One of the most interesting things I found out about Taiwan while I was there was that Taiwan has a large traditional Chinese population. To be honest, I knew very little about Chinese history and the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan before visiting the island. Without getting into too much detail, what I basically […]
RYANAIR: Tips and Tricks
Many American students flock to study abroad programs in Europe in search of adventure and a large variety of different cultural experiences. One of the greatest differences between the two continents is the accessibility of new languages and cultures. In just a few hours or less, one can be in a new country with a […]
Africa: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
As I turned the corner, there he sat. His dead stare rendered me unable to move, unable to breathe. I froze as I tried to remember what the guide instructed us to do in this situation. I remembered nothing — my mind was as empty as the space between us. I noticed another set of […]
Visiting Madrid & Beyond
Partying, siestas and sun…my three favorite things about Spain, the third-most visited country in the world. A lot of people ask me where to stay, when to go and what to do in Spain, so here are my top tips to enjoy the best of the bustling capital and this beautiful country… To get your bearings, do […]
How to Survive Your First Weeks Abroad
The recent influx of mesmerizing and breath-taking photos on social media news-feeds everywhere can only mean one thing: students from all over the world are beginning their fall semesters abroad. I’ve already joked with one of my friends currently in Copenhagen that I may have to temporarily “unfollow” her for the next four months so […]
From Hosts to Family. Why You Should Choose a Homestay.
Whether you’re assigned to a host family or choose to live with one during your time abroad, interacting with a host family can be the most culturally enriching and rewarding part of your time abroad. Especially if it is your first time in a new country, away from home in general, or first time speaking […]
How the People You Meet Abroad Make a “Trip” Into an “Experience”
When you decide to study abroad, you will likely be going on your journey alone. This fact resounded through my brain as I hugged my friends and family goodbye at the airport and proceeded down the terminal. I kept looking back and waving until they were out of sight. It was then that it […]
Expatistan: Planning for Cost of Living Abroad
Before moving abroad, whether it be for study, work, or even just for the thrill, it is important to consider costs, not only of getting there but of life once you’ve arrived at your destination (or new home). There is always great debate on what are the most expensive countries and cities to visit and […]
Surviving Long Haul Flights
Fear of Flying? Read on for tips to help alleviate your worries. Flying is bad for you. That’s what we’ve all been coached to believe, especially in recent months, as the cases of MH17, MH370 and the German wings catastrophe “prove”. Before that, it was 9/11, bird flu and deep vein thrombosis. If flying is more […]
The Untold Story of Africa
A lot of people living in Europe, North and South America, Asia, The Middle East and The Oceanic countries that have no first-hand experience with Africa rely on international headlines from news agencies to get a glimpse of what happens in Africa. Truthfully speaking, most international news agencies across the globe paint Africa in a […]