My first few weeks of classes have passed and I’m astonished at the fact that I don’t have any assignments to do yet. Part of me feels this is strange, as I am used to having assignments to complete before most classes. However, the other part of me feels free.… read more
College of Liberal Arts
Tangier and Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Hidden Gems
Wow. It doesn’t even feel like it’s been two months, but this semester has flown by. I genuinely feel like I’ve seen more of Morocco than I have seen of my home state of Texas. The classes I’m taking through the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) have… 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
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
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
Bridging Boundaries: A Transformative Journey from Houston to Tel Aviv
As an American student, I always dreamed of experiencing life beyond the familiar borders of my homeland. Little did I know that my summer internship in Tel Aviv would not only provide me with a chance to explore a new culture but also introduce me to the transformative power of… read more
Glimpses of Guatemala
As my first month in Antigua, Guatemala comes to an end, I find myself strolling down memory lane, reminiscing about the magical moments I’ve experienced. From my initial footsteps on the charming cobblestone streets to the splashes of water from passing “tuk-tuks,” which are three-wheeled taxis, every day has been… read more
The End of An Age: Turning 20 in Korea
Three days after I landed in Seoul, the populace around me suddenly became a couple of years younger. In South Korea, you are considered to be 1 on the day of your birth, and you continue to gain a year in age on the first of January each year after… read more
Discovering South Korea
Leaving home changes you. After deciding to leave Brazil to study in Texas, I learned that changing our environment can shape who we are, the decisions we make and the people we strive to be. And now, my decision to travel to South Korea has profoundly impacted me as a… read more
Africa Is Now
About halfway through my internship program, I became overwhelmed by countless power outages, a variety of native bugs, the inescapable Senegalese heat and frustrating language barriers. My second summer class had also started, and my days felt long and dreadful. I kept asking myself, “What am I doing here?” and… read more
