A Love Letter to Magnetic Island
Just like everyone else, I stare off the edge of the boat. Sea breeze flittering through our hair, all eyes transfixed on the rock formation that sits just in front of us. As we ebb and flow with the wind,…
UT Education Abroad Blog
Inspiring Longhorns to Explore the World
UT Education Abroad Blog
Inspiring Longhorns to Explore the World
Critically Analyzing Myself Abroad
When I decided to go abroad to study social work in the United Kingdom, I never thought the biggest thing I would be doing would be self-reflection. Each day, our class participates in two activities, ranging from archival tours to scavenger hunts.…
An Irish Hello
As I looked out the plane window at the beginnings of Ireland, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension. Studying in Ireland had been a talking point for me during the past two semesters, and it had always felt so…
Stop and Smell the Peonies: Embracing the Unfamiliar While Abroad
Being a first-generation college student typically comes with its own challenges in navigating the college system, from the initial university application to making the decision to study abroad. Embarking on this journey as the first in my family to study abroad has…
Arriving Somewhere You Thought You Already Knew
Before coming to Morocco, I thought I had a head start since I’m Egyptian. I grew up with Arabic as my first language, Islam shaping the rhythm of daily life, with the particular warmth of a culture that feeds you before it asks your…
Greece: Finding Comfort in the Unknown
Greece is famous for many reasons: the Santorini blue-and-white houses, olive oil, and, of course, ancient ruins. Before coming here, I associated those kinds of things with Greece. But my time studying abroad here has made me realize Greece is…
New Folks—Who is this? Managing Cross-Cultural Ideas with a Host Family
Living with a host family offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a new culture and to practice a new language, but it can also seem daunting. Living in a new country comes with navigating new spaces, unfamiliar languages, and different cultural expectations,…
Amo Madrid
This past semester, I had the privilege of studying abroad at IE University in Madrid, Spain. Over the last six months, immersing myself in a new culture has taught me so much about adaptability and personal growth. Academically, I focused…
Beyond Taipei: From Classroom to Journeys among Temples and Forests
Welcome back! I have just started my seventh week here in Taipei, Taiwan. The weeks have been flying by, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Arriving here, I was nervous but full of excitement and anticipation. Now at…