by Mollie M. | Aug 12, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Let me warn you, my study abroad experience is not the typical one, but it is just that much more interesting! I am a junior at The University of Alabama studying advertising and sales. I am currently somewhere between Thailand and Vietnam, as I am participating on...
by Zander D. | Aug 12, 2025 | Europe, Semester, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
I spent three weeks in Porto for the European Innovation Academy, living near Polo Universitário, so the neighborhood and the people around campus shaped how I used the city each day. After locking in my general class routine, I used the rest of each of my days to...
by Emily G. | Aug 4, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA Non-Affiliate, UA-Affiliate, _
One of my first thoughts arriving in a new country was, “I want to go home”. I think this is a very common reaction I believe. I had traveled for almost 24 hours, I was with a large group of very lost college students, and I just wanted to go home. Once we arrived at...
by Taj J. | Jul 23, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
After spending the last month living in Spain, I’m finally back home: jetlagged, disoriented, and wildly confused about when I’m supposed to eat dinner. (Seriously, how did I adjust to 10 p.m. meals so fast and now can’t seem to make it past 6:30 p.m. without my...
by Lucy R. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
After a wonderful first week settling into life in Florence, I already feel like I’ve begun to adapt to the Italian lifestyle. From walking the historic streets and sipping espresso in local cafés to learning the flow of daily life here, the transition has been...
by Six M. | Jul 22, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, North America, Semester, Summer, UA-Affiliate
I can’t believe that this is day one of the final week of our Study Abroad trip in Saint Maarten. I have had so many unforgettable memories, made new friends, and enjoyed countless experiences already in just these three weeks. It has honestly been a blur. I...
by Shifa J. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Commerce & Business, Engineering, Europe, Faculty-Led, Semester, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Our day trip to Waiheke Island, a 45 minute ferry ride out of New Zealand was absolutely my most favorite day of the entire trip.We started the day off with a visit to Waiheke Honey Company, a local bee farm that produces a variety of pure 100% honey, one of them...
by Shifa J. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Commerce & Business, Engineering, Europe, Faculty-Led, Semester, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Just an hour drive out of Sydney, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected 80-acre bushland space where native animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and of course, koalas roam freely and safely. Many of the animals here are rescued, endangered, or...
by Dan L. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Engineering, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Now that the semester is wrapping up, I’ve had some time to reflect on my time in Korea and how it compares to other places I’ve visited. During these four months, I also traveled to China and Japan, which gave me useful context to think about what Korea does well and...
by Nicole J. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
I entered this summer with one goal in mind: to see parts of the world I have never seen before and have fun while doing it. Both New Zealand and Italy were absolute whirlwinds, I can confidently say that I do not regret either study abroad experience. The two were...
by Caitlin S. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
5/25: Before Departure Getting ready to go abroad has completely taken over my mind, my Pinterest boards, and my TikTok feed. I’ve probably watched over a hundred detailed videos on “what I wish I packed for study abroad” and “underrated travel essentials every...
by Anne W. | Jul 22, 2025 | Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate
After coming back home from my study abroad trip to Sevilla, Spain, I have had time to reflect on the experience and everything I’ve taken from it. The most important thing has been the connections I have gained through the entirety of this trip. From my...
by Nicole J. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Come my second weekend in Italy, I had planned two day trips: Saturday in Venice and Sunday in Rome. The only issue: I would be completely alone in Rome. For Venice, I had booked my trip through Smart Trips and had plans to get dinner with some friends, but Rome was...
by Tyler S. | Jul 22, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Today, 19 June 2025, marks my 20th day in Tokyo, Japan—and the end of the first part of this incredible adventure. Before I left the United States, people often told me that studying abroad would change me and broaden my worldview. At the time, I thought that was an...
by Alex F. | Jul 22, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Seoul, South Korea, you have been an unforgettable chapter in my life. As I say goodbye, my heart is filled with gratitude for the kindness and warmth of the people I met here. From the friendly strangers who offered directions with a smile, to the friends who shared...
by Eloise C. | Jul 21, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
If you are thinking of studying abroad, and London is in your top places as a main base, read this for some of my favorite things about this wonderful city! 1. City Life As someone who comes from a small town, I knew I wanted to try my luck at living in a big,...
by Dorothy S. | Jul 18, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
As I acclimated to Milan’s day-to-day life and culture, I began to see a consistent theme besides the noise of the tram, pop-up flower shops, and endless accessibility to carbs in all their glorious forms: the word “Prego.” My first impression of...
by Aruzhan S. | Jul 18, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Studying abroad in Spain has been an incredible experience, not only for academics but also for cultural immersion. Recently, we visited three historical cities of Spain: Granada, Salamanca, and Toledo. Granada was one of the most captivating places we explored....
by Emily A. | Jul 17, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Australia/New Zealand, Semester, UA-Affiliate
When many Americans (including myself) imagine Australia, we tend to conjure up images of kangaroos, the Outback, and most prominently, beach culture. The movies and television we encounter in the U.S. heavily feature Bondi Beach and Byron Bay, places where sun-soaked...
by Anthony A. | Jul 17, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Ever since I started packing, it seems that I either don’t have enough room in my carry on or I simply don’t have enough time to read up on European customs. In preparing for Madrid I have watched the iconic show “La Casa de Papel”, a trilling...
