Dan's Rock Overlook: A FSU Must Go

View atop Dan's Rock Overlook

Now when I started this blog I said that I would be doing posts about travel both internationally as well as in the Frostburg area.  Considering that it has been a while since I have focused on the Frostburg area, I decided to take a little trip to Dan's Rock on Dan's Mountain on Tuesday since my 12:30 class was canceled.  For those who are unaware, Dan's Rock is a large rocky outcrop with an expansive Eastern and Southern views just miles away from Frostburg State University.

A road sign depicting the upcoming turn towards Dan's Rock Overlook 

Getting to Dan's Rock from Frostburg State University is relatively simple as for all one needs to do is drive a few miles to Old Dans Rock Rd SW, then continue driving on that road until you reach Dan's Rock Overlook.

Dan's Rock is approximately 8 or so miles from FSU

Once at Dan's Rock, feel free to park your car in the parking across the road from the overlook and go exploring the view as well as the "tagging" that many people do when they first visit. 

The view of Dan's Rock Overlook from the park

A note on "tagging:" Many of the college students feel the urge to "tag" that they were at Dan's Rock and spray paint all sorts of things on the rocky outcrop.  I urge you to please take into consideration that if you are thinking of "tagging" Dan's Rock, not only are you vandalizing the area, but you are also leading to the abundant pollution that exists there.

A small sample of the "tagging" that occurs at Dan's Rock Overlook

A few quick facts about Dan's Rock Overlook according to SummitPost.Org:

1. Dan's Rock Overlooks' Elevation is 2898 ft / 883 m.
2. You can view the Potomac River and into West Virginia along the ridge lines on a clear day.
3. "The mountain's first name is named after Daniel Cresap. Daniel Cresap who was the son of a pioneer was famous for climbing a tree while going after a bear. According to the story the tree fell on the rock, making the name become Dan's Rock. "
4. Dan's Rock is located on the front section of the Allegheny Plateau.
5. There is a small caver under the overlook if you are daring enough to climb down to it.

The cave under the overlook



A day around Frostburg.

Students hanging out on the benches between classes

(Right to left: Carl Davis, a student who wished no to be named since she was wearing a Towson sweatshirt, and D'asia Magginson.)

A gathering of 8 Alumni restock on FSU apparel.

A horde of students stock up on what may be their meal before the weekend.

Studying Abroad: 3 Personal Stories

After last weeks post about the option of studying aboard in the United Kingdom to earn a graduate degree, I have decided to interview three people who either are currently, or have studied abroad in the past. This past week I was able to conduct Facebook interviews with one Frostburg State student, Gabby Blassou, a Junior who is majoring in Early Childhood Education, as well as two of my friends, Ben Silverman and Jesse Simpson from my time studying abroad at Tel Aviv University.

The interview I conducted with these three individuals was brief yet informative as for all three were very busy and only had a few minutes to chat when I interviewed them. The questions that I asked each interviewee were the following:

1) Introduce yourself: Name, year, major and where you are abroad?

2) Why did you decide to go abroad? 

3) What is life like living abroad? 

4) How have you grown as a person, if you have at all? 

5) Would you recommend studying abroad to other students? Why/why not?

The first person to respond to my questions was Gabby Blassou. Miss Blassou answered the second question by stating, "I decided to study abroad because I've always wanted to and I am half African half Irish I lived in Africa for 5 years and I wanted to know my moms side(which is Ireland) and it's an exchange program." Gabby is enrolled at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, which has a direct exchange program through Frostburg State University. Miss described living abroad as, "The easy life." She continued to describe how the education system was different in Ireland as for, "Studying here it's only an final assessment where you have one test compared to the states where it's continuous (where I find it easier as continuous)." While we were discussing why we would recommend people to go abroad we both came to an agreement after she stated that, "All in all, if you don't go abroad...educationally or recreational then whats the point? Life is about new experiences, banding new friendships, and creating new journeys. That's the key to "life" honestly." I would like to thank Gabby Blassou for participating in my interview and wish her the best of luck during her semester abroad!



Gabby Blassou enjoying her first Guinness in Ireland.
(Photo from Gabby's Facebook and used with permission)


The next person that I was able to interview was Ben Silverman. I met Ben in the Spring of 2012, while we were both on a study abroad program at Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv, Israel. Ben and I were both fortunate enough to play on the Israeli National Lacrosse team during the Summer of 2012 in the European Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Ben opened up the interview stating that he decided to go abroad as for, "I decided to a abroad because I wanted to have the experience of living in a new country and culture and to get away from the Canadian winter." To me that makes perfect sense as for Tel Aviv is located right on the Mediterranean Sea and we were able to view the sea from campus. We began talking about how we both changed as individuals for the better as a result of our time abroad and he proclaimed that, "Studying abroad help me grow as a person because it gave me opportunities to have experiences I never would have had otherwise." Silverman concluded the interview by saying that he 100% recommends studying abroad to anyone and everyone and said that is what you can expect when you study abroad, "Life abroad was very different. It was much more exciting, discovering new parts of the city and country everyday. Meeting different people from the around the world and submerging myself in a different culture."




Ben Silverman is dressed up as Santa Claus in Tel Aviv, Israel for Purim.


The final person that I was able to interview this week about studying abroad was another friend that I met while abroad, Jesse Simpson, who is currently studying abroad again in Israel at Interdisciplinary Center Herzlyia, and is in his second year there pursuing a degree in Communications. Simpson and I spoke just briefly as he was very busy with coursework, yet was able to make an exception for an old friend in myself. Jesse spoke about the differences between living in Toronto, Canada and Israel as vast yet rewarding. He went on to say that, "life is very different, especially being across the world... hard to adapt to learning a new language, different foods, climate..." When it came about as to why he chose to study abroad, he was in a similar sense as Miss Blassou as well as Ben Silverman as for he wanted to try something new, "Decided to go abroad mainly for a new experience (get out of a city I've been in my whole life), and because I've always loved Israel & my parents encouraged it." Simpson concluded his interview by saying that he would tell anyone to study abroad, even if only for a semester as for it helps your grow immensely as a person to which he has, "definitely grown by becoming more independent from adapting to a totally different way of life. also grown socially by being forced to meet new people/ and language."



Myself and Simpson (Right) at our study abroad programs end of the year party,
With my roommate, Jon Yedgerova, popping up behind.

All and all, I would like to thank all three of my interviewees: Gabby Blassou, Ben Silverman, and Jesse Simpson, for taking time out of their busy lives to answer a few questions for me to help me assemble this blog post about personal experiences studying aboard. This is just a very tiny snapshot of what life is like abroad from three individuals, yet there are many more out there. If you are thinking about studying abroad, please talk to anyone and everyone who has done it in the past to learn more and hear some great stories, as for I'm sure they would not mind talking to you about their time abroad.

Earn Your Graduate Degree Abroad In The UK

Two weeks ago, I received an email from Frostburg State University's Center for International Education about a program being put on in the Lane University Center about the possibility of getting a Master's degree in the United Kingdom.  I decided to go to the program to just see what it was about because I felt that it would be an interesting blog post and that it would give me a different perspective as I search for graduate programs.  Little did I know that attending this presentation would lead to me to fill out five applications to attend graduate school in the United Kingdom.

Jonathan Shadel presenting about Across The Pond in the Lane University Center

The presentation was about 45 minutes in duration and was put on by Across The Pond, a company that is partnered with 33 of the UK's top universities to help facilitate the process of American students searching, applying, and finally getting settled at a university in the UK.  The presenter at this program was a Frostburg State alum and recent graduate with a Master's degree in International Relations from University of Exeter, Jonathan Shadel.  During the course of his presentation, Shadel spoke about the unique experience of earning a masters in the UK as well as some of its perks compared to the US.  A few of the perks of going abroad for a graduate degree that Shadel spoke about were:

1. Graduate Degree's in the United Kingdom are recognized and fully equivalent to their United States counterparts.
2. Most graduate programs in the UK are shorter than in the US with 9 months of study and 3-4 months of dissertation.
1. Graduate programs in the US are generally around 2-3 years as for they follow the semester system and are not continuous as they are in the UK.
3. Graduate programs are mostly cheaper in the UK generally less expensive due to their duration.
4. US Federal loans are accepted in the UK, so anyone can study over study overseas.
5. Experience gained while studying overseas gives you an invaluable edge against competitors in the job market. 
1. Shows that you are willing to step outside ones comfort zone.

After the presentation, I received a business card from Shadel and filled out an online Interest Form about my interests in earning a graduate degree in the UK, including what field I wish to pursue as well as preferred location.  About a week or so later, I received a personal email form Shadel with basic information about various schools in the UK where I could seek a MA in International Relations, as well as information about what I should be looking for in those schools to help aid in my decision. Shadel also gave me more information about how Across the Pond would help me free of charge to apply to 3-5 schools as well as help with the process of getting a student visa and finding housing.

Screenshot about Graduate degrees in the UK from Across The Pond's website

After a few more emails back and forth, I have decided that I will postpone my applications until next semester as I plan on raising my grade point average from a 3.279 to hopefully above a 3.3 out of 4.0.  As I continue to think about the possibility of earning a graduate degree in the United Kingdom, the more likely that reality becomes.  I hope that this post has helped give you some insight into the possibility of earning a graduate degree in the UK with the help of Across The Pond.

If you would like more information, or wish to contact Jonathan Shadel: jonathan@studyacrossthepond.com  

Surviving A Hostel Part 2

Now that I have introduced hostels and what they are, we will now go into how one would acquire a bed in one.  Just like hotels, there are many different hostels in any given city and one of the most difficult aspects of the process is deciding where you are going to stay.  The easiest way to find a hostel would be via the Internet; with two of the most popular websites being www.hostels.com  and www.hostelbookers.com.  If you do not have access to the Internet, you can always use a telephone book or just show up and see if they have a vacancy.

For this post I am going to walk you through how to book a room using www.hostels.com.

Hostels.com's Homepage

As you can see from this screenshot, Hostels.com's homepage is very user friendly and easy to navigate.  For this upcoming "Trip" that we are going to book, we will be going to Goa, India from October 23-28th.  If you did not already know, Goa is a province of India on the coast of Arabian Sea. 

Goa is in the center of the screen

Now that we have decided where and when we are going, we need to look for a hostel to stay in for the duration of the trip.  Upon hitting the "Search" tab on the homepage, you are redirected to a page filled with listings.

Hostels.com listing page

As you can seen from the screenshot, it has the listings in the center with a section to filter the results on the left of the screen, as well as tabs to sort by at the top.  Now, we are going to look into the top rated hostel and book a stay.

The top rated hostel is Evershine Guest House with a 91% rating based off of 9 reviews. In their listing, Evershine states that they are a welcoming guest house located in the rain forest with a peaceful and fun atmosphere.  Evershine states that they are a 5 minute walk away from the famous Anjuna Beach as well as from a flea market.  They expand into their location is walking distance away from a a post office, yoga studio, as well as restaurants.  

Evershine Guest House's info page

Further down the page, they have their rates listed with everything from a Basic 4 Bed Dorm, to a Superior Single Private suite.  The rates at this hostel are relatively cheap (as is the rest of India) with prices going from $4.28 to $13.71 per night.  

Evershine's Price Index

After reviewing Evershine's facilities and policies under the price index we are now going to select and book our room.  I selected 1 guest from the tab to the far right of the Basic 4 Bed Dorm and the total of my stay will be $22.10.

My total cost

 From here I selected the "Book Now" tab and was taken to a basic billing page, where it shows a receipt of your transaction and asks for your billing information.  On that page you have the option to pay in either US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros.  Naturally, if you decide to pay in a currency different from USD, the rates will change.  You also have the option of buying cancellation protection in which you would get your 10% down payment back, but considering it is only $4.21 I think I'll pass. From here you just fill in your info and complete your booking like a normal Internet sales transaction.

Billing Receipt

Congratulations on booking your stay and I wish you the best on your trip.

A few pointers for your first hostel stay:

1. Get a lock for your pack/suitcase
1. Most hostel goers are friendly and honest, yet you don't want to walk into your room and see a stranger rummaging around your stuff.
2. Go in with an open mind and open heart
1. It makes your stay much better once you meet people and make friends with the staff and visitors.  You never know who you are going to meet and what adventures they will take you on.
3. Go to the grocery store
1. Most hostels have kitchens for the guests to use.  Buying food and making it yourself will save you money compared to eating out every meal.
4. Have your memories be your souvenirs
1. Yes, I know that handmade wooden monkey is really unique and would look great on your mantle, yet how the hell is that going to fit in a 40 liter pack filled with clothing.
2. Bring a camera and take pictures to show your friends and family where you went and what you did.
1. Also, pictures are great for reflecting upon the trip later in life.
5. Bring a notebook
1. Get a travelers notebook and bring it with you to keep track of your thoughts and reflect.
2. They are great for sharing your story as for written words are most likely going to last longer than your memory.
1. Plus, it's easier to give it to your mother to read rather than tell her EVERYTHING about your trip.
3. Moleskine Classic Notebook
1. A good inexpensive notebook that is great for traveling.

Alright, well that is it for this week, I hope you all go out and book a trip soon and wish you the best of luck.

-JAscher

Surviving A Stay In A Hostel Pt. 1

In a segway to next weeks postings, I am here to give a brief introduction about Youth Hostels and why I feel they are the best places to stay while you are traveling.

When it comes to cheap accommodations while traveling, nothing is cheaper than youth hostels.  Youth hostels are hotels targeted towards young people who are traveling around an area. When you stay at a hostel, most times you will be staying in a "dorm" or a large room with many bunk beds.  Some hostels have you crammed in like a can of sardines, while others have private and semi-private rooms.  Hostels are cheap, common, and allow you to meet other travelers who you can make connections with and go exploring with.

When many people think of hostels they think of sketchy and grimy places where you will most likely be robbed or mugged.  While I cannot say that does not happen, it is not the norm.  Please check back next week as I give a more in depth look at hostels and give you reasons as to why you should stay at one at some point in your life.

Hanging out with my roommate Dan Gitlitz (Shirtless in the center) and the Irish gang one morning after a long night of exploring the nightlife of Budapest.