Rhodes brothers give international travel high marks

While at Rice, David traveled with political science professor Gil Cuthbertson (Doc C., as he’s known on campus) and other students to Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize to visit Mayan ruins. Since his Rice days, he also has traveled on his own. “Traveling abroad is one of the best things a person can do to prepare for life after school, for living and working on your own,” David says. “It gets you out of your comfortable environment.”

Ben spent a semester in Paris on a study abroad program, calling the experience “both a terrific time and an integral part of my Rice education.” It also introduced him to the challenges of simple living. His 10’ x 6’ apartment consisted of a fold-out couch, a two-burner hotplate, and a half-moon folding table. “I had to push the table up against the wall in order to open the couch.” He calls it his all-time favorite apartment, however, because of the spectacular view of Parisian rooftops and Sacre Coeur from his window.

Ben took side trips throughout Europe—meeting up with other Rice students on study abroad programs in London, Madrid, and Florence and experiencing some of the world’s most famous art and sculptures at historic museums, as well as beautiful scenery and great food.