"Thank Heaven, here is not all the world." Thoreau made this comment at the conclusion of Walden as he recommended "extra-vagance." He wrote, "I fear chiefly lest my expression may not be extra-vagant enough, may not wander far enough beyond the narrow limits of my experience." Thoreau was concerned both with literal travel and with internal exploration. He urged his readers to explore "your streams and oceans; explore your own higher latitudes." He knew that access to new ideas and new ways of looking at the world could be provided by reading, but many seek to go further. Immersing ourselves in other cultures through study and travel abroad is an invaluable experience, but Thoreau reminds us that reflective travel is the goal.
As more HPU English majors are choosing to study abroad, we'd like to provide this space for them to share and reflect on their experiences. We'd also like to invite our international students to contribute their reflections about studying at HPU as well.
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