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
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
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
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
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
1600 Feet Above Namsam
Stepping foot off the train in Myeong-dong, I began searching for Exits 7 or 8. The instructions I looked up the day before said to, “wait there for a free shuttle that will take you to the cable car station”. However, the longer I waited, the more I doubted I… read more
