By Abigail Pollock | Echo
The Echo interviewed Gracie Fairfax, a sophomore journalism major. She is currently studying at LCC (Lithuania Christian College) International University.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
I realized that studying abroad was such a unique opportunity to spend an extended period of time in a different culture. I had also heard that not studying abroad was often a regret of Taylor grads. I picked LCC because I wanted a program that would immerse me in the culture. Here, we live with roommates from Eastern Europe, which is a culture I knew little about before this semester.
What has living in Eastern Europe taught you about the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
My next door neighbor on one side here is from Crimea and on the other side is a guy from Kiev. My roommates are from the Western part of Ukraine so they are pro-Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine situation. Especially when the riots were going on in Kiev, we would talk about it daily. It was something that was visibly a concern to them. I remember talking to one of my roommates and hearing her concern regarding the corruption in the government. She said that it's nearly impossible to work your way up in Ukrainian politics without becoming corrupt. It's all a power game, and the president can change the rules to essentially become a dictator. Basically, she told me that as Ukrainians they feel very powerless and it's a horrible feeling. Most Ukrainians here are looking to work outside of Ukraine following graduation. However, they still have a lot of pride about being Ukrainian, so although what is happening in their country is very difficult for them to watch, they still love their country. It's really a neat time to be studying abroad here and to understand the people behind these issues, not just as news from the other side of the world.
What has surprised you most about Lithuania?
What shocked me in terms of culture was just how quiet and serious people appear when you pass them in the streets, especially in winter, which goes back to hiding their emotions during Soviet times. I somewhat expected this, but as Americans we are always seen as loud.
While the people here might not appear as friendly initially, once you become friends they really do care. They really value their close relationships and are incredibly (hospitable). I remember when I first came here, my roommates and I had tea, and they shared some Ukrainian candies with us. There is also a thing called Salo, which is essentially pig fat, but Ukrainians love it. I was terrified to try it at first, but I realized that I should accept it, as it's something that they really love. They very much want to share their culture with me. Since we cook for ourselves here, it's always funny to receive criticism for cooking such "American" food. Through being here, I've become a lot more open to trying different foods because these foods are favorites of my friends.
How has Lithuania changed you?
I think more than anything, I have begun to see countries as people. Now when I hear about Eastern Europe on the news, I will think of my friends who are from those countries. I have also gained great insights through daring to ask questions about the situation in Ukraine and just the cultures of the various countries the people here are from. The world seems so much bigger now in terms of the broad range of cultures there are, and yet it seems small because I can now say I know people from this part of the world. I have begun to see beauty in differences. It's incredible to realize that I can be friends with people who have such a different background than me.
What is the most valuable opportunity this program has given you?
I would say my favorite opportunity is volunteering with Mother Teresa nuns on Saturday afternoons. Every Saturday when we're not traveling, I take the bus with two other girls to help the nuns with a soup kitchen. We then go to Mass with them and oftentimes they offer us tea, candies, sausage. They spoil us. Their generosity is absolutely inspiring, and they are so accepting and joyful. They live in a house with recovering drug addicts and alcoholics that they help and they run a soup kitchen as well. They are also from all over the world-Italy, Latvia, India. While I'm not Catholic, it's been beautiful to see that we serve the same God. I've had some really great conversations with them. In the end, I think the most valuable thing the program has to offer is the opportunity to build relationships with people from all over the world.
Why should students study in Lithuania?
Students should look into the Lithuania program because it allows you the opportunity to be independent, travel and make friends from various European countries. We have had the opportunity to see so many countries while we've been here, with program trips to Russia, Latvia and Estonia. In addition, we can travel on our own-I've traveled to Belgium and Italy for weekend trips. Oh, and don't forget the Baltic Sea is right down the street-a quick bus ride away!
(Thumbnail photograph provided by Gracie Fairfax)
