One month into classes in a new country and I’ve never been in a more different school environment. Classes are almost every day, but I only have one or two daily. Instead of weekly homework assignments, I do a few readings and take notes during class. I have more free… read more
Exchange Programs
Pre-Departure Travel Tips
Congratulations! You made it through the application process and have been accepted to your desired program. Are you ready to take the world by the horns? This post outlines a few things you must take care of before going abroad. You will see some steps to take that are listed… read more
One Day at a Time
From Brussels to Barcelona and Amsterdam to Rome. A couple of hours by train is all it takes to travel from one country to another. Our weekends consist of booking last-minute trips to neighboring countries and putting together enough money to book hostels for struggling college students. Somehow it never… read more
Celebrating Taiwan’s National Holiday
On October 10, Taiwan bursts into vibrant celebrations for “國慶日,” or National Day. This day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of 1911 that heralded the end of China’s Qing Dynasty and paved the way for establishing the Republic of China. The celebrations, rich with festivity, beautifully display Taiwan’s cultural diversity and… read more
Finding Peace in Fast-Paced Panama
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a moment is worth a lifetime. There have been so many moments since arriving in Panama during which I must pause and fully absorb my surroundings, snapshotting my experiences like photos in my head. Watching “tortugitas,” or small turtles struggling toward the… read more
A Successful Failure
Last Saturday was a series of failures. I am spending the semester in Barcelona and after my first week of classes here, my friend and I tried to buy tickets for a trip to Tarragona for the weekend. The trip was sold out, so we tried to buy tickets for… read more
Morocco: Part 2
Five years ago, during one life-changing month, I fell completely in love with this country. It was particularly transformative because it was my first time flying on a plane, solo traveling and traveling outside the country. I discovered a place where I could improve my Arabic, French and even Spanish… read more
Finding Adventure
I have always been a person who is up for adventure. I’m the type of person who says, “Yes!” to everything and fully believes that life gets exciting the moment you leave your comfort zone. The past month has held a lot of agreements and adventures for me, both with… read more
Paris, “Je T’Aime” and Leaving Home
After years of planning and hours upon hours of packing, I am in Paris, France. I have been anticipating my study abroad experience for the past three years. Even before then, for the longest time, it had been my dream to go abroad. My mother had studied in Ireland, which is… read more
First Impressions of “Ilha Formosa,” the Beautiful Island of Taiwan
In the heart of East Asia lies Taiwan, historically known as “Ilha Formosa” or “The Beautiful Island” by 16th-century Portuguese explorers. This island nation serves as a melting pot of cultures and technological innovations. During my stay in Taiwan’s largest city, Taipei, I have been introduced to an environment that… read more