How to Speak French

by | Jul 25, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

Leading up to my study abroad, as I wrapped up all my Spring classes with finals and said my summer goodbyes, I began to get a little overwhelmed at the thought of leaving the US for nearly two months. There was packing to be done, paperwork to be filled out, and...

Oxford, Here I Come!

by | Jul 15, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

My bag is packed, my pre-trip assignments are complete, and I am headed to Oxford, England in the morning! Wow, what a surreal thought. I have zero expectations and many questions, but that is what I am most excited about; I cannot wait to experience Oxford for the...

How To Do Paris

by | Jul 15, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

Paris was always one of those cities I assumed I would visit one day. The imagery of the Eiffel Tower, wide French boulevards, and high culture seems to be a common element of popular culture. From Casablanca to Ratatouille, Paris seems to comprise a large amount of...

Last Few Days in Russia

by | Jul 15, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate

Prior to arriving to Russia, I tried not to have too many expectations. My main goal was to enjoy the experience of being here in Russia. Obviously things are different here and that took an adjustment to get used to. Now that my time here is coming to an end, I’m sad...

Coming home

by | Jul 12, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer

I was surprised with how sad I felt leaving Nicaragua. While the heat sometimes felt unbearable, there was something about the people and the culture there that made it all worth it. When I said goodbye to my host mom, she started crying and thanked us for visiting...

Italy!

by | Jul 12, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

Since I was little, I always imagined that I would live in the United States for my entire life. I know the language, the culture, and the best vacation destinations. I always envisioned the extent of my international experience to be restricted to vacations only....

That One Time I Lived in France

by | Jul 12, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

So here I am sitting on my bedroom floor, back in Mississippi after a long day of traveling. My suitcase is not unpacked, my parents are trying desperately to keep their excitement of me being home in check (it’s still very obvious of course), and I can’t seem to make...

The Weeks Fly By

by | Jul 12, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

I’m entering my third week in Italy, and I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown! My roommate pointed out today that we really have done so much in so little time. Last week, we visited a 500-year-old Tuscan villa that is still used for events and...

Post Barcelona

by | Jul 1, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate

Thoughts and Feelings – When it was time to leave my host family, I woke up early and started off the morning packing then waited as the house came alive. I remember my host brother, Alex, coming in my room and saying, “You are one of the students that I...
Eating Abroad

Eating Abroad

by | Jul 1, 2016 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer

Eating Abroad One of the things you’ll find that you’ll miss the most from home about studying abroad will probably be eating your favorite foods. This problem also happens when you come back to your home country, and you’ll find that you miss foods...

Dinner Table Conversation

by | Jun 30, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

We are now coming to the end of our time here in Tours, France and I cannot believe what an incredible time we have had here this past month. We have been challenged by school, amazed by sights, and enjoyed being apart of the day to day routine of a new city and...

Spain Pre-Departure

by | Jun 29, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer

I wanted to study abroad because I have only ever been in the United States and have never been submerged in a different culture before. The key things that I considered when choosing a study abroad program were: the cost, the classes, and the duration. UA in Spain...

Back Home

by | Jun 29, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer

  Now that I have made it back home all safe and sound, I am very appreciative of the the air conditioning here but sad that I had to leave such wonderful country. It was so nice to leave my bustling, fast-paced lifestyle in the US and slow down to appreciate the...