Reflecting on Where I Am I’m just about at the two-month mark of my semester abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and each day, I still walk around slightly dumbfounded at my new reality. Thinking back to a year ago, I did see myself on a study abroad program in Scotland. This… read more
Europe
Exploring the Arts in London
Hello friends! My name is Anya, and I am living in London this semester while studying biochemistry at University College London. It has officially been a month since I arrived. So far, London has been magical. The art, the history, the academics — I am in love with the momentum… read more
S’adapter à Paris: Finding Joy in the Little Things
After two and a half years as an undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin, I finally felt like I’d adjusted to being a Longhorn. Now that I’m studying abroad in Paris, I’m starting the process of adapting to a new lifestyle again. Though I’ve been in Paris for… read more
Trains, Patatas Bravas and New Friends: Navigating Madrid
Hello! I’m happy to share that I completed my first two weeks of school in Madrid. The initial days were fascinating. Before moving to Spain, I had never ridden the metro on my own — let alone daily. At first, it was scary. I was extremely confused by the line… read more
Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Adventure: My First Two Weeks in Spain
It was hard for me to get excited about my upcoming semester abroad during the weeks leading up to my departure. I had never been to Europe, so I had no idea what to expect. I was afraid of putting Spain on a pedestal, which could lead to disappointment. Friends… read more
From Texan to Tartan: Embracing the Magic of Saying Yes in Scotland
Arriving in Edinburgh felt like stepping into a gothic snow globe. Now, two short weeks later, that feeling hasn’t faded, and I’m confident it will stay with me for the next five months. With its medieval architecture and shadowy cobblestone streets, this city has brought my dream of attending Hogwarts… read more
Braving the Cold in the Happiest Country on Earth
Hi, y’all. My name is Rose, and I am writing to you almost a week after my study abroad program began in Tampere, Finland. Everything here feels different — from the weather to the culture — but I’ve already come to love it! Preparing for the Weather Like many students… read more
First-Gen Study Abroad is Possible!
Hi, friends! My name is Lynda, and I’m writing to you from London. I’ve been here for two months and have endless stories to share. First-Gen Student I was raised in a small town in Mexico, and at 16, I moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. At first,… read more
The Gift of Friendships Abroad
“Tekrardan merhaba” — hello once again! Disclaimer: Google Translate and a very kind friend contributed to the translation of the previous sentence, as my Turkish is regrettably still “iyi değil” (not up to par). It’s apt that my friend so thoughtfully contributed to the introductory sentence of this blog post since… read more
Learning to Find Comfort in the Cold
I’ve only been in London for a month, but every Londoner I’ve met seems equally exasperated by the near-constant cloud cover. I’ve made small talk with my professors and the man selling fresh scones, giggling as they lament the shifting seasons. Winter is coming to London, and I couldn’t be… read more