Reflections on the COLAET Program Success of 2004

My experiences in Europe over the summer of 2004, made possible by generous contributions of the COLAET trust, were some of the most rewarding and enriching of my collegiate period. Having trekked through six countries in 39 days and talked with friends, classmates, and colleagues from four continents, I now feel that anything and everything is possible. Looking back through the days, however, five major components seemed to strike a chord that has resounded in unison as if to say: success! (Personally and to the working board members of the COLAET Program!)

First and most important to the experience were the innumerable advantages that COLAET provided us. In the form of financial gifts that covered air fare, tuition, books, and spending money, monetary benefits enabled myself and four colleagues to arrive and study in London, England for the summer. Additionally, accommodations at Alexander Fleming Hall were quite favorable. Only a few tub stops away from the University campus and in the heart of the spotty and charactered Hackney borough, the Hall provided good service throughout the stay.

Also integral parts of the study abroad were the friends, classmates, and colleagues that stayed, ate, drank, and talked with us. The exchange of cultures, ideas, and tastes was most interesting and provided a very personal learning experience that has not kept quite within me. Since my return to the United States in early August, I have already seen a big difference in the way I handle conversations and situations that involve a degree of international understanding. I have also kept in close contact with a variety of classmates from a range of countries that spans from Japan to Brazil.

In the way of international understanding, the course at the London Metropolitan University was enlightening. The coursework, though sporadic and non-challenging to native English-speakers, was a thorough review of the first and second semester courses I attended at Arizona State University’s Carey School of Business. While attending course sessions in the UK, I noticed that many (although, surprisingly not all) of my classmates were able to convey their opinions on business and governmental issues around the world. Those classmates who were unable, or unwilling, to convey their opinions were the ones who were generally disinterested in the study of business. It is my feeling that students without this completely necessary character trait ought to stay at home instead of participating in such an enhancing business environment.

Not the entire trip, needless to say, was business-centric. The staff at LondonMet was very conscious of the fact that students abroad in the UK want to study while getting a feel for life in a foreign country. My classmates and I were able to find a healthy balance of school, leisure reading, studying, pub going, sightseeing, and traveling. It seems as though the education I received within the walls of the university paled in comparison to the many lessons I learned while playing football in Hyde Park, meeting colleagues for a beer at Bar 170 or King’s Head, or speaking with fellow COLAET scholars around a hot pot of English Tea.

Finally and most strikingly, the trip was a success because of the support we received. Domestically, we were greeted, applauded, and advised by Mr. John Parrott and his local staff, including the Lake Havasu City mayor and school superintendent. Abroad, we were treated like royalty and given special permission to visit Guildhall representatives and the sitting Lord Mayor. Everyone at the Guildhall was friendly, courteous, and extremely responsive to our every need. The opportunity to meet with the Lord Mayor, albeit brief and formal, was one that will remain in my memory for quite some time.

All things considered, the COLAET experience ranks as highly as any one I can remember. As my second study abroad, I can whole-heartedly say the five components that made this trip so remarkable are unique to this program and a handful of other programs that are so well endowed, both financially and interpersonally. Thank you COLAET for enriching the lives of so many students and putting forth the effort to touch our lives in extraordinary ways!

Michael Kolb

Arizona State University

Summer 2004 COLAET Scholar