When I stepped off the plane the first day we touched down in Belgium I was full of excitement. Most students were enjoying their Fall break resting at home, but I was ready for a week jam-packed with activities in a foreign country. I noticed the differences immediately. Our short walk to the hotel offered my first glimpse of Brussels. It was the quietest Sunday … Continue reading First Impressions by Philia Walker
To a Costa Rican citizen, “pura vida” is a saying that is as habitual as saying good morning. As Costa Rica’s unofficial national slogan, you can hear this saying at every corner store, every restaurant, and every beach. Meaning “pure life”, pura vida is a versatile saying used in greetings, ways of saying thanks, and many other positive interactions. Hearing this so often and so … Continue reading Pursuit of Pura Vida by Elijah Danjoint
During my time in Nice, France, I have been exposed to the vibrant culture of the French Riveria. While mainly a summer destination, the French Riveria is still filled with charm and life during the winter and early spring. Perhaps the best example of this is the annual Nice Carnival. The Nice Carnival is an annual event that has been celebrated for over 100 years. … Continue reading The Nice Carnival – My Experience by Cooper Beck
Throughout my time in Banff, Canada, I got the opportunity to learn about some of the locals and their daily lives. Each person I talked with this week had an interesting story or wise words to share. I noticed many foreign individuals from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. I could talk to some of them in passing; each had a unique story. One of … Continue reading Learning About the Locals by Katie Campbell
Nestled in the lush hills of San Ignacio, Belize, Cahal Pech is a must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. This ancient Maya site, whose name means “Place of the Ticks” in Yucatec Maya, dates back to around 1200 BCE, making it one of the oldest ruins in the region. Despite its lesser-known status compared to Xunantunich or Caracol, Cahal Pech offers an intimate … Continue reading Cahal Pech by Kyle Bowman
Today I have completed my first month in Australia! I have already checked off some bucket list items, and done other activities I would never have thought of. I started off my first week in Cairns for orientation. After only being in the country for three days I decided to go skydiving! Me and a couple new friends jumped out of a plane at … Continue reading Month One Adventures in Australia by Lily Robitzer
The culture in France is very rich, but different depending on what city you are in. Along the coast, festivals are very important, especially focusing on themes like the ocean, flowers, and agriculture products. In Nice, the Carnival de Nice lasts two weeks and is one of the most important festivals on the Cote d’Azur. It features floats, with different themes each year, as well … Continue reading Culture, Customs, and Traditions by Izzy Garcia
Culture shock is a common experience when moving abroad, but with the right preparation, its negative effects can be minimized. For me, creating a consistent schedule, finding similar spots that remind me of home, and making friends from both my home country and my new one have helped ease my transition. I have been living in Barcelona, Spain, for almost a month now, and overall, … Continue reading The Start to my Journey Abroad by Maylee Clifton
Hi everyone! My name is Georgia Kern and I am a current junior. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Medical Humanities. This semester I am studying at the University of Sussex! I chose this program because I have visited the UK before and immediately fell in love with it. This college specifically is located right outside of Brighton, a popular beach town in … Continue reading Georgia Across the Pond! by Georgia Kern
I chose the study abroad route of living with a host family. I am beyond grateful that I decided to, for many reasons. It can be an intimidating experience to live with strangers, in a new country, possibly not speaking the language at a high level. I had a decent foundation in French, but it was still nerve-wracking at first, to think about communication. … Continue reading Learning French and Living with a Host Family by Eva Razzi
