Student Perspectives: School of Architecture

When I decided to major in Architecture, I really had no clue what I was getting myself into for the next five years, but I can safely say from the finish line that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The absolute best decision I ever made was to study architecture at Tulane, where I’ve had the opportunity to broaden my architecture career through unique academic opportunities, professor relationships, extracurricular involvement, and summer job opportunities. The past four years as an architecture student at Tulane have been the most diverse, transformative, and fun years of my life, and I’m grateful to have one more year here!

Final review during 3rd year, comprehensive studio

The most important thing to remember when choosing to be an architecture major is to keep your mind open, whether during the school year or during the summer. During my freshman year, even though I was completing some of my studio courses, I also selected a course in the business school, took a political science class, and intensely studied Pride and Prejudice in my intro English class. That summer I went off and worked as a raft guide in North Carolina, of all things, and when I returned for my sophomore year I had had all of these experiences outside of the architecture school that strengthened my architecture coursework. This patterned continued for the next two years; in the summer, I would jet off to the mountains to immerse myself in nature, and in the fall and spring I would balance my architecture coursework with courses that interested me outside of design. This past summer, I finally landed an internship with Gensler, an amazing design firm with 50 offices all over the world. Had I not had such a range of experiences during the past three years at Tulane, I don’t think I would have even been considered!

Stopping by the Pantheon on my way to studio

This past year, I studied abroad in Rome with Tulane School of Architecture, so I went with Tulane students and was taught by Tulane professors. This was my first time abroad and I loved every minute of it; not only did I get to travel extensively, but every single day I enjoyed gelato, a walk by the Pantheon on my way to studio, and time sketching some architectural works that have been around for a really long time.

During my time abroad I also received a travel fellowship from the School of Architecture, which is a grant that allows you to travel for about a month and study a topic of your choosing. Visiting Yosemite National Park has been a dream of mine for a while now, so I will be using the fellowship to travel to Yosemite and other areas in the Pacific Northwest to study nature’s natural design elements and the effects that nature has on human behavior, and then I will determine techniques for us to apply these lessons to design more tangibly.

Hiking in the Italian Dolomites

This semester I am participating in the URBANbuild program, which is a full year design + build studio, so students design a house in the fall and then build it in the spring. Since I was abroad in the fall, I joined in for the build this spring with 11 other students. We started with piles of dirt on the ground and now we are adding the finishing touches! Though this experience has been physically demanding and exhausting at times, it has been incredibly rewarding and invaluable to my time as an architecture student.

During my final year at Tulane, I will work on my architecture thesis while also serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs on the Undergraduate Student Government and working as an Admissions Intern. Because I’ve worn so many different hats during my time at Tulane, I’m not 100% which one I will wear more permanently when I graduate next spring with a Masters in Architecture. Some days I think about continuing work with a larger firm, and other days I think about pursuing historic preservation or real estate. Even after four years of design school, I’m still a glutton for some HGTV, so who is to say I won’t try to have my own show on there! All I know for certain is that I’m grateful to have had so many experiences here, ones that have really shaped my development as a student, a friend, a leader, and a designer, and because of that I don’t know if I will ever be able to call anywhere that is not New Orleans home.

The URBANbuild 11 house as of January 15

The URBANbuild 11 house as of April

Chesley McCarty is a Senior graduating in May 2017 with a Masters in Architecture. 

Student Perspectives: Tulane School of Liberal Arts

During my time at Tulane, the School of Liberal Arts has really defined my academic experience. I am a junior majoring in English and Digital Media Production with a minor in Economics. The classes I have taken and the professors that I have had have helped me to develop my critical thinking, writing, and public speaking skills in ways that I had never even imagined.

One of my favorite classes that I am currently taking is my screenwriting course. Every week for our homework we watch and read the screenplay of a critically acclaimed film (this week it happened to be The Graduate). Additionally, throughout the course we have been working on our own short screenplays. We critique each others work in class and assign our peers to act out the roles; which is both a fun and rewarding experience, as you get to hear your own piece preformed. All of my liberal arts classes have been very small which has made it incredibly easy to form relationships with my professors as well as my peers.

This past semester I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia through the School of Liberal Arts. I attended the University of Sydney where I took classes in Australian art, film, and history. I even took an English course titled “Imagining America” (where I was the only American student in the class). I also completed a digital media internship for credit during my time abroad. It was truly a cultural immersive experience as I lived in a residential college, St. John’s, among 250 Australians. All of my credits transferred back as Tulane credits and even after going abroad I still have the option to graduate a full semester early.

My experiences in the classroom have prepared me so well for future internship and job opportunities. Having to participate in class on a daily basis has made me a very confident public speaker as well as given me the ability to quickly think on my feet. This summer I have secured an Entertainment internship in Los Angeles by utilizing the Tulane alumni network. I am excited for the opportunity and know I am well prepared from all of the skills I have gained in my coursework!

Maddie McGee is a Junior graduating in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Digital Media Production with a minor in Economics. 

Flying to the Other Side of the World

Guest Blogger: Efren Lopez, Class of 2016

Having only flown to New Orleans regularly from Los Angeles for school, I was in unknown territory flying to Rome. I found myself, for the first time in my life, in a I-don’t-know-the-language situation when I boarded the Russian Airlines plane like a freshman in high school, trying to look experienced, but knowing that I did not know what I was doing at all. I did what I knew from previous plane rides, although domestic; I listened. When the hustle and bustle of the passengers began to simmer down I heard the pilot begin to speak words, but I wasn’t sure what he was saying. It was quite simple; I don’t speak Russian, so I didn’t understand what he was saying. But just like the white knight rides in on his noble steed and cuts the dragon’s head off as it is about to bite the princess’s head off, I was saved. After the pilot spoke in Russian, one of the flight attendants said the same thing in English. And hearing this, my anxiety cleared, my breathing returned to normal, and I was able to reassure myself that I would just be fine. I would be just fine and could focus on the huge task that was now at hand; being on a plane for the next twelve hours.

The flight was somewhat quick in retrospect, but as always I went in with an idea of what I would do, a plan, if you will. But I am here to tell you that nothing went according to that plan. I had, a week before, been asking friends about what books I should look into to read on the plane, because that was my plan, to read a book, an entire book on the plane ride. But just as we all tell ourselves that we will commit to a strict salad, vegetables, and no sweets diet, I quickly ripped open the box of chocolates and watched two movies on the plane. I assure you, you would have done the same thing, had you browsed the airline’s library of movies. After this I was treated to another of many firsts to come; airline meals. This was followed by about two hours of doodling that became my usual calligraphic endeavors with the name of my love Jasmine. After this, one more feature film, followed by a second meal, followed by my attempt at sleep, not a nap, on a plane.

I must tell you that it was not an easy task.

I must tell you that I was dead set on sleeping.

Boarding the plane from Moscow to Rome.
One of many firsts to come. 

I must tell you that I tossed.

And turned.

And moved pillows this way and that and finally, with the help of music from the airlines vast library of albums from Amy Winehouse to Daft Punk, I was able to drift off into a peaceful, blissful sleep that carried me through the rest of my flight.

Upon arriving in Moscow, although hungry once more, I sought out to find the gate for my connecting flight and to make sure it hadn't changed. It had, but luckily for me my layover was four hours and the gate that it had moved to was not far at all. Having all the essentials out of the way, I turned my attention to getting a cold, refreshing soda. The first I found was Pepsi and it was amazing. The taste so much different than American Pepsi, but still great, although I have always been a Coca-Cola enthusiast, I had to have a taste of the soda in Moscow, albeit in the airport and extremely overpriced.

Before I knew it, my layover was over and I was making line to board the plane to Rome. I found myself overcome with excitement.

Studying Abroad in Granada

Guest blogger: Brandon Faske

As if going to school in New Orleans wasn’t good enough, the opportunity to study abroad during your junior year makes your Tulane experience even better. Many people say that New Orleans is the most European city in American and with its deep French and Spanish influences, they are right. From the food to the music and outlook on life, New Orleans is unique in the United States. Yet, there is no substitute for living another culture first hand. That is why, there is nothing I can recommend more than study abroad.

Our host family for a day in Morocco

I am a Spanish minor who believes in the importance of knowing more than one language. Accordingly, I decided to study abroad in Granada, Spain in the Andalucia region of the country. This program allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Spanish culture—taking classes in Spanish with Spanish students at the University of Granada and living with a host family all while living in a smaller city in which not all residents spoke English. The experience was a challenge and a learning experience that shapes the way I think about the world now that I am back home.

Myself with all of Granada
 in the background.

When you study abroad, you engage in conversations with people with completely different lived experiences and outlooks on life. They often challenge your commonly held beliefs and viewpoints which will broaden your outlook. You learn new cultural values—some you will like and some you will not—that you can try to implement back home and discuss with friends. In Spain, the culture is significantly less competitive than the United States and embraces the community and time with the family. The traditional siesta is embraced; stores close in the late afternoon as families gather for a long lunch (which always leaves you in a food coma) before restarting the day. This eliminates stress and shortens the day. After work families will rejoin each for a smaller dinner late in the evening or to get tapas at the local café (and maybe a beer or two). These are just a few of the lifestyle nuances that everyone should get to experience and no matter where in the world you choose to study, you will have the chance to live a new lifestyle.

My roommate Adam Hoskins and I
with our host parents in Granada

While abroad, you will also have the opportunity to travel outside of your host country. I personally got to see Oktoberfest in Munich, the sights of Paris, the hills and villages of Northern Morocco, and the historic mosques and landscape of Istanbul all in my four months. There is no substitute for experiencing the world’s history and most interesting people. Travel is easy and relatively affordable while in Europe, so keep that in mind when choosing a location to go abroad. You really cannot make a mistake when selecting a destination though.

As Tulane often advocates, the best education takes place outside the classroom. When you study abroad you have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned throughout your school years and apply it to the world at large. What can be more valuable than that?

Arriving in Madrid

Guest blogger: Jordan Hainsfurther


Stepping off the plane in a country you've never been in and where English is rarely spoken is a surreal experience. After an 8 hour flight from Chicago I finally arrived in Madrid not knowing what lay ahead of me. The first day was a little rough as I had to adjust my body to the new time zone (7 hours ahead of Chicago). My flight left at 4:40 pm and arrived at 8:30 am. I immediately set off for the hotel my friend and I had booked and opted to take a cab as opposed to the subway considering the amount of luggage I had. I thought I had an accurate idea about the cost of the cab but I was either very wrong or got ripped off because he could tell I had never been to Spain and that my Spanish was not the best. I believe it was the latter. Either way flustered when I got to the hotel I gave him the money and got out. I took a little nap as I waited for my other friend to arrive a few hours later. Once he got there it was time to explore! We had arrived approximately one week before orientation thus two weeks before classes started.

The first two days we had to accomplish a lot of house keeping items such as getting a subway pass, Spanish cell phone, moving into our apartment and getting groceries. Of course none these were easy tasks. Taking the subway even 3 stops with two huge suitcases and a carry on is no easy chore. Once we were all settled it was time to begin site seeing. I opened my Trip Advisor app and quickly saw there were so many things to do. We had heard from many people to go to the royal palace. I could not dream of what I was about to see. The Spanish royal palace dwarfs the White House.  Please see the attached picture. There are over 3000 rooms of which we saw a mere 20. Back in the day the king had separate rooms for lunch, dinner, special events, sleeping and even getting dressed. Unfortunately no photos are allowed inside the palace but each room is adorned with spectacular ceiling frescos, unbelievable chandeliers and amazing sculptures. It is truly a site to be seen. My favorite rooms were definitely the throne room and the dining salon. This table must hold at least 70 people. After we exited the palace we moved on to plaza mayor, puerta del sol and the Prado museum. Each just as amazing as the next.

The following day we took a day trip to Segovia which is an hour north of Madrid by bus. Segovia is an amazing city with cobble stone streets and an ancient aqueduct designed by the Romans. In addition there is a spectacular cathedral (see attached picture) along with a castle the king used for relaxing years and years ago.

Finally, let me tell you a little about the Madrid nightlife. I must preface this by saying lunch is eaten normally anywhere between 2-4 and dinner not until 10 or 11 pm. Spaniards go out very late. The first club I went to, Kapital, did not get busy on a Thursday until about 3 am. Kapital is one of the many amazing clubs Madrid has to offer but the city also has amazing bars on every corner. One of my favorites is el chapandaz also know as the cave bar because of its interior decoration. They specialize in a drink called el leche (the milk). The milk even comes down from the ceiling.

That's my experience in Madrid so far but I'm only two weeks in. I expect much more in the coming weeks and months. I have trips planned to Oktoberfest, Prague and Amsterdam thus far. In fact, I'm writing this on my way to Barcelona.

Adios y buena suerte,
Jordan Hainsfurther

(!Hello from Amman, Jordan) مرحبا من عمان الأردن

Guest Blogger: Peyton Smith

After two and a half years at Tulane, I thought I had it all. A major I was passionate about, the best friends a girl could ask for, a Frisbee team that had my back, and a comfy off campus house. So when I decided to study abroad in Amman, Jordan, I was terrified. I was leaving New Orleans for a life in a conservative, Middle Eastern city to study and live with a new family. First thing you should know is that New Orleans is my favorite place on the planet, so leaving was sad enough, but leaving for a place so outside of my comfort zone was probably the scariest thing I have ever done. But after being in Amman for three months now, I can genuinely say that studying abroad was the second best decision I have ever made; only second to choosing Tulane. Here is a little about about my experience in a Middle Eastern country. 



My abroad program is amazing. While here, I took two different Arabic courses, a course on modernization and social change in Jordan, and a class on research methods and ethics. You may ask, "Why would you take a class on research while you were abroad, Peyton?" Good question, I'll tell you why: I get to conduct my own research and write my own undergraduate research paper! For an entire month, I have no classes; its just me, lots of Arabic coffee, and my research. In fact, I am procrastinating my research paper by writing this blog post for you! It isn't often that undergraduates get to conduct their own research, especially in another country, so this a once in a life time opportunity. I am graduating next year, so I am hoping I can use this research to get me into graduate school!

But here in Jordan, I am not just studying Arabic and doing research all day. I have had the chance to experience life in the Middle East and to become a temporary Jordanian. As part of my program, I get to live with a home stay family. I am currently living in a three bedroom home with seven other people: my mother, father, two brothers and three sisters. There is no such thing as privacy or personal space here. But I got used to it and grew to love my new family as if they were my own. We eat every meal together (the most delicious Middle Eastern food you've ever tasted), sing ridiculous amounts of tribal music, smoke hookah until all hours of the night and laugh at how bad my Arabic is. They are my big, fat, Arab family.

I have also had the chance to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world. During one of our excursions to the south of Jordan, I checked off one of the seven wonders of the world: Petra. The ancient city of Petra is an entire city carved into the most beautiful, red rock. It was absolutely breathtaking. But my fun didn't stop there! I went to Wadi Rum, slept under the stars and listened to the silence of the desert. The best part about that was the camel ride the next morning. Camels are awesome, by the way. Perhaps the coolest cultural thing I have had the chance to do is that I lived with a Bedouin family for a week. I left my home in Amman for a week to live in the village of Umm ar-Rasas (mother of bullets) with a Bedouin tribe. My family spoke absolutely no English, but that made it all the more interesting. My host mother taught me to make homemade bread, herd the sheep and milk the goats. I also drank the most delicious Bedouin tea, which consisted of tea, way too much sugar and fresh, warm goats milk. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Although I was terrified to be leaving NOLA, I am getting sadder and sadder every day to leave Amman. In just four months here, I have learned and experienced more than I ever thought possible. It will be hard to leave the hospitality and kindness this country has showed me. But I find comfort in knowing that I am leaving it for the best city in the world. And the fact that I can finally eat po-boys again.

Study Abroad

Guest blogger: James Couturier

Studying Abroad is something special… An important moment in your student life. It is the moment of many “first times”: it is the first time you leave home, the first time you live on you own, the first time you come to a new country for such a period of time. And what can be a better place to study abroad than New Orleans? I made this choice because I wanted to discover a different side of the United States. And I am really happy with my choice!
As a matter of fact, I am going to tell you what it is like to be an exchange student in New Orleans and I will try to give a quick view of the spots I go in my everyday life.

The first good thing that happened to me is that I arrived the day before the BCS National Championship game between Louisiana State University and University of Alabama. Trust me, if you’re thinking of coming to study in New Orleans, you will need to understand the rules of football.

Furthermore another thing that surprised me when I arrived to New Orleans and also to Tulane, is the kindness of the people in this city. It is incredible to see how friendly and welcoming the people are in New Orleans; in restaurants, in the street-cars, at Tulane, in the street… everywhere. The other day, I was shopping and a woman who worked there told us the best places to listen to jazz. Every time, people find out you are not from New Orleans and they help you find your way and  give advice. If they see you are lost and looking at a map, they will help you.

It will be difficult to talk about New Orleans without mentioning Mardi Gras, the craziest, longest, coolest party in the world. I have been hearing for almost a year “Mardi Gras is great, Mardi is going to be one of the best moments of your life”. And you know what? This is true. It is incredible to see so many people enjoying the exact same moment of the year, seeing all those costumes, all those parades. I learned that almost 2 million people come each year to New Orleans for this event. I found it magical to see all those people throwing beads and decorated shoes, and also watching all the cheerleaders and bands from so many schools and universities.  As everyone told me, it will definitely be a moment that I will never forget.

The “Big-Easy” is also a city full of history, especially for music. Certain people will consider New Orleans as the “Mecca” of Jazz and Blues. You have the possibility to listen to music everywhere. Maple Leaf is a fantastic place for music.  You also have the famous French Quarter. People play in the street but there are also famous music clubs such as the Preservation Hall or the Maison Bourbon Jazz Club.

Finally, the best thing about studying abroad is that you have the opportunity to meet so many great people from all around the world. You make some friends and enjoy the moments you spend with them either in class or during parties. I am sure that I will see some of the people I met here again even after I leave New Orleans. It is enriching to discover new cultures and new people.

Definitely, studying abroad is a something special and I think every student should take advantage of it because it is one of the best moments of my life. But studying abroad wouldn’t be the same if it was not in New Orleans.