Back from Travel
Goodbye Europe! I am back at Babson after spending two weeks traveling throughout Europe. I began in Thessaloniki, which is in northern Greece, working my way around the continent. I look back and think, “Did I really visit all these places?” During my time abroad, I visited schools in Thessaloniki, Athens, Istanbul, Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Lugano and Milan. Pretty amazing!
I know most of you are thinking what a lucky duck! And, I am! But, the reason why James, Mark, Grant and I travel outside the US to see students is the global experience is essential to the Babson philosophy. Not only do we want our students to take advantage of the study abroad opportunities, but we also want our students to have the world literally at their grasp right here on campus. If you look at our student bloggers, you see many examples. Jessie went with Dean Hanno to Ghana, Justin participated in the London Theater program, and Deborah attended high school in Korea, participated in JMCFE, etc.
Many people have asked me what my favorite city was on the trip. And, truthfully, I liked each one for a variety of reasons. However, and it may sound cliche, but I cannot pick one as my favorite. Most of the day was spent with students, and not touring the Eiffel Tower. (I will admit to you though that I did run the Paris to Versailles ten miler! Talk about craziness!)
But, I do not regret this! After being to so many high schools in Europe, I feel that I will be a better reader this upcoming application season. Seeing the new layout of Zurich International School clearly gives me an understanding of the learning atmosphere there. Being at TASIS and Le Rosey, I gained a true sense of the boarding school experience. More importantly, as I traveled with a small group of fellow admission counselors, I felt that we promoted not only our schools, but more importantly we discussed and dissected the admission process with students.
Well, enough nostalgia! I must return to the everyday life of the admission counselor. Today I am the on call counselor, which means that I will be available to families who either visit campus or phone having questions. I will also be working to finalize my New Jersey travel for the next few weeks. For those of you in the Garden State, I look forward to seeing you next week!