by Kelby O. | Jul 16, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
After our travels in Croatia, we moved to Venice. Venice was an interesting part of the trip, as it was both beautiful and also extremely touristy. Everything was packed, and there were vendors everywhere selling and soliciting tourists. However, we saw some beautiful...
by Alexandria R. | Jul 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
I am so pumped!!!…but also nervous. How crazy is it that I get to go and create memories that will last a lifetime while also learning and doing something that I love???? I think the nerves come from hoping that I’m not forgetting something, or hoping that...
by Susannah C. | Jul 16, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
My time in Spain is passing so quickly, and I’m already entering week 3 of my four-week abroad program. This past week, I didn’t travel outside of Barcelona like I did last weekend. Instead, I focused on being a “tourist” and visiting several popular...
by Katie M. | Jul 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, South America, Summer
Before studying abroad, you are told to expect culture shock. It is an inevitable part of traveling. As I settled into my first two weeks in Colombia, I found that adapting to a new culture has two faces: disorientation and wonderment. First, disorientation. The...
by Katie M. | Jul 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, South America, Summer, _
As I write this, I am finishing my last day of classes in Colombia. It is a very strange feeling. I am sad, yet relieved to return to the United States. Study abroad consists of a lot: classes, excursions, and adapting to a different culture. While it is fun, it wears...
by Kathryn V. | Jul 14, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
My time overseas has come to an end, but the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made will stick with me for a lifetime. Here are some of my tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Make friends in your group, but don’t be afraid to do some...
by Katie M. | Jul 14, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, South America, Summer
When I was preparing for my 6 weeks in Colombia, I struggled to find traveler tips. Of the few tips I could find, most were very tourist-y for short trips. Now that I have returned, I feel it is my duty to provide my own list of things I think students need to know...
by Amelia W. | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I’m done with my experience studying abroad in Benin, I have learned a lot, but not only in terms of academics; it also has been a very personal journey for me. In retrospect, there are certainly things I wish I’d known before I flew the coop. So to anyone...
by Susannah C. | Jul 14, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate
I can’t believe I have been living in Spain for over a week now! I arrived in Barcelona on a Thursday, and I spent the weekend sightseeing, settling in, and getting to know my roommates. Over the weekend, my study abroad program, CEA CAPA, hosted a scavenger hunt...
by Lucy D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Europe, Faculty-Led, Social Work, Summer, _
Hi! I am currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I am taking 2 Spanish classes to go towards my minor. This is my first time being away from the United States and it has been a great experience. I have really enjoyed being able to immerse myself into the Spanish...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, _
Now that I’m back home, it’s surreal to think that just a week ago I was walking the cobblestone streets of Florence with 17 other students from Alabama, strangers who turned into my lifelong friends. I remember stepping off the plane and feeling equal parts nervous...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
As I write this blog post I currently have the warm summer sun illuminating my funky italian room, my host mom is preparing our amazing and fresh dinner, and our 20 year old cat is snuggled up next to me. Who would have ever thought that I would find such a new...
by Isabella D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Program Type, Summer, _
Before I left for Florence I had no clue what to expect. Between the excitement of experiencing the unknown cultural normalities and the vast range of Italian food, I was already ecstatic! I was initially nervous about studying abroad by myself, as someone who is a...
by Maya B. | Jul 10, 2025 | Europe, Human Environmental Sciences, Summer, _
The food in Florence is a huge part of what makes Florence so unique, so for my first blog, I thought I would explain my ideal day of eating in Florence, plus some honorable mentions! To start off, breakfast at my local cafe. It might say it opens at 7, but it’s...
by Maya B. | Jul 10, 2025 | Europe, Human Environmental Sciences, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
I just finished my first summer term studying fashion and sustainability in Florence, and it was absolutely incredible. What I thought was just a class, has translated to every part of the way I live my daily life here. I live with three awesome roommates in a very...
by Makiya H. | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
As my four-week study abroad experience in Benin, Africa comes to an end, I’m filled with mixed emotions like gratitude, nostalgia, and a little bit of sadness. The first week was a whirlwind of excursions, where we immersed ourselves in the culture, history, and the...
by Makiya H. | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I have been in Benin, Africa, for one week, and I have already learned a great deal. We have started to explore African culture, religion, and economic development by visiting Ganvié, the “Venice of Africa,” Ouidah and all of its historic sites, Porto...
by Olivia D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
While the French are famously known for their bread, many of their other food customs remain far less familiar… When I was in France, I lived with a host family who only spoke French. My host mother was very traditional, so our eating customs were far removed...
by Olivia D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
KODAK Digital Still Camera – Olivia Declercq While studying abroad and taking classes in France has been AMAZING, one of my favorite aspects of studying in Tours, France has been the easy access to living French History. The Loire Valley has over 100 castles...
by Olivia D. | Jul 10, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
France-Bound: My First International Adventure! Tomorrow is the day! For the very first time, I’ll be leaving the United States, and the anticipation is absolutely electric. I’m embarking on a five-week study abroad program in France, where I’ll be...
