I write this post from Seven Mile Beach National Park in Gerroa, Australia. I have no cell service and highly unreliable cellular data, essentially off-grid. Most other times I wouldn’t mind a getaway to nature, especially one that involves two days of surfing. But being abroad heavily involves digital communication,… read more
Laying Foundations: Speaking With Your Academic Advisor
Exploring international cuisines and landscapes and expanding your knowledge of different cultures marks the experience of studying abroad, but academics hold importance, too. One of the most crucial steps during the study abroad planning process is to speak with your academic advisor. They can help narrow down what type of… read more
Bridging Boundaries: A Transformative Journey from Houston to Tel Aviv
As an American student, I always dreamed of experiencing life beyond the familiar borders of my homeland. Little did I know that my summer internship in Tel Aviv would not only provide me with a chance to explore a new culture but also introduce me to the transformative power of… read more
Glimpses of Guatemala
As my first month in Antigua, Guatemala comes to an end, I find myself strolling down memory lane, reminiscing about the magical moments I’ve experienced. From my initial footsteps on the charming cobblestone streets to the splashes of water from passing “tuk-tuks,” which are three-wheeled taxis, every day has been… read more
The End of An Age: Turning 20 in Korea
Three days after I landed in Seoul, the populace around me suddenly became a couple of years younger. In South Korea, you are considered to be 1 on the day of your birth, and you continue to gain a year in age on the first of January each year after… read more
Discovering South Korea
Leaving home changes you. After deciding to leave Brazil to study in Texas, I learned that changing our environment can shape who we are, the decisions we make and the people we strive to be. And now, my decision to travel to South Korea has profoundly impacted me as a… read more
Preparing to Study Abroad? Here’s What You Should Pack
Before embarking on your study abroad adventure, your preparations will include packing, of course. Packing is a crucial step that is often overlooked until the last minute, but it should be considered with extreme importance. Making sure you pack the necessary items will save you money and help you avoid… read more
Africa Is Now
About halfway through my internship program, I became overwhelmed by countless power outages, a variety of native bugs, the inescapable Senegalese heat and frustrating language barriers. My second summer class had also started, and my days felt long and dreadful. I kept asking myself, “What am I doing here?” and… read more
Buen Provecho
“¡Buen provecho!” exclaimed Doña Dilia, my homestay mom, as she served us a steaming bowl of vegetable soup and a plate of tamales. The genuine warmth in her voice and the twinkle in her eyes encapsulated the essence of Guatemalan hospitality. “Buen provecho,” I replied, grateful for the delicious meal… read more
Shanghai Serenade
After six long years and a global pandemic, I was back in China. I arrived in Shanghai two days before my academic program began to get adjusted to the city that I would call home for the summer. East China Normal University is in the Putou District of Shanghai, so… read more
