by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
South Koreans and Americans differ in many cultural, social, and behavioral ways. While Americans generally value independence, self-expression, and personal freedom, South Koreans tend to prioritize group harmony, respect for hierarchy, and collective responsibility....
by Alayna B. | Nov 17, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Honors College, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Study abroad was nothing like I had possibly imagined – and yet it was everything that I needed. Before I left, I would have totally considered myself an introvert. I studied alone, and that is what I spent most of my time doing just to survive my engineering career....
by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first arrived in South Korea, I was incredibly impressed. Everything felt new and exciting, and I immediately felt welcomed by the warm atmosphere and kind people. I was filled with a mix of emotions like excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. I...
by Alayna B. | Nov 17, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Honors College, Semester, UA-Affiliate
That feeling of regret. I know it all too well. I had planned to study abroad in Madrid for the past 6 months. I was so excited to have a break from my regular courses and experience an entirely new culture. How refreshing that would be! But, when my plane touched...
by Macy M | Nov 17, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, _
Hello! My name is Macy Morgan, and I am a political science and German Major with a minor in international business. I choose to study abroad to help further my learning with German. Languages are rapidly evolving and sometimes the textbook is not the same as in the...
by Allicyn L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Europe, Faculty-Led, Human Environmental Sciences, North America, Summer, _
Throughout my time abroad, I have been to New York, London, Paris, and Italy. There was definitely a difference of culture, and there were even differences being in the same country but just a different part like for example being from the United States but still the...
by Willow M. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hello there! This is Willow Mills checking in from South Korea! I can hardly begin to describe how amazing these three weeks have been. It is my first time in Asia, but it definitely won’t be my last. The biggest adjustment I have had to face has been the...
by Kathryn V. | Nov 17, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
It is completely normal to have fears of the unknown. As I prepare for my study abroad in Madrid, Spain, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the many fears and unknowns that lie ahead. However, this won’t be the first or the last time I am uncomfortable or unsure....
by Mia L. | Nov 6, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Personal growth is such a huge part of college. Every day there are new experiences and responsibilities that help us to become more independent. This especially applies to study abroad! I studied abroad for a little less than a month and saw so much personal growth...
by William W. | Nov 6, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Faculty-Led, _
As I travel further along on my journey through Aotearoa, New Zealand, I have come across amazing new discoveries about Māori culture as well as some disappointing aspects as well, whether that be through government or history. Since our arrival in the South Island of...
by Kimora B. | Nov 6, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Hey, everyone! My name is Kimora Branch and I am a rising Junior at UA! I had never traveled outside of North America before my study abroad to Vienna, Austria, and I am currently 3 days away from returning to the USA from my program! As someone who is not very well...
by Nicole J. | Nov 6, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
On paper, my summer didn’t look too busy: three weeks in New Zealand and 10 days at home followed by another three weeks in Italy. But in practice? I rocked back and forth between losing my mind to boredom and desperately trying to get enough sleep to feel...
by Macy M | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first landed in Stuttgart, Germany, I was exhausted. I just flew over nine hours with no food or sleep. Because my plane was delayed, I missed my train, so I took a taxi instead. The language barrier was almost immediately. I could hardly understand him and my...
by Maggie N. | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Flying alone has been one of my biggest fears for years. I’ve flown once, with my parents, across the United States and it was overwhelming, fast, and confusing. Imagine how I felt when the realization hit that the study abroad program I chose for the summer...
by Jerusha K. | Nov 4, 2025 | Australia/New Zealand, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Coming back from my study abroad experience in New Zealand and Australia, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. The past few weeks has been life changing. From exploring the rich cultures and landscapes to having conversations that challenged my how I view the...
by Jerusha K. | Nov 4, 2025 | Australia/New Zealand, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
One thing I didn’t fully expect when signing up to study abroad in Australia and New Zealand? Just how much hiking I’d be doing, and how many stairs that would involve. From the moment we set foot in these two stunning countries, I fell in love with nature. The...
by Emily A. | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate
My friends from my affiliate program at our farewell dinner A surge of nostalgia swept over me today in UA’s Student Center. In line for a snack, I suddenly heard the familiar (and perhaps cheesy) tune of “Down Under” by Men at Work. While this song serendipitously...
by Abrielle B. | Nov 4, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate
I tasted eggplant, which I had never eaten before, on my first night in Seville, Spain. I was apprehensive at first, but I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful and tasty it was. The next day, I tried tapas—small appetizer-style foods intended for sharing—for the...
by Claire A. | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, _
Dear Reader, When I first arrived at Worcester College, I must say that I felt deeply disappointed. The picturesque campus that I had been promised was under renovation, with scaffolding and fences blocking its beauty from view. To add to my disappointment, I realized...
by Claire A. | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
After taking time to reflect on my summer in Oxford, these are the seven tips I have for students studying abroad next year! Research! Take the time to find 3-5 places to visit, events to go to, or foods to try in your new home. Not only with this familiarize yourself...
