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 am probably one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet. It has been a problem ever since I can remember. The first time I tried a carrot I threw up and I have not had one since. I do not like eggs, most fruit, and vegetables. You could say my taste buds never grew up. Recently I have been trying to stop this. I’ve had a lot of…
My name is Maria Shealy and I’m a junior at the college. I’m majoring in English with a concentration in writing, rhetoric, and publication, and I’m minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. I’m studying abroad in Florence, Italy as part of a College of Charleston faculty lead program. I chose this program because it was offering classes in my both my major and minor, and I knew it would be…
Berberè pizzeria sits on a corner where wide, popular streets meet, as opposed to the narrow, more intimate alleyways that are stereotypical of the U.S.’s idea of Italy. With floor to ceiling windows taking up most of the front, passerby are allowed to see into the space. Painted white concrete walls, stylish wooden accents, and modern light fixtures let you know that it’s a rather new restaurant, but the warm…
College is seen for many as a time of independence- the first time you’re away from your house, your pets, your parents. Study abroad is taking this independence to another level by going to a place where you’re immersed in a completely different culture. For me, and I know for many others, a semester abroad is seen as a time to grow and learn about yourself, so I was ready…
