ECU Graphic Design and Photography in the UK

The Language Barrier

2009-04-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

In spite of the fact that both Americans and the British speak English, there are noticeable differences beyond their (or our!) accents. Here are a few key terms to keep you in the know.

clothing:
trousers = pants.
pants = underwear (knickers is also be used)
jumper = sweater
lift = elevator

loo = bathroom (you may see signs for the WC (water closet)
queue = line
bonnet = hood of the car
boot = trunk of the car
flat = apartment

food:
bangers and mash (on a menu) = sausage and mashed potatoes
bubble and Squeak is a dish comprised of leftover potatoes, cabbage, and perhaps some beef jacket potatoes = baked potatoes (the skin, or “jacket,” is still on)
prawns = shrimp
haggis, neeps, and tatties = haggis (it's quite delicious!) with mashed turnips (neeps), and mashed potatoes (tatties)
biscuits = cookies
chips = french fries
crisps = potato chips
take away = carry out
If you ask for water in a restaurant and don't want sparkling water you will need specify "flat" otherwise you will get bubbly water.

quid = a British pound (currency)
fag = cigarette
snog = kiss
knackered = exhausted
the tube = the London Underground (subway system); in the tube you may hear the phrase "mind the gap" this refers to keeping an eye out for the gap between the subway trains and the station platform; common courtesy on the tube is yield your seat to a pregnant woman or an elderly person, or anyone looking like they could really use the seat (if there are none left)

Meeting on Wednesday April 29th

2009-04-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

See you all at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 29th in room 1110 Jenkins. At the meeting we will:

Record buddy pairs
Assign train seats
Assign hostel roomies
Discuss the readings
Discus behavior expectations and penalties for repeat violations
Answer any questions you have, or discuss any fears you have.

See you then!

Next Meeting + Train Schedule

2009-04-14T07:22:00.001-07:00

Hi all. Yes, our next meeting is on Tuesday, April 21st @ 7:30 PM in Room 1110 Jenkins. We will be handing out readings, talking about flying, and giving you updates on things! The trip is fast approaching and we hope you are as excited as we are!
Topics for the meeting:

Readings
Getting to Raleigh
How to deal with money on the trip
Flying/travel safety
+ more!

Here are our travel times for our train trips:
Friday, 29 May 2009
Depart: London Kings Cross 07:00
Arrive: Glasgow Central 12:47

Sunday, May 31, 2009
Depart: Glasgow Central 10:50
Arrive: Edinburgh 11:54

Saturday, 6 June 2009
Depart: Edinburgh 10:00
Arrive: London Kings Cross 14:43

March 24th Meeting

2009-03-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there. At the March 24th meeting this is what we are going to discuss.

We collected ISIC Student Discount Card applications. If you weren't able to attend you need to get your application to Annie Hogan ASAP!
Topics for presentations were discussed again. If you haven't picked one, see that post on the blog, and select one.
We reviewed the coursework requirements. See the link on the right side of this page.
We discussed our housing. Some of our accommodations will have mixed-gender dormitory-style rooms. We will do our best to accommodate requests for all-women rooms.
Breakfast is included in the cost of your trip! Our hostels will be providing it! In addition, on the tour of the Scottish Highlands 2 dinners are also included. This is all thanks to our accommodations booking agent and the strength of the dollar against the British pound.
We would like everyone to pick a travel buddy. You will be rooming with your travel buddy and will responsible for helping make sure that person gets on all the trains, is up in the AM, etc. And, your travel buddy will do the same for you!
Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 14th, at 7:30 PM, room 1110 Jenkins.

What went down at the Tuesday March 3rd meeting

2009-03-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

An update on what went down at the meeting last Tuesday night at 7.30pm.

ISIC forms: International Student Discount Card forms were handed out. If you didn't get one please come collect one from my door (Office Rm 1115 in Jenkins). The $22 fee is already included in your trip price.

To complete, You will need 2 passport sized photographs of 'yer mug' for the application....see the details on the form. I think it would be easy just to go to Walgreens for this to be done. It takes the hassle out for a couple 'a bucks.

Please bring the passport photos and the completed form to the next meeting. This is on March 24th at 7.30pm in Room 1110.

Small Presentations forms part of your grade: 8-10 minutes

Kate and I handed out a form that has all the presentation topics listed. The presentation is a small 8-10 minute talk about a particular topic that is relevant to the trip. It will form part of your grade for this class. You will do it verbally to the group. This small presentation will be done at the appropriate time on the trip according to what we are visiting. eg. the History of the V & A museum will be done at the V & A when we visit.

For those that were at the meeting they got first dibs on the topics and signed their name next to their topic. For those that need to sign your name to a presentation, please do so as a comment to this blog!

Following are the topics remaining:

History of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London)

Tracy Emin (Contemporary British Photographer)

Sam Taylor Wood (Contemporary British Photographer)

E. McKnight Kauffer (Historical graphic designer)

History of the pinhole and how it works : Camera Obscura: Edinburgh

The Lindisfarne Gospels (The British Library)

Julia Margaret Cameron and portraiture (Historic female British Photographer)

Frederick Scott Archer : The role of color in photography (Scottish)

Nicholas Pevsner: History of the history of design

The Pre-Raphaelites

The Bloomsbury literary movement

The Fluxus movement

Robert Long (contemporary conceptual artist)

The history/ies of the Tate Britain Museum and the Tate Modern

Itinerary for the Trip: I will email this to you today.

Luggage: Kate's super fantastic luggage.

See here for the Eagle Creek Crossroads 22 (Rollie/Backpack)

See here for the Rick Steve's Veloce Daypack

See here for Kim's luggage: High Sierra ATQ Carry On Wheeled Backpack w/Removable Day Pack

So, if you have any questions, just email Kate or myself!

Happy Spring Break!!

Take care on those roads!

Meetings Before we Head to the Uk

2009-02-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Cheers all! We have planned the meeting that we'll have between now and when we depart for England!

Tuesday, March 3rd - 7:30 PM - Room 1110 Jenkins

Details on air travel; present/pick topics for student presentations
Distribute Student Discount card applications

Tuesday, March 24th - 7:30 PM - Room 1110 Jenkins

Present/review coursework schedule/expectations for projects
Collect passport sized photographs and completed student discount card applications

Tuesday, April 14th - 7:30 PM - Room 1110 Jenkins

Present/review readings for the trip; discuss your responsibilities on the trip;

Tuesday, May 19th - 1 PM - Room 1110 Jenkins - Final meeting before we fly away!

Last minute questions; packing assistance, etc.
Watch To Sir With Love

Our tour of the Scottish Highlands.

2009-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

If you're curious about our tour into the Highlands, you can check out the provider for the trip, Haggis Tours. We are taking the 3-day Skye High Trip. I took a Haggis Tour last summer, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice busses, great tour guides, and - of course - STUNNING scenery!

But I need that extra pair of shoes...

2009-02-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

It's never too soon to begin thinking about packing. If you start putting aside things now that you will need for the trip it won't be so hard to put everything together when May 19th approaches. Start planning to mix and match clothing so that you will not overload yourself with unnecessary items. REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR BAG! Be comfortable, first and foremost, and WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!

We will be enforcing a strict one checked bag policy for the trip (plus a carry on and purse/coat). This is for your own good. You will be lugging your bag all around the UK and you won't be able to carry lots of luggage. So, the mantra of the trip will be, pack light, be creative, wash your clothes. You can always pack a few clothes you want to discard on the trip to replace with new finds.

Here's a long, preliminary list of things you will want to pack.

GROOMING NEEDS (small sizes - you can always buy more!)
-Small pack of Kleenex
-Hand sanitizer (travel size)
-Deodorant (small)
-Toothbrush
-Toothpaste (small)
-Shampoo/Conditioner (2 travel size should work)
-Comb/Brush
-Soap
-Skin cleaner (if used)
-Skin, Hand lotion (small)
-Make-up (keep is simple!)
-Razor
-Hair Dryer*
-Hair Curler*
*These things try to share with a friend

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
-Day pack you can use as your carry-on item; select a bag that is easy to carry and keep track of
-Travel Alarm Clock (can share with a friend or use your cell if you are going to carry it with you)
-Small folding umbrella (essential!!!)
-Sunglasses
-Book for reading
-Medium size bath Towel
-Washcloth (you may want 2)
-Plastic garbage bag (for laundry)
-Money Belt or similar

CLOTHING (remember you can buy things as you travel if need be!)
-Londoners wear A LOT of black. Keep your clothing simple. Don’t wear shorts, as it will be cool, and you will also stand out even more as a tourist. Sneakers (or trainers) are also another marker of tourists; decide if you want to wear them or not.
-Coat, preferable one that can have another layer to keep warmer, and water resistant
-Warm layer, such as sweatshirt or sweater
-Underwear (enough to last 5 or 6 days worth)
-Sleeping clothing (bring something that is not revealing but comfortable)
-Socks 5 pair
-Shirts 4 or 5
-Pants (or skirts, etc.) 4 or 5 (one ‘outfit’ might be ‘dressy’ for evening wear)
-Shoes (1 pair everyday that are very comfortable; 1 alternate pair (if wanted) or pair for evening shoes)
-Hat or scarf (if desired)

PERSONAL/MEDICAL NEEDS
-Any prescriptions that you use
-Medicine of any kind taken regularly
-Extra pair of glasses (if you have them); extra contact lenses if you wear them; contact lens solution
-Sun Block (travel size)
-MEDICAL "PACK" consisting of:
-Band-Aids and Mole Skin (for blisters!)
-Favorite antacid (if you use one)
-Antiseptic or ointment such as Neosporin, or bacitracin (you can share with a friend!)
-Aspirin, Tylenol, Excedrin, etc…
-Throat lozenges, cough drops
-Anti-diarrhea medicine
-Chewing Gum
-Small water bottle
-Converter for electrical items (consider sharing with a friend!)
-Watch

STUDY NEEDS
-Journal, Pencil(s), Pen(s) a small set of colored pencils or pens might be ideal – but you decide
-Camera with power cord and extra memory chip
-You may want to bring an envelope to collect items, or some glue to add items to your journal or….???
-Any readings you need to finish up
-Your presentation notes

DOCUMENTS
-Extra Xeroxed copy of your passport
-list of family and friends’ email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses

A roof over our heads.

2009-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

You've been waiting to see where we're staying, and here it is! For the duration of the trip we will be staying in hostels to keep our costs as low as possible. You will be sharing a room with up to 7 other students on the trip, and you'll have your own cozy twin-size bed.

All of the accomodations we've book are right in the heart of things. The hostel in London is St Christopher's Inn - The Orient Espresso. This hostel is right in the heart of London, just south of the famous London Bridge. To get to our hostel from Heathrow (the airport), we'll tube (London Underground) into the London Bridge station, and walk to our hotel.

In Glasgow we're staying right in the city centre! Check out the Euro Hostel Glasgow. When we arrive in Glasgow we'll walk to our hostel.

In Edinburgh we're staying in a hostel right in the heart of the city, at the foot of the famous Royal Mile. We'll be staying at the St. Christopher's Inn - Edinburgh. When we arrive in Edinburgh at Waverly Station we'll walk to our hostel, just a short ways away.

Our accomodations MAY include breakfast, but we're still checking on that! Stay tuned.

Meeting Tuesday, February 10th, 7-30 PM - Jenkins 1110

2009-02-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

We are getting ready to buy airfare and put down deposits for the trip. We need to meet to talk about details about the trip and to start getting ready!

We are also still looking for a few students to join us on the trip. Students from outside the School of Art and Design are most welcome! Email Annie or I (or post a comment here) if you or anyone you know has questions or wants to join.

We'll see you Tuesday at 7:30!

The Top 24

2008-12-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Annie and I have just finished ranking the pre-applications to the England/Scotland Study Abroad Trip. Remember that you MUST apply for the program through the Office of Continuing Studies using this application, put down your $75 non-refundable application fee, and a $500 deposit on the trip by Monday, January 12th, 2009. The deposit is essential for securing our rooms and airfare!

For those ranked below number 20, come January 13th, if the top 20 have NOT filed their applications and paid their fees the remainder of the list may apply for the program! As a reminder, all applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA (per the Office of Continuing Studies) to go on the trip.

We ranked the applicants based on degree, program, GPA, and essay. And, here's the ranking!

1. Dan Willett
2. Megan Rohr
3. Travis Bartlett
4. Joseph Grubbs-Hardy
5. Anne Mauser
6. Amber Josey
7. Mary Howell
8. Sarah Fish
9. Christian Dorian
10. Elizabeth Wetzel
11. Kendall Walston
12. Paul Nissenbaum
13. Jennifer Bryant
14. Allison E. Smith
15. Michel Butterfield
16. Malarie Reising
17. Karen Crowson
18. David Little Fichuo
19. Elizabeth Pike
20. Katie Miller
21. Kim Vought
22. Megan Otto
23. Jessica Wrenn
24. Nicole Beasley

Did I miss anything at the meeting?

2008-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hey People!

For those that didn't/couldn't come to today's meeting, here's what went down. We handed out a packet of info that describes the trip in much more detail. We have made a PDF of the document for you to download here. Please print this off, read it, and share it with your family and friends! Also, you can check out pictures from my summer 2008 trip to England and Scotland on Shutterfly here. It has images of many things you'll see during our travels. Take a look and get excited!!!

Survey Monkey : See the previous post for more details!!!!

Passports: If you don't have a passport you will need to get one! For those that are not US citizens and need special visa's make sure they are up to date. Our travel dates are:

May 25 2009 - June 9 2009.

To get a passport application visit your local post office. Kate and I also have them, so email us if you want to come by and pick one up. Or, you can go to the US Department of State to get an application here, or find out about the fees here.

Deadlines : (in chronological order)

Wednesday December 3rd: Last day of classes for Fall 2008

Completion of Survey Monkey. On December 9th check back to the blog to see if you are in the top 20. If not, don't despair! Tuesday January 13th is the day when you have the opportunity to

join the trip if folks in the top 20 haven't registered. First come first served!

Monday January 12th: 2nd day of classes for Spring 2009

Application fee ($75-) and Deposit ($500) due at the Continuing

Education Office. Office 100H East 3rd St (in the Self Help building)

Monday February 2nd:

First $ installment of Trip : $2063 to the Continuing Ed. Office

Monday March 2nd:

Balance of Trip : $2062 to the Continuing Ed. Office

Financial Aid:

For those that know they need to apply for Financial Aid, do not put it off! Demetria Felton is the Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid. Please contact her: feltond@ecu.edu

Some folks asked questions about the Rivers Scholarship. The deadline for this program is February 25, 2009. You can find a link to the application on the right in this blog.

If anyone has questions about the trip, or if you family and friends want more details about it, then add a comment to this post! Annie and I check the blog regularly and will post responses quickly. If you have questions, we have answers.

Remember: Don't forget to do the survey!!

Application Procedure for Study Abroad: Survey Monkey

2008-11-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

We will be administering a small survey to gather information about all the applicants (You!) and some information that speaks to aspects of the trip so there will be no surprises. Things such as deadlines, dollars, dates and what you hope to gain and learn by participating in this trip.

Please access the following link to apply by Wednesday December 3rd: Click Here

Once you have filled the small survey, we will be posting a ranking of applicants based on admission criteria to the course blog by Monday December 9th.

Good luck!

Pull it, haul it, carry it...

2008-11-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

We are going to be on the go during our trip, hauling our luggage up and down stairs, through Tube stations, onto trains, and through the urban streets of London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Packing light will be key (don't worry, we'll help you decide what you need to take and what to leave at home!). I am investing in some new luggage for the trip, because I destroyed my last bag during the summer hauling it across the UK. This time, I'm purchasing a bag that can be carried with a handle, slung on my back as a backpack, or rolled. This type of convertible bag makes hauling all your stuff around much easier, I think. I'm also picking up a new 'day pack' to be used on our Scottish Highland excursion and to be used as a bag to carry around the city if need be. If you're interested, take a look at my wish list.

My new bag:
The Eagle Creek CrossRoads 22

My new day pack:
Rick Steves Veloce

Study Abroad Fair was a Go-Go!

2008-11-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Kate and I had a blast at the Study Abroad Fair tonight!

We met some more potential students that want to come on the trip!

We'll be sending you and email about the meeting for the England/Scotland trip that is happening this coming Friday.

The meeting is going to be in the Jenkins building, Rm 1327 between 12 and 1pm. We'll have more information for you now we are approved as a viable trip. Yay!

See you there and look out for a message from us on email.

LET'S GO!!!!

2008-11-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

This is getting exciting! We are ramping up for another meeting about the trip. At our next meeting we will be covering more details of the trip, provide students with updated materials, and discuss the registration process! Now that the trip has been approved we will be accepting applications. So, come get more details, and pick up an application to apply.

Registration/Info Session for UK Study Abroad Trip
Friday, November 21st, 2008
12-1 PM
Room 1327 Jenkins

Bring your questions!

We're Go!

2008-11-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

The proposal has officially been approved, and we will be holding another meeting in the not-too-distant future to discuss applying for the program. Watch this space!!!

And...come see Annie and I in action at the Study Abroad Fair on Monday, November 17th from 5 to 8 PM on the first floor of Bate Building. That will be a great time to ask us questions, see pictures of our destinations, and more! Other study abroad programs will also be represented. So if you're not keen on the UK, come to the fair and check out the options!

The Proposal is In!

2008-11-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

Annie and I officially submitted our proposal on Friday, October 31st. All of the appropriate signatures were on the proposal, and we're just have to wait about a week to hear if we have approval from Continuing Studies and International Affairs. We'll keep you posted!

General Info About the Trip

2008-11-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

Registration Priority will be given to:
1. Graduate students in Graphic Design and Photography
2. Undergraduate students Graphic Design and Photography
3. Other art majors with GPA 2.7 or above
4. Other majors with GPA 3.00 or above

Where to register and pay for the course:
Division of Continuing Studies, 100-H Self Help building, 3rd St and close to Evans.

Program cost

$4,750.00 (approx.) will cover:

Tuition for 2 course credits (6 s.h.)
20 days of travel insurance
International Student Card (for discounts)
Round-trip air fair from Raleigh-Durham to London return
(if you travel individually, deduct $1300 from the program cost)
All London Underground fares (1 week + 3 day pass)\
Lodging in a double/triple/dorm room (hostel and/or flat)
Ground train fees for included day excursions outside of London
Round-trip train from London to Scotland
3 day Highlands trip in Scotland
2 dinners and 1 lunch on the trip

Not included are:

Meals (except for above)
Bus fares in Scotland (approximately $12)
Optional West End Theatre Show (approximate 35 to 50 GBP)
Optional day trip to Brighton (cost TBD)
Personal spending money, including money for laundry

Preliminary Program Itinerary (pending approval)

2008-11-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

May 21, Thursday
Depart RDU to Heathrow

May 22, Friday
Arrive Heathrow in Early AM; London Underground into London; Check into housing
PM Trip on the London Eye; Walking tour of Central London; Dinner together (cost not included)

May 23, Sat
AM Walking Photo Gallery Tour of London (contemporary photography)
Lunch on your own (cost not included)
PM Early dinner together – Indian Food (cost included); visit to the Tate Modern Museum (open until 10:00 PM)

May 24, Sun AM
(9:00) visit to the Tower of London
lunch (cost not included)
PM (by 3:00 pm arrive) visit to the Design Museum

May 25, Mon (Bank Holiday)
Independent Study Day or Optional Day Trip to Brighton (1 hour each way on the train – cost not included)
PM Group Discussion/Critique

May 26, Tues AM
(10:00 AM): visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum; arranged study of collections
lunch nearby – Fish and Chips (cost included)
PM Visit to the British Library (see the Lindisfarne Gospels)

May 27, Wed AM
(9:30 AM): tour of Westminster Abbey
lunch along the Thames in the Square Mile of London
PM Visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral

May 28, Thurs
Independent Study Day or Optional Day Trip to Bath
(1 hour 30 mins each way on the train – cost not included)

May 29, Fri
AM Depart London to Glasgow via train (travel time 5 hrs 45 mins. on train)
Check into housing; Afternoon walking photography tour of Glasgow
PM Dinner (cost not included)

May 30, Sat
AM Glasgow – House for an Art Lover (10 AM tour)
PM Glasgow School of Art (tour at ~ 3 PM)

May 31, Sun
AM (depart ~ 10 AM) Glasgow to Edinburgh (travel time approx 1 hour on train) drop bags at hostel
PM The Royal Mile

June 1, Mon
AM (9:30) Edinburgh Castle
Lunch (Try the Haggis!) (cost not included)
PM tour of the Modern Art Galleries; Dinner on your own (try a ghost tour of Edinburgh)

June 2, Tues
Independent Study/Research Day in Edinburgh
PM Dinner together with discussion/critique (cost not included)

June 3, Wed
(8:00 AM) Depart for Tour of Highlands; Glencoe, Fort Williams, Ben Nevis
Overnight in Fort Augustus on Loch Ness

June 4, Thurs
Tour of Highlands; Visit to the Isle of Skye; Overnight in Loch Ness

June 5, Fri
Tour of Highlands; Culloden Moor, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Perth
Return to Edinburgh by 7 pm

June 6, Sat
AM Return Train to London (4 hours 30 mins. on train)
PM Dinner on your own (cost not included)

June 7, Sun
Day trip to Avebury and Lacock Abbey; Visit the Fox Talbot Museum

June 8, Mon
Independent Study Day or Leicester Square to purchase optional West End Tickets (cost not included) then Consumer Culture in London Tour (Covent Garden, Harrod’s, Harvey Nichols, Liberty)
PM Group Dinner – Discussion of Travels/Critique (cost included); Optional West End Show

June 9, Tues
Return Travel Heathrow to RDU
Travel on the London Underground from housing to Heathrow

Welcome!

2008-10-30T11:53:00.001-07:00

Hello there and welcome, ladies and gentlemen to Kate and Annie's outrageous study abroad blog! We will be posting information about the trip, pictures, and lots of other goodies to this site as the planning progresses, and our trip gets closer!

Feel free to post comments and ask questions. Annie and I will be checking the blog regularly and will be providing the latest and greatest info as it rolls in off the bustling streets of Greenville.