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Study Abroad Blog, Page 2

The dark side of elephants in Thailand

By Emma T.

Published Aug. 25, 2025

During my two weeks abroad in Thailand, I saw many different facets of Thai culture. I learned a lot about Buddhism, the dominant 'religion' in Thailand, by visiting gorgeous temples and talking to monks. I learned about cooking during my time at the Asia Scenic cooking school, where I was taught the balance between spice,…

Reflection on a trip to Covadonga in Asturias, Spain

By Emilia K.

Published Aug. 20, 2025

When one imagines an experience abroad that leaves a lifelong impression, they probably don’t think much of cows — but in Covadonga, a regional treasure tucked in the lush and rocky terrain of Asturias, shaggy cows come by the field-full. During my short month among the ranks of slacked Spaniards in leather loafers and American…

My time at Oxford University

By Nick H.

Published Aug. 6, 2025

https://flic.kr/p/2rkYkif This is me in front of Big Ben. There are many important statues in this park I am standing in. For the month of July, I spent my entire time studying at the University of Oxford with the Kinder-RAI program. This was an amazing experience, as I got to eat so many different foods,…

London Tube

By Lily P.

Published Aug. 5, 2025

When it comes to getting around London the underground transport, otherwise known as the Tube, was probably the easiest public transport I’ve ever come across. Coming from the U.S. where, at least where I’m from, the only way to get around really is having a car, I had no clue what using public transport will…

Environmentalism in Tübingen

By Jordan M.

Published Aug. 5, 2025

One of my favorite things about Tübingen and Germany as a whole is the focus on environmentalism. The first thing that stuck out to me was the trash sorting system. We have to sort things into five categories here: Plastic, paper, organic, glass (which is further subdivided into white, brown and other colors of glass)…

Los Picos de Europa

By Lillian C.

Published Aug. 4, 2025

This past month, I have been studying Spanish in the city of Oviedo, Spain. It is located in the Asturias region and has a rich history and unique culture. I have so many highlights from my month here, but my favorite experience would have to be visiting the Picos de Europa mountains. These mountains span…

Last month exploring Europe and Spain

By Simona Z.

Published Aug. 4, 2025

As my summer is coming to a close, I was grateful to have been able to explore an island off Greece and enjoy my last week here in Barcelona. In Greece, we were able to really dive into a new culture where we tried so many different foods, like baklava, and we had time to…

The friends I made along the way

By Audrie S.

Published Aug. 1, 2025

When I started this program, I was nervous about making friendships. However, I have found some of the most amazing people who have changed my life for the better. Even though some of these people I only knew for a short amount of time, the love I have for them can never replicated. Staying here…

Riding the Tube

By Landon A.

Published Aug. 1, 2025

If you’re like me, coming from a rural Missouri town, then something you are likely incredibly unfamiliar with is public transportation (specifically the kind that actually works!). This was one of the biggest culture shocks to me from coming to the United Kingdom to study abroad, thanks to the Kinder Institute, for a month. Going…

Palacio el Real de Madrid

By Josie B.

Published July 31, 2025

https://flic.kr/p/2rk72nU The Royal Palace of Madrid During my study abroad experience in Oviedo, Spain I had the wonderful opportunity to live with a host family. I got to try so many new foods and witness a completely different lifestyle. While I certainly loved Oviedo and all the wonderful people I met through school and life…