by Evelyn F. | Jul 18, 2025 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, _
One of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences during my time in Panama was spending a day with a local school for students who don’t have many resources. I’d heard a lot about the school before visiting, but nothing could have prepared me for the immense impact...
by Evelyn F. | Jul 18, 2025 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, _
Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you never see coming. That’s exactly how I felt on my first day in Panama when something completely unexpected happened that would become one of the highlights of my entire time here. We had just arrived in Panama and were...
by Evelyn F. | Jul 17, 2025 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, _
One of the best parts of studying abroad in Panama has been the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. The country’s food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity, blending indigenous, Afro-Panamanian, and Spanish influences into a delicious and vibrant...
by Roman L. | Jul 17, 2025 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Program Type, Semester, _
Hola, mis amigos! My name is Roman, and I got the chance to study abroad in Panama this spring break! I am so grateful for this opportunity! I chose to study abroad because my father went out of the country a lot, and I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve always...
by Anthony A. | Jul 17, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Ever since I started packing, it seems that I either don’t have enough room in my carry on or I simply don’t have enough time to read up on European customs. In preparing for Madrid I have watched the iconic show “La Casa de Papel”, a trilling...
by Suzanna B. | Jul 17, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Let’s just say, I do not have the best track record when it comes to packing lightly. I have always been that one person in my family that has to be prepared for every minor problem that may arise. However, I realize that while living abroad overpacking will...
by Dorothy S. | Jul 17, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
I currently sit short of breath in my seat due to forgetting my phone charger of all things and sprinting to get one 5 minutes before boarding. I’ve known I’ve wanted to study abroad for years but now that it’s coming to fruition I feel scattered and a bit confused....
by Ruby R. | Jul 16, 2025 | Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
As my spring semester study abroad comes to an end, it is time to reflect on my overall experience and how this experience has shaped my life in ways I never thought it would. Having the opportunity to study abroad has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have...
by Alexandria R. | Jul 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
I am so pumped!!!…but also nervous. How crazy is it that I get to go and create memories that will last a lifetime while also learning and doing something that I love???? I think the nerves come from hoping that I’m not forgetting something, or hoping that...
by Susannah C. | Jul 16, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
My time in Spain is passing so quickly, and I’m already entering week 3 of my four-week abroad program. This past week, I didn’t travel outside of Barcelona like I did last weekend. Instead, I focused on being a “tourist” and visiting several popular...
by Katie M. | Jul 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, South America, Summer
Before studying abroad, you are told to expect culture shock. It is an inevitable part of traveling. As I settled into my first two weeks in Colombia, I found that adapting to a new culture has two faces: disorientation and wonderment. First, disorientation. The...
by Beth K. | Jul 16, 2025 | Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
If you had asked me last year if I would like to go hiking on a fjord in Norway, I would look at you like you were insane. First of all, I had never hiked before; I...
by Kathryn V. | Jul 14, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
My time overseas has come to an end, but the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made will stick with me for a lifetime. Here are some of my tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Make friends in your group, but don’t be afraid to do some...
by Amelia W. | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I’m done with my experience studying abroad in Benin, I have learned a lot, but not only in terms of academics; it also has been a very personal journey for me. In retrospect, there are certainly things I wish I’d known before I flew the coop. So to anyone...
by Susannah C. | Jul 14, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate
I can’t believe I have been living in Spain for over a week now! I arrived in Barcelona on a Thursday, and I spent the weekend sightseeing, settling in, and getting to know my roommates. Over the weekend, my study abroad program, CEA CAPA, hosted a scavenger hunt...
by Amelia W. | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Summer, _
One of the main languages spoken in Benin, Africa is Fon and another commonly spoken language here is french. I personally am fluent in french and hearing Fon has confused me since some words sound completely different and some are the exact same. This has lead to me...
by Lucy D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Europe, Faculty-Led, Social Work, Summer, _
Hi! I am currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I am taking 2 Spanish classes to go towards my minor. This is my first time being away from the United States and it has been a great experience. I have really enjoyed being able to immerse myself into the Spanish...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, _
Now that I’m back home, it’s surreal to think that just a week ago I was walking the cobblestone streets of Florence with 17 other students from Alabama, strangers who turned into my lifelong friends. I remember stepping off the plane and feeling equal parts nervous...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
As I write this blog post I currently have the warm summer sun illuminating my funky italian room, my host mom is preparing our amazing and fresh dinner, and our 20 year old cat is snuggled up next to me. Who would have ever thought that I would find such a new...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Program Type, Summer, _
Before I left for Florence I had no clue what to expect. Between the excitement of experiencing the unknown cultural normalities and the vast range of Italian food, I was already ecstatic! I was initially nervous about studying abroad by myself, as someone who is a...
