Congratulations, Longhorn! You’ve snagged that much-desired study abroad spot, and an epic adventure awaits! But let’s be real: Venturing into a new culture with a language you don’t know can feel like jumping into a mosh pit at a concert where you barely know the music. Culture shock and… read more
Hungary for the Unknown: Studying Abroad Without Expectations
Deciding to study abroad is always filled with a plethora of questions. Where do I go? When is the right time for my schedule? What’s the cross-listing for these classes? I had these questions myself, and surprisingly enough, everything fell into place rather quickly. In January, I decided I… read more
Spain: A Bundle of Arrows
In my experience, people underestimate Spain. We are under the impression that we must go to an unfamiliar place like Moscow, Xi’an, Bengaluru, Istanbul or Addis Ababa to truly experience another culture. Because Spanish influence is strongly present in American culture, the novelty of Spain’s identity is overlooked. I must… read more
Living and Learning
When I got the call that I’d been offered a spot in the Language and Culture program in Santander, Spain, nothing could have prepared me for how much I would gain from this experience. As I sit writing this blog in my small homestay room, admiring the skyline of this… read more
Unconventional Study Abroad Destinations You Might Not Have Considered
The world offers no shortage of destinations to consider when studying abroad. However, it seems that many students often favor the same Western European options. While Spain’s assortment of flavorful “tapas” and the romantic atmosphere of France land these countries among the top three on the U.S. News and World… read more
Discovering Copenhagen
My journey in Copenhagen thus far has been unforgettable. In my “Sport, Society and the International Olympic Movement” class, I’ve had the opportunity to explore not just the history and impact of sports but also the rich culture of Denmark. A major theme in my class has been learning about… read more
Botswana: My Time in Ghanzi
I’ve never flown by myself before, let alone taken four international flights to a continent I’ve only seen in movies. Despite not knowing what to expect, I traveled to Maun, Botswana, for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience. Landing in the dusty village of Maun with a few other students, nervous… read more
Journey Through Japan: Sips, Cities and Smart Tech
My time in Japan has been truly transformative. The blend of academic research and cultural immersion across all the cities and universities I’ve visited has been remarkable. Having explored Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Nara, I’ve experienced Japan’s diverse cultural and urban landscapes firsthand. I’ve had the privilege of participating… read more
Studying Abroad More Than Once
There are many myths associated with studying abroad, such as its unbearable expense, that you can only go abroad once or that the planning phase is completely overwhelming. My experience debunks these myths. I’ve had the extraordinary ability to study abroad twice and am going abroad a third time this… read more
Dreaming of Paris
Boarding the plane and flying halfway across the world was not enough to convince me that I was going abroad. Touching down and navigating the streets, looking around at all of the pretty sights and never-ending aesthetic buildings, I still couldn’t comprehend how this was my life. This is the… read more
