A Sight-Seeing Skeptic’s Take on The Magic of the Taj Mahal

by Matthew C | Jan 5, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _

What trip to India is complete without visiting the Taj Mahal? After a full semester of classes in Bangalore, my classmates and I took a group trip to North India. We explored the sights of Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi in a whirlwind five days, seeing, Nahargarh Fort, the...

The Year of the Expat: Experiences in Spain vs. India

by Matthew C | Jan 5, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate

I spent the majority of 2023 as an expat, living in Madrid, Spain and Bangalore, India. Both locations were thrilling, full of vivid experiences, meaningful friendships, and memories I will cherish for years to come. Now, one month after returning stateside for the...

Overcoming Homesickness Together: Garba Dancing at Navratri

by Matthew C | Jan 5, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _

I remember moving from Washington to Louisiana when I was 11 years old. Though we never left the U.S., transitioning from the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South was like moving to a different country. We still spoke English, but the cultural language was foreign....

Prioritizing Spain Experience over “Student” Expectations

by Matthew C | Jun 22, 2023 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Semester, _

My time in Spain was defined by a single mantra.   I told myself: “I’m not in Spain to be a student. I’m a student so I can be in Spain.” Those two sentences shaped my study abroad experience, guiding daily decisions. Two examples: First,...

Traveling Far Away Provides New Perspective on the Relationships You Hold Close

by Matthew C | Jun 9, 2023 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Semester, _

I left the United States eager for my study abroad experience. This is my chance to try something new, I thought. I couldn’t wait to leave behind my American life, not because it was bad, but because it was familiar. There’s an excitement—an exhilaration, even—in...

Pre-Departure Nerves Are Normal: Just Take the Next Step Forward

by Matthew C | Mar 22, 2023 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Semester, _

For months, I was eager to study abroad. Family and friends raved about their own travel experiences, and each new story spurred my desire for adventure. I knew the next 5 months were going to be some of the best of my life. Then, about three weeks before I was set to...