(submitted by Madeline)

In the winter semester of 2008, Madeline's third term at Queen’s, she took the opportunity to study and conduct research abroad. Taking her Master's of Education in the stream of cultural and policy studies, an international experience could not have been more appropriate. She studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel; she took two courses that deepened her understanding of culture, sociology, business and education (her areas of interest). She was approved by the ethics board to conduct a portion of her research abroad, and undertook it seamlessly. Simultaneously she built and developed relationships with key persons in her field in an international setting; presently, she continues to work with faculty she met in Israel on further research projects. It has not only been exciting, but enriching. The academic worth of this international exchange for her work as an M.Ed. student was invaluable; but more than that, and equally invaluable, she was able to develop a cultural identity of her own. In doing so she created a broader paradigm to participate and engage within her research data, and, importantly, her personal life. She would recommend the experience to anyone; Queen’s support financial, and structural (which you can learn about from the International Centre) are components that make it a feasible, and rewarding experience. she extends her thanks to Queen’s and the Faculty of Education for making this experience possible!