Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities. For students at The University of Texas at Austin who have an insatiable desire to explore the world (or feel they missed out on studying abroad during their undergraduate years), numerous postgraduate opportunities await. Engaging in international experiences can… read more
A German Adventure, Several Years in the Making
Arriving in Freiburg Nine hours after leaving the United States, I touched down at Frankfurt Airport early on a Monday morning. From there, I hopped on a two-hour train down south to Freiburg, the small city nestled in the Black Forest that I’d be calling home for the upcoming months.… read more
Weekend Hiking in Tokyo
When people think of Tokyo, they often picture large skyscrapers, big flashing lights and Shibuya Crossing. However, there is more to the biggest city in the world besides its urban center. Did you know it’s only an hour-long train ride from Shinjuku to Mount Takao? Mount Takao has lush forests… read more
Don’t Fear the End Goal
Since arriving in Japan, everything seems new and different. I never thought I would find myself living and studying a language in a country on the other side of the world. Getting off the plane, I immediately realized that even the small things are different. I’ve been to many airports,… read more
Living My Lifelong Dream: Texas to Japan
As a first-generation college student, studying abroad once felt like an impossible dream. The only country I had ever visited outside the U.S. was my birthplace, Mexico. And even then, I was always with family, surrounded by a familiar language and culture. Becoming the first in my family not only… read more
Start Before You’re Ready, Don’t Prepare to Begin: Spontaneity in Australia
Like deciding to attend the University of Texas at Austin right before the deadline to accept admission, I waited until the absolute last minute to finalize my Australian exchange offer. I’m not sure why I wait to make important life decisions. Maybe my hesitancy is due to the fear of… read more
Subletting for Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, broaden your global perspective, and advance your academic goals. But with all the excitement of preparing for your time abroad, one major logistical challenge can arise: What should you do with your apartment while you’re abroad? Subletting… read more
From Rural Texas to Mexico and Seoul: Studying Abroad as a First-Generation Student
A Dream I Never Thought Possible As the plane touched down at Incheon International Airport, a flood of memories from my school days at Kerens ISD and la Escuela Primaria Pánfilo Natera washed over me. I thought of the afternoons spent tackling college-level math, seeking help from Mr. Nick, and… read more
Seeking Discomfort: Embracing Adventure and Growth in Chile
When I first drove into Santiago from the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, the sight of the Andes Mountains filled me with both serenity and excitement. After over a year of meticulous planning — completing checklists, securing clearances and meeting study abroad requirements — I was finally about to embark… read more
Discovering the Unexpected in Australia
Hi! My name is Carolina Alvarez, and I’m a sophomore majoring in psychology with a business minor. Last semester, I applied for an exchange program at the University of Sydney in Australia on a whim. Initially, I went through the lengthy application process on the off-chance I would be accepted.… read more
