I’ve never flown by myself before, let alone taken four international flights to a continent I’ve only seen in movies. Despite not knowing what to expect, I traveled to Maun, Botswana, for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience. Landing in the dusty village of Maun with a few other students, nervous… read more
International Travel
Journey Through Japan: Sips, Cities and Smart Tech
My time in Japan has been truly transformative. The blend of academic research and cultural immersion across all the cities and universities I’ve visited has been remarkable. Having explored Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Nara, I’ve experienced Japan’s diverse cultural and urban landscapes firsthand. I’ve had the privilege of participating… read more
Dreaming of Paris
Boarding the plane and flying halfway across the world was not enough to convince me that I was going abroad. Touching down and navigating the streets, looking around at all of the pretty sights and never-ending aesthetic buildings, I still couldn’t comprehend how this was my life. This is the… 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
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