Inside Student Blogs

Ramon Giron-Melendez Vienna, Spring 2013

Ramon, originally from Boston, MA, is a Junior currently studying History at Columbia College. Specializing in Eastern European history with a focus on the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, he hopes to deepen his understanding of the fundamentals of the dual monarchy during his time in Vienna. Through comparative research of geo-politically marginalized regions, he aims to find new ideas to aid development in the 3rd world. Strongly believing that everyone has an inner child, he actively works to raise awareness on the rights of children worldwide through is involvement as co-president of the Columbia Child Rights group. However what most captures Ramon’s imagination is his admiration for one of Europe’s greatest institutions, The Eurovision Song Contest itself! Eagerly following year round developments, Ramon enjoys watching how countries choose to represent themselves to the world and how they project their national identities unto this unique international platform. A passionate fan of music, he spends as much time as possible following the music industry. He can usually be found reading Rolling Stone magazine, keeping his eyes peeled for new emerging music genres, and eagerly looking out for new artists on the rise!

Ramon's Posts

• Redefining Mountains

  5/06/13 • (1)

  Here at IES Vienna we often talk about a “redefined” life. We are told to “redefine” all things, redefining studying abroad, St. Stephens, and even redefining what it means to speak a language. Interestingly enough, this redefining has extended itself to the minority experience itself.

  Austria, minority, Study Abroad, Travel, Turkish, Vienna

• Zoom Out!

  4/25/13 • (0)

  It has thus been said that Austria is the metaphorical heart of Europe. Unexpectedly, I find myself realizing that an added convenience of studying abroad in Vienna has been the ability to just ….go!

  Austria, history, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Clues, Nostalgia, and Identity

  4/16/13 • (0)

  Indeed, these industrial boots show that the Viennese, for all their music, art, and freethinking, have an undeniable core of immovability and permanence. Moreover, clues to further understand their overall attitude towards life can be deduced from their outside fashion.

  Austria, complex, Fashion, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• The Urban Catwalk

  4/09/13 • (0)

  Making my way along Kärtnerstrasse on those rare moments when my ipod is not in my ears, an urban catwalk suddenly starts to emerge downtown Vienna.

  Austria, Europe, Fashion, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Ms. Maria’s Imperial Afternoon

  3/28/13 • (1)

  Spending an afternoon with Maria Theresa, I have come to better understand her independent spirit as a person and ruler. Visiting the Imperial Crypt, in the Capuchin Church, finally meeting Maria Theresa in person, I was taken aback by her splendid coffin. Yes, splendid! The word truly captures her tomb’s majesty and regality.

  Austria, Capuchin Church, Imperial Crypt, Maria Theresa, Maria Theresian Platz, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Passionate Heat in the Kitchen

  3/18/13 • (1)

  Having spent about two months in Vienna, it is safe to say, that the Viennese….know food. This is not the place to go if you want to lose weight. I repeat: this is not the place to go if you want to lose weight!

  Austria, food, schnitzel, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Vogue…It’s Overrated

  3/11/13 • (0)

  Here in Vienna, as I schlep myself down to the Austrian Archives, sit amongst century old documents and read over what happened eons ago, my brain has actually begun to understand a by-gone era.

  Austria, history, relationship, research, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Walk a Mile in Their Sandals

  3/01/13 • (0)

  Studying abroad and managing a whole new life definately requires “weaving the sandals” to make the most out of this unique experience.

  Austria, purpose, school, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• What Will We Do With “Them”?

  2/25/13 • (0)

  Having the privilege to spend time in an Austrian public school, it seems that most of these schools have, despite the challenges, adapted quite well to the changing social situation in Vienna.

  Austria, Education in Vienna, Immigration, Public School, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Whenever, Wherever We Might Just Need “The Other”

  2/19/13 • (0)

  Although it was surprising to hear Latin music in Prague, it is perhaps even more surprising for me NOT to expect internationalism and globalization in all parts of Europe.

  Austria, Central Europe, Czech, Latin Music, Stereotypes, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• What’s Next?

  2/01/13 • (1)

  Some say New York City is the city that never sleeps, but after some time here and time to reflect on my weeks thus far in Vienna, I’d like to give Vienna a moment in the sun. In fact, I would like to describe Vienna as the city that “never stops giving.”

  art, Austria, German Intensive, museums, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Rest for the Pilgrims…

  1/23/13 • (1)

  Journeying from dawn to dinner, pilgrims in a strange city do not always have an easy, enjoyable, or even fun time, but what they do have for sure, is an adventure to remember.

  Austria, lost, reststop, Study Abroad Travel, Vienna, Wiener Schnitzel

• A Pilgrimage Unfolding

  1/16/13 • (2)

  Vienna Vienna Vienna….oh woops! This isn’t my first blog is it? Sorry I meant, Wien, Wien, Wien! Ja, das ist besser. Austria and all it has to offer has been a gracious host since my arrival.

  Austria, Maria Theresa, Mariazell, Pilgrimage, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna

• Letting Go and Looking Up

  1/04/13 • (2)

  Vienna Vienna Vienna….probably the most mentioned city in any of my conversations concerning my academics or my life. Fascinated by its rich imperial history, ever changing cultural scene, and avant gaurdism as a center for progressive socialism, Vienna has always captured my imagination, and more importantly, my heart.

  Austria, Stereotypes, Study Abroad, Travel, Vienna