World Opens Up For Freehold College Student With Trip To Spain

FREEHOLD, NJ — A last-minute scholarship application won Mary Katherine McNamara of Freehold the experience of a lifetime.

She learned about an application for Georgian Court University’s Sister Mary Catharine Sullivan Award for Global Education just before the deadline. She gave it a try and applied.

And she came out a winner as the 2022-2023 recipient of the university global education award - and a stay in Barcelona, Spain.

McNamara is a double majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education at the university. The main campus is in Lakewood, on the former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark.

But for two weeks in January, she had a more global experience with her first trip to Europe.

The award, open to education and Spanish majors, made the trip possible by covering her study abroad program costs and homestay immersion, the university said in a news release.

“Because I had never been abroad before, I was nervous about figuring things out on my own, overcoming the language barrier, and finding my way around. Studying in Barcelona made me confident that I can tackle new experiences by myself and be more than okay,” she said, now back from the trip.

She traveled with a group of American students from all over the country, the school said. The students completed a Spanish Art and Culture course, which was supplemented by field trips relevant to the course material.

And the out-of-classroom experiences really made it a dream trip for McNamara, she said.

She said professors led the students on adventures, including tapas tastings, exploring the masterpieces of artist Antoni Gaudi, and attending a Flamenco show.

And each night, she was welcomed home by her host family.

“The people I spent time with made the experience so amazing,” she said.

“The couple that I stayed with was so kind. They did our laundry, cooked us breakfast and dinner, and gave us sightseeing recommendations. I will absolutely keep in touch with them," McNamara said.

And she said the experience influenced her philosophy of teaching.

“My professors gave a lecture for a couple of hours, and then we would go on a field trip to get real-world experience about what we learned,” she said. “That is the type of engaging, hands-on approach I want to use with my students one day.”

One of her goals before leaving for Barcelona was to open her mind to new ways of thinking. And she did.

“Studying abroad completely changed my perspective on my lifestyle at home. In America, we are always rushing, and there is a constant sense of urgency.

"In Spain, everyone was so relaxed, and no one pressured me to rush. The experience reminded me to enjoy my time with the people I love,” she said.

She also said the university's Global Education Department and Director Laura Grodewald were very helpful and made the application process a smooth one.

Her main takeaway?

"I encourage anyone considering studying abroad to go for it. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," McNamara said.

To read more about McNamara's time abroad, visit her blog - and those of other students - at the school's Global Education Blog.

For more information about global opportunities, students can visit the Global Education Programs page or email Laura Grodewald, director of Global Education Programs, at lgrodewald@georgian.edu.

Georgian Court University is a regional university that emphasizes "transformative education, preparing students for ethical leadership and service in the Catholic Mercy tradition," the school said in its news release about the Global Education Program.

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. Georgian Court also serves students through its Center for Professional Studies, and at other locations including GCU at Lincroft, GCU at Rowan College of South Jersey–Cumberland Campus, and through multiple online degree and certificate programs.