by Robyn H. | Jan 8, 2026 | Asia, Exchange, Semester
It’s been a while since I’ve returned to the United States, if the post date is any indication. A new semester is just beginning, and it’s hard not to reflect on what I’ve experienced in my time away. Prior to this, my idea of Japan didn’t really have any firsthand...
by Johanna N. | Jan 8, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Starting a new semester is always exciting. A study abroad semester is even more so, and I was thrilled when I first read the syllabi for my classes (called papers in New Zealand). There was no homework/busy work and just 1-3 big assignments or exams for each course....
by Johanna N. | Jan 8, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Generally speaking, I love to research before traveling somewhere new. I want to be fully prepared for unfamiliar customs, as well as find recommendations for food or activities. Before going to New Zealand, I learned about popular slang, common Māori phrases,...
by Katrina F. | Jan 5, 2026 | By College, Commerce & Business, Duration, Europe, Honors College, Program Type, Region, Semester, UA-Affiliate
I’ve officially been back in the US for one month. I wish I had more time there, but I’m glad I’m home at the same time. One thing I will say for anyone going abroad – eat as much as you want because the food is to die for. I miss Italian food...
by Emma C. | Dec 12, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
สวัสดีค่ะ from Thailand! My name is Emma. I am a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track, and this semester, I have been studying in Salaya, a small town outside of Bangkok. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in service-learning...
by Weston T. | Dec 12, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Semester, UA Non-Affiliate
Cafe Regatta: A popular study spot for students in Helsinki, Finland — also one of my favorites. Engineering students face a unique set of challenges when studying abroad. While other students might be taking general electives to fill their schedules, those of...
by Tyler L. | Dec 11, 2025 | Africa, Commerce & Business, Semester, UA-Affiliate
As a student who has traveled around Europe extensively throughout my semester abroad in Hungary, I wanted to travel somewhere with a completely different culture that would really push me outside of my comfort zone. I ultimately decided to leave the continent and...
by Robyn H. | Dec 11, 2025 | Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
At time of writing, it’s just become December here in Hirakata, and in spite of that, it’s not really all that cold. The Kansai region has a pretty comparable climate to Alabama, actually; both of them are Cfa (humid subtropical) climate types. That basically means...
by Alex S. | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
Two months ago, after countless hours of preparation, I finally stepped out of the gate at Incheon International Airport and said my first hello to Seoul, the city that would be my new home for the semester. While in the taxi on the way to my new dorm, I...
by Alayna B. | Nov 17, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Honors College, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Study abroad was nothing like I had possibly imagined – and yet it was everything that I needed. Before I left, I would have totally considered myself an introvert. I studied alone, and that is what I spent most of my time doing just to survive my engineering career....
by Alayna B. | Nov 17, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Honors College, Semester, UA-Affiliate
That feeling of regret. I know it all too well. I had planned to study abroad in Madrid for the past 6 months. I was so excited to have a break from my regular courses and experience an entirely new culture. How refreshing that would be! But, when my plane touched...
by Anna H. | Nov 4, 2025 | Semester, _
It’s been some time since I came back to America since my 5 month long study abroad in Japan. I think I adjusted quickly back into my normal life. I started my internship with less than a week back in the states and found a routine to fall into. I still...
by Emily A. | Nov 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate
My friends from my affiliate program at our farewell dinner A surge of nostalgia swept over me today in UA’s Student Center. In line for a snack, I suddenly heard the familiar (and perhaps cheesy) tune of “Down Under” by Men at Work. While this song serendipitously...
by Blake W. | Nov 4, 2025 | Australia/New Zealand, Commerce & Business, Semester, _
I’m writing this, waiting in DFW airport for my final flight home, after traveling 20 hours from Australia. Obviously, my experience and time in the Southern Hemisphere is fresh on my mind. It hasn’t fully set in that I am back home, in a different...
by Robyn H. | Oct 24, 2025 | Asia, Exchange, Semester
It’s been about two months since I first arrived in Japan for my semester abroad. Those two months, but especially since I first arrived, have been a nonstop learning experience. There was no way I could know everything about Japan, my host institution, or every...
by Weston T. | Oct 24, 2025 | Engineering, Europe, Semester, UA Non-Affiliate
Picture I took of a street in the old town of Tallinn, Estonia When you study abroad, it is easy to let your host city become your entire world. While immersing yourself in one location is valuable, the experience should not end there. One of the most significant...
by Six M. | Oct 21, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Semester, Summer, UA-Affiliate
This week in Saint Maarten I have learned so much already. For starters, the air here is amazing! When I first walked out of the doors at the airport, I felt an instant breeze that satisfied my soul in ways I can’t even begin to describe. The air was clean, and...
by Seth W. | Oct 17, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Impressive architecture, sparkling waters, and savory fish that melts on your tongue. These are three things you will experience when you visit Oslo, Norway! During my study abroad I was fortunate enough to travel to this beautiful capital city. A few friends and I...
by Lily C. | Oct 15, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
This experience studying abroad has been absolutely amazing. I have made new connections, learned about myself, and overcome challenges. In this blog I will talk about some of the challenges I have faced while studying abroad and give some tips on how to combat...
by Lucy S. | Oct 15, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
During my time in Germany and Prague for my study program, I discovered that food truly connects people in profound ways. Sharing meals with my classmates not only enhanced our friendships but also created lasting memories. Each meal felt like a bridge that linked our...
