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
Europe
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
Tips for Traveling While Abroad
Hopping on a plane to live and study in a new country for a few months is already an incredible opportunity. And now more than ever, travel is expensive, so having the option to visit neighboring countries and cities is often impossible to pass up. In this blog post, we… read more
Beyond Borders: Exploring the World, Finding My Way
Living abroad in Europe is a remarkable experience for countless reasons, but perhaps one of the most extraordinary aspects is the ease and affordability of travel. The ability to hop on a train or plane and find yourself in a new country within just a few hours has allowed me… read more
Embracing Where You Are: Getting to Know Edinburgh
One of the greatest opportunities students have while studying abroad is traveling. Being in such close proximity to some of the most breathtaking views, historic sites and charming cities is a gift that should not be taken for granted. That being said, I would argue that familiarizing yourself with your… read more
Finding Community and Creating a Routine Abroad
Most people won’t tell you this, but your first couple of days in an exchange or study abroad program can be extremely daunting. I remember sitting in a hostel on my first day in Edinburgh, feeling intimidated and anxious, as though I made the wrong decision. It might take a… read more
Embracing España: A Month in Madrid Through the Eyes of an Exchange Student
Leaving the comfort of home is a daunting yet exhilarating experience, especially when that home is as amazing as Austin, Texas. Attending college in my hometown is fantastic for many reasons. I get to see my family every week, my dogs are just a five-minute drive from my apartment and… read more
Coffee Culture and Enjoying Your Routine
As I walk home from class at University Pompeu Fabra, I pass cafes nestled at every corner. Inside, their tables are filled with consumers of all ages and outside, small tables and chairs are scattered about. At all times of the day, they are full. While it is no shock… read more
Student Culture at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain
I felt like my dreams came true when I received news that I was accepted to a study abroad program in Spain. Once I knew I would go overseas for a semester, I began to research like crazy to feel as prepared as possible. I wanted to know what students… read more
