by Natalie F. | Jan 7, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Back home and feeling a little bit of reverse culture shock: not having to tackle waiters to get the check, not knowing how or what to recycle, not using cash and coins. It’s been just a week, and I can feel my language skills slipping even though I’m still consuming...
by Annabelle B. | Jan 7, 2025 | Europe, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Thinking of Studying Abroad? Here Are My Top Tips! Studying abroad is one of the most exciting, life-changing adventures you can embark on. It’s not just about academics, it’s about discovering new cultures, meeting amazing people, and stepping out of your...
by Hana F. | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Embarking on Semester at Sea is singlehandedly the best decision I have made in my entire life. Ever since I was in middle school I knew I wanted to participate in the program and my dream has finally come true. I have just returned from Thailand, where the ship...
by Hana F. | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Commerce & Business, Semester, UA-Affiliate
During my time on Semester at Sea, I was able to visit Ghana for a few days. Our ship, the MV World Odyssey, ported in Tema, Ghana for three days and Takoradi, Ghana, for three days in October. My time in Ghana was very enriching and allowed me to fully immerse myself...
by Ella Davis | Dec 17, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
As my fall semester comes to an end, all I can think about is my unforgettable trip to Europe—a month-long adventure that I now realize I took for granted. The people I met, the food I tasted, and the countless memories I made linger in my mind. I often reflect on the...
by Brynn M. | Dec 17, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
I will never forget the nerves and anxiety I felt the day I flew from Newark to Barcelona. There was so much unknown and it scared me that it wasn’t a quick trip, but a three month experience. I know now that all of the good and bad emotions that filled me...
by Brynn M. | Dec 17, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Three weeks ago today I arrived to the Newark airport filled with feelings of fear, regret, and doubt. I wondered how an experience that I have always dreamed of could be so scary. I knew this would be a life changing experience but I couldn’t ignore these...
by Matthew R. | Dec 17, 2024 | Community Health Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Countdown to Rome: My Dream Trip The thrill of a long-awaited trip to Rome is finally here! For years, Rome has been calling my name with its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. As I prepare to leave, a mix of excitement and nervousness...
by Annabelle B. | Dec 17, 2024 | Europe, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
After living here for six weeks, I now see Paris on a deeper, more nuanced level. Paris is not just a beautiful city, it is a place where the layers of history and culture are intricately woven into the urban landscape. Paris has become a place to observe and reflect,...
by Natalie F. | Dec 12, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
by Renee A. | Dec 12, 2024 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Non-traditional, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Setbacks come in many shapes and sizes. For me, the worst types of challenges are the little ones that build on each other until you get to the point where any little inconvenience makes you feel like there is no way to overcome it. This trip is the first time where I...
by Ella Davis | Dec 12, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
When I first arrived in Rome, I was eager to meet my program peers, who I believed would be my support system while abroad. I was thrilled to meet my roommate, Gianna, whom I met over Facetime before my trip. She goes to school at San Diego State University in...
by Marcus G. | Dec 10, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
During my last week in Rome it felt like my time was flying by. I was working on my final assignments and projects and constantly staying up late. During my final bit of time abroad I found myself constantly having a self monologue thinking “I just got here...
by Marcus G. | Dec 10, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Being back in the states for close to 3 weeks now, I think I have gotten used to everything. But I still vividly recollect on how things were in Rome. I met new people, went to new places, and ate new food. Coming back I realized how much I enjoyed Gelato. In Rome to...
by Marcus G. | Dec 10, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Living in Rome for 1 month and being in a culture with a slower pace of life was a breath of fresh air. In the US, we are constantly working to achieve the American dream, which is the almighty dollar. We do this because we have always been taught to do good in...
by Brynn M. | Dec 10, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Throughout my time here in Spain I have been lucky enough to travel to many places throughout Europe. I knew I wanted to take advantage of the accessibility to other places while in Spain, but over the last two months I have been able to see places that I dreamed of...
by Matthew R. | Dec 10, 2024 | Community Health Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Coming home from Rome was a cocktail of emotions – equal parts bittersweet and exhilarating! Packing my bag for the trip back was like a puzzle, with all my carefully chosen gifts tucked between layers of clothes and shoes, like precious artifacts. There were fragile...
by Matthew R. | Dec 10, 2024 | Community Health Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Rome was a dream come true – not just for the sights, but for the lively surprises around every corner! My days started with exploring the city’s historic sites through class, but the real magic was in the little things. For example, stumbling upon a hidden garden, or...
by Jordan Collins | Dec 10, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
In Rome, Italy, the primary language spoken is Italian. I faced several language barriers so far, especially when exploring local areas and dining at non-touristy restaurants where the staff isn’t accustomed to hosting English-speaking tourists. These...
by Alex F. | Dec 10, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Now that I have been in Seoul for a month, I can say how truly prepared I was for my time abroad. I would say I was prepared in the sense of paperwork and cultural expectations of Korea. I was not prepared for the language barrier and the weather. Even though I...