Food, food and more food!

A colleague said to me a few weeks ago "You can't stay skinny while working for Northeastern!". I am now beginning to believe this. I have sampled such a variety of amazing foods while working here from thai cuisine to traditional american....and i have loved it!

During staff meetings, conferences and events catering is always provided creating a friendly, informal and welcoming atmosphere for employees. Food makes people HAPPY!

"Food brings people together on many different levels. It's nourishment of the soul and body; it's truly love."

Free Bagel Thursdays

Every Thursday our building has free bagels and fruit for breakfast... great way to start a Thursday morning. There is every kind of bagel you could imagine and so many toppings to chose from... I have to come in early on a Thursday so i have enough time to choose my perfect bagel. Last week's was a golden syrup and pecan bagel with a strawberry and creme cheese filling.

 

Deeeeeelishhhh.

 

Self Development and Experiential Learning on placement at Northeastern

I have already experienced and learned a vast amount while interning at Northeastern. I have only been working at NU Global for a month and a half yet I have been given many tasks and projects to complete which have all taught me something different and have given me an opportunity to develop my skills and experience in a business environment.

As it is summer our office has not been as busy which has given me an excellent chance to get up to speed on all my daily responsibilities and become familiar with the different programs and data bases that I will be using over the next year. I am beginning to feel quite settled and comfortable in my office surroundings.

During my first few weeks I was asked to lead a presentation describing the cooperative/collaborative relationship between my university, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Northeastern University to a large number of faculty members from NU Global. This was, at first, a slightly daunting task as I felt under enormous pressure to do well and impress my new colleagues and supervisor. I had the honor of presenting with Ketty Rosenfeld, a highly inspirational woman, who works in the International Coop Office at Northeastern.  It was interesting to listen to Ketty's story about the GCU and NU relationship and where it began. Several years ago Ketty initiated this successful, cooperative relationship between both universities and now each year several students from GCU travel across the Atlantic to intern at Northeastern and experience life in the USA and many students from Northeastern have ventured to various locations in the UK to study or intern. I'm learning so much about this amazing University working for Northeastern and so this presentation gave me the chance for my colleagues to learn a bit about my university and my home country, Scotland. I was given very positive feedback and my supervisor was extremely pleased with how I conducted my first presentation. This gave me a confidence boost and a drive to aim higher and achieve all that I can during my time at NU.

This year will definitely be a learning curve for me. Without an opportunity to go out on placement, I would be completing a university course with 4 years of theory instead of three and a one year placement. It's not until you're actually out on placement you realise there are so many benefits and rewards of going on a year's industrial placement. It is definitely a fundamental self development experience. I couldn't possibly learn in a classroom what I am learning on placement - these life experiences can't be taught in a classroom!

My Role at Northeastern University Global

I have now been working at Northeastern University (NU) for over a month. My job is based in the NU Global offices which are located a 15 minute walk away from the main campus by the reflecting pool. It is a pleasure to walk to work every morning with this amazing view. 

Reflecting Pool & NU Global Office 

As an Academic Support Assistant for GPAC - Global Pathways and American Classrooms - I assist in the regular operational efforts at NU Global, specifically for the Global Pathways and American Classroom programs.  My responsibilities include organising events, coordinating projects, organising and invigilating TOEFL exams and general office duties including data entry, document deliveries, faxes, copying, typing, shredding, and filing. 

The two programs that I work closely with are English preparation courses for international students.

'The Global Pathways Program offers specialized areas of academic study, intensive English language training, and academic skills preparation. You can concentrate your studies in one of three areas: Business and Social Sciences; Engineering, Math and Computer Science; and Physical and Life Sciences. Upon your successful completion of the program, you are admitted to your chosen undergraduate or graduate degree program.'

'American Classroom is an innovative transitional experience for international students who are looking for advanced English language preparation and an introduction to the American education system and college culture. This program is an excellent start to your American university studies and provides a comprehensive academic and cultural experience designed to help you succeed at Northeastern University and improve your English language skills.'

Northeastern University is an extremely globally and culturally diverse university. NU hosts over 6,500 international students and scholars from 140 different nations across the world.These programs (Global Pathways & American Classroom) are fundamental in aiding international student success and so my assistance role at NU Global is highly important to ensure that they run seamlessly. 

The GPAC team:

First Month in the States

A month has passed since I arrived in Boston, USA... and what a month it has been!

My first week was filled with lots of organising from sorting my bank account and setting up my mobile phone to meeting with my new boss and exploring my new home city. My two room mates, Diane and Amy, helped me with everything during my the first few weeks to help me get settled quickly. I think one my biggest challenges was finding my way about the city without getting lost. All I can say is thank goodness for GPS!

During my first week I experienced and celebrated my first 4th of July in America -  an experience to remember! BBQ, amazing food, a concert at the Hatch Shell and a spectacular firework display. Such an incredible atmosphere through the streets of Boston as everyone celebrated Independence day. It was great to be a part of it.

 

We have been saying goodbye to the GCU interns who have just completed their year in Boston. It was sad to see them leave as we've all became great friends over the past few weeks.They have all had the experience of a life time and have a year's worth of stories and memories to take back to Scotland.

July has been a busy fun-filled month. I am keen to make the most of every single day in Boston. I am learning and experiencing so much every day at work at Northeastern university and meeting lots of inspiring people and at the weekends we are exploring all that this amazing city has to offer.....

Visited Franklin Park Zoo.

An evening at the clay house painting our new mugs for the office.

Dick's Last Resort Restaurant. 

Relaxing Saturday at the Lake house. Swimming, canoeing, BBQs, friends and delicious food.

Free Friday Flicks @ the Hatch Shell. Relaxing after a busy week at work.

 

Revere Beach Sand Sculpture Festival. Impressive sand sculptures built along the beach front - so talented.

Summer in Boston so far has been brilliant. I am looking forward to the months ahead!