|
