By Jessica B.

Published Oct. 8, 2021

I have now been in Alicante, Spain, for two weeks but it already feels like I've been here for months. Over the course of just 14 days, I have met friends from all over the world, moved in with a host family and celebrated my 22nd birthday in a new city. My Spanish has improved…

By Kear'A B.

Published Oct. 3, 2021

When I first had the opportunity to travel to Spain, I was excited. With COVID playing a factor, I was careful not to get my hopes too high as life was very uncertain. However, the closer I got to July, the more it seemed like it was really happening. Before I knew it, I was…

By Edith R.

Published Sept. 30, 2021

Finances might be a very tacky subject for some, but if you are thinking about studying abroad, it will be something you will have to face. Before coming to the United Kingdom, I did not truly understand that the U.S. dollar did not go very far in the U.K. For example, I can go to…

By Trinidy T.

Published Sept. 29, 2021

As someone who has lived in Germany before I was unsure of what to expect this time around. The first time I was here was in 2017, which was pre-Corona and I was living with a host family. Now, being here in a time of corona and mostly on my own, there are plenty of…

By Macy L.

Published Sept. 17, 2021

The day of my departure was the biggest mix of emotions possible. For months my brain somehow acknowledged that I would leave, but it simultaneously kept me from processing it fully. There is no way to prepare yourself for moving away, especially to a new country 4,000 miles away from anyone you know. It is…

By Sarah A.

Published Sept. 10, 2021

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to go to Ghana in West Africa, a part of the world I would never have been able to visit on my own, let alone during a global pandemic! That fact required more extensive pre-planning than normal for visas, vaccines, malaria prophylaxis and a very anxious 48…

By Noelia I.

Published Sept. 2, 2021

Arriving at Madrid-Barajas airport felt unreal. I dreamt of this day since applying to the program in February. I drove past the buildings, not knowing where to look. Amazed at the beautiful, historical structures and culture all around. I am currently on week two of staying here…

By Kobi H.

Published Aug. 16, 2021

During my time in Kyrgyzstan, I witnessed an interesting phenomenon that I did not feel was commonplace in the United States. There are many ramps throughout the larger cities of Bishkek, Jalal-Abad and Osh leading into restaurants, stores and even just along uneven parts of the sidewalk. At face value, these ramps feel like an…

By An V.

Published Aug. 10, 2021

The language barrier I experienced in Kyrgyzstan initially made me feel quite alienated. On the first day, when I visited the supermarket and asked if they had a certain item, the cashier did not understand me. She neither understood nor could speak English, so I stood there struggling to communicate until she pulled out her…

By Hannah T.

Published Aug. 2, 2021

I am having such a wonderful time here in Kyrgyzstan. So far we have been to three different cities, including multiple road trips through the beautiful mountains. We have learned so much about politics and society in Central Asia, including culture and etiquette, anti-corruption efforts, economic development, key gender issues, election observation, ethnic diversity and…