Stories

Stasia Lopez's picture

#StudyAbroadBecause... it will be the best four months of your life!

Katie Stavros is a 2015 University of Pittsburgh graduate with a degree in Communication and Business and a minor in French. She lives in South Jersey, right outside of Philadelphia. She spends most of her summers at the Jersey Shore with her family and friends. She absolutely loves to travel and explore different cities. Katie spent a European semester abroad in Paris the spring semester of her junior year and it was the greatest experience of her life. 

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture

Who Is Mr. Plutin?

Ready for a fun, interesting read, one that crosses cultures and makes you laugh? If so, jump into Who Is Mr. Plutin?, a new novel by author Rebecca Strong. I picked it up and couldn't put it down - for here is a heroine somewhat like the rest of us, who blunders around, tries her hardest, and is stunned at the way her life has turned out. It's a tale of Russia and New York, of memory and spying, of family and money.

Explore the sounds of a Celtic Cafe with Putumayo World Music

by Kerry Dexter /
Kerry Dexter's picture
Jul 20, 2015 / 0 comments

The mission of Putumayo World Music is defined in its tagline: music guaranteed to make you feel good. Putumayo founder Dan Storper and ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar search the world for music from varied cultures to meet this idea.

Inside Out: An Emotional Disney-Pixar Experience

The time leading up to a brand new Disney movie is always an exciting one. I have to admit, I am often skeptical that the new release will make it up there alongside the classics I grew up with. Yet almost every time, Disney pulls through. This is especially the case with Pixar movies. The newest release, Inside Out, has proved itself as having earned its place among its brethren. Now no spoilers, I promise! I’ll just say that the film tells the story of an eleven year old girl named Riley going through a move to California.

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture

The Magic of Possibility: Fling!

I recently read a novel that completely pulled me into the universe –and what a universe it is! Fling!, the new novel from writer and educator Lily Iona Mackenzie, is set in many countries. It’s at once a glimpse into new, interesting characters - and new, interesting worlds. It’s a saga that spans time, all at once. It’s color, and cold; light, and dark; memory, and forgetfulness; mothers, daughters, granddaughters; culture, and chaos. I love it.

Lin Yuhan's picture

#StudyAbroadBecause I am a global citizen

Charlotte Chen was born in New York. Growing up, she embraced both Chinese and American culture through her living and learning experiences in both countries. She is a rising senior studying computer science at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently she is interning as a programmer in Washington, DC. Charlotte is passionate about arts and exploring international culture. She recently studied abroad in France.

Lin Yuhan's picture

#StudyAbroadBecause I Welcome Challenge

Joseph Zhang has a PhD in Power and Control Engineering. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in April 2015. He is originally from Shanghai, China and has been in the U.S. for 4 years. He is currently working in Pittsburgh. In his leisure time, he enjoys biking and exploring nature. 

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture

The International Crane Foundation

When I was flying back from Turkey last month, I hit the jackpot with my seatmate. Aysen Erdil is a lovely woman - and co-founder of Turna symbiosis dernegi, the Turkish partner of the International Crane Foundation. I can't wait to share more of her story - look for it this year!

Lin Yuhan's picture

#StudyAbroadBecause I Learned To Strive

Shevan Abdulla is from Kirkuk, Iraq. He has been in the U.S. for almost a year now. He studies Political Science, and has just graduated from University of Pittsburgh in April. He plans to go back to Iraq in August. 

Shevan Abdulla: #StudyAbroadBecause I Learned To Strive

 

What motivated your decision to come to the U.S.?

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture

Musical Youth

My favorite book genre is YA (young adult) - it perfectly captures that magical time of life when anything is possible, while also discussing the very real problems of life, growing up, and finding yourself. It's the ultimate genre of hope, possibility, and growth. 

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