March Madness
The month of March has been one full of travel! I’ve been somewhere new each week! I went to Belfast with AIFS (included in my program fee) for the first weekend of March. When we arrived in Belfast, we went on a bus tour of the city. We saw the Peace Wall, Samson and Goliath (two cranes on the harbor), and political artwork throughout the city. The next day we explored more of Northern Ireland, including the Dark Hedges and the...
My Trip to Bali
During my time in Australia, I had the opportunity to travel to Bali, Indonesia. It was just a little over a 5 hour flight from Sydney. I was excited because it was going to be my first time ever in Asia. Traveling with me were three other girlfriends in my study abroad program. We stayed in a hotel in Kuta, Bali, but were able to travel much of the island. The transportation there was really affordable, along with a lot of...
Coming Home from Costa Rica
After two months abroad in Costa Rica, I am finally back home in the states. When I saw my family for the first time in the airport, I was definitely happy to see them, but it was also bittersweet. The trip had never felt officially over until that moment, and I already missed it. The experience that I had on my study abroad trip was incredible and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will never forget the things that I learned and the...
Foreign Places Known
This picture was taken in May 2016, on my first trip to Mexico. 🙂 The truth is, I did not choose to study abroad this semester – studying abroad chose me. I did not choose to return to school for a graduate program – that chose me as well. After being accepted in to the program, I realized that things that were taking place were for extended growth for who I would become professionally. In 2016 I came to Cuernavaca, Mexico for two...
My Thoughts Before Leaving Abroad to Australia
Sydney, Australia is a world recognized city with lots of things to do. Before embarking on this new adventure, I had my share of feelings of doubts and nervousness. Of course I was beyond excited to explore the other side of the world. There was so much to look forward to. I could not wait to scuba the Great Barrier Reef, feed kangaroos, and learn how to surf. However, I could not help but think “what if I don’t make friends,”...
Living the (Ice) Dream in Vienna
I believe there are a finite amount of times in a person’s life when they are doing something and are suddenly struck by the overwhelming significance of their ongoing experience. Sometimes it is when we are doing something for the last time, for example attending your last high school dance or competing in your last competitive swim meet. Other times, it is because of a strong emotional connection to the people or location associated...