Spring Break is now here. In England, its a 3 week affair! Wish me luck in Spain and Italy!

Spring Break is now here. In England, its a 3 week affair! Wish me luck in Spain and Italy!

Reasons to study Abroad

Hey guys. I've heard plenty of excuses not to study abroad--a few I even have noted myself. Some say they do not want to get behind in class or would miss home too much; however, the biggest reason I seem to hear is "I cannot afford it".

Do not let money be an issue in studying abroad, not only because its an experience worth spending resources on, but because it is very affordable. For example, I am a student studying in Indiana from Michigan; therefore, my semester bill comes out to around 14 or 15 thousand dollars. To study for one semester at Edge Hill in England cost me almost half of that: about 9,000. My transportation to England cost 600$ through STA travel because I am a student and an international phone over seas is about 30 dollars if you buy it while you're in England. That is 9,630 dollars including room and board, 12 credit hours, free transportation into Ormskirk and countless other things.

Furthermore, the money you save traveling while you're in Europe is amazing. Not only do you get an education, but the air fare over seas is ridiculously cheap. Today, I am flying to Ireland for the weekend and it cost about 40 pound or about 50-55 dollars. I paid an extra 140 pound simply because I wanted to tour; however, plenty of places are so tourist friendly that you can make an affordable trip without bothering with a tour. My trip to Paris was completely unaided and cost around 250$ for air fare, lodging, food, and entries to major places. Of course, I went on a budget and did not do a few things, but I've been in the Eiffel Tower, seen Notre Dame, traveled the Louvre and so much more. This is all because I decided to go abroad.

Carling Cup

Today, I'm going to the student union to hang out with my newly acquired friends as we watch Manchester United destroy Aston Villa. Should be fun!

Carling Cup

Today, I'm going to the student union to hang out with my newly acquired friends as we watch Manchester United destroy Aston Villa. Should be fun!

School then Play

England is so fun, but its hard too. I have 3 essays due next week, but when its all done...I'm going to Ireland! Love it here

Just another Day

Last week me and my friends journeyed to Preston to watch a football match. I will tell you this: you have not seen a sporting event until you have seen football in Europe. It is so intense! And the atmosphere...wow

Magnum Opus

In Latin, there is a phrase used to describe an artist's or an individuals greatest achievement. This phrase (and the title of this post) is known as Magnum Opus. Francis Bacon has the Instauratio Magna. Dan Brown has his Da Vinci Code. J.K. Rowling has the illustrious Harry Potter series. This year, Julian Easterly has finished his first of the new decade. When I die, I'm not sure if I'll be remembered for a Magnum Opus, but I can account for the pleasure of myself and others in the now.

If you want to check out my aphorism called, "What is Love?--A Valentine's Day Aphorism" or my short essay on Renaissance content vs. form called "Matter Vs. Word," inbox me at jeasterly@indstate.edu or add me on facebook at Ju East or http://facebook.com/highonlife08.

Classes at Edge Hill

Of course it's tough, but what true joy have I received in this short life that has been both satisfactory and simple? Slowly, I've reaped the benefits of it. The classes are truly in depth and the seminars, where we open discuss our ideas, are worth more to an education than a lot of things I've learned are. Besides, classes with British students with knowledge comparable to my own? Not to brag, but I haven't found it too often. Just a thought. Thanks Edge Hill

Edge Hill and all of its Bliss.

I will officially be a member of the Edge Hill student body for a month this Friday; therefore, I have decided to reflect on what has been a splendid month of merriment and wonder by starting this unofficial blog.

What can I say to describe this small English town of Leicester? What words may adequately depict its subtle beauty and tranquility? At glance, Ormskirk may as well be kin to something straight out of a fairy tale. Despite the calming sensation I get when I walk the streets of this town and this campus, when I first arrived I was not sure that I would fit in (i.e. I soon found that I was one of the few black people for miles :)); however, people here are immediately friendly before they recognize your name. Perhaps it's simply an aura of commonwealth and good will that the town seems to constantly emit.

More is soon to come in the next couple of days, I'll write again!