The bars that divide us
By Tessi R.
Published Jan. 6, 2020
The issue of security is fascinating me as I travel around Costa Rica. The foundation for our visit is "the alternative way” of Costa Rica, a country that disbanded their military 71 years ago and now rely only on negotiations and the courts and their police force for safety and security of the country and…
Shinjuku Station: Good Luck
By Evelyn S.
Published Dec. 20, 2019
Hi all! It’s now November in Japan and luckily, Tokyo actually has four seasons, so it has been a beautiful last two months with highs consistently in and around the upper 60’s F/low 20’s C. That being said, I abhor the cold and I hate going out in the winter, but when I’m trying to…
Native Spanish speaker in Spain (it’s surprisingly not easy)
By Sarai V.
Published Dec. 7, 2019
As a Mexican American, speaking Spanish is something I’ve always been proud of. Being able to communicate with my loved ones in my native tongue has been a blessing. Spanish is my mother tongue, but English is considered my first language since it’s what I naturally communicate without any effort. But here’s the thing, ever…
One month down abroad: Pre-departure to now
By Sarai V.
Published Nov. 1, 2019
I am studying abroad in Seville, Spain, with CIEE in the Liberal Arts program. It’s been one month since I’ve been here and that feels really weird to say! It’s weird how time moves so fast and I feel like I have no time left (even though I have two months to go). I think…
Navigating the rocky terrain: Studying abroad while in a long-distance relationship
By Maddie S.
Published Oct. 31, 2019
Before coming to Paris, my biggest anxiety wasn’t the language barrier that I’d surely encounter with my mediocre French-speaking skills, nor was it the fact that I was moving 6,000 miles away from my family and friends at my home university. Rather, my biggest apprehension surrounded my relationship — fearful that studying abroad and moving…
Money, banking and saving in Japan
By Evelyn S.
Published Oct. 9, 2019
Hey there! My name is Evie. I am a junior currently studying in Tokyo, Japan for an academic year! I arrived in Japan in mid-September and only started classes this week, so you might be wondering what I have been doing with my time these past few carefree weeks. Well, as a student majoring in…
Paris, is that You?
By Maddie S.
Published Sept. 30, 2019
I’m sitting on the outdoor terrace of my 5th floor Parisian apartment overlooking the locals flow in and out of the Volontaires metro station entrance, an older woman hanging up fresh white-linen sheets over her balcony, a couple cuddling close together sipping their noisettes at the local boulangerie, and children playing in the courtyard of…
Alicante Adventures
By Savannah K.
Published Aug. 21, 2019
As I sat in the Kansas City airport I thought about what the next four weeks would entail. I had so many expectations and I couldn’t wait to arrive in Alicante. However, my expectations were cut short as the American Airlines attendant told me that my flight to Chicago was delayed and, in turn, I…
My time in Cape Town
By Amari A.
Published Aug. 20, 2019
For these past few weeks here in Cape Town, I have been exposed to numerous identities and cultures. Much like America, Cape Town can also be considered a melting pot! But even though we do share a lot of common features there are also quite a few differences – one of those main differences being…
How to succeed during your study abroad program
By Rachael M.
Published July 25, 2019
In my time at Mizzou, I have been fortunate enough to study abroad twice - three weeks in the Netherlands and one month in Perú. While both trips were vastly different, these are some general tips for how to succeed in your study abroad program. 1. Make a budget and (actually) stick to it. For…