boston universit y sydney program THE SYDNEY Shout! SEMESTER3’07

Confessions byA Amber True Piper Australiansurprised at Lovewhat I found. Australia, Affair Ecuador, and of an Aussie After nearly eight England were all destinations to which I could travel Idolizer months of living in the with Boston University and earn credits throughout PAGE 6 land “Down Under,” I the summer and fall semesters. The most exciting have concluded there thing about studying abroad, however, was the is no other place like fact that I would be able to intern somewhere girl on film Australia. As home interesting and teach children with quirky accents. PAGE 8 to some of the most By going away for two consecutive semesters, I interesting wildlife, charismatic personalities, and could fit in everything I had wanted to do at Boston visually stimulating surroundings, Australia has proven University but never seemed to have time for. So I Best of oz: a unique destination with so much more to offer applied. Student Panel than I ever imagined. But, how, you ask, did I decide on Australia—the

Page 7 Following three years of snowy winters and furthest locale possible (and for two consecutive PHOTO: Ross Peizer academic stress at Boston University’s home campus, semesters at that)? That’s easy: a boyfriend on Snaps” “Happy I decided I needed a change of pace. I soon began exchange from Sydney University. Not only was I 2007 ended with a fantasic collection of photographs from Photo essay: researching my study abroad opportunities as an moving to Australia, but my true love was already students on the BU Sydney Program. The end-of-semester Wicket Smaht Elementary Education major and was pleasantly there, anxiously awaiting my Cont. Page 2 photo contest saw Ross Peizer (BU COM 08) take first Page 3 place for a shot of fellow student Ben Friedman (BU COM 08) along the Great Ocean Road tour. byGetting Chris Jordan Political where with it will be in Palfreeman the future. Bringing “Australia has just 20 million people and As a country with the Alicia Hull (BU COM 08) Thanks to physical size of the United represents only 0.8 per cent of the world’s Australia economic base. The United States, on the other came in a close second with a States, but with a population very “Aussie” action shot of Ross Page 6 of less than 10% of the US’s, hand, has nearly 300 million people and nearly half of the world’s economic base. This makes it Peizer learning cricket. For more Australia has been forced to Alicia Hull : PH OTO interesting for a lot of students,” says Palfreeman. of Alicia’s work check out her question where it fits in with photo essay on Page 3! Semester Stats other, larger countries. In In addition what he teaches in his course, Page 2 Palfreeman believes that it is essential for students his course, “The Australian Allison Lavey (BU SED Political System”, Boston to experience cultures different from their own while studying. Palfreeman says, “Students get a 08) made sure COM didn’t University Sydney Program sweep the contest with a The Final lecturer Tony Palfreeman completely different view of how people think. Word They won’t get that living in the United States their breathtaking shot from the Palfreeman during PO350 class. examines Australia’s current Page 8 entire lives.” edge of Kinsg’s Canyon. Allison Lavey : PH OTO BU Sydney Photo Archive role in global politics and Cont. Page 6 1 experiences traveling and living abroad Thus, if there is one piece of advice I Aussie Love Affair that I was never going to meet or be would like to offer future students of any (Continued from Page 1) accepted by Australians if I was one of Boston University study abroad program, arrival. As is to be expected in the sixty Americans hanging out at a club. So, it would be to put yourself out there. I romantic lives of modern college students, I went out on my own. I traveled on my easily could have let my over-traumatic Sydney Internship Students63 three days into my Outback adventure own. I joined a gym on my own. I often break-up early on in my travels or feelings my boyfriend and I were already kaput, socialized on my own until I began to of homesickness destroy any hopes of but my meet and become making my time abroad worthwhile. Hell,

Australian “In just a few weeks, I saw myself friends with a growing for that matter I could have let the fact stats love drifting away from my American number of that Australia’s SED Program Students affair was comfort zone and emerging into the locals. Although ‘tomato sauce’ only just lonesome and tastes remarkably 12 Australian lifestyle.” beginning. rather challenging different to After shedding my share of crocodile at times, my endurance paid off. I America’s Heinz tears and racking up a massive phone quickly began to get invited to friends’ ‘ketchup’ ruin any bill, I soon realized that I hadn’t actually parties and co-workers’ events. In just chance of making relocated myself across the world for a a few weeks, I saw myself drifting away Australia my new home, yet I didn’t. I boy toy. Rather, I had moved in the effort Universities Represented from my American comfort zone and arrived in Australia, accepted that I was semester 11 to escape the familiar and explore the emerging into the Australian lifestyle. It in a new country, and prepared myself by Students this Term unknown. This is exactly what I have was only a short time before Australia did, for new and exciting experiences. I spent the past eight months doing. in fact, become my home. encourage you to do the same. Be patient From interning at an AIDS clinic Don’t get me wrong, life in Australia and don’t be afraid to be on your own. to traveling all around the “sunburnt wasn’t always easy. I did get homesick on Avoid hiding beneath a cloak of worry or continent,” I have actively seen Australia’s occasions and often regretted being so skepticism. Try not to let vanity or fear or best and worst, the keyword being far away from my family unfamiliarity stop you 17 Total Faculty & Staff “actively.” When I arrived in Australia, for so long. Still, I refused “Be patient and don’t from making your study I made a to let these feelings of abroad experience the commitment homesickness stop my be afraid to be on your time of your life. Go to myself that enthusiasm regarding my own. Avoid hiding out there and milk it I would make time overseas. I replaced for all that it’s worth, beneath a cloak of Total Years Running every day of my them, instead, with a Boston University 16 worry or skepticism. stay worthwhile. growing appreciation of Try not to let vanity or included. After all, it’s From day one, Australia. Over the two not every day that your I was aware PHOTOS COURTESY AMBER PIPER semesters I spent abroad fear or unfamiliarity university puts you up in that things in Australia weren’t always in Sydney, I worked hard to stop you from making a beachfront hotel. And, going to be the way they were at home. live every day, long weekend, your study abroad who knows, maybe you’ll If I had wanted things to be the same, I and extended holiday to its experience the time of even find your very would have stayed in Boston; therefore, I fullest potential. I attended your life.” own Sydney University quickly engaged myself in Aussie culture foreign film festivals, learnt student. 2,557 and worked to make Australia my new how to throw an aboriginal Total Students to Attend “home.” spear, kayaked in the ocean at sunset, sang Amber Piper spent both her Summer and Sydney Program to Date In doing so, I chose to distance myself karaoke with bikers at a country pub, Fall Semesters of 2007 in Sydney and from a large portion of the Boston and became addicted to Australian Idol. is graduating in 2008 with her degree University community not out of malice And, in case you were wondering, I met in Elementary Education from Boston but out of necessity. I knew from other several new loves of my life. University’s School of Education. 2 “Sports Writing in Australia” is a recent addition to the curriculum in the Sydney Internship Program. The class, taught by professor Tony Hughes, combines the history, technique, and style of sports writing as well as a basic understanding of Australian sport. Sports enthusiasts and beginners alike benefit from field trips and guest speakers which provide a greater understanding of sports such as cricket, Australian Rules football and lawn bowling.

One of the most memorable trips of the semester was to the Sydney Cricket Ground to learn how to hit and bowl for cricket. This full-day field trip consisted of a tour of by Alicia Hull by the facilities, hours practicing in the batting cages, and unwinding in a local pub. Overall, this was an educational experience that I will never forget.

(clockwise) Photo 1: Boston University senior Ross Peizer (BU COM 08) practices batting at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Contrary to American baseball, cricket is bowled (pitched) by bouncing the ball off of the ground and up to the batter. Photo 2: Professor Tony Hughes leads a tour of the member facilities of the Sydney Cricket Grounds including tennis courts and swimming pools. From left: Chris Jordan, Tony Hughes, Jackie Kostek, Lisa Greenblott and Jason Cutler. Photo 3: Professor Tony Hughes demonstrates batting techniques to Boston University senior Jason Cutler (COM 08) in the batting cages of the Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo 4: Following a day at the Sydney Cricket Grounds, professor Tony Hughes brings the class to a few local pubs to talk about cricket and watch Australian sporting events on television. From left: Lisa Greenblott and Tony Hughes. Photo 5: Members of the Australian Sports writing class IP 401 listen to professor Tony Hughes lecture on cricket inside of the Sydney Cricket Stadium. From left: Lisa Greenblott (COM 08), Ross Peizer (COM 08), Prof. Tony Hughes, Chris Jordan (COM 09) and Jackie Kostek (University of Kansas 09). Wicket Smaht Wicket

3 A Lil’ Aussie Hospitality Alternate Spring Break: by Samantha Hydes

Although the hospitality industry has global standards and techniques, the industry byKakadu Scott Robson, Suzie Eckl,National this spring Park break, but not to Fraser in Australia has a style of its own. Remaining true to the country’s laid back reputation, & Kristen Sawyer Island, not to the Whitsunday Islands, not working at various institutions around the Sydney area has proved to be both an We’re sitting to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. educational and fun-filled experience for Boston University Sydney Internship Program around a campfire, Instead, we charted Darwin on our maps, students. We have been placed in local and international organizations, and we will take downing ginger beer, an unpopular destination but one that the skills we have learned with us in our future careers. I can personally say that my asking each other we came to love in spite of over 100˚F experience at the Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour as a Human Resources “would-you-rathers” weather and thousands of flies sent from Intern has been more than amazing. Not only have I learned numerous details about or “favorite-this- the devil himself. We made friends from the administration processes within a hotel, but I have had a smile on my face the entire or-that’s”. We’re England, Germany, Holland and a teeny time. counting shooting tiny island known as Guernsey – yes, it I was welcomed with open stars from our does exist, much to our surprise. arms and given every opportunity swags, temporarily Everything* about our experience to reach my greatest potential, forgetting the was perfect, even without toilet paper, with in-depth company training spiders as big as fists crawling through the even with the 4WD breaking down, even and tasks that went beyond bush and that the two red spots gleaming with the mossies, and especially with the pushing papers. Four of the School from the billabong are crocodile eyes. incredible nine-person crew that had of Hospitality girls were placed This is Kakadu National Park, a spring enough energy and jokes for another in one of Sydney’s best hotels break destination for adventuresome adventure or two. – the InterContinental Hotel young university students. But what is Sydney. While they all worked adventure, anyway? For us, this is adventure. in the same building they each Picture the furthest reaches of had an experience of their own, Australia’s pristine Northern Territory, *Except for the flies. ranging from Kristen Flaherty’s some of the planet’s most rugged terrain internal accounting audits to Jaime At the Four Points By Sheraton All Associate Meeting November 2007. that even accomplished travelers can only Scott Robson (SED English Education 08), Desman’s Menu Engineering. While Hawaiian Beach Theme with the hotel’s Front Office Manager and dream of. Picture swimming in bottomless Suzie Eckl (Davidson 09), and Kristen we are now leaving Sydney, the Training and Recruitment Manager. plunge pools underneath dormant Sawyer (Sargent 09, Physical Therapy) knowledge we have gained in this PHOTO COURTESY: SAM HYDES waterfalls, hiking through untamed bush amazing city will journey with us wherever our futures lead. We have gained essential and over escarpments, swatting at flies experience that will help us stand out in the ever-expanding hospitality industry. until you don’t notice them anymore. Such events are common in Kakadu Samantha Hydes is currently studying at the Dedman School of Hospitality at Florida National Park, where each night brings State University. Sam will be graduating with her degree in 2009. the happiest and most fulfilled exhaustion you’ve ever known. You are energized by each and every experience: spear throwing with Aboriginals, hiking to see rock art, and (above all else) eating at L>R: Kristen Sawyer, Suzy Eckl, Liz Harrod least two ice cream bars everyday. (COM 08), and Scott Robson. Four of us chose to head northward PHOTOS COURTESY: SUZY ECKL & KRISTEN SAWYER

4 Confessions of an Aussie Idolizer By Suzy Eckl Donning homemade Idol attire and My favourite memory from my 15- Alright already, I’ll admit it: I have flaunting a gigantic Idol banner, my Idol week student-teaching practicum at watched American Idol. Religiously. But posse and I waited eight hours in line on Sydney’s International Grammar School is only a couple of seasons, I promise, so scalding concrete in Circular Quay before teaching and celebrating Thanksgiving with

ESY: Allison Lavey T ESY: securing our places directly against the my Year 5 class. Even though Thanksgiving stage. Quite literally, we could see up is seeped in American tradition and history, the nostrils of Australia’s leading musical it initially seemed so strange to me that my L>R: Suzy Eckl, Kristen Sawyer,

C O UR PH OTO talent: the Rogue Traders, the Divinyls Australian students knew next to nothing Michelle Eng, and Damien Leith as well as our beloved Allison with her Year 5 Students. about the holiday. This dose of reality Jeff Ramras, and Sonia Aussie Idols. kept my American-centric ego in check; I decided to approach this as an Essaibi on The performers may have delighted “educable moment” as opposed to being shocked that the holiday I looked the set of Australian Idol us, but it was the night’s magical location forward to most each year was totally foreign to my students. in Fox Studios. that inspired awe. In front, the stage In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I surveyed my class to see what believe me when I say I never expected and everyone that came with it. To background knowledge they had about Thanksgiving, if any. I asked them to fall so completely in love with the our left, the Harbour Bridge, alit and what major American holiday was fast approaching that started with a Australian version of the wildly addictive dazzling. Behind, the red carpet leading “Th-.” Their answer? “Um…Thursday?” I gave hints about the Pilgrims and television show. to the blazing Opera House, shimmering turkey; one student volunteered “Are you talking about the holiday when Who knew I’d be constructing underneath fireworks. To our right, a you throw snowballs at people and eat honey?” Needless to say, I had very elaborate posters reading “Matt is MY couple thousand cheering fans waving little to work with when I was designing my Thanksgiving lesson. idol!” in my Unilodge apartment with banners underneath a full moon. I had three goals for my students: understand the concept of being other loyal fans? Who knew that every While I may never reveal my Aussie “thankful,” learn about the holiday’s history, and partake in Thanksgiving’s Monday night I’d log onto australianidol. Idol fanaticism to friends and will only most beloved tradition: eating! On the day of Thanksgiving, I invited com and request tickets for next week’s secretly purchase each Idol’s CD, I could the other two Year 5 classes to join my class in our celebration. This show? And who knew I’d win tickets to never deny the joy of the Australian demonstrated the spirit of “the more, the merrier” that characterizes the not one, not two, not even three but four Idol Grand Final. It was a perfect night. holiday. Once all the classes were gathered, I read them a short story Australian Idol live tapings including the Of course, in the interest of sanity and about the history of Thanksgiving. Next, I shared a 24-stanza poem I wrote Grand Final at the Sydney Opera House?! self-respect, I will shun American Idol explaining how and why I was thankful for each student in my class. Finally, While it’s a shame I don’t have the forevermore. I couldn’t handle another each student got to make an edible “Pilgrim hat” by placing a marshmallow same luck with the National Lottery or season: too… darn… emotional. dipped in chocolate sauce on top of a round chocolate biscuit. At the end even weekly bar raffles, the Fox Studios of the lesson, all 75 students told me that they were so appreciative of the spotlight certainly shone down on me. story, the poem, and the food I had shared with them. In return, I told them Perhaps some powerful Fox employee that I was so appreciative of their willingness to learn about my culture. liked my name, or maybe it was my It was then that I realized how lucky I am to be in Australia; to have a statement-in-25-words-or-less that loving family at home that supports me no matter where I am; and to be described why I deserved a seat in the Suzy Eckl T ESY: pursuing a profession that lends itself so easily to changing children’s lives audience: “Because if I don’t get tickets I every day. Never before have I been so thankful for all my life’s blessings as will cry myself to sleep. No really, I might.” I was this year in Sydney. I like to think it was a lifetime of good S C O UR PH OTO karma coming back to reward me, but Leah Miller, Alex Curtis, & Suzy Eckl in line for a live taping. Allison Lavey is graduating in 2008 from the School of Education at Boston whatever the reason for my good fortune, Suzy Eckl will be graduating with her degree University. Allison’s degree will be in Elementary Education. Australian Idol shaped my experience in English with a Film concentration from

Thankful in the Classroom Thankful Allison Lavey abroad on the other side of the ‘quator if Davidson College in 2009. only because of the Grand Final. 5 in Geneva, Palfreeman moved to Hong Kong, a British settlement at the time. From Hong Palfreeman Dr. Keith Suter and (Continued from Page 1) Kong, he moved to Canberra, Australia, EC 464 Professor, As a child displaced by World War Rosemary Oetojo where he first began his academic teaching with 3’07 students. II, Palfreeman’s interest in global politics career at the Australian National University. PHOTO COURTESY: began at a very early age. Born in Palfreeman’s perspective on the world Michelle Eng Shanghai in an international settlement, has developed through his travels across the Palfreeman and his mother were forced globe, “It’s a very different world seen by by the war to move to South Africa, away the Chinese and seen by the French, other from the Pacific front. Concerned with than Brits and Americans. We can’t assume what was going on in the war, he took up that everyone see the world like we do. To a keen interest in politics. me, this is why internship programs are so After moving to England and finishing important.” school, Palfreeman moved to Geneva, Palfreeman relates his experiences Dr. Keith Suter Switzerland to attend the Graduate to those of students today. He feels SO 308: Australian Social Policy had Dr Keith Suter as a guest lecturer to speak Institute of International Studies. He that developing a global perspective and on Australian policy during the 3’07 semester. Dr. Suter has a particular expertise in recounts the time after WWII as a very developing the ability to look through strategic planning and is Foreign Affairs Editor on Channel 7’s ‘Sunrise’ program as well exciting time, specifically in European the eyes of another culture is extremely as commentor on radio. life: “We were in a cold war situation important and beneficial. While working Dr Suter is Chairperson, International Humanitarian Law Committee of Australian in Russia, Europe was a mess, and you in Australia, Palfreeman has come to view Red Cross (NSW), Chairperson, International Commission of Jurists (NSW) and Director could see what the war had done to Australia’s role in global politics as being of Studies, International Law Association (Australian Branch). Europeans.” unique compared to that of the United As a member of the most prestigious global think tank in the world called “The Club While in Geneva, Palfreeman worked States or the United Kingdom. He says, of Rome,” Keith Suter is among the elite thinkers and influencers internationally. The

for the United Nations, which was still in “What you get here is a picture of a small guest lecturer: Club has only 100 members and includes people like Mikhail Gorbachev, Bill Gates, Al its infancy following the collapse of the player in the system. We have to get out and Gore and Jimmy Carter. League of Nations. Following his studies see the world. Studying in Australia, you go Dr Suter is also the author of many publications including 50 Things You Want to Know about World Issues published in 2005.

from the perspective of being a top player in the counterproductive. Using military force to world, to a smaller player.” get what you want is also counterproductive. As a political scientist, Palfreeman is also avidly States loose too much money and too many involved in research and writing. He says, “I’ve always people for the end result of war,” he says. wanted to know how the world works in various Palfreeman brings fresh ideas to the ways…and what that means for the future.” students in his political science class, forcing Early in his career, Palfreeman was on the them to rethink their position on many issues forefront of research with regard to Australia’s of Australian politics. In addition, his lectures Kristen Sawyer and Geno Lyons racial-oriented immigration quota policy or and discussions illustrate the global perspective (both Sargent 09) lended their hands the “White Australia Policy.” His more recent he has developed through his education, to the tired backs of participants in publications center around Australia’s role in global research and travels. the 111km Hawkesbury River Canoe politics in addition to the role of small states in Classic during their physiotherapy global policy. In a book that he is currently writing, Chris Jordan will graduate from Boston internships. Palfreeman discusses the future of war in the University’s College of Communication in 2009 present century, with his main point surrounding with his degree as a Public Relations major and PHOTOS COURTESY: Kristen Sawyer the idea of war as a not helping progression. “Every Environmental Science minor.

internship snapshots war that Australia has entered has been, in the end, 6 Emma Vandervest Eugene Lee corporate wining and dining. It Geno Lyons III was ridiculous. Everyone was in BU - COM 09 BU - CAS 08 BU - SAR 09 seersucker suits and women were Major: Film Major: Bio Chemistry & Major: Physical Therapy Concentration: Molecular Biology dressed in huge hats with a ridiculous three course meal and endless Favourite Aussie Food: Anthropology Favourite Aussie Food: “The whole 360 Cafe Favourite Aussie Food: “Sticky Date Pudding champage!” • A backyard bbq at a buddy’s house buffet. Camel was good, a “Tim Tams, Tim Tams!” from Bondi.” where we played beach cricket: little tough though.” Top Three: Top Three: “Basically just learning how to play Top Three: • The Outback: “I did the • The literature trip to the Blue cricket. Very small backyard and got • Whithaven Beach: “It has the best Connections company for touring Mountains. It included a canyoning a huge gash in the shin from tripping sand in the world it’s so fine and so Kings Canyon, Ayers Rock, all the big trip in Empress Falls, a relaxing class, over the BBQ.” white!” stuff!” and lots of fun (an overall great Advice: “Stay away from backpacker bars • The Great Ocean Road: “The views • “The Great Barrier Reef was a close experience) were amazing and Bernie, our tour second.” • Cooking kangaroo from Coles for and hang out with Americans as little as possible!” guide, was amazing.” • The Blue Mountains: “There was so dinner every week: “Kind of like a • Featherdale Wildlife: “We were in an much to do in Katoomba, it was a bbq. It’s CHEAP and easy. There’s open pen with dingos and they were very chill weekend and we didn’t kangaroo fillets, steaks, kababs, beer, Leah Miller like friendly puppies.” even have to plan anything.” what more could you want!?” BU - SAR 09 Advice: “Budget for the semester. But • “Bondi to Tamarama walk during Major: Occupational Stephen Simon seriously! Budget.” Sculpture by the Sea, with over Therapy BU - SAR 09 100 amazing sculptures! Some are Favourite Aussie Food: kind of weird, but with the beautiful Major: Health Science Nicole Summers “Wedges with sour cream backdrop of beaches, trees, and Minor: Philosophy Trinity 09 & sweet chilli. Oh yeah!” ocean, it’s breath-taking. It’s also Favourite Aussie Food: Major: Communications Top Three: relaxing and you can stop by the “Thai Time, I swear I get & Religion • Barrington Tops: “First off because it beach while you’re there.” thai like four times a Minor: Communication wasn’t planned and I was with 3 girls Advice: “Don’t take yourself too seriously week!” Management from the program. We got to hike up here because people joke around and Top Three: Favourite Aussie Food: the mountain and then canyon with make fun of each other. You can’t take it our Australian friends. Then we set • “Byron Bay was sweet, just in general, “Bimbo’s Pizza in Melbourne!” to heart.” up tents and slept next to a campfire, it was exactly what I wanted in a Top Three: and I like that kind of thing.” spring break. We hung out and surfed. Nimbin was sweet. We • “Night diving on the Great Barrier Ben Friedman • Melbourne: “I think just because it

Student picks from Australia picks from Student Reef is both intense and the most stopped at a waterfall and stood at BU - COM 08 was a different city experience from the edge. They were in a drought frightening thing I’ve ever done.” Sydney, had a very European style. • My internship: “Getting to go to free Major: Advertising and we got to stand were no humans and I thought, ‘you see lots of art, had probably stood before.” concerts and meeting some of my Minor: Sociology Favourite Aussie Food: shops and hang out in cafes. I could • The koala wildlife sanctuary in favourite bands has been so sick!” live there but I like Sydney better.’” Brisbane “Australian Hotel, creative • Walking around small • Cairns • “The Whitsunday Islands in general pizzas. The kangaroo & neighbourhoods like Annandale, Advice: “Emmerse yourself in the culture were like walking around in a Newtown, or Surry Hills/ exploring emu was pretty tasty too!” as much as you can. You learn a lot more postcard.” the markets and having lazy Sunday Top Three: and have a lot more fun.” Advice: “Bring a medium sized backpack. afternoons • Skiing in the Snowy Mountains among I brought a huge bag and just a small Advice: “Try to date or befriend the gum trees backpack which wasn’t enough for • “Melbourne Cup lunch was Australians! They’ll show you around and weekend trips.” Best of Oz: introduce you to people.”

7 Technology and I have a rocky in a movie. We learned through hands relationship, some may even call me on experience how to operate and Girl on Film: Caitlin Hart on Her “technically challenged.” The Sydney edit video. My class was a combination program offers a film production class, of both film majors and rookie movie First Film Production Experience but given my predisposition I wasn’t sure directors; however, with a class size of 7 if it was a great idea. However, for anyone students, everyone was able to work on who is interested in film this is a great each other’s projects and provide back-up way to get your foot in the door without for each video. getting it slammed. In the end, the class produced 4 Professor Will Davies has a talent for movies, which were screened at the teaching film to a broad range of skill Boston University Sydney Centre. Having sets. Whether you are a film major or a never worked on any film, the sense beginner, the class is a great opportunity of accomplishment was strong, and I to exercise your creativity. Even those with learned in 6 weeks what could take some experience found the class rewarding. students an entire semester back home. The course begins with a basic outline It allows for an introduction without the of video production: lights, camera angles constraints of pre-requisites or major and other important techniques. From requirements, it also offers those who there, the class moves into the creation more experience the freedom to indulge of several ideas for movies. Each student in more independent ideas. is asked to supply ideas for a short film. The class then decides which films will be Caitlin Hart is graduating 2008 from Boston made based on the pitches provided by University’s College of Communication with each student. Once the class has chosen a degree in Public Relations. the videos to be shot each student plays a major role in the production of film. I personally have never taken a film course From Left: Steve Simon (SAR 09), Liz Harrod (COM 08), Caitlin Hart, and Eugene Lee (CAS 08) on the set of “Platform” 1 of 4 short films produced during the semester. PHOTO COURTESY: Caitlin Hart and was able to produce, write, and act

Contributing Student Panel

the Final BU Students Ben Friedman Word! Sydney’s Suzy Eckl Eugene Lee With 2007 behind us, we hope you have enjoyed the first Class of Caitlin Hart Geno Lyons III year of the Sydney Shout! 2007 brought with it two new staff 3’07 Alicia Hull Leah Miller Samantha Hydes Steve Simon members, a handful of new internship placements, two new Nicole Summers Chris Jordan courses, the launch of the Travel Writing Program, and the Emma Vandervest largest number of students through the BU Sydney Program Allison Lavey Ross Peizer than ever before. However, this past semester we also bid a Staff Editors Amber Piper fond farewell to Al Brust who had been with BU Sydney since Adriane Garland Scott Robson Cal Hawk 2002. Good luck to Al as he joins the BU home campus in the Kirsten Sawyer Office of Judicial Affairs! Layout/Design

-the BU Sydney Staff Cal Hawk : PH OTO Cal Hawk

8