My study abroad trip to Canada was easily one of the best weeks of my life, making it almost impossible to choose a single favorite day. But if I had to pick, the day we went snowmobiling in British Columbia stands out the most. The adventure began with a two-hour bus ride from Banff, offering breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. As the sun peeked over the peaks, the entire landscape…
Watch My Journey in Ghana! This past March, I had the life-changing opportunity to travel to Ghana for spring break as part of a faculty-led program. I had no idea what to expect, but what I learned was far more impactful than what I imagined. Over just seven days, I formed lifelong connections with my professors, peers, and local community members. We did many things during the seven days, but…
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 morning I had seen in…
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 casually, I made it a…
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 our waitresses was named Beth,…
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 and immersive experience that transports…
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. They also trust you to…
I would advise any student, if they are granted the opportunity, to study abroad. I think that often, students might feel as if they “can’t do it.” For example, I have heard some say that as they approach their upperclassman or post undergraduate years, they feel it is more difficult to do so, so they then refrain. Though, as a graduate student, I am proud to say that I finished…
Amongst many of the great experiences I had encountered in Italy, one of my favorites was our visit to the children’s hospital in Florence. The Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Meyer Children’s Hospital of Florence, located on the outskirts of the city, is the only children’s hospital within the Tuscany region. It is rather new, built within the past ten years, and large, about 33,000 square meters total. It can be…
As I sit down to reflect on my time in Sorrento, Italy, I am flooded with a whirlwind of emotions and memories. It has been a little over a week since my study abroad trip concluded, and honestly, it feels unreal. Unreal that it even happened, and unreal that it’s already over. The past 6 weeks have been nothing short of transformative, and the experiences I had will leave a mark on…
