by Katie W. | Aug 24, 2026 | Asia, Exchange, Nursing, Summer, _
My first thoughts arriving to Chiba, I thought about how clean everything was and how the people seemed so nice and friendly, the only thoughts running through me were: Wow everyone is in their own world and respectful. I personally loved the fact that everything was...
by Katie W. | Aug 24, 2026 | Asia, Exchange, Nursing, Summer
Now that I am back home from Japan, I do miss it because of the good culture, the people, the healthy food and when you can feel safe taking late night walks and everything it was really nice to just not have to watch your back and just go with flow of things. When I...
by Jones T. | Jan 28, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Exchange, Semester, _
It only took a few weeks of settling in while abroad to decide I was ready to travel outside of my host city. Sitting only an hour train ride away is the small town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. This town, most well known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, bolsters a wide...
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 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 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 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 Rob K. | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Exchange, Non-traditional, Semester, _
Hello! Today marks the halfway point of my trip through Vietnam and Taiwan. So far, we have spent time in southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hue)–the weather has treated us well, our travel and plans have been smooth, and, of course, the food has been...
by Bella M. | Oct 8, 2025 | All Year, Arts & Sciences, Europe, Exchange, _
I am half way through my time studying abroad in Florence, Italy! I am having an incredibly transformative experience. Florence, and Italy in general, is an amazing home base – this city is filed with history, art, and, most importantly, good food. I am studying...
by Mary M. | Oct 8, 2025 | Australia/New Zealand, Exchange, Semester, _
I am studying abroad in Sydney, Australia this semester, and the homesickness has been especially hard this time around. The time zone difference is immense, and that’s one thing that never gets easier. As Australia is so far from the rest of the world, it’s normal to...
by Alex F. | Dec 10, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Now that I have been in Seoul for a month, I can say how truly prepared I was for my time abroad. I would say I was prepared in the sense of paperwork and cultural expectations of Korea. I was not prepared for the language barrier and the weather. Even though I...
by Madison F. | Dec 6, 2024 | All Year, Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Law
When I decided to study abroad, I knew I wanted to go all in. I didn’t want my experience to feel like a vacation but a complete immersion into a different culture. So, without a second thought, I committed to a full year in an exchange program in Seoul. I chose...
by Annabelle B. | Nov 27, 2024 | Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Exchange, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Studying abroad with CIEE’s Open Campus Program has truly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I can’t recommend it enough. What I love most about the program is the freedom it gives you to create your own adventure, from choosing where to study...
by Ava N. | Nov 27, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
My study abroad experience taught me a lot, but there is one lesson that stands out: Do NOT overpack! Becoming familiar with the South Korean Postal Service… This blog post is a call back to my first post published before my exchange to South Korea titled...
by Ava N. | Jul 16, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
With both of my hands grasped tightly around the rusty metal rail, I gazed down upon the rocks scattered far across the coastline and the waves that engulfed them. A small island floated in the distance. The sun’s light caused the ocean to sparkle with the confidence...
by Blaize N. | May 29, 2024 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Exchange, Law, Semester, _
There are so many wonderful memories and experiences that I have gained from spending a semester abroad, but the best of all of them has been the opportunity to reconnect with my family that lives in Europe. I come from a very large family that is spread out through...
by Sage M. | May 22, 2024 | Engineering, Europe, Exchange, Semester, _
by Sage M. | May 22, 2024 | Engineering, Europe, Exchange, Semester, _
My adventures so far while studying at Hochschule Esslingen in Germany.
by Chaney | May 13, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Exchange, Semester, _
Chaney Scott M. Whether solo traveling or with a group, it’s important to be safe while traveling. Prior preparation and budget sites can make a trip much easier. After arriving January 2 to...
