Time Flies
I can only think of one word to describe my time in Spain so far: wow. I’ve been to so many cities, visited so many cathedrals, done so many things, and learned so much about the language and culture; and it’s only been three weeks! So here’s a quick summary of my Spanish language confidence on the trip thus far. The first week I came in feeling somewhat confident. I knew that there was still a lot for me to learn, but I was sure that...
Hasta Luego, USA!
Before I dive in I think I should explain the game plan- because it is a complicated one. I decided to use my study abroad opportunity in Spain as an excuse to tag on a bit of additional backpacking and sightseeing. My official program will take place in a town outside of Madrid during the last bit of May and most of June. Beforehand, I will be backpacking with my roommate starting in Paris and moving around Spain until we reach...
Day in Smederevo
Thursday, May 11th, 2017, Today marks Day 4 of the Serbia Fellowship Experience. Early this morning, after breakfast and coffee, we prepared to head to the nearby city of Smederevo for the day. I imagined it as a small, historic town outside of Belgrade, but Smederevo is actually a quite vibrant, mid-sized city along the Danube River. The banks are open to many paths, some shops, and passing trains. Close to the city’s center,...
Greece Pre-Departure “The Mad Scramble” Post
I leave for a 3 week long program in Greece in two days and I couldn’t be more excited. Motivation I’ve always wanted to study abroad in Europe, however, I’ve discovered that as an engineering major (or any other major) it is key that you do your research early and often so that you can plan ahead to meet any educational course requirements while you are abroad. In addition if study abroad has the potential to be...
Back State Side
Now that I am back in the states, I can truly reflect on the brief, yet impactful trip that was the UH Clinical Experience in Nicaragua. My last day in the clinic was Friday June 2, and I was sad to see it come and go. I have learned so much from these patients, not only medically related, but things that have changed my perspective on my own journey thus far. I have always had an appreciation for the luxuries of my life, but this...
Hello from Pamplona
Hello, my name is Wil Carpenter, and I am a junior aerospace engineering student studying abroad in Pamplona, Spain for the month of June. Obtaining a greater level of Spanish fluency was the main reason that I chose to study abroad. I have taken three years of Spanish in high school and Spanish 201 in college. However, I have never felt completely comfortable talking in Spanish. I can read it write it well, but I always had trouble...