Preparing for Germany

I chose to study abroad because I believe that studying abroad is an invaluable opportunity. My research professor, Dr. Anthony Arduengo, offered to take me abroad during the Fall 2014 semester, for the Spring 2015 semester. I did not have any other decisions other...

Italian Adventure: Departure

So, today is the day that I depart to Italy.  There are so many emotions and thoughts racing through my head, I can barely describe how I feel.  I guess excited is the biggest one.  I am nervous, anxious, and scared, but I am also happy, curious, and excited that I am...

5 Reasons to Study Abroad

Now before I get to talking about studying abroad, I thought it might be important for you to know about me so that you can see from where I’m coming. My name is Lucas Palonen and I’m a junior at the University of Alabama. I am studying Accounting with a...

Playing the Packing Game

  Though my program does not begin until January 20th, I am leaving a few days early to make a couple of pit-stops. First I am traveling to see my sister in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and then flying to see a friend for a few days in London before arriving in Spain....

My new home: Florence

I’ve successfully been in Florence for 2 weeks and although there’s been a few bumps in the road overall it’s been a fantastic time. I’ve already learned some tricks to the city and I’ve been forced to learn some things as well. I am so...

Headed to Havana!

As my day of departure draws nearer, I can’t get my mind off of the Caribbean. I have been looking forward to this trip ever since I heard about the UA in Cuba program a few years ago. It’s surreal that a trip I’ve been planning for so long is about to become a...

First week in Dublin!

After a sleepless flight from the states, I finally arrived in Dublin on Tuesday! Since then there’s been a lot of adjustment and settling in to the new city and surroundings. I am studying at University College Dublin (UCD) this semester as a senior in Civil...

The Week before Dublin

Nervousness. Excitement. Restless. Stressed. There are a tornado of emotions that could be used to describe the week before departure. I am constantly fluctuating from one to the other trying never quite finding a balance. There is so much to do: packing, goodbyes,...