by Kaya H. | Oct 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer, _
If you’re anything like me, the thought of studying abroad brings a wave of excitement and nerves. Before I came to the university, I dreamed of studying abroad, but never thought I’d have the opportunity, due to finances and class constraints. But now, in my final...
by Sameen H. | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I am traveling back home, I am thinking of all the wonderful experiences I was able to take part in while abroad. From snorkeling with sea turtles to interviewing the manager of a garment factory, I gained first-hand knowledge of the various cultures in...
by Rob K. | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Exchange, Non-traditional, Semester, _
Hello! Today marks the halfway point of my trip through Vietnam and Taiwan. So far, we have spent time in southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hue)–the weather has treated us well, our travel and plans have been smooth, and, of course, the food has been...
by Rob K. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Summer, _
Hello! Earlier today, I finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam after a very long journey starting from Birmingham, Alabama. To be honest, so far, the city is about as I expected based on my past travel experience to Southeast Asia. In other words, I am enjoying...
by Sameen H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Semester, _
When I first arrived in my program’s first host country of Malaysia, I was immediately struck by the heat and humidity that far exceeded any I had ever encountered in the United States. In fact, it was so humid that in the last few minutes of my flight to Kuala...
by John Brady B. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, _
Writing this from the airport in Istanbul, I am currently very much looking forward to getting a good night’s sleep when I finally settle into our hotel outside of Kuala Lumpur a day from now. Air travel is rarely pleasant for anyone, and I especially have...
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Since I’m studying abroad on Semester at Sea, my “host location” is a bit unconventional, the MV World Odyssey, sailing in the middle of the ocean. What drew me to this program, and what I’ve come to love most, is the incredible sense of community on board. When I...
by Willow M. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hi there! My name is Willow and I’m going on the UA in South Korea trip to study advertising and public relations strategies internationally! I’m currently 18 days out from flying to Incheon Airport, and I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous....
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
I had known since my freshman year of high school that I wanted to go on Semester at Sea, and I was beyond excited for my junior year of college to finally take on this adventure. Still, deciding to study abroad during the year when none of my friends were going felt...
by Sameen H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I chose to study abroad because of the inspiration from my sister and the motivation from my parents. When my older sister, Sarah, was an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University she took part in a study abroad program to various European countries...
by Mollie M. | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
I am currently wrapping up my study abroad experience. 10 countries, 100+ days, and many memories and stories I am taking home. Above all, I have learned so much about myself and my lifestyle that I would love to share with you all. Whether you take this with you on...
by Ryan P. | Sep 17, 2025 | Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
For spring break, I went on an astronomy and computer science-based study trip with my school, AUP, to Tokyo, Japan. This trip was filled with it all, we got to explore Tokyo and went to 3 other cities: Kyoto, Himeji, and Sayo. Sayo is a super tiny town that even...
by Anna H. | Sep 17, 2025 | Asia, Semester, _
Truthfully, I haven’t been dealing with a lot of culture shock. It turns out that researching and studying a country for three years will prepare you for the cultural differences and challenges you have to face. Who knew? But there are some things that even...
by Avery T. | Aug 4, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, _
Vietnam is a tropical paradise with an array of creepy crawly creatures. During a tour to the famous Mekong Delta, I had the opportunity to handle a beautiful python. We also took a stroll through a honeybee sanctuary as well as an alligator farm. We tasted authentic,...
by Kaya H. | Jul 23, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer, _
Traveling from the United States to Vietnam was no easy feat. Serving as my first international flight experience, the two-day commute with multiple layovers truly tested my resilience and patience. But all of this stress was relieved the second I landed in Hanoi,...
by Dan L. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Engineering, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Now that the semester is wrapping up, I’ve had some time to reflect on my time in Korea and how it compares to other places I’ve visited. During these four months, I also traveled to China and Japan, which gave me useful context to think about what Korea does well and...
by Willow M. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, _
Hi there, it’s Willow, one month post-Korea! I expected that there would be some unexpected culture shocks when returning to America, but these are my top 5 shocks over the past month: Tipping culture: In South Korea, tipping is not normal because service...
by Avery T. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Honors College, _
One of the biggest attractions of traveling abroad to Vietnam is the diverse cuisine of the region. I initially was excited to experience all of the different foods, but I also knew that my palate would never be the same after four weeks of eating like the Vietnamese....
by Tyler S. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Today, 19 June 2025, marks my 20th day in Tokyo, Japan—and the end of the first part of this incredible adventure. Before I left the United States, people often told me that studying abroad would change me and broaden my worldview. At the time, I thought that was an...
by Alex F. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Seoul, South Korea, you have been an unforgettable chapter in my life. As I say goodbye, my heart is filled with gratitude for the kindness and warmth of the people I met here. From the friendly strangers who offered directions with a smile, to the friends who shared...
