Eldoret, Kenya is known as “The City of Champions” because its consistent production of world-class runners and Olympians is well-known throughout the city and globally. Upon arrival, my first 20 minutes were spent discussing running, the culture of mobility and the expectation of excellence. I have always believed that time… read more
My First 24 Hours Abroad
Traveling abroad can be challenging, especially when it’s a country and culture you have never experienced. During my summer abroad, I truly hit the ground running: My flight to Copenhagen, Denmark landed 16 hours before my first class. For someone like me who enjoys a fast-paced environment, this was a… read more
Keeping Up Your Language Skills When You Return
Participating in a study abroad program is a great way to learn a new language or improve your language skills. Being immersed in countries where the dominant language isn’t English will force you to utilize your second language and gain experience that you wouldn’t find in a classroom setting. But… read more
Embracing Spontaneity
Throughout my life, I’ve always been a planner. I’ve always had every detail to the second written down, organized and filed. I rarely make plans at the last second or embark on something when I don’t know all the details. It’s just how I’m wired. However, my way of organizing… read more
What Makes You Special?
As the lovely cherry blossoms have gently taken flight with the breeze, I face the harsh reality that my time in South Korea is, unfortunately, not going to last forever. I’ve made amazing and unforgettable friends who have made me feel welcome and safe. I think about the ways my… read more
Finding My Pace
I have been in Taiwan for three months now. As I reflect on the past two months, I realized they have taught me a lot about endurance and joy. Through the overwhelming and stressful moments, I learned to not let them determine my outlook on my circumstances or my life… read more
Shifting My Personal Focus
Last December, I had a scare that almost prevented me from going abroad: In order to get acceptance from my international university, I had to send a copy of my passport. I had applied for renewal a couple months before, but it still hadn’t come in the mail. I received… read more
Military Appreciation Month: Veterans’ Resources for Studying Abroad
Here in Education Abroad, we are committed to helping all students have a successful experience abroad. If you or someone in your family receives veterans’ benefits, you can use these resources to support your time studying abroad. There are plenty of options for family members and veterans to use. Below… read more
Taking the First Step
Throughout high school, studying abroad was always something that interested me. My mom instilled a love for traveling in me at a young age, so the thought of going out and exploring Europe felt like a clear decision. There is so much to see, and studying abroad is a unique… read more
So, You’ve Missed Your Study Abroad Deadline…
What do you do if you’ve missed a deadline to study abroad with The University of Texas at Austin? This is one of the most common questions we get in the Education Abroad office, and it’s often a point of extreme stress for students. However, I’m here to tell you… read more
Responsibility Abroad
I have a funny relationship with responsibility. I don’t have a planner, I arrive late to mostly everything and I procrastinate fastidiously. I allot just enough downtime to be punctual, then miss the mark because of a misplaced wallet hunt or inconvenient house return. My lack of responsibility has been… read more
Irish Classrooms: What I’ve Gained
When I get home from studying abroad, I know what questions to expect: “Where did you go?” “How was the food?” “What about the weather?” I’m happy to answer all of them, but I’m also eager to talk about an (ironically) less popular subject, which is academics. For those of… read more
What to Expect When Not Expecting
Entering the semester, I, along with every other exchange student, came in with certain expectations. Whether those expectations were met or not is irrelevant. In retrospect, the most important facet of the exchange experience is the unexpected. Throughout my time in Bristol, I have encountered unanticipated situations, people and experiences.… read more
Laying Foundations: Building Relationships with Faculty
The application process for studying abroad may seem daunting. Selecting programs, finding courses and responding to writing prompts can feel like a lot. But for exchange and faculty-led applications, one way you can prepare is by building relationships with your professors so that you’re prepared when the time comes to… read more
A Sojourner: My Way
At 5:00 one morning, I was abruptly awoken by the ringing of my alarm clock. The pitch-black sky outside the slats of my blinds made me want to indulge in more sleep, but I managed to get out of bed. Soon after I woke up, I savored two delectable chocolate… read more
Celebrating Ramadan in Singapore
This week, I kicked off the month of Ramadan during my exchange at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The multicultural city of Singapore takes various cuisines and holidays to the next level, including Ramadan. Many of the friends I’ve made here were excited — as was I — to… read more
Step by Step
When I missed my connecting flight to South Korea three weeks ago, I thought it was a sign from the universe that leaving home wasn’t the best idea. I struggled to find peace while I hastily shouldered my heavy duffel and tried to figure out how to get on the… read more
Laying Foundations: Affiliate vs. Exchange Study Abroad Programs
So you want to go abroad, but you’re unsure about the different program types. The most popular semester programs we offer are exchanges and affiliates — but without knowledge of these programs, it can be hard to decide which is the best fit for you. Luckily, we have prepared an… read more
Breaking Through the Roadblocks: Studying Abroad for Your Major
Coming to The University of Texas at Austin, I had a lot of expectations for what the next four years would hold, including the classes I’d take, the friends I would make and the experiences I would have. Some experiences were more realistic than others, but the one that hung… read more
Musings From a Month in Aarhus
When I decided to spend more than five months in a new city on a new continent, many people thought I was crazy. Nobody understood why I left the comfort of my hometown to study abroad in Aarhus, Denmark, a town that is barely one-third the size of Austin, Texas.… read more
Beauty in Everything
As I reflect on the past two and a half months that I’ve been in Europe, three words continue to pass through my mind: Life is beautiful. The life I’ve curated here is beyond what I ever imagined for myself. This may seem cheesy to admit, but after spending time… read more
Endings and Beginnings
As the weather starts to slowly turn from the bitter cold of winter to the gentle breeze of spring, there is a lot to reflect upon and much to look forward to in the time that I have remaining in Japan. Soon after my last blog post, I ended my… read more
Let’s Take a Field Trip
I think it’s safe to say that I’m in the thick of things now. The excitement that was lost in translation and manifested as anxiety — anxiety that I would not be liked, that culture shock would electrify me to my bones — has dissipated, giving way to my being… read more
Unfamiliarity Unexpectedly Breeds Connections
As an undergraduate student in my third year, studying linguistics and Chinese, I chose to attend National Taiwan University (NTU) to learn more about my family’s cultural heritage and to master the Chinese language. My early childhood in Gongguan, “公館,” the same district as NTU, inspired my decision to return… read more
Shifting Expectations
Part of me has always known that I wanted a different study abroad experience than most people. I wanted to integrate completely into a society that was so different from my life back home in Texas. That’s why I originally wanted to go to mainland China: so I could practice… read more
What Immersion Does To Your Brain
In two days, it will be three weeks since I arrived here in Mexico City for the first time. Two years ago, I would have never thought I’d be here. It’s funny to me because in the first semester of my freshman year, when UT Austin was heavily promoting study… read more
Birthday in Bristol
For my very first blog post, I’ve decided to share my experience in Bristol, ringing in both the new year and the 20th year of my life. Embarking on a journey across the pond already feels like a massive change; being alone on your birthday in a foreign country will… read more
Finding Stability Amidst Change
Before I left for Dublin, I had more fears than I could count. I’d tell anyone who would listen that I was sure I’d be deported, kicked out of school, or get lost on my first day. Surprisingly, I wasn’t deported, I wasn’t kicked out of school, and the kind… read more
Familiar but Distinct
As a Chinese international student at UT Austin, I am familiar with how studying abroad feels. I can’t recall exactly how I felt when I arrived at the airport wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pushing two large suitcases out of Changi Airport at 3 p.m. That’s because the heat and… read more
Comfort Zones, Making Friends
As someone who is a special brand of an extrovert-presenting introvert, I had anxiety just thinking about how long I would be away from my family and friends with no guarantee of a social life while I was abroad. My dad was able to travel with me for the first… read more
Expect the Unexpected
It has been 16 days. These 16 days abroad have been the most eye-opening days of my life. I knew studying abroad would be an experience, but I did not expect this. Before going abroad, you are told, “These will be the best months of your life,” or “You are… read more
Opportunity
As my first semester studying abroad in Japan concludes, I wanted to take this chance to reflect on my experiences and the personal learning this country has permitted me to do. Years ago, I chose to study abroad halfway across the world, seeking a place that would contrast as much… read more
New Year, New City, New Me
On the first day of this year, I hopped on a plane (actually, three planes) to come to Hong Kong. My fervent packing the night before had been interrupted by New York’s, then New Orleans’ ball drop to ring in 2023. The motivation, enthusiasm for personal growth, and anticipation that… read more
The Hero’s Journey Takes Asia
Save for the week I spent in Vancouver, the day I spent on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, and the 20,000 steps I took in Victoria’s Butchart Gardens (all of which were with my parents and under the age of 15), I have never been abroad. I have never… read more
A Semester to Remember
With just a week left in my semester exchange program at University College London, I am already starting to reminisce about my time here in the United Kingdom. In London, I’ve studied under some of Europe’s most esteemed academics and lecturers, visited some of the greatest art and history museums… read more
Holidays Both New and Old
I have never considered myself to be a big “holiday person.” While I appreciated the chance to come together with friends and family, holidays were never treated like a big deal. My family would participate in the usual traditions, such as setting out candy on Halloween or giving presents on… read more
Changes, Distractions and Speaking You
A lot can change in a month. My last post was in early October, a time I’d choose in an instant over my current affairs, several weeks later. Back in October, I claimed that when studying abroad, you need to get comfortable with the idea of being alone. I realize… read more
The Learning Curve of London
My experience studying abroad in London has been the epitome of a learning curve. When I first got here, I didn’t know how the London Underground Metro system worked, so I couldn’t go anywhere without navigation from my maps app. I struggled to understand how my class schedule worked, and… read more
British Food: It’s Not That Bad
Before coming to London, I counted myself lucky for never having tasted “mushy peas.” I recoiled at pictures of beans on toast and something called “black pudding,” a type of blood sausage originating from the U.K. and Ireland. There’s a sort of universally accepted stereotype that British food has less… read more
Finding Solace in the Unknown
Tomorrow marks exactly two months since I left Texas for Scotland, and it’s so hard to come up with the words to accurately describe this experience. I feel like I’ve been living in a fever dream, and I think I’ll need at least another year to process everything. Honestly, if… read more
Adventures Come in All Shapes and Sizes
One month before I left for Edinburgh, I bought a journal so that I could record my adventures abroad. I loved the idea of reflecting on my personal stories later on, but I also feared that my time in Edinburgh wouldn’t live up to my imagination. What if something bad… read more
Ending My Teenage Years in Seoul
I am very thankful to have spent the last parts of my teenage years in such a beautiful place: Seoul. Not only am I able to experience and have a better understanding of everyday Korean culture and lifestyles, but I have also been able to understand myself better. Throughout… read more
Romancing My Solitude, the Parisian Way
I must admit: My last blog post was written in the thick of my Parisian honeymoon phase. Three months in, I now have a more grounded perspective on living abroad and the challenges associated with it. One challenge that I’ve been facing lately is feeling lonely. My boyfriend and I… read more
Instant Asia
The Lion City. The Garden City. Instant Asia. Instant Asia. This modern nickname for Singapore stood out to me more than any of the others. A country smaller in size than Dallas houses a population of nearly six million people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as an… read more
Wishing for a Fig in Winter
Still life has been my favorite genre of art since childhood. I’d like to think it was the first time I deeply resonated with the power of metaphor in art. However, at the time, I hadn’t entirely pieced together why I was so fascinated by an unassuming, gilded-framed depiction of… read more
Solo Traveling: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Achieving your Goals
In Australia, at the end of September, all the university students are given a mid-semester break. I figured this was the perfect opportunity to do some traveling and exploration, and I decided to take a two-week backpacking trip up the Australian east coast. This trip would take me and a… read more
On Perspective and Gratitude: Carrying This Practice Into Study Abroad
There are many aspects of studying and living abroad in Paris that I feel are directly shifting pieces of me. There are bits, like how I carry myself walking down the street and how much I sense my heightened independence, which I can directly note as having transformed in these… read more
The Changing of Seasons and Kachoufugetsu
When I first arrived in Kyoto, Japan, two weeks ago, my hair stuck to my face anytime I went outside. Carrying groceries under the blazing heat of the sun felt like a momentous task, akin to that of the long walk up the hills of Austin to reach my dorm… read more
The Walk: My London Ritual
It is currently October, and I have yet to go to a single class here in London. After a long summer at home, watching my friends pack their bags and head back to Austin, I was finally on the plane headed to Heathrow, hoping everything would be OK while I… read more
From One -burg to Another
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I appreciate a good metaphor. I find it easier and more enticing to tell a story when you have a key idea — like a life lesson — to center it around. To that end, I’ve been racking my… read more
Hogwarts Looks a Bit Different Here…
I could lie and tell you that I chose to study abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, because of some sophisticated, mature reason. But the truth is that when I first looked at pictures of the Scottish capital online, I thought it looked like Hogwarts – and as a huge Harry Potter… read more
Reflections in Scotland
One of my favorite things to do is to put the current moment into context with past memories. Two years ago, I was most likely crying on my floor under the weight of the pandemic, starting college and change. One year ago, I moved for the first time and was… read more
President’s Award for Global Learning: Galápagos Islands
The President’s Award for Global Learning empowers students and faculty to examine real-world interdisciplinary topics while incorporating in-country learning into the classroom experience. This guest post recaps the experiences of the 2021-2022 team that explored sustainability in the Galápagos Islands. Students are invited to apply for the 2022-2023 projects in… read more
Unspoken Rules and Making Friends
Korea is a high-context culture, which means people here communicate implicitly, unlike in the U.S. In Korea, there are a lot of different cultural norms, so foreigners entering this country may have difficulty adjusting, especially since Korea doesn’t explicitly mention these rules in their everyday lives. For example, going to… read more
My Semester in Paris, the Birthplace of Cabaret
Four weeks ago today, I dragged three overstuffed bags up four flights of stairs and dropped into a new life. After catching my breath, I took it all in: This cute apartment in historic Montmartre, the birthplace of cabaret, would be my new home for the foreseeable future. Delighted and… read more
Paradoxes Can Coexist
“I am washing my face before bed while a country is on fire. It feels dumb to wash my face and dumb not to. It has never been this way and it has always been this way. Someone has always clinked a cocktail glass in one hemisphere as someone loses… read more
Questions I Hope to Have Answered by the End of My Stay in Europe’s Capital
Currently, I’m in my fourth week of classes with the IFE (Institute for Field Education) program in Brussels, Belgium. So far, the classes I’ve taken regarding the history, culture, and urbanism of Brussels and Belgium have been incredibly interesting. As a class we get to go to museums, day excursions… read more
The Hardest Decisions Create the Greatest Outcomes
I’m going to be honest: the closer I got to my flight date to leave Texas and go to Mexico, the more I doubted I would board the plane. The summer was two months full of obstacles with registration, health clearances and personal things coming up a week before take-off.… read more
Why I Traveled All the way to Australia to Learn German
When you study abroad, it is inevitable that you will face challenges and sometimes be pushed out of your comfort zone. That’s one of the great things about studying abroad. These challenges are what allow you to grow and learn from the experience. In my 5 weeks so far… read more
Le Début
My study abroad experience in Paris is markedly divided into two sections. I moved here the first week of June – nearly three months prior to any official study abroad programming – and spent the summer establishing a routine: venturing into smaller museums solo, devouring literature, and discovering local spots.… read more
Goodbye, Guatemala…
As my time here in Guatemala draws to a close, I’ve been able to find an extra special appreciation for my experiences and what I’ve learned from them. My program has put me in a position to learn about the history of not only this country but of many other… read more
How To Approach New Adventures
A part of your study abroad pre-departure preparation will likely include training on how to manage “culture shock” in an unfamiliar environment. At first, these new experiences can be challenging and may add to a feeling of homesickness. It’s best to approach adjusting to a new lifestyle with the mindset… read more
Reflections on Spain
It’s another late night on my host mom’s balcony in Santander. With a complete view of the city and the public park, it gives the perfect opportunity to stop and relax after a long day or weekend of travel. Tonight, though, the feelings are much different: With two weeks left… read more
¡Te quiero!
Throughout the pandemic, I spent my time worrying about what the future would be. The uncertainty pressured me to involve myself in as many activities as I could to “stay on top of my game.” I was afraid of falling behind, and comparing my accomplishments to my peers became the… read more
The Pre-Med Abroad
¡Hola! My name is Gillian Witten, and I’m a pre-med neuroscience major at The University of Texas at Austin, working on my certification in Spanish for the medical professions. My undergraduate thesis focuses on improving ways to facilitate culturally competent language concordance in medicine. Eventually, I hope to become a… read more
Never Alone in Beautiful Barcelona
As study abroad programs started picking up again, I knew it was my opportunity to live and learn in a city I’d never experienced before. It has always been my dream to fully immerse myself in a different country, and this was my last chance before I graduate in the… read more
Learning Through A New Lens
As I sit down to write this blog, I truly cannot believe I have barely been in Guatemala a week. My heart is already swollen with love for the Guatemalan people, culture and beautiful landscape, and it genuinely swells a little more with each passing “buenos dias” or “hola” I… read more
Take A Chance
After applying to The University of Texas at Austin in Fall 2019, I received a rejection letter and was instantly devastated. However, I applied to UT knowing about the possibility to appeal admissions decisions. I appealed and waited until April 1, 2020, when I finally received my “Gone to Texas”… read more
Lessons in Santander
Has it only been a little over a month in Spain? I cannot believe it. When my brother dropped me off at the airport in Houston for my flight to Santander, Spain, I only had one question: “Can I do this?” Of course, there is so much ambiguity in that… read more
+12 Hours
Greetings from halfway across the world! My name is Nichelle Haley, and I am doing an internship in Singapore for the summer. Singapore is +12 hours from my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, and +13 hours from Austin. So every night in Austin, it is already tomorrow in Singapore. I remember… read more
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
Taking the leap to study abroad for the entire summer was not an easy decision for me, to say the least. While I eagerly looked forward to being fully immersed in the language and culture of Spain, a part of me wished I could soak up this last summer with… read more
The Art of Doing Nothing
I have been lucky enough to study abroad in Japan for three semesters: two at Kyoto University in Kyoto and one semester at Waseda University in Tokyo, which I am now more than halfway done with. Classes abroad have been much less rigorous and intense than those I have taken… read more
Be Where Your Feet Are
There is something to be said about the slower-paced lifestyle in Mexico. Time passes differently here. Opposite to the U.S where everyone has a go-go mentality, “ahorita,” which translates to “now,” never actually means “ahorita.” Punctuality is somewhat less of a priority here. Downtime is valuable in Mexico, so when… read more
You Can Study Abroad
As I sit in international departures at the airport, I think of my memories over the last three months. Chile is such a magical place, where everything comes together. Traveling and immersion experiences should be a requirement for all college students. Being immersed for three months allowed me to learn… read more
Living Without Regrets
People around the world wonder what their lives would have been like had their past selves chosen something other than what they ended up doing. Regret permeates the human condition as much as any emotion, and reflection on the past, such as what I write here, has the ability to… read more
Lessons from Brussels
Everyone, of course, says they learned something from being abroad. And of course, I would say the same. I learned to speak French well, and I learned about Belgian culture and the history of the European Union. However, I think my two biggest lessons were learning to travel alone and… read more
The World Grows When You’re Abroad
“Does the world seem bigger now, or smaller?” I’d met up with my high school best friend in Prague. She was studying abroad in Scotland, and her semester had just finished; I still had about half of my semester left. We were sharing “trdlnik” near the Charles Bridge, and I… read more
Saying Hi and Other Scary Things
As much as I wanted to study abroad, it would have been a lot easier not to. Arranging my housing leases, taking the most insane semester of courses before this one, and leaving behind an entire life of people and things I loved dearly was not easy. While I was… read more
Home Away From Home
I do not doubt for a second that I was meant to study in Seville, Spain. Spaniards are proud of their culture, which makes it very powerful. They are very friendly, always willing to help each other, and treat everyone like family. I really like how people always greet each… read more
Returning to “Reality”
As of the time I’m writing this, I have about a month left in Sweden. I can see on my calendar that my departure date looms closer, and I can’t help but feel sad about leaving behind the life I have made for myself here. From the very start of… read more
This Isn’t Goodbye, But It’s a Bis Später
As I’m writing this, my time in Freiburg and Germany is quickly coming to an end, and honestly, it’s the last thing I want to think about. The reality has slowly started to creep in that in less than three weeks, I’ll have to leave this place that’s become home… read more
Gratitude Across Borders
My abiding feeling while studying abroad has been gratitude. The opportunities I’ve had this semester while studying at Sciences Po in Paris, France, are mind-boggling. A text I sent at the start of the year after bombarding my friends with the new and beautiful things I’d seen so far… read more
No Pasa Nada (Don’t Worry About It)
Before I had even landed in Madrid, I’d unconsciously set expectations for myself and my time abroad: My Spanish would progress like never before, I’d meet many new people, travel every weekend, make unforgettable memories, and transform into this worldly person. In some sense, most of that happened—just not in… read more
My Global Ambassador Vlog
For her second post as a Spring 2022 Global Ambassador, Kate Wessels created a video encapsulating her study abroad experience. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and a broken foot, Kate’s much-awaited study abroad trip was deferred. But in her last semester before graduation, she finally got the chance to travel across… read more
An Overexcited Student’s Guide to London Public Transportation
Anyone who has talked to me knows it. It takes about five minutes, on average, for me to bring up public transportation in a conversation. From the ease of not having to deal with traffic to the unique experience of sitting with a bunch of strangers going somewhere, I could… read more
Bajo el Sol de Mexico (Under the Mexican Sun)
The golden light from the setting sun illuminated the city built on the mountains, and I fell in love. I have to admit, even though it was a short flight from Texas to Mexico, I was nervous about traveling alone for the first time in my life. The thought… read more
Time Is A Circle
A few months ago, I finished reading Gabriel García Márquez’s novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” A recurring theme throughout the book is the idea that time is a circle. The events and actions that happen throughout an individual’s life happen over and over again. Not just the individual, but… read more
Beauty and Freedom in Spain
“I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met — Melody Truong,” read a square magnet on the filing cabinet of my pre-health advisor’s office. It was my first college advising meeting, where I was beginning my twelve-year plan to become a doctor. Once we… read more
Saying Yes on Study Abroad
The biggest thing I’ve learned so far in my semester abroad at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands: Say yes. Say yes when your roommates want to go explore the town on a Wednesday afternoon. I got to Delft two weeks after all my friends, having missed orientation and… read more
Discovery of My Second Home
Brussels, Belgium. What do you know about it? Probably just the Manneken Pis, a fountain of a little boy peeing. Or the Belgian waffles. Probably not much more, as that’s basically what I knew about it. Or at least thought I knew. This city was my match made… read more
Santiago, Chile: The Start of The World
Chile is the southernmost country in South America and is called “The End of The World.” I get to be here in Santiago, Chile, for more than 100 days, but since this is my first week ever outside of the U.S., this is the start of the world for me. … read more
Adjusting to Living And Thinking Abroad
You know when there’s a popular TV show, and everyone’s talking about it, so you know the characters, basic plotline, and random spoilers, but then you actually watch the show, and everything starts to mean something to you? That’s what studying abroad feels like. I knew where I was going… read more
Worries Don’t Disappear, But Excitement Offsets Them
I desired to study abroad ever since the summer of 2019, when a wide-eyed freshman me arrived at the great University of Texas for orientation. Among all the sessions for clubs, organizations and societies over those two days, “Devin of the past” felt most intrigued and inspired after talking to… read more
Slowing Down in Sweden
I knew studying abroad would be a challenge. As someone who typically finds comfort in knowing and being secure in my surroundings, this feeling was so terrifying and freeing at the same time. It had been one of the first times in a long time that I had no agenda—nothing to… read more
My French Dispatch
Living in Paris has been my dream since I was a toddler learning how to read with the “Madeline” picture book. (My mom can still recite the first few lines, and I’m nearly 21 years old—if that gives you an idea of how much I loved it!) I can genuinely… read more
Mein Neues Zuhause (My New Home) — Freiburg
Forty days. Forty days since I left the U.S. for Freiburg. Germany. Forty days of adjusting, adapting and acclimating. Forty days, and I think it’s safe to say that Freiburg is starting to feel like home. The realization hit me one weekend when I was returning from a chaotic trip… read more
The First Month Abroad
I have been in London for just over a month, and it has been the longest month of my life. Nothing could have prepared me for the first week. Between the chaos of registering for classes, making sure I was following COVID-19 protocols, and unpacking, I found myself wondering if… read more
Finding Balance While Studying Abroad
Right now, I’m on an airplane for a weekend trip to Dublin, and I’m doing some final preparation for my presentation on Monday. So, it’s only fitting that I am writing about finding a balance between work and travel while studying abroad. Figuring out how to best manage your time… read more
I Studied Abroad … Now What?
After planning my study abroad trip for more than three years (thanks to what I’ve nicknamed “pandemic patience”), my four months in Costa Rica passed in a flash. I’ve been back in the United States for a little over a month now, and my time abroad already feels like a… read more
650 Subjective Words About My Study Abroad in Madrid
“You are living your best life.” I’ve gotten that text from a couple of friends recently. It’s something I struggle to comprehend. Am I living my best life? Right now, I am pretty darn homesick, but I’ve learned a lot from my time here. Madrid is very nice. It is… read more
Falling in Love with Language Learning
Spanish Frustrations Between my mediocre high school Spanish program and the intense 6-hour courses at UT, I had taken 7 years of Spanish classes in the United States before arriving in Costa Rica. Despite my good grades, I had little to show for it in the conversation department. As someone… read more
Great Expectations: Adapting to Classroom and Grading Expectations in the UK
I have always been a perfectionist. Even in high school, I always held myself to the highest, and frankly, most unattainable, degree for success. Since coming to the University of Texas, I have tried my hardest to reevaluate my standards. Of course, I make sure to work as hard as… read more
Host Family Life
First Impressions Within an hour of my arrival in San José, I had been dropped off at a papaya-colored house 75 meters east of the Palí supermarket, which I soon learned was as close to an official address as you can get in Costa Rica. As my host mom, or… read more
Sucking Out All the Marrow of Life: Executive Dysfunction and Adapting to Life in Edinburgh, Scotland
“I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms,… read more
Overcoming Barriers to Study Abroad
Three years ago, I was applying to colleges with the hope of spending a portion of my college career abroad. As a first-generation student, being accepted into my first-choice college was an accomplishment in itself, but as soon as I stepped on campus, I began planning for my ultimate goal–a… read more
The Language Landscape of Ukraine
I’ll be honest: Ukraine was not my first choice for study abroad programs. I had my heart set on a cross-cultural diplomacy program in Havana, Cuba and St. Petersburg, Russia. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be as COVID happened and Russia became more strict in visa provisions. There’s a saying… read more
Budapest, My Second Home
I can hardly believe it’s been more than a month since I returned home from Budapest. Living abroad for an entire semester, that city had become almost as familiar to me as Austin. I had become used to all the beautiful sights, stores, and public transport routes, but most importantly… read more
Ivana Kupala Tradition and the Magic of Studying Abroad in Ukraine
When we last met, I was in dire straits: doubting myself, wanting nothing more than to return home to the U.S., and confronting a few unsavory aspects of my mental health. I’m elated to report that for the past two or so weeks, Ukraine has treated me incredibly well! Before… read more
Managing Expectations and Traveling with Anxiety
When I exit Boryspil Airport, setting off to my home for the next seven weeks, it is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The heatwave in Kyiv should end in the coming days, but until then, the city boils. On the drive to my home outside the center of Kyiv, I catch flashes… read more
My Last Month in Shanghai
I can’t believe my exchange journey has come to an end. June had arrived before I noticed. Looking back on my four months in Shanghai, happiness and satisfaction are two words that can best sum it up. As at UT, Fudan University often hosts a wide variety of activities on… read more
Saying Goodbye to Sweden
As I reflect on my time at Uppsala and the lessons I have learned along the way, I find myself both sad that it is almost over and excited to see what the future holds. My study abroad experience was unique because of the circumstances, and I did not get… read more
May in Shanghai
Unlike my relatively relaxed intensity of study before, I am beginning to feel the pressure in May. My final exams begin in June, and papers and presentations are due in May before them. Thus, May is one of the busy months in the semester as I have two papers, two… read more
The Impact of My Experience Abroad in Paris, France
Since my last blog post, COVID-19 safety measures have fluctuated in France. All non-essential businesses are currently closed, and there is a 7 p.m. curfew in place. Up until a few weeks ago, you could not travel more than 10 kilometers outside your residence or be outside in groups of… read more
Making Memories in Germany
1. Castles Germany is home to more than 20,000 castles. While some are breathtakingly beautiful and seem as if a Disney princess should be at home, others have become medieval ruins that only hint at their former grandeur. Exploring castles is a great way to spend a weekend! 2. Food… read more
Preparing to Say Goodbye and Hello
In celebration of my last blog post on Global Ambassadors, I’m taking some time to reflect over my favorite memories during my time abroad, such as biking down the Donau Canal, countless visits for gelato, unforgettable trips around Austria and other countries, building beautiful new friendships, learning German and gaining… read more
Busy in Bustling Shanghai
I have never felt time flying by so fast — one month passed by in the blink of an eye. If I had to choose one word to describe my life this month, I would say “happiness.” Fudan University’s club fair happened on the last day of March. Hundreds of… read more
Welcoming Spring in Sweden!
Spring is finally here! After spending the first two months of my semester abroad experiencing the dark and cold days of a Swedish winter, I have a new appreciation for the sun and warmer weather. Spring is often thought of as a symbol of change, and that has been especially… read more
Life Lessons in Austria with a Side of Gelato
It’s hard to believe that I’ll be going home in just six weeks. Six weeks until the end of the semester sounds scary, but six weeks until I leave Vienna sounds scarier. I can’t even put into words what this time abroad has done for me, my confidence, my heart… read more
Spring has Sprung in Budapest, Hungary
It is now spring break at Corvinus University and I finally have a free day to sit down and write about my time here since my last post. In summary, it has been eventful! I usually have the weekends free to meet friends and make some day trips within Hungary.… read more
My New Life in Fudan, China
Once I completed new student registration and got my student ID, my university life began. After nearly a year of online classes, I miss the face-to-face campus life very much. Without a doubt, I start my new journey full of anticipation and joy. While I finished the first day of… read more
Life Outside of Class in Uppsala, Sweden
Balancing schoolwork and free time is challenging for any college student. I have found that the activities I participate in outside of class can be just as valuable as my in-course experiences. This has continued to be true throughout my time abroad as well. One of my favorite things to… read more
Embracing Life in Vienna, Austria
Hello all! I hope everyone has had a wonderful spring break. For us students in Vienna, this week was filled with cold winds and occasional snowfall, but hey — can’t complain right? The other day, I realized that I unconsciously started calling Vienna home. It’s been nice to see how seamlessly… read more
Settling into my Life in Budapest, Hungary
Hello! Or as they say in Hungarian, “Szia!” My name is Sanjana, and I am currently studying abroad at Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. I can’t wait to share all my adventures in this unique country over the next few months! When we first arrived in Budapest, I paid for… read more
Being Present in Paris, France
My experience as an exchange student feels unreal sometimes. Although I have lived in Paris for nearly two months, I have to frequently remind myself that I’m not just a student taking online classes in her apartment; I am living in Paris, France – a city I’ve dreamed of visiting… read more
Adjusting to my New Courses in Sweden
One of the main concerns I had coming to Uppsala was course load. Even in the U.S., courses at different colleges can vary in their expectations. Moving to an entirely new country with a different way of taking classes was frightening. While I could research how people typically felt about… read more
Ni Hao, China
I have always wanted to experience the academic atmosphere and living environment of different countries, so I chose the exchange program offered by Texas Global. Originally, I planned to go to the U.K. for spring 2021. Due to the pandemic, my family eagerly hoped that I could return to my… read more
Aller Anfang ist schwer. (Every beginning is hard.)
Quick Update: After an overwhelming layover in Boston and quite calm one in Frankfurt, I landed in Vienna last week and have since completed my quarantine. I will admit that the COVID-19 environment here is taken very seriously (I was offered free FFP2 masks at literally every grocery store I… read more
Hallo aus Deutschland
My first month in Vallendar, Germany was eventful! It featured new friends, hikes through the German countryside and even a medical emergency. New Friends Meeting people from different countries is my favorite part about being an exchange student. My closest friends are from Ireland, France, Argentina and Canada. Since many… read more
Studying in Sweden – Finding my Footing
Going into my time abroad, I set several goals for myself. I want to make meaningful connections with people I would not usually have the chance to interact with, gain learning experience that I would not have been able to gain at UT and approach the challenges of moving to… read more
Vienna Waits for You
My flight to Vienna, Austria departs the first week of February. Amidst the slow packing and preparations, I took some time to reflect on why I was so eager to study abroad in the first place. Reason 1 There’s no bigger challenge than moving across the world where a majority… read more
A Day in the Life on Exchange in London
This post was contributed by Amarachi Ngwakwe, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Amarachi is a Humanities and Health and Society major studying abroad in London, United Kingdom. Amarachi will also be taking over our Instagram Stories @texasglobalabroad, so be sure to follow along as she shares her experiences abroad!
The End: Korea
This post was contributed by Kevin Lee, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Kevin is a Government, International Relations and Global Studies, and Asian Studies major studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Read his first blog post. It is finally December, and my time in Korea will soon come to an… read more
The Swedish Chronicles: The Study Abroad Experience
This post was contributed by Kai Fleischman, a Global Ambassador studying at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. Kai is a computer science major in the College of Natural Sciences. Read his first post. As this is my last post for the Education Abroad Blog, I decided that the best way… read more
Studying Abroad During a Pandemic
This post was contributed by Amarachi Ngwakwe, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Amarachi is a Humanities and Health and Society major studying abroad in London, United Kingdom. Amarachi will also be taking over our Instagram Stories @texasglobalabroad, so be sure to follow along as she shares her experiences abroad! In… read more
The Swedish Chronicles, Part IV: The Morning Routine
This post was contributed by Kai Fleischman, a Global Ambassador studying at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. Kai is a computer science major in the College of Natural Sciences. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Kai shares his experiences abroad! Read his first post. I wake up, tightly cocooned within warm… read more
Enjoying Korea
This post was contributed by Kevin Lee, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Kevin is a Government, International Relations and Global Studies, and Asian Studies major studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Read his first blog post. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Kevin shares his experiences abroad! I am… read more
Share Your Global Voice
Longhorns who studied abroad, we want to hear from you and share your story! Submit a piece about a personal experience, family story, or creative myth that touches on global and international themes by Tuesday, Nov. 10. Authors of selected pieces will be invited to read/perform their story during A Night of… read more
Embracing the Unexpected, Part II
This post was contributed by Zoe Howard, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Zoe is a French, English, and Rhetoric and Writing junior studying abroad in Paris, France. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Zoe shares her experiences abroad! A couple of days ago, I was wandering through the streets… read more
The Swedish Chronicles: The Great Swedish Outdoors
This post was contributed by Kai Fleischman, a Global Ambassador studying at Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. Kai is a computer science major in the College of Natural Sciences. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Kai shares his experiences abroad! Read his first post. Before heading abroad, I spent… read more
Czech Daily Life in Surging Second COVID Wave
This blog post was contributed by Lucie Zacharova, Assistant Director of Advising on our Education Abroad team. Originally from the Czech Republic, Lucie traveled with her family this summer to her home country during the COVID-19 pandemic. She writes about her experience navigating our new normal. Read Part I of… read more
The Best and the Worst – Flying During COVID
This blog post was contributed by Lucie Zacharova, Assistant Director of Advising on our Education Abroad team. Originally from the Czech Republic, Lucie traveled with her family to her home country during the COVID-19 pandemic. She writes about her experience navigating our new normal. Read Part II of her international… read more
Enter the 2020 Education Abroad Photo and Video Contest
Inspire Longhorns around the world with photos and videos captured during your experience abroad. Submit Your Photos & Videos The Education Abroad Photo and Video Contest is now open for submissions! The contest is open to any student or graduate who studied abroad in 2018, 2019 or spring 2020. The… read more
Experiencing Cultural Differences in Paris
This post was contributed by Zoe Howard, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Zoe is a French, English, and Rhetoric and Writing junior studying abroad in Paris, France. Read Zoe’s first blog post. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Zoe shares more of her experiences abroad! During my first month… read more
The Swedish Chronicles, Part II
This post was contributed by Kai Fleischman, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Kai is a Computer Science major studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. Read his first blog post. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Kai shares his experiences abroad! Stockholm: Scandinavia’s Capital For city dwellers, Stockholm does not disappoint.… read more
Embracing the Unexpected
This post was contributed by Zoe Howard, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Zoe is a French, English, and Rhetoric and Writing junior studying abroad in Paris, France. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Zoe shares her experiences abroad! Before this semester, I thought I knew exactly what my time… read more
“You HAVE to Study Abroad During Your Four Years at UT Austin”
It’s a statement you’ve probably heard at least once during your time at UT Austin. From the campus tour to orientation, I recall at least a dozen times during my first year alone where I was told that studying abroad would CHANGE MY LIFE. Now, it’s the fall semester of… read more
Three Goals I Plan to Accomplish While Studying Abroad
This post was contributed by Amarachi Ngwakwe, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Amarachi is a Humanities and Health and Society major studying abroad in London, United Kingdom. Amarachi will also be taking over our Instagram Stories @texasglobalabroad, so be sure to follow along as she shares her experiences abroad!… read more
The Swedish Chronicles, Part I
This post was contributed by Kai Fleischman, a Global Ambassador for fall 2020. Kai is a Computer Science major studying abroad in Stockholm Sweden. Stay tuned throughout the semester as Kai shares his experiences abroad! Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan As one would expect, all my classes are online. This is not… read more
The Man Who Wouldn’t Be Chief, Part II
This post was contributed by Parker Pflaum, coordinator for faculty-led programs, about his time in Myanmar as a program/trip leader who taught material for the student participants. This is the second post in a two-part series. Read Part I. We are sitting on a slanted field on top of a… read more
The Man Who Wouldn’t Be Chief, Part I
This post was contributed by Parker Pflaum, coordinator for faculty-led programs, about his time in Myanmar as a program/trip leader who taught material for the student participants. This is the first post in a two-part series. Read Part II. U Chit Phay is 78 years old. He is of the… read more
Czech, American and Global Every Day
This post was contributed by Lucie Zacharová, Assistant Director for Advising, about how growing up in a global context shape and transform our perspectives, expanding our worldviews to include different ways of living and increasing our competency as global citizens. The world is global. The only thing that changes in… read more
Laying the Foundation for Career Success While Interning Abroad
This blog post was contributed by Carolina Sarria, an Education Abroad peer advisor who helped other Longhorns begin their own transformative education abroad adventures. It’s been almost one year since I completed my year abroad in France. I spent Fall 2018 in the IRG program in Paris, France (for the… read more
Taking My Identity Abroad
This post was contributed by Catherine Andersson, academic records coordinator for Education Abroad, about her experience with cultural identity while abroad. What does it mean to take yourself abroad? While the physical processes of going through airports, arriving in country, going to local orientations are all valid motions of “being… read more
Exploring the World Again
This blog post was contributed by Carolina Sarria, an Education Abroad peer advisor who helped other Longhorns begin their own transformative education abroad adventures. I have now been at home for almost 7 weeks. It’s been so long since I’ve been in Austin, seen my friends, been on campus, or… read more
You Can Take The Girl Outta London…
This post was contributed by Chelsea Cowan, a program coordinator for faculty-led programs in Education Abroad, about how she optimized her time abroad in London to include studying, service learning, and research. Whenever anyone asks me what the strongest influence on my life has been up until this point, I always… read more
Why I Went Abroad: A Look at Five Moments
This blog post was contributed by Estefania Rodriguez, an Education Abroad peer advisor who helped other Longhorns begin their own transformative education abroad adventures. Every person who has studied abroad has a collection of stories at their disposal for the moment they get asked about their experience. As a peer… read more
Thinking About Studying Abroad? Here’s Why You Should
This blog post was contributed by Eugene Nam, an Education Abroad peer advisor who helped other Longhorns begin their own transformative education abroad adventures. What type of Education Abroad program is the best in your eyes and why? In my eyes, the best Education Abroad program is the university-wide exchange… read more
Revisiting My Inspiration for Studying Abroad
This post was contributed by Erin Brown Achterhof, Administrative Associate for Faculty-Led Programs in Education Abroad, about what inspired her to go abroad. When I was in middle school, I was visiting my younger cousins in New Orleans, and they wanted to watch a movie with me called “Princess Mononoke,”… read more
Japan’s Echizen Paper Festival
This post was contributed by Raquelle Brant, Administrative Assistant for Academic Records in Education Abroad, who taught English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching program for three years. Teaching English around the world is one way to take your career abroad, giving your resume a boost with international… read more
Building Life-Changing Friendships While Studying Abroad
This post was contributed by Rebecca French, Senior Administrative Associate in Education Abroad, about her transformative experience studying abroad in France. The first time I studied abroad was during my senior year of high school in l’Aigle, Normandy, France with my local Rotary Club. On my first day with my… read more
Experiencing “Mateship” in Australia
My name is Katherine, and I am a second-year Communication and Leadership major originally from San Antonio, Texas. I have been meaning to check in with y’all for a while now, but I’m glad so much time has passed since my time in Australia because it has allowed me to… read more
Did I Miss the Point of Studying Abroad?
This post was contributed by Global Ambassador Frances Garnett, an IRG and theater & dance major studying abroad in Brussels, Belgium. Read more about Frances’s experience. Being in quarantine has given me a lot of time to think, and lately I’ve been wondering: what is the point of study abroad?… read more
From Australia to Austin: Cultural Traditions in Times of Change
I am new to Austin. I just moved to town, and what a time to move! I was most recently living in Doha, Qatar and have been in Austin for just over a month. It is always a challenge to move across oceans, build a new life, learn a new… read more
Coming Home: the Lasts and the Firsts
This post was contributed by Spring 2020 Global Ambassador Sabrina LeBoeuf, a journalism and RTF student studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Read more about Sabrina’s experience. The Lasts The first and last time I tried banoffee pie was Wednesday, March 11, 2020. My friend Giulia and I met at a cake… read more
Money Moves in Melbourne
This post was contributed by Spring 2020 Global Ambassador Katherine Shumaker, a Communication and Leadership student studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia. Hello everyone! My name is Katherine and I am a second-year Communication and Leadership student originally from San Antonio. I find myself resting in a cozy little dorm room… read more
Ignorance Is Bliss? Experiencing My First Language Barrier in Belgium
This post was contributed by Spring 2020 Global Ambassador Sabrina LeBoeuf, a journalism and RTF student studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Read more about Sabrina’s experience. This semester, I decided to study in Madrid, Spain for two main reasons: I wanted a place to practice my Spanish, and I wanted… read more
A Step Toward Bilinguilism
This post was contributed by Global Ambassador Frances Garnett, an IRG and theater & dance major studying abroad in Brussels, Belgium. My name is Frances Garnett, and I’m a third-year student studying abroad in Brussels, Belgium. I was born in Belgium, by chance, and I thought it would be fun… read more
Adapting to Life Abroad
This post was contributed by Global Ambassador Sabrina LeBoeuf, a journalism and RTF student studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Honeymoon. Frustration. Adaptation. Acceptance. On my first day of school at exchange student orientation, the mental health department taught us about the phases of culture shock. “You will have a downfall,”… read more
Midnight to Midnight in Paris
After running into some flight delays on my way home from studying in Scotland, I found myself with a full day in Paris before having to catch my transfer flight out to Austin. One day is certainly not enough to fully see the City of Lights, but it was definitely… read more
I’m on the Pursuit of Happiness: Finding Your Joy Abroad
Hey guys! My name is David Zulli, I am a 3rd-year IRG and Anthropology major, and I am studying abroad in Granada, Spain. As of right now, I am approaching the end of my semester abroad. In fact, I leave in just a few short days after I take my… read more
The Budget of Being Abroad
Hello again, for my final blog post of the semester! My name is Brandon and I’m a third-year marine science and journalism major studying at the National University of Singapore. With the semester finally at a close, I wanted to look back on one of the things that nobody really… read more
One Last Stroll Through Seoul
Hi all! It’s Celeste again, writing to you one last time from Seoul, South Korea. Coming into this study abroad trip, my friends and I were all in agreement over one thing: we only had one semester (FOUR months!) to make this trip count. Although four months seemed like an… read more
How Solo-Traveling Made My 21st Birthday Memorable
It’s My Party I Can Be Alone If I Want To. Studying abroad in Granada, Spain, definitely has its perks. The food is great (and really cheap), the tapas are free, and the clubs are always blasting the best Latin hits. As a result, after several weeks of enjoying all… read more
Journey’s End
Hello again! It’s been quite a while since I last wrote. My name is Brandon and I’m a third-year marine science and journalism major studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS) for this fall semester. With final exams fully underway and having just finished three of my four exams… read more
An Irish Journey
When I decided I wanted to study abroad, part of the reason I wanted to do so was because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. However, after the first initial 1-2 weeks of being in Glasgow though I realized that the city had added itself to my… read more
Outro: The Case for Study Abroad
I’m back, baby- writing to you for the third and final time from my hostel cafeteria in Dublin, Ireland. This trip is a sort of last hoorah, as I am approaching the end of my fourth month in Europe and, thus, the end of my time abroad. It’s a weird… read more
Korea’s Hidden Secrets
Now that I’ve been in South Korea for nearly 3 months, I’ve fallen into a comfortable routine. Whereas I used to post everything I did on social media because it was new and exciting, I find myself posting less often these days, simply living in the moment and enjoying the… read more
My Quokka Adventure
It’s Ally, again! If you’ve been following along with my blogs, it’s been a while since I’ve been here in Perth! Finals are over and they were brutal. All of my exams were written essays so by the end of the week my hand was throbbing. My lab exam did… read more
Managing Studying While Studying Abroad
Hello! My name is Kiran Grewal and I am a junior studying Supply Chain Management. I am currently studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. A question I receive quite frequently is, “So, do you actually study when you study abroad?” And in truth, I do study, but not nearly as… read more
My Experience With Mental Health While Abroad
Hey guys! My name is David Zulli and I am a 3rd-year International Relations and Global Studies and Anthropology double major with a certificate in Spanish for Business Professions. This fall, I have the privilege of studying in Granada, Spain, a small city in Southern Iberia. Throughout these past few… read more
Healing Homesickness
As this semester is my first time living in a new country on my own, I have found myself occasionally becoming a little homesick. Luckily, the feeling doesn’t last too long. However, I have composed a list of tips and tricks to overcome these short periods of nostalgia that will… read more
How Going Abroad Helped Me Decide About Graduate School
Part of my reasoning for going abroad was that I wasn’t sure about my direction after undergrad. I knew I was interested in grad school, but not anything beyond that. I had many interests, but not one I was passionate about enough to study for a master’s or PhD. I… read more
An Old Seoul in New Shoes
One of the most beautiful things about Seoul is its ability to juxtapose traditional and modern elements at every corner, without it feeling strange or out of place. In the span of a day, you can easily go shopping in populous hubs like Myeongdong and Hongdae, while also visiting the… read more
Tips for Weekends Abroad
Hello, all! My name is Savannah and I’m studying abroad in Reims, France. However, as I sit and write to you for the second time this semester, I’m actually enjoying an acai bowl at a cute little juice shop in Amsterdam! It’s my third day here and as tired as… read more
A Day in The Life At U of G
Glasgow is home to about six hundred thousand people and is full of things to see and do, and luckily, even with the responsibilities of school, I am able to fit in time to learn about and explore the city. At the University of Glasgow students take 60 credits per… read more
Trusting the Process: Overcoming Barriers Abroad
Hey! My name is David Zulli, and I am a 3rd-year International Relations and Global Studies and Anthropology double major with a certificate in Spanish for Business Professions. This fall, I have the privilege of studying in Granada, Spain, a small city in Southern Iberia that is famous for pomegranates,… read more
Catching Quenda
I get asked a lot why I chose UWA of all universities. I wanted classes totally different that I could ever take in Austin, a wholly other experience. So when I was looking at UWA, one class caught my attention- Wildlife Conservation and Management. It incorporates methods for field zoologists… read more
At Some Point
“Yeah, I’ll totally study abroad at some point in college” is what I would often tell my friends and family when our conversations led to the topic of travel; however, it always felt like a go-to superficial response. I knew that thousands of UT students used the plentiful resources at… read more
A Whole Lotta Fun at Lotte World
Hello all! It’s Celeste again checking in from Seoul, South Korea. The first time I wrote you all, it was about a week after I landed in Seoul. In a few days, that week will have turned into a month. The past month has been packed with fun adventures and… read more
The Being Abroad Part of Study Abroad
Hello! Long time, no see from Singapore! For those who are reading for the first time, or those who forgot who I am, my name is Brandon Chan and I’m a third-year marine science and journalism student studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS). With about half of the… read more
Taking the Leap of Faith
Hello fellow Longhorns! My name is Celeste Oon. I’m a third-year double-major in linguistics and East Asian studies, and this fall I’m studying abroad at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. I’ve always known I wanted to study abroad, even before entering university. I mean, who wouldn’t want to travel… read more
What It’s Like to Volunteer at an Australian Wildlife Park
Hey y’all! I’m Allyson, a 4th-year biology major currently abroad in Perth, Australia. My interests include animal behavior, conservation, and management, which is exactly what I’m studying at the University of Western Australia! Apart from school and studies, I’m a volunteer at Caversham Wildlife Park (CWP), an accredited member of… read more
Disconnected
Bonjour, tout le monde! My name is Savannah Breedlove. I’m a third year IRG major writing to you now from a cat cafe (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like it is) in Reims, France- my home city for the next four months. Finally being here is almost surreal;… read more
Things to Know Before Arriving in Singapore
Hello! Greetings from Singapore! My name is Brandon Chan, and I’m a third-year marine biology and journalism major studying at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Singapore starts school a bit earlier than UT so I’ve been in the country now for a little over a week. With the start… read more
Best Day Trips from Barcelona
As you start to familiarize yourself with a new city and grow your own comfort zone there, you start to want to branch out and visit close places. After 6 weeks in Barcelona, me and my friends have both explored Barcelona as well as popular destinations nearby. Here are some… read more
Finding My Favorite Sites and Attractions in Berlin
Hey everyone! Just as a reminder, my name is Dominique Jeanpierre, and I’m a rising senior PR major who is currently interning in Berlin, Germany, for the summer. As I enter my last week in Berlin, I am truly finding this experience to be bittersweet to say the least. However,… read more
Staying Afloat, Language by Immersion
Привет снова друзья! It’s been two weeks since I last wrote in and much has happened! Every day here is so packed with adventure, experiences, and new acquaintances and friends that one day feels like a mini-lifetime, and I’m loving it! One of the biggest challenges that has “surfaced” is… read more
Immer-Asian
I am a banana: yellow on the outside, white on the inside. This is a term often used to describe an ABC (American-born Chinese) or 华裔. We look Chinese, but we do not act Chinese. We have grown up assimilated into the American lifestyle. My friends and I have occasionally… read more
Words of Wisdom
Today, our Maymester had our farewell dinner by the beach and said our final goodbyes. During this trip, I really made some lifelong friends, and I can’t wait to reunite with them when the school year starts back up this fall. Not only were they great travel companions, but they… read more
Goodbyes Aren’t Permanent
It was the second to last day before I was headed back to the United States. My time in London, England, was coming to a close and every moment felt bittersweet… I was going to miss my friends. I knew some students before we were all accepted into the same… read more
Some Days in My Life: Sicily Study Abroad
Every day in Sicily has brought a new adventure, loads of fun, and moments that will surely turn into precious memories. A day in the life blog post was bound to happen, right? I wanted to pick a “regular” day here, but if I’m being honest, there really is no… read more
Journey to a Second Home
Здраствуйти! My name is Sean O’Leary and I am going into Junior year at UT, studying Neuroscience and Russian. This combination of majors often takes people aback as they wonder what the connection could be between these two very different fields. However, for me, both represent an intrinsic part of… read more
Making the Most of Your Time
Before I left for my study abroad trip, my friend who had spent his spring 2019 in Germany gave me advice that would become my motto for the whole trip: “You can sleep when you get back home.” He told me that instead of waking up late on the weekends… read more
Becoming Comfortable With the Unfamiliar
Hey everyone! Just as a reminder, my name is Dominique Jeanpierre, and I’m a rising senior PR major who is currently interning in Berlin, Germany for the summer. I’m not sure if I’m still wrapped in a state of bliss from the many adventures that I have embarked on since… read more
Ichi-go Ichi-e
こんにちは! はじめまして、私はニッキーマーシャルです。テキサスの大学の三年生です。せんこうは社会学です。今は日本で勉強しています！どうぞよろしく。 Hello! My name is Nikki Marshall. I am a third-year student at the University of Texas at Austin. My major is sociology. Currently, I am studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan! Nice to meet you. Currently, I’m in a café in Tokyo, Japan sipping on a cup of sesame… read more
A Lesson in Culture Shock
There’s a feeling when you get accepted to study abroad. A sense of excitement and anticipation for the unknown rushes through you. You know that you’re going, but at the same time it feels surreal to be travelling to another country. Up until departure, you’re full of nervous energy and… read more
Letting Go of Expectations & Being Present
Hi, everyone! My name is Ellen Jordan and I am a rising junior at UT studying Nutritional Science. I have been in Ortigia, Sicily for nearly a week and I can confidently say that it has blown away any expectations I had made beforehand. Two years ago, if you would… read more
Final Days in Cambridge!
Hello! This is Mykaela writing to you one last time from Cambridge, England. In the next couple of days, I will be traveling from Cambridge to London and finally to my hometown of Dallas, Texas. It is all quite surreal to think that in about a month, I have completed… read more
Pura Vida! Part #3
Just like that, my time here in San Joaquin, Costa Rica came and went. Tomorrow is my last class day, Friday is our farewell dinner, and Saturday I am on a flight back to Texas. While the assignments for this course have ramped up a bit here at the end… read more
Pre – ad[vuong]ture
As an Asian American, growing up I spoke what I coined as “Chinglish.” Phrases like “wo zai zuo wo de homework” or “ni xiang chi shen me for lunch” were just thrown around without a second thought. It was not until I began studying Chinese in a classroom setting that… read more
What Do You Do When Studying Abroad Requires Studying?
When my friend showed me a tweet earlier this week that stated, “I see all of this abroad, but no studying,” I giggled. The tweet seemed accurate because students have the opportunity to travel within their designated and surrounding countries while shopping and exploring at some unique sites. Personally, I’ve… read more
Introduction and Arrival in Portugal
From a young age, traveling abroad with family has been both frequent and familiar. Exploring foreign cities such as Tokyo and Paris not only introduced me to life-changing experiences, but has also given me a unique perspective. Enrolling for a maymester and studying abroad for the first time was a… read more
Four Tips for a Successful Time Abroad!
Hello, it’s Mykaela again and I am writing to you after safely returning from a weekend in Paris. As a quick refresher, I am doing a Maymester abroad in Cambridge, England studying education, however this weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to Paris to visit my best friend. I… read more
The Power of Human Connection
Greetings all! My name is Ainara, and if you know anything about me, you should know that I love meeting new people. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am currently studying abroad in Brazil, a place I had never been to before. Traveling to Brazil has always been… read more
Pura Vida! Part #2
So I am halfway through my Maymester here in Costa Rica and have experienced enough to fill a whole summer’s worth (luckily, there is plenty more to come). I have had the luxury of being able to go with my classmates on several small excursions during the week and weekend… read more
Three Things I’ve Done in Cape Town that Have Scared Me
My last blog post was about how studying abroad is scary, and I still stand by that statement. However, I have stayed true to my word and have really tried to lean into experiences that make me nervous and uncomfortable. One surefire way to force myself into these situations is… read more
Cultural Differences in Berlin
Hey everyone! My name is Dominique Jeanpierre and I am a rising fourth-year public relations major! Currently, I am interning abroad in Berlin, Germany. From the beginning of freshman year, I had always dreamed of studying across the pond! The adventure, the self-exploration and necessary cultural immersion allure was an… read more
Have Fun, Take Pictures, Be Safe
“Have fun, take pictures, be safe. This is a once in a lifetime experience.” That’s what I consistently heard from my loved ones as I prepared to embark on my journey across the pond to the United Kingdom. Overwhelmed was an understatement and the pressure of seizing every opportunity this… read more
List of Things There’s a Huge Market for in Barcelona
As I’m getting acclimated to a new city in a foreign country, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of similarities between living in Barcelona and America. I have also noticed, however, many differences between the two places. Below I’ve listed what I think are some of where Barcelona draws… read more
Pack Light or Pack Right
Pick. Iron. Fold. Pack. And repeat. The London Maymester: Community Life Documented, was my first opportunity to travel to Europe, but I was no stranger to packing. My childhood consisted of skyrocketing across the blue skies to various places in the US, snacking on dry plane pretzels, and being patted… read more
Friendships on Study Abroad
When boarding the plane to Rio de Janeiro for my College of Engineering Brazil Maymester, I was a little nervous because I didn’t have any friends coming with me. Coming from different backgrounds, stories, and upbringings, the fifteen of us have experienced completely different lives. Despite our differences, we are… read more
Oh, What an Adventure
Good morning family and friends, What an adventure this has been. I have been in England for five months and yet, this still isn’t the end. There is another entire portion of my adventure on its way. I want to tell you about what’s still to come and what I… read more
Not Ready for Study Abroad to End
Hi! It’s Lauren again. I have a flight booked. It is time. I am headed home soon and I’m not quite ready. Before leaving, I had been worried about how I would adjust to the distance, the new people, the new culture. I was worried about the unknown and how… read more
Pura Vida! Part #1
No expectations are the best expectations. While going with the flow and taking things as they come goes against every fiber of my being, I made a conscious effort to be different for the next four weeks of my life. I just wrapped up my sophomore year as a double… read more
Study Abroad Is Scary
Yeah, I said it. International travel? Layovers in foreign countries? Budgeting? Interacting with locals? All of it makes me extremely uneasy. I miss the days when my mom was in charge of all of our trips, because I feel like I am not responsible enough to handle all of this.… read more
One Last Adventure
My time abroad in Querétaro is quickly coming to a close, though I was lucky enough to sneak in one last adventure with my friend Nicky. With the official end of the semester and all of our final exams completed, we stuffed our backpacks with a few changes of clothing… read more
7 Underrated Reasons to Study Abroad
1. Immersing yourself in a new culture One of the most important reasons to study abroad is immersing yourself into a foreign culture. With studying abroad, you will experience new languages (even if it is your native language, being in a new country means that you will not be privy… read more
Scholarship Tips From a Peer Advisor
In order to study abroad on an exchange program without the financial support of my parents, I applied to every possible scholarship I could. Here’s a short list of the scholarships I applied for and some of my tips! Gilman Scholarship Now I’m sure many of you either have a… read more
Final Thoughts and Taking It Easy
Howdy from Singapore y’all! School here is starting to wrap up, and it’s crazy to think that in less than a week I’ll be flying back home to Texas. It honestly feels like I arrived in Singapore a few weeks ago, rather than a few months. Still, my time here… read more
How I Talked To My Parents About Study Abroad
Talking to my very strict parents about studying abroad wasn’t an easy task. I can recall feeling extremely nervous as I walked up to my parents with the prior understanding that they would likely tell me their usual answer, “No!” Which is why this blog isn’t so much a… read more
Golden Week of Opportunities
こんにちは! はじめまして、私はニッキーマーシャルです。テキサスの大学の三年生です。せんこうは社会学です。今は日本で勉強しています！どうぞよろしく。 Hello! My name is Nikki Marshall. I am a third-year student at the University of Texas at Austin. My major is sociology. Currently, I am studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan! Nice to meet you. Golden Week: Today is April 29, a day that marks the end of… read more
The One With Less Pictures
Good morning friends and family, This is the one with less pictures. This is the one with the topic that nobody wants to talk about in a study abroad blog. When you’re supposed to be out enjoying your experience and exploring your new environment, nobody wants to talk about this… read more
Changing the Soundtrack of My Life
Hello again! One thing you should know about me is that music governs a major part of my life, and it is very likely that music also plays a major role in your life as well. According to a 2017 report released by Nielsen Music, Americans listen to a little… read more
Adventures Down the Yucatan
Meet the crew! These are some of the awesome longhorns I got to share my travel experience with! It’s Semana Santa, or Holy Week here in Mexico, which for many, means the time to travel and spend time with friends and family! In March my friends and I gathered around… read more
Just Do It
It’s funny to think back to past me doubting whether or not study abroad was the right choice for me- because it totally was the right move! I’m pretty sure I was so nervous that I submitted my application within hours of the deadline. But I’m here today to help… read more
Concerns and Skepticism Before My Departure to China
大家好! (dà jiā hǎo) Hello everyone! My name is Diego Maldonado. I am a third-year aerospace engineering major, and I always dreamed of studying abroad! I knew that this would become a life changing experience and I simply couldn’t miss out on it. I originally considered over 10 different countries… read more
What I Missed While Abroad
When students consider studying abroad, the thought of FOMO creeps up. Students think, “Omg, what will my friends do without me when I study abroad? What will I miss out on in Austin??” It’s easy to immediately think of the things you will miss out on, without even imagining the… read more
How to Fit Study Abroad Into Your 4 Years at UT in 4 Steps
General Rule of Thumb Start planning early! I recommend most people begin planning their study abroad experience at least one semester in advance. However, remember, the earlier you get started the more options you will have! Yes. You FRESHMEN. Theoretically, y’all have the MOST options to study abroad as you… read more
Una Boda en Celaya
Last month, my host family invited me to attend their nephew’s wedding in March. Yesterday was the big day, which meant my host parents, my host siblings and their partners, and I loaded into my host father’s van (which doubles as a school bus for elementary schoolers during the week)… read more
It’s Not All the Same
Hi again from Sweden! Lately, I have been thinking about how we often speak of study abroad as a general experience. People say they go on study abroad and you have a picture in your mind of what that means. This picture may be shaped by your own experiences, stories… read more
The Trials of Travel
Good morning friends and family, There are many adventures I could recount for you since the last time we wrote but, because I think knowing about the requirements that go into studying abroad is the most important, I will spare no time on said adventures. I do not believe that… read more
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Howdy from Singapore! It has been a very hot two months since I got here, full of exploring different places, meeting new people, and eating the BEST food. I also think I’m finally starting to consider Singapore as home. It definitely wasn’t always this way though. When I first arrived… read more
Guanajuato
Hola from Guanajuato, Mexico! This past weekend, Mexico observed Constitution Day, meaning that everyone could enjoy Monday off. My friends and I decided to use the break as an extra day for us to travel! Arriving at Guanajuato around 11 am on Saturday, we decided to take one of the… read more
It’s Time for Travelling for the Right Reasons SZN – What Are Yours?
If you were anything like me as a kid, then you probably spent a good deal of time imagining yourself playing with all the kids who lived far away from you who, most unfairly, got to play the games you would never have the opportunity to play: snowboarding on mountain… read more
A Peer Advisor’s Top Travel Tips
What draws people to study abroad? For many it’s the prospect of being able to travel to a new country, experience a new culture, take great pictures and eat amazing food. But if we’re being honest, international travel can be scary, especially for someone who has never left the country… read more
Talking to Your Parents About Study Abroad
Growing up, I had only seen two states- Iowa and Louisiana, the places my parents are from. College being my first time away from home, I knew that UT was my opportunity to gain some cultural experience through study abroad and I wanted to go everywhere, which more than scared… read more
The University of Exeter
Good morning friends and family, I, Julian Kadolph, write to you once again from Exeter, Devon, England! While it is decently cold here in Southwestern England, my heart goes out to those affected by the cold vortex in Northern states of America. I may not be experiencing that great of… read more
Bienvenidos a Queretaro
Hola y Bienvenidos a Querétaro, Mexico! My name is Paige and I’m a Sophomore studying International Relations and Global Studies. With a specialization in Latin American studies and security, I knew that Mexico would be the perfect location to continue my studies. Since this is my first reflection on my… read more
Cold, but Thriving
Hej! I’m Lauren Voigt! I am a 3rd year Human Development and Family Sciences major at UT Austin. I am from San Antonio, Texas and have never lived outside of Texas. But now I am. I am spending my spring far far away from Austin on an exchange program in… read more
The Little Differences
Good morning everyone! I write to you on the morning of my first day in Exeter – a beautiful little city on the Southwestern coast of England. My name is Julian Kadolph! I am a 4th year English Major with minors in Creative Writing and Arts and Entertainment Technology (AET).… read more
Attay: A Story of Moroccan Hospitality and Friendship
Assalamu Alaikum (السلام عليكم)! Hello, from Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco! My name is Kailey Hunt, and I am a third year International Relations and Global Studies, Government, and Middle Eastern Studies major at the University of Texas at Austin. This semester, I am writing to you as an exchange… read more
Singapore’s Diversity
Hi y’all! My name is Avi Minocha and I am a third year Computer Science major. I just arrived in Singapore to start my semester at the National University of Singapore, and to be honest, the past few days have been such a whirlwind of trying to settle in and… read more
The Process of Slowing Down
As my time abroad is coming to a close – I’ll be home in just a few days – I have felt the increasing pressure to see and do everything. When I first came to the UK, I was not only excited about how many things (museums, shops, shows, holidays,… read more
Participating in Academic Research while on Exchange – FAQs
Heyya folks. Today I will be talking about my experience working in a research lab while on my exchange year in Singapore! It is daunting to try and cover the experience in one blog, so I asked several of my friends what specific questions they would like the post to… read more
Signing out From Seoul
Dear World, This time I’ll try and keep it short and sweet: As my days here in South Korea dwindle down and my friends leave one-by-one, I can’t help but feel nostalgic as I reflect upon the amazing experience I had here as a student. Going into this study-abroad experience,… read more
Catching the Travel Bug
I don’t mean to be the cliché student who comes back from studying abroad and always talks about it, but I really believe the past four months have taught me so much. When you travel to a foreign country with no friends or familiarity, you really learn about yourself and… read more
Singapore
I’ve never been good at goodbyes. My friend Elizabeth use to always tell me about “windows.” Something about how some stories and some people are only in your life for finite windows, and that that’s okay. That you are meant to be grateful for that little blip in time that… read more
Saying Our Goodbyes
The last night of my program was spent toasting to the semester, hugging and taking pictures, laughing at memories, and crying from saying our goodbyes. The hardest thing I have had to do was say goodbye to friends that I have made along the way and survived almost everything with.… read more
Highlights of a Term at the University of Edinburgh
Coming to the end of my time in Edinburgh, I’d like to look back at some highlights over the course of my time here. I originally intended to include low-lights, but I couldn’t actually think of anything worth including! Hopefully, this post can give anyone who is considering studying at… read more
Two Semesters Abroad (And Some Advice to Show for It)
Hello Longhorns! My name is Joelean Hall and I’m a senior majoring in International Relations and Global Studies. I have studied abroad now for 2 consecutive semesters, one in Chile and one in Argentina. As my last blog post I wanted to reflect back on the things I’ve learned, give… read more
The Final Stretch
When I arrived in mid-August, December seemed like years away. I was unaware of just how quickly the time would pass and how much I would learn along the way. While my Instagram shows the beautiful places I visited and the fun times I had, it cannot portray what I… read more
Finding Meaning Abroad
I wasn’t sure what to write about this week. I had a few ideas. I could tell a story about being shown around Oktoberfest and Munich by a German friend of a friend named Tobias. His aunt graciously let my friend and I sleep on their floor while Toby led… read more
Perspective
Studying abroad, in most cases, comes with an expectation. An expectation of discovering who you are, developing your person. Of finding identity. This may be even more exemplified when minority students study abroad, including when, and maybe especially when, moving to a place of majority. Here’s my story. Mixed race… read more
Spending Time in London’s West End
While abroad, I thought I could learn a lot by interning. I know workplace culture can differ greatly from place to place, and I wanted to experience the UK with this perspective that I could not get as a student. Throughout the past month, I have been commuting into central… read more
Travel, but Not Too Much!
The Dilemma When abroad in Europe, students are faced with a dilemma. Students abroad should make an effort to truly immerse themselves in the city in which they reside, but there are so many places to see! Regardless of a student’s location in Europe, he/she is 2-3 hours away from… read more
Celebrating the End of the Semester in Uruguay
Hey longhorns! My name is Joelean Hall and I’m studying in Buenos Aires this semester. I am a senior majoring in International Relations and Global Studies. I am happy to say that I’m done with my semester at Di Tella! To celebrate, I took a trip to Uruguay. The trip… read more
When the Going Gets Tough…
Traveling, homework, traveling, homework… It is an ongoing cycle, and I am loving it! Though, it is sad to think that we are in mid-November and we have exactly a month left of the program. Every part of this semester has been a life-changing experience, and it’s sad realizing that… read more
Machu Picchu
Ask anyone what they know about Perú and they will probably tell you some combination of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and llamas. Two weeks ago, I was able to see all three. I already have no class on Wednesdays and Fridays, but due to a feriado on November 1 for… read more
Gwangjang Market Outing
안녕하세요! 여러분 잘지냈어요? Hey y’all! It’s Kason once again, greeting you from Seoul, South Korea. This time around I prepared a short video of an outing my friends and I took to 광장 시장 (Gwangjang Market) this past Monday after class. Enjoy! -Kason This vlog was submitted by Kason Kebaso,… read more
Las Madres, Las Abuelas y los Nietos
Hey longhorns! My name is Joelean Hall and I’m studying in Buenos Aires this semester. I am a senior majoring in International Relations and Global Studies. Since my last blog post, I have taken a considerable amount of time at home studying and getting ready for the end of the… read more
Attending El Clásico
Barcelona is known for a lot of things. The city is known for its distinct Catalonian culture and traditions. In addition, Barcelona is also known for its tasty paella and temperate weather. What many tend to overlook is the world-class soccer that is played in the Camp Nou stadium on… read more
Hidden Treasures of Santiago
Hola everyone! This is my last blog of the semester and I have many things to share with y’all. Since my last blog, I have had a chance to really explore Santiago and discover the hidden treasures of the city. Santiago has many great parks and viewpoints. One of these… read more
Document EVERYTHING!
Hello again, this is Lina checking in from Istanbul! I never realized how much of a whirlwind this past month has been until I sat down to reflect and look over the photos I took. If you ever study abroad or travel to a foreign country, I would recommend you… read more
Long Distance Relationships Abroad – difficult burden or a unique opportunity?
One fear I had about moving to Scotland for four months was that it would be too far away from Australia. Wait, what? You see, my girlfriend Lindsey is also studying abroad, but on the opposite side of the world at the University of Sydney. Seriously, look at the map!… read more
Weekend Travels in Argentina
Hello Longhorns! My name is Joelean Hall and this is my second blog post from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since my last blog post, I’ve had the privilege of being able to travel to Iguazu Falls and Cordoba. I was fortunate enough to have my mother visit and take me out… read more
Let’s Talk About Trash
A life of travel is a fantasy. A wonderland. But what about when it’s not? Today, I want to talk about the environmental issues of traveling in developing nations. Let’s be straight. Tourism has been shown to have terrific effects for a developing nation’s economy. It contributes to 5% of… read more
Escargot, French Riviera, and Midterms
I am now at my halfway point on this alien planet and I am surviving. I actually don’t want to leave France, or Europe at all. I have learned so many new aspects of the French culture as well as the language. It’s amazing how all my dreams have come… read more
On Adjusting, and Maximizing your Experience Abroad
Longhorns! My name is Mel Stack, and I am an international student at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. Today marks the beginning of my 7th week in Europe! So far, the tapas are tasty, the Mediterranean views are epic, and the Catalans I’ve met along the way have made… read more
A Spontaneous Trip out of Town
Rimaykullayki, hola, and hello! My name is Elena Pojman and this is my third blog during my semester abroad in Perú. I am about seven weeks into the Peruvian school year, and I still cannot get over some of the differences between classes here and back at UT. At this point… read more
Hook ‘em from Scotland
Hello again! It’s time for round two on adventures with Joel, this time writing from the Heathrow Airport! I’m currently on a very roundabout (cheap flights y’all) itinerary that will end at a Bavarian festival. In this post, we’re going to check out the Scottish highlands. First off though, as… read more
Yes to Everything
Merhaba and welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! I’m Lina Zhao, a fourth-year economics major, and I’ll be spending my fall semester at Boğaziçi University. I can honestly say these initial three weeks in this beautiful city has been everything I wanted and more. From the beginning, strangers and fellow peers have… read more
My Second Month in Chile
Greetings from Chile! In my last blog, I talked about the difficulties of studying abroad in Chile and shared some interesting experiences that I had with y’all. At that time the only place I had traveled to from Santiago was Valparaiso. Since then I have been able to travel a… read more
In Defense of Studying Abroad in English-Speaking Countries
Hi there! My name is Emma Rappold, and I am a third-year Radio-Television-Film major and Art History minor from McKinney, Texas. This semester, I am studying Documentary Filmmaking and Photography in the University of Sussex’s Filmmaking program in Brighton, England. I chose Sussex because they were the most enthusiastic in… read more
Museos + Miércoles
Hello Longhorns! My name is Elena Pojman and I’m spending the fall semester of my junior year studying at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. I realized the other day that I’ve been here for almost five weeks, and I can’t believe how quickly that time has passed. I have wanted… read more
“La Diada” – National Day of Catalonia
Hola a tots! El meu nom és Mel Stack. I am a 4th-year undergraduate student in the Liberal Arts Honors Program, as well as the McCombs School of Business Foundations Program on the Forty Acres. This semester, I will be studying at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain! Throughout the… read more
Creating Routine in Life Abroad: My Five Tips
大家好！祝你们的日子都是美好的~ Hello everyone! So nice to finally meet y’all. I’ve officially been in Singapore for about 7 weeks now, and wow has it been a whirlwind. I was planning on giving a comprehensive list of all the awe-inspiring things that I’ve seen and done to wow and impress you, but… read more
At the Heart of Our Seouls
안녕하세요! 제 이름은 가손 케바소 입니다. 유티 학생 삼학년이지만 지금 서울 대학교에서 공부하고 있어요. 저의 전공은 국제관계학이고 부전공은 한국어 입니다. 이번 가을학기동안 한국에서 살면서 공부하게 되어 매우 흥분됩니다. 공부도 열심히 하고, 재밌게 하고, 그리고 여러분께 그것에 대해 이야기하고 싶어요. 여러분을 만나서 반갑습니다! Rough Translation: Hello! My name is Kason Kebaso.… read more
From Meat pies in New Zealand to Dumplings in Guangzhou – A few takeaways
Hey y’all! My name is Joel Swiatek, and I’ll be spending this fall at the University of Edinburgh and cannot wait to begin my studies! First, a bit about me. I’m a fun-loving senior studying Computer Science at UT, originally hailing from Dallas. The best way to describe me is… read more
Finding Familiarity in Ifrane, Morocco
Hey, y’all! I’m Jensen, a junior Sociology major at UT. This semester, I’m attending Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, one of the top universities in Morocco. Before I left Texas, I was definitely nervous about moving to a country across the ocean where I don’t speak any of the languages.… read more
Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de los Reyes
Welcome to Lima, Perú, the 30th largest city in the world and the fifth largest city in South America by population. Although it is located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, it is a desert, and it never rains, although it’s often extremely humid. Lima is famous for its gastronomy: ceviche,… read more
A Trip to Valparaíso
Hola todo el mundo! (Hello everyone!) My name is Elise Higgins and I am a UT Civil Engineering student currently studying abroad in Santiago, Chile! I have never been to South America before and I came here not knowing any Spanish. Since I have gotten here, I have learned a… read more
The Countdown Gets Closer…
I can’t believe it. I am going to live in Europe for four months. “Am I dreaming?” The anxiety kicks in, the excitement grows, and the goodbyes begin. I am Katherine Velez, an International Relations Student with a minor in French at UT. I am also a first generation student… read more
“Nunca más” – Scars of History in Argentina
Hello Longhorns! My name is Joelean Hall and am starting my senior year studying abroad in Buenos Aires. I am majoring in International Relations and am taking classes at Torcuato Di Tella in Latin American international relations, regional politics as well as an introduction to a neuroscience cognition course (confused… read more
In Beijing, “Goodbye” is a Western Import or : From Hello to See You Again
在北京，“拜拜“ 是一个西方的进口货 或者: 从你好到再见 你好 To all those regular followers of the Global Ambassadors Blog out there who might have actually read and up until now still remember my first post, I owe you a brief redaction and apology. Today, instead of contrasting my earlier blogging by providing a… read more
Santander Won my Heart
My name is Lisa and I’m an incoming sophomore studying biochemistry. My time in Santander is coming to an end, and I honestly only have beautiful things to say about this experience. I remember first applying for this program being very dubious as to what to expect. I have never… read more
Saying Goodbye to the Summer Abroad Period but not to Seoul
My study abroad trip to Seoul, South Korea impacted my career choice in a much more unconventional way than you would think. It wasn’t my classes, my university, or the academics at all. The classes I’m taking abroad are incredibly interesting and knowledgeable, but they fill my elective requirements rather… read more
Copenhagen as my Home, the Arctic as my Classroom – Studying in Iceland and Greenland
In my previous blog post, I talked about what life was like living in Copenhagen, but along with my study program through DIS, I had the opportunity to go on study tours in both Iceland and Greenland as a part of my coursework for Climate Change and Glacier Modeling and… read more
Enjoy Being Abroad At Your Own Pace
When studying abroad in Spain, people usually expect to hear Barcelona or Madrid. For me however, it was Santander. Santander is the capital of Cantabria and is on the northern shore of Spain. When I first arrived, I was taken away by its beauty and climate. However, despite how much… read more
Lost in Translation
When I arrived at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, I expected my study abroad experience to be simple. Although I am participating in an Intensive Japanese language program, as a heritage speaker I did not expect much of a challenge and intended the trip to be a route of… read more
Beijing- Home, with Chinese Subtitles
北京- 家园跟中文字幕 Now, I’m not going to say that life in Beijing or any other part of China doesn’t involve plenty of radical differences compared to American living on the day to day. As I’m sure you’ve probably always heard, it is indeed a particularly foreign-feeling environment to find oneself… read more
Embracing the Differences and Making Them Feel Like Home
Starting the summer of last year, my hopes of spending a summer in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea were beginning to realize. I recall being unable to contain my excitement when my roommate and I, in idle conversation inside our local Walmart, discussed both of our ambitions to… read more
A Lesson Learned on a Business Trip – Beijing Style
Hello again! If you have not read my previous blog, then let me give a brief introduction to who I am and what I do. My name is Valerie Barboza and I am an upcoming third-year mathematics major in Shanghai, China for an internship. My internship for the first four… read more
To Host Family or not to Host Family
In some study abroad programs you may have the option to decide between living in an apartment or with a host family. It can be a hard decision and one that can greatly affect your summer (or semester). I switched from an apartment to a home-stay at the last second… read more
Ni de aquí, ni de allá
As our class comes to an end, so do a lot of indescribable and once in a life-time experiences, but what we take with us will be forever. If you’ve ever watched the movie Selena, there’s a line that resonates with me a lot, and as tempted as I am… read more
Fast Boats + Big Pyramids
So, after being in the highlands of Guatemala for about two weeks with the fresh weather and nice breezes, we flew down the mountains to the lowland flats. The heat was real, and when we went on our excursions through the jungle and up the pyramids, we wore long-sleeves and… read more
Gaining a New Perspective
¡Bon dia! My name is Cameron Goff and I study biochemistry at UT. In my first blog, I mentioned that I would be spending the summer working at a hospital here in Barcelona. However, I had only just begun my internship, so I only mentioned it in passing. Now, a… read more
Sustaining my Passion for Sustainability in Denmark
Hej fra Danmark! My name is Ryan Hammock and I am currently a junior majoring in Environmental Science and studying in Denmark this summer through DIS Copenhagen. So far, I have been studying in Copenhagen for over a month, where I have been able to see what life is like… read more
Cuba – A Once in a Lifetime Chance
Spending my last week in Santiago, more than 8 hours away from my original three-week stay in Havana, has me reminiscing about the extraordinary memories I’ve made. Cuba is definitely a must-see country for anyone who dreams of traveling and seeing the wonders of the world. This island has been… read more
La Magia Que Es México
Hola, hola! My name is Veronica Rivera, but I go by Vero for short! I’m originally from San Benito, Texas, which is a small town down the Rio Grande Valley and am the first in my family to go to college! This December, I’ll actually be graduating with a major… read more
A Longhorn’s Guide to Ecuador
Buenos dias! My name is Allie Schauer and I’m on the Nature, Society, and Sustainability Maymester in Ecuador. Today I’m writing you from Cuenca, Ecuador before our field trip to Cajas National Park. Everyone experiences travel in their own way, but here are four of my own personal tips that… read more
Cape Town Chronicles
My name is Lisa Marie Resendez, I am a third-year Corporate Communications/Communication & Leadership major. I am on the Urban Economic Development Maymester Study Abroad Program in Cape Town, South Africa. I chose this program because I was informed about it in the Black Power Movement class that Vice President… read more
The Colors of Ecuador
Hola from Ecuador! My name is Allie Schauer and I’m going into my third year of history and sustainability studies at the University of Texas. Today I write to you from Cuenca, Ecuador, while partaking in the Nature, Society, and Sustainability Maymester. Going into this adventure, I didn’t know much… read more
My Passion for Education Ignited in Shanghai
Ni hao, my name is Valerie Barboza and I am an upcoming junior studying Mathematics with a teaching certificate. I am spending eight weeks as an intern at the Huixin International Office in Shanghai, China, where I am one of two teachers to five amazing students (Derrick, Stark, John Deere,… read more
Coffee Tasting in Guatemala
Hola, hola! So, I guess to begin, I should introduce myself. I’ll keep it brief! My name’s Andres M. Garza, I was born and raised in Mexico, and I’m a senior anthropology student at The University of Texas. Currently, I’m in Guatemala doing a study abroad program over Maya art… read more
Exploring Sport Law in Switzerland
Ten days into my program and I feel like I’ve already done so much here in Switzerland. This past week I had orientation at UNIL (Université de Lausanne), my first sport law class, the first (of many) excursions, visited the botanical garden and spent a day at Lake Geneva. With… read more
What to Know About Studying Abroad in Mexico
I have had an amazing time studying abroad in Querétaro, Mexico. If you are interested at all in studying abroad, I say do it! Especially if you want to study abroad in Mexico. Here is what you should know before you start packing your bags: This vlog was submitted by Carleigh… read more
You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think
Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Chavez and I am a second-year sport management major with a certificate in sports media currently partaking in the Sport and the International Olympic Committee Maymester in Lausanne, Switzerland. I learned about this program while taking a German sport and politics class this past… read more
Cuba Is Going to Show Me Many Splendid Things
Howdy! My name is Callie Blake and I am a third-year journalism major at The University of Texas at Austin. Three days from now, on June 2, I will be taking my first trip abroad to Havana, Cuba for an entire month! I’m excited, nervous, happy, and stressed all at… read more
Planes, Spain, and Cultural Strains
¡Hola a todos! My name is Cameron, I study biochemistry (pre-med) and I’m heading into my senior year at UT. This summer I will be interning in Barcelona at Hospital El Pilar, a private hospital in the city, with their international patient care division. I provide an extra layer of… read more
Why I Chose to Study Abroad in Querétaro, Mexico
This video captures my first few days in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. I am excited to share the start of my adventure with you as well as why I decided to study abroad. Hope you enjoy it! This vlog was submitted by Carleigh Newland (’20), government & theatre major,… read more
Introducing the First Class of Global Ambassadors
We know “what starts here changes the world,” but sometimes we miss out on witnessing how the world changes us. Study abroad opportunities at The University of Texas at Austin have a profound impact, both in shaping the almost 4,000 students who take their education abroad each year and in preparing those… read more
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