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 […]
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 […]
Becoming Fluent While Abroad
How to Become Fluent in the Language of Your Host Country There are so many reasons to study abroad. Maybe you want to explore a place you have always dreamed of visiting, or maybe you want to travel somewhere completely new to you. Whatever the reason behind your decision, chances are that once you arrive, […]
Coming Home: Harder Than It Seems
Everyone says going abroad changes your life, and to some degree, it does for everyone in one way or another. Whether your worldview is challenged, you fall in love, you learn a new language, or you experience something out of your comfort zone, you really don’t know how much a place has changed you until […]
The World’s Worst Cup of Coffee -A Lesson in Pride & Humility
The World’s Worst Cup of Coffee- And What It Taught Me About Pride There I was, dropped off at a tiny home for the first of what would become many nights in the big city of San Jose, Costa Rica. I sat down at the table with my Spanish-speaking host mother, trying to muster up […]