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 […]
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 […]
How to Leave the Country Without Actually Leaving the Country
Firstly, Puerto Rico is not a country. I have to get that out of the way in order to write this calmly and to explain the unique intrinsic character of this United States territory, which makes it the subject of this article and an ideal travel destination. Located in the northern Caribbean Sea, officially known […]
City Life: Metro “Performers”
The Metro “Performers” Varying looks of disinterest punctuate my journey across town on a busy Thursday afternoon as Celine Dion (not my choice) filters down the metro carriage. The player of this rousing classic is a South American man, dressed entirely in black, holding his panpipes to his mouth as if they were giving him oxygen […]
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 […]
Ávila’s Medieval Wall
A UNESCO World Heritage City, Ávila, Spain possesses a rich history. The home of Santa Teresa and an incredible number of Gothic and Roman churches, the ancient streets of the inner city have witnessed about twenty centuries of development. While I suggest trying a Yema (a traditional pastry) and their famous chuletón (a steak, often […]
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 […]
Why You Should Journal While Abroad
If I had to choose one piece of advice to share with those preparing to study abroad, I wouldn’t have to give it a second thought: keep a journal. Here are just some of the reasons why: It helps you capture the memories. If I have heard it once, I have heard it a […]
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a magical place. As soon as you step foot off the train, take a look up the mountain towards the castle and you’ll know what I mean. The quaint town, just a 40 minute train ride from the center of Lisbon (Rossio/Restauradores Station), is enveloped in a mystical haze and full of parks […]