My Pre‑Departure Research & Travel Planning

My Pre‑Departure Research & Travel Planning

As my semester in Florence gets closer, I’ve been focusing on researching the places I’ll be calling home and the places I hope to explore on the weekends. I wanted to start this journey feeling informed, confident, and excited, so I’ve been doing a mix of local...
Embarking on an Unforgettable Experience Across the Pond

Embarking on an Unforgettable Experience Across the Pond

I began this post just as I began this journey, unable to put into words how I felt. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), that remained the case for longer than I would have liked. As I spent my weeks in Europe, I began to understand just why I always hear the...
Looking Back on a Lifetime of Memories

Looking Back on a Lifetime of Memories

As I close out my time in Europe and head home, I look back on everything that I have done this past semester. I came out these past few months a different person than I went in, and I believe it could not have happened if I had not gone abroad. In the beginning, I...
In the Thick of It: How to Stay Afloat

In the Thick of It: How to Stay Afloat

As I moved into the middle of my time abroad, my philosophy began to wear on me. The constant trips, the need to get so much done, telling myself “I might never be back here,” as a means of pushing myself to do more. Not everything is all sunshine and...
The Finale

The Finale

My final blog post is being written as I am waiting to board my flight back home. It’s been 73 days since I last was in the US, and saying many goodbyes this week was more difficult than I had expected it to be. The question “How will I survive here?” quickly became...
While Abroad

While Abroad

The Locals: Experiencing Spanish Culture Through Its People One of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet and engage with locals, gaining a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life. While in Spain, I hope to connect with a...
Scotland Overall: Preparing and Performing

Scotland Overall: Preparing and Performing

Preparing to study abroad in Scotland was a lot less glamorous than people imagine. Before I could even think about castles or festivals, I had to deal with the basics, mostly money. I applied to every scholarship I could, worked all summer, babysat, and leaned on...