Surprisingly one of the most popular foods for British people is a curry! But for something a little more ‘old fashioned’ you may wish to try this delicious recipe for Cottage Pie (also known as Shepherd's Pie in the U.S.).
Traditional Cottage Pie
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 medium carrots, chopped
500g mince*
1 (400g) tin chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato purée
300ml beef stock
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
*Variations in the U.S. include using beef in place of mince meat.
For the topping:
1kg, peeled and diced potatoes
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
75g butter
4 tablespoons milk
Preparation method
1. Preheat the oven to 190 C / Gas mark 5.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add the onion garlic and carrot and cook over a medium heat until soft. Add the mince and cook to brown. Use beef stock to keep the mince moist.
3. Add the tinned tomatoes, puree, stock, mixed herbs and Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, adding a dash of red wine for additional flavor.
4. Boil the potatoes in water until soft. Drain and mash with the mustard, butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the mince mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the mash and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
As some of you comb the Internet, digging for useful information to help you decide where to study abroad, we thought we'd ask our London Program Director, Harriet Clement, to answer some questions.
Do I have to speak proper English? (Really!)
Well, unless you are meeting the Queen you should get by OK! You may find that people are sometimes more formal in the UK, we like to say please and thank you and excuse me. London has such a vibrant mix of people from all over the world, I would say it is harder to find someone who does actually talk without using any slang or localisms. If you do happen to bump into Lizzy at Buck house, just bow/curtsey and keep quiet!
Will the courses be harder?
The UK academic university system may appear to be a breeze - no weekly essays, no in-class tests, no ‘pop quizzes’ and generally no midterm exams. Grades are given in percentages and teaching is delivered by lectures and seminars.
However, not going to one or two lectures usually can mean your work will suffer. One important aspect to remember is independent learning is a critical trait in the UK education system. Classroom contact hours are minimal, students are expected to use their free time to research their subject area and complete the required readings independently. Assessment for modules varies and in most cases, students will have to submit two assignments for each module towards the end of the course. The majority of English Universities do not use multiple-choice exams and critically questioning ideas are imperative in assessments and reports. Sometimes, one’s entire grade will depend on one or two written assignments.
With this said, as long as the student does not lack discipline, self-direction, and proper time-management skills, then courses in the UK shouldn't be so difficult to tackle. Just remember that it is an education system that encourages students to learn how to think and that University policies are strictly followed.
Does it always rain in England?
Hmm, not as much as people think! The main problem is the grey drizzle that can be very miserable. In the winter it will rain a fair amount, but by the time spring comes we usually escape with just a quick shower. Of course, this is always on the day you just visited the hairdresser….my advice is to always carry an umbrella and a pashmina, that way you are always prepared for the changeable weather. And another thing, British people LOVE to talk about the weather, so if you are ever stuck for conversation it’s a good place to start.
What is blood pudding?
Better known as Black pudding, this is to some a delicacy. The pudding is in fact a sausage made up from congealed pigs blood, oatmeal, seasoning, fat and onions. YUMMY! Although I am not a fan, a lot of people really like it, I guess the only way to find out is to try it yourself.
Best part about living in London is ___!
This is a tough one as there are so many things that make living here fabulous. I would say the fact that London is made up of so many little villages, meaning you can be on a really congested shopping street one minute, then turn a corner and be in a park or down a secret alleyway. The city is full of surprises and even having been here most of my life it’s easy to find something new every day. The different types of people are really interesting; in one pub you can find businessmen, students, artists, and people speaking every kind of language and attempting to speak English. There is such an atmosphere and so many free things to do, most galleries and museums are free, but do donate a pound if you can to preserve this tradition. Oh, and CEA has a program here, that is one of my favorite things as well!
Well, unless you are meeting the Queen you should get by OK! You may find that people are sometimes more formal in the UK, we like to say please and thank you and excuse me. London has such a vibrant mix of people from all over the world, I would say it is harder to find someone who does actually talk without using any slang or localisms. If you do happen to bump into Lizzy at Buck house, just bow/curtsey and keep quiet!
Will the courses be harder?
The UK academic university system may appear to be a breeze - no weekly essays, no in-class tests, no ‘pop quizzes’ and generally no midterm exams. Grades are given in percentages and teaching is delivered by lectures and seminars.
However, not going to one or two lectures usually can mean your work will suffer. One important aspect to remember is independent learning is a critical trait in the UK education system. Classroom contact hours are minimal, students are expected to use their free time to research their subject area and complete the required readings independently. Assessment for modules varies and in most cases, students will have to submit two assignments for each module towards the end of the course. The majority of English Universities do not use multiple-choice exams and critically questioning ideas are imperative in assessments and reports. Sometimes, one’s entire grade will depend on one or two written assignments.
With this said, as long as the student does not lack discipline, self-direction, and proper time-management skills, then courses in the UK shouldn't be so difficult to tackle. Just remember that it is an education system that encourages students to learn how to think and that University policies are strictly followed.
Hmm, not as much as people think! The main problem is the grey drizzle that can be very miserable. In the winter it will rain a fair amount, but by the time spring comes we usually escape with just a quick shower. Of course, this is always on the day you just visited the hairdresser….my advice is to always carry an umbrella and a pashmina, that way you are always prepared for the changeable weather. And another thing, British people LOVE to talk about the weather, so if you are ever stuck for conversation it’s a good place to start.
What is blood pudding?
Better known as Black pudding, this is to some a delicacy. The pudding is in fact a sausage made up from congealed pigs blood, oatmeal, seasoning, fat and onions. YUMMY! Although I am not a fan, a lot of people really like it, I guess the only way to find out is to try it yourself.
Best part about living in London is ___!
This is a tough one as there are so many things that make living here fabulous. I would say the fact that London is made up of so many little villages, meaning you can be on a really congested shopping street one minute, then turn a corner and be in a park or down a secret alleyway. The city is full of surprises and even having been here most of my life it’s easy to find something new every day. The different types of people are really interesting; in one pub you can find businessmen, students, artists, and people speaking every kind of language and attempting to speak English. There is such an atmosphere and so many free things to do, most galleries and museums are free, but do donate a pound if you can to preserve this tradition. Oh, and CEA has a program here, that is one of my favorite things as well!
Michelle Pulis is just one of several admissions counselors at CEA Global Education. Hear about her own cultural background and why she loves study abroad.
On Friday, April 29, 2011, Prince William and Kate (or ‘Catherine’ as she will now be known) Middleton will marry at Westminster Abbey. Most of us in the UK are especially excited as we will have a national holiday to celebrate! A traditional way that Brit’s celebrate a royal wedding is to have a street party where roads are closed and neighbors come together to provide baked goods, drinks and have a good old ‘knees up’ ( cockney for a party!). London councils have also decided to stage events such as showing the wedding on large screens in public places such as Hyde Park, and no doubt areas such as Trafalgar square and the Mall will be full of people flying the Union Jack. Westminster Abbey was originally founded in the 10th century and has seen the weddings of the current queen and the queen mother as well as 38 coronations.
Beginning July 27, 2012 a whole summer of sport will kick off across London making it the only city to have hosted 3 modern Olympics (previous were in 1908 and 1948). Twenty-six sports will be shown for the Olympics and 20 for the Paralympics, and the venues range from the new sports complex at Stratford in the east to existing stadia such as Wembley and Wimbledon, and even royal parks and the sandpit on horse guards parade! In preparation for the occasion, the tube networks have had major works and areas of the East End have been completely revitalized. Although tickets are pricey, there are free events such as archery and shooting that have tickets for as little as £20.
Thanks to London Program Director Harriet Clement for sending us this info!
Admissions Counselor Michelle Pulis encourages study abroad students to tour Prague from the Vltava River - in a paddle boat!
Patrick Cornell, a student studying abroad in the French Alps for Spring 2011, offers this insight into his program:
How well do I have to speak French to live and study in the French Alps?
I would suggest having at least a basic understanding of the language. It's possible to get by with no previous French, but it would take a lot more effort.
Why did I choose to study abroad in the French Alps?
I didn't want to study in Paris (anyone can go to Paris), and the pictures of the city and the mountains won me over.
My favorite course is:
"Histoire de la France contemporaine" because the professor is engaging and interesting.
How east is it to see other parts of Europe on my own time?
It's pretty easy as long as you plan in advance. The 12-25 Carte (student reduction train card) helps a lot.
Aren't you stuck in the mountains? What do students do for fun?
I never get tired of looking at the mountains, so even if I were "stuck" here, I would be perfectly content. There's always something to do in the city and in the mountains.
Best place to eat?
Quick food: Cheese Naan (Algerian sauce all the way).
Tasty food: Pain et Co. is always great.
Best place to people watch?
Place Victor Hugo.
Best place to...
... enjoy the warm spring weather? The park behind Musée de Grenoble.
How well do I have to speak French to live and study in the French Alps?
I would suggest having at least a basic understanding of the language. It's possible to get by with no previous French, but it would take a lot more effort.
Why did I choose to study abroad in the French Alps?
I didn't want to study in Paris (anyone can go to Paris), and the pictures of the city and the mountains won me over.
My favorite course is:
"Histoire de la France contemporaine" because the professor is engaging and interesting.
How east is it to see other parts of Europe on my own time?
It's pretty easy as long as you plan in advance. The 12-25 Carte (student reduction train card) helps a lot.
Aren't you stuck in the mountains? What do students do for fun?
I never get tired of looking at the mountains, so even if I were "stuck" here, I would be perfectly content. There's always something to do in the city and in the mountains.
Best place to eat?
Quick food: Cheese Naan (Algerian sauce all the way).
Tasty food: Pain et Co. is always great.
Best place to people watch?
Place Victor Hugo.
Best place to...
... enjoy the warm spring weather? The park behind Musée de Grenoble.
Admissions Counselor Michelle Pulis explains what students should do when they first arrive in Prague, Czech Republic!
Michelle Pulis is an admissions counselor at CEA Global Education. She was born in Colorado, but her parents are from what was formerly referred to as Czechoslovakia and she speaks Slovak fluently.
If any dish typifies Grenoble and the French Alps region, it has to be the Gratin Dauphinois. This inexpensive, easy to make and delicious dish goes well with roast chicken , pork, veal , game, a tossed green salad or just steaming hot served all by itself! Keep in mind, that though there are many versions of this well know recipe, a “real” Gratin Dauphinois never, ever has cheese added to it!
Ingredients:
• Potatoes ≈ 2 Lbs
• Garlic (two cloves)
• Heavy Cream ≈ about 1 quart or enough to cover all of the potatoes
• Butter (about 1 stick)
• Nutmeg (pinch – optional)
• Salt, pepper to taste
Preparation:
• Butter the bottom of a large baking dish. Earthenware is best, but glass will do.
• Wash and peel the potatoes, then thinly slice them either with a food processor or by hand. Do not rinse the potatoes after they have been sliced, use them right away or they will turn brown.
• Thinly slice the garlic and sprinkle a few slices on the bottom of the buttered dish.
• Arrange the sliced potatoes in the dish, sprinkle a tiny bit of grated nutmeg on them along with the salt and pepper.
• Cover the potatoes with cream and a few small dollops of butter. Repeat this sequence until the dish is full, making certain that the final layer is completely covered with the cream; taste for salt at this time by swirling a finger in the cream mixture- add more if needed before baking.
• Bake the gratin in a preheated 178°c (350°f) oven for around 1.5-2 hours or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Turn the heat down a bit for the last 30 minutes if the potatoes have completely browned.
Serve with your favourite roast and (or) a tossed green salad!
Bon appétit!
• Potatoes ≈ 2 Lbs
• Garlic (two cloves)
• Heavy Cream ≈ about 1 quart or enough to cover all of the potatoes
• Butter (about 1 stick)
• Nutmeg (pinch – optional)
• Salt, pepper to taste
Preparation:
• Butter the bottom of a large baking dish. Earthenware is best, but glass will do.
• Wash and peel the potatoes, then thinly slice them either with a food processor or by hand. Do not rinse the potatoes after they have been sliced, use them right away or they will turn brown.
• Thinly slice the garlic and sprinkle a few slices on the bottom of the buttered dish.
• Arrange the sliced potatoes in the dish, sprinkle a tiny bit of grated nutmeg on them along with the salt and pepper.
• Cover the potatoes with cream and a few small dollops of butter. Repeat this sequence until the dish is full, making certain that the final layer is completely covered with the cream; taste for salt at this time by swirling a finger in the cream mixture- add more if needed before baking.
• Bake the gratin in a preheated 178°c (350°f) oven for around 1.5-2 hours or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Turn the heat down a bit for the last 30 minutes if the potatoes have completely browned.
Serve with your favourite roast and (or) a tossed green salad!
Bon appétit!
Writing is one of the best ways to enrich a study abroad experience, since it allows you to improve your writing skills and document your experiences while encouraging reflection on how you’ve changed and grown. I would strongly recommend journaling, whether it be personally or professionally, as an ideal activity for your time abroad.
Ricky Widden is a Florence Fall 2010 student from Washington State University.
I’ve always planned on studying abroad someday and chose China because the Chinese culture has always fascinated me. Studying abroad here in Shanghai will give me the opportunity to immerse in the Chinese culture as well as learn the language. As an international business major, it also is important for me to be knowledgeable about the global economy.
And as China is becoming an influential player in the global economy, studying in China is definitely advantageous.
One of the things I love most about China is the combination of the new mixed in with the old. It’s this constant juxtaposition that draws me in. I will see traditional Chinese architectural styles and in the surrounding areas are high rise apartments, modern skyscrapers, and clogged streets. I find myself constantly drawn into China’s past.
While on a river cruise on the Qin Huai River in Nanjing, the gentle swaying of the boat and the traditional architectural style of the buildings on both sides of the river made it seem as though I’ve stepped through time. The only sound I heard was the water gently lapping at the boat and, for a moment, I forgot that I was in a bustling city. Then a car horn sounded off in the distance and I was thrown back into the present with the vibration of the boat motor beneath my feet and the city lights surrounding me.
China is rich in history and whether it is the architecture or a simple boat ride, this country's history is well preserved and I look forward to exploring more of China and learning about its rich history and culture.
Mai Neng Yang is currently studying abroad in Shanghai through our Global Partner, Shanghai Normal University.
And as China is becoming an influential player in the global economy, studying in China is definitely advantageous.
China is rich in history and whether it is the architecture or a simple boat ride, this country's history is well preserved and I look forward to exploring more of China and learning about its rich history and culture.
Mai Neng Yang is currently studying abroad in Shanghai through our Global Partner, Shanghai Normal University.
Dear colleagues,
Following upon CEA’s record of commitment to engaging in both internal and external assessment and evaluation processes, CEA Global Education is entering a new and exciting stage of growth where our collective energies, in all aspects of our work, will become even more fully directed towards fostering a culture of quality assurance, ongoing outcomes assessment of student learning, and program evaluation.
One immediate step we are taking towards this objective is the testing of student global perspectives — what these perspectives are and how they evolve as a result of the learning experiences they encounter through CEA’s many study abroad programs.
To this end, all spring 2011 CEA Global Campus students will find in their MyCEA Account a link to the Global Perspective Inventory — a widely recognized testing tool in study abroad specifically designed to provide aggregate reports on student perspectives in three dimensions of global learning and development:
• Cognitive
• Intrapersonal
• Interpersonal
The tool will also collect their views on the community and their level of involvement in selected curricular and co-curricular activities. Following completion of their study abroad programs (May-June), students will be asked to take the survey again via another link in their MyCEA Account.
This valuable information will tell us much about our many students and, in consequence, about how we at CEA can design and deliver more effective programs for their individual student learning and development in study abroad.
Detailed information about the GPI can be found at https://gpi.central.edu/index.cfm
While students are not required to take the survey, participation will be key to its effectiveness in evaluating our programs. We respectfully ask for your support in encouraging our Global Campus students to take part in this initiative. I have appointed our Paris Academic Dean, Scott Blair, as the project leader for the GPI initiative. You may direct any questions or observations you have about this project to Scott.Blair@GoWithCEA.com.
I look forward to sharing with you additional assessment initiatives and exercises as this new phase in CEA’s history evolves.
Brian Boubek
Chairman & CEO
CEA Global Education
Following upon CEA’s record of commitment to engaging in both internal and external assessment and evaluation processes, CEA Global Education is entering a new and exciting stage of growth where our collective energies, in all aspects of our work, will become even more fully directed towards fostering a culture of quality assurance, ongoing outcomes assessment of student learning, and program evaluation.
One immediate step we are taking towards this objective is the testing of student global perspectives — what these perspectives are and how they evolve as a result of the learning experiences they encounter through CEA’s many study abroad programs.
To this end, all spring 2011 CEA Global Campus students will find in their MyCEA Account a link to the Global Perspective Inventory — a widely recognized testing tool in study abroad specifically designed to provide aggregate reports on student perspectives in three dimensions of global learning and development:
• Cognitive
• Intrapersonal
• Interpersonal
The tool will also collect their views on the community and their level of involvement in selected curricular and co-curricular activities. Following completion of their study abroad programs (May-June), students will be asked to take the survey again via another link in their MyCEA Account.
This valuable information will tell us much about our many students and, in consequence, about how we at CEA can design and deliver more effective programs for their individual student learning and development in study abroad.
Detailed information about the GPI can be found at https://gpi.central.edu/index.cfm
While students are not required to take the survey, participation will be key to its effectiveness in evaluating our programs. We respectfully ask for your support in encouraging our Global Campus students to take part in this initiative. I have appointed our Paris Academic Dean, Scott Blair, as the project leader for the GPI initiative. You may direct any questions or observations you have about this project to Scott.Blair@GoWithCEA.com.
I look forward to sharing with you additional assessment initiatives and exercises as this new phase in CEA’s history evolves.
Brian Boubek
Chairman & CEO
CEA Global Education
A CEA Day Excursion to Cinque Terre
After traveling around Italy extensively and seeing many of the beautiful cities in this country, visiting Cinque Terre still stands out as a favorite. I had the chance to visit the Cinque Terre region when CEA planned a day excursion for our first weekend of the Fall 2010 program. This gave us the opportunity to get to know each other while experiencing one of the most beautiful locations in Italy.
We started off on the longest of the five trails, from Monterosso to Vernazza, along which we enjoyed amazing cliff-top views of the seas and landscape. Approaching Vernazza, we could not believe how colorful and dramatic the city was. There we stopped for lunch and enjoyed sitting outdoors at a restaurant while watching the bright blue waves crash onto the rocks. The town is simplistic and quaint yet gives you a true sense of Italian authenticity.
The train ride back to Florence had everybody buzzing about the day. It was then I promised myself I would return. Two months later my mom came to visit me in Florence and wanted to experience all the amazing things I had done thus far during my time abroad. Naturally, the first place I took her to visit was the Cinque Terre.
Laura Tuohy studied abroad in Florence in Fall 2010. She is a student at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.
Here‟s my „Florentine Playlist‟:
So Many People - Anberlin
Although I have come to recognize a few “regular” faces on my walk to school, for the most part there are a lot of unknown people passing by. Since I have to walk past the Duomo, I am constantly trying to find paths around all the tourists. Sometimes in the maze, my ten minute walk becomes a fifteen minute one. It‟s funny that even though most people would still consider me a tourist, I find myself getting annoyed and praying for tourist season to be over. As I experience these feelings, I realize that Florence has become my home, even if it‟s a temporary one.
Alone - Heart
When a song like this comes on my ipod on my walk, I am instantly reminded of the situation I
am in. Though I temporarily live in Florence, I don‟t think it will ever be my true home because my friends and family aren‟t here with me. I know this contradicts my previous statement, but like this, Florence to me is always changing.
Cliff Diving - Plus 44
In both a literal and figurative way, this song symbolizes the adventures, experiences and opportunities that coming to Florence has brought me. Aside from literally cliff jumping into the Mediterranean Sea on a trip to Cinque Terre, Florence will always be the first place I went to leave home and step out of the box that was my normal life. Florence is my place of independence where I could do something new and different for myself.
Best Days of Your Life - Sara Evans
My favorite day in Florence is Thursday. I wake up and have three classes that day, which makes a busy schedule from 9am to 4:15pm. Afterwards, I go to Antique Noe for dinner with my roommates. Going there every Thursday is the first tradition we made for ourselves while in Florence. After that, I can simply relax and prepare for the weekend. It is a symbolic day of my life as a whole in Florence. This is why I love the walk to school on Thursday mornings. However, at night, there is a bittersweet feeling of knowing tomorrow I don‟t have to wake up for my walk to school.
Students in the class Italy in the Words of British & American Writers keep a weekly journal, in which they write their impressions and thoughts about Florence and Florentine sites visited as part of their class studies. The above is excerpted from the journal kept by Victoria Galica, who attended CEA on the Freshman Experience program.
 |
| The Acropolis in Athens, Greece |
Like our exciting new Greece program this summer (deadline is April 4)! Spend two weeks in Greece touring Athens - including the Golden Gate at Mycenae, the Theater of Epidaurus, Delphi, as well as Delos and the Mykonos islands. Feel what it's like to walk through history while you learn just how much the Greek culture has contributed to today's modern world.
Continue on to Rome for another four weeks and gain a more comprehensive Mediterranean experience exploring the Eternal City's classical art, imposing scenes like the Colosseum and Forum, and religious history.
Either way, you'll return to campus next Fall with some incredible stories to share.
Check out our Program Wizard to see what other last minute options are still open for your summer study abroad.
