While Abroad

When I arrived in El Escorial, Spain for my study abroad program, I was extremely overwhelmed and jet lagged. I was nervous and afraid of making new friends, speaking to the locals, and classes. Still, I couldn’t stop looking at the breathtaking views of the...

Finishing my Travels

7/1/17: My final week and a half of traveling abroad in Spain was bittersweet. For the past four weeks, I had come to love my new country and I was sad that I had to leave it. I had made tremendous friends on this trip and I was very disappointed that I had to leave...

Month in Madrid

Hola! Today marks the last Monday I will be spending in Spain (at least for a while). It’s a little bittersweet feeling. This country has for sure stolen a piece of my heart. But along with the feeling of never wanting to leave, I am excited to get home to see...

Back to the States

I’m finally back and rested ready to get back to work and my normal life here in Alabama. I have to say, I will be going back. I fell in love with how slow everything is. My favorite part about the trip would have to be the Church of Bones in Rome. I thought it...

The Adjustment Period

So after a very strenuous day of travel we have finally arrived in the beautiful city of Santorini. Santorini is a city full of beautiful white building and an even more beautiful crystal clear coastline. In fact, when you imagine Greece, this is probably the first...

Living History

One of the truly amazing things about studying abroad is the opportunity to make the history that you learn in the classroom come alive! While you are abroad, you will most likely visit so many beautiful (and not-so-beautiful) places where so many historic events took...

Pre-Departure Thoughts

  3 days from now, once I step on the plane, my life is going to change forever.   I’ve only been out of the United States twice; both times were to visit our missionary friends with my parents and it didn’t feel much like I was leaving the country. I’ve...

Greece Abroad

First Impressions My first impression of Greece was “Wow, this looks like home.” The airport in Santorini is up on a cliff and looks a lot like the Sonoran Desert at home in Arizona, except with an ocean view. It was so funny that I had to take a picture....

A New Experience

This summer I chose to study abroad because I truly believe it is the best and most unique way to not only learn information inside a classroom but gain cultural experience as well. Last summer I studied abroad in France for almost 6 weeks in a language intensive...

While Abroad

Upon arriving at Oxford, I was amazed at the beautiful architecture and the main lawn at the entrance of Worcester College. It felt prestigious to be here. The lawns and orchard are some of my favorite spots. They, along with the quaint coffee shops and bustling...

Host Locations

Participating in two sessions this summer in Spain means that I get to have the experience of staying in two different host locations: one in the peaceful town of San Lorenzo and one in Spain’s bustling capital, Madrid.  These two locations could not be more different...

Madrid to Home: Final Days

Eleven days and counting. The time is approaching where I have to think about packing and going home, but I don’t want to. Spain has become my home base in Europe and it breaks my heart even thinking about leaving this wonderful place and not knowing when, or if, I am...

Pre-Departure Thoughts

I have several reasons for wanting to study abroad. I have always wanted to travel, and I figured that if any time was a good time to try, it would be now. Since I am a pre-med student, I would like to use the time I have available before medical school to its...