I find myself grasping for the right words to properly describe the brilliance of Copenhagen. The lush gardens and colorful buildings would lead you to believe it’s a fairytale written by the esteemed Hans Christian Andersen. Simultaneously, the cutting-edge architecture in places like The Black Diamond (where I currently… read more
What It’s Like to Study Abroad in Cuba
When I told people in my life (friends, family, anyone who asked what my summer plans were) that I was going to study abroad in Cuba, I was invariably met with shocked expressions and concerned musings. I quickly learned to expect those reactions and followed up my “I’m going to… read more
Nice is Nice! Exploring the Coast of France
When my plane touched down in Nice, France, I had no idea what to expect. Traveling logistics occupied my mind before the trip, and I had no time to stop and consider what it would be like to explore one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the world. … read more
“Niceties” in France
The independence associated with “university life” is commonly acknowledged as a period of self-discovery. It’s a time in one’s life when you enter the real world, free from the confines of your childhood. In this new, unfamiliar environment, you’re driven to develop interpersonally as you’ve never done before, amid a… read more
Photographing My Way Through Dublin, Ireland
Walking through the streets of Dublin, something about the city feels familiar. But it’s nothing like Austin and Des Moines, the two places I call home. The Georgian and Victorian architecture is both stunning and approachable and you can feel the history as you get deeper into the city. Cafés… read more
The House on Şair Necati Sokak: An Istanbul Diary
“Merhaba ve hoş geldiniz,” or, hello and welcome! I have lived in Istanbul for three months, and my experiences here have been the greatest gift. Turkey is an incredible country, with picturesque landscapes, rich cultural traditions, gregarious citizens and a fascinating, albeit intricate, history. My first impression of the… read more
Studying Abroad for Your Major
Studying abroad is a great way for students to advance their degree plans while experiencing new places and people. With the right planning and research, studying abroad is possible for every major offered at The University of Texas at Austin. Schools can help students find classes that will count toward… read more
Health Insurance Abroad: Stay Covered While You Explore the World
Oh, no! Imagine you got a bit too excited trying to explore all of Paris on foot during your semester abroad and now you have this pain in your ankle that you’d like to get checked out. What do you do? Getting sick or injured abroad can be a real… read more
Exploring the Beauty of Victoria Along the Great Ocean Road
The number one recommended sightseeing excursion in the state of Victoria, in southeast Australia, is the Great Ocean Road. One of my professors even spoke about the landmarks in an environmental chemistry lecture. I was lucky enough to travel along the 243 kilometer highway over the first half of the… read more
Ramadan in Rabat
Wow! I can’t believe the midterm season is finally over, which means I’m already more than halfway through the semester. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for over two months. I want time to stop because I’ve enjoyed it here so much. In a way, it feels as if… read more