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 Avery T. | Dec 11, 2025 | Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, _
In Vietnam there is a very special place one can visit and in doing so take part in Guinness record holding cable cart rides. The place is Mount Fransipan and it is the tallest peak in all of Indochina measuring over 10,000 feet in elevation or 3,147 meters. The first...
by Kaya H. | Dec 5, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer
It is with a heavy heart that I must say that my experience abroad has come to an end. As I stood at the airport gate, waiting to board my last of seven planes, I felt a strange sense of longing and relief within me. My abroad trip was nothing short of miraculous; it...
by Maliah L. | Dec 4, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer
I chose to study abroad to broaden my global perspective in Public Relations and Advertising alongside others who have similar interests. South Korea’s rich cultural heritage and a booming media and tech industry makes it the ideal place to explore innovation PR...
by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
South Koreans and Americans differ in many cultural, social, and behavioral ways. While Americans generally value independence, self-expression, and personal freedom, South Koreans tend to prioritize group harmony, respect for hierarchy, and collective responsibility....
by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first arrived in South Korea, I was incredibly impressed. Everything felt new and exciting, and I immediately felt welcomed by the warm atmosphere and kind people. I was filled with a mix of emotions like excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. I...
by Willow M. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hello there! This is Willow Mills checking in from South Korea! I can hardly begin to describe how amazing these three weeks have been. It is my first time in Asia, but it definitely won’t be my last. The biggest adjustment I have had to face has been the...
by Hallie C. | Nov 6, 2025 | Asia, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
We started our study abroad adventure in the heart of Southeast Asia: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Right away, the energy of the city stood out. Our first stop was a visit to the local markets, where we saw how Malaysia’s mix of cultures plays a major role in everyday...
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 Julianna Hahn | Oct 21, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Studying abroad to Asia had always been on my bucket list, but I never imagined how profoundly it would impact me until I spent a month in Taiwan and Vietnam. These two countries, each with their unique cultures, landscapes, and histories, offered experiences that...
by Rob K. | Oct 20, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Photo: View from our boat in Ha Long Bay in Northeast Vietnam. Hello! Today, I have made it back to Alabama after another long and tiring day of travel. However, I am incredibly fulfilled after completing our time in North Vietnam and Taipei, Taiwan. Both places were...
by Treycen G. | Oct 20, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
The first full day of Cambodia began with a business field trip to a garment factory. The factory we visited is a global supply chain component of the garment industry. It was interesting to read all of the places that these textiles were being shipped to which opened...
by Treycen G. | Oct 20, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I had finally arrived in the last country of the Asia Trip: Laos. While the rest of the trip had full schedules and packed days, the plan for Laos was similar to how Laos is as a country. We had a few events planned, but overall, it was free reign for us. Laos was the...
by Kaya H. | Oct 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer, _
If you’re anything like me, the thought of studying abroad brings a wave of excitement and nerves. Before I came to the university, I dreamed of studying abroad, but never thought I’d have the opportunity, due to finances and class constraints. But now, in my final...
by Sameen H. | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I am traveling back home, I am thinking of all the wonderful experiences I was able to take part in while abroad. From snorkeling with sea turtles to interviewing the manager of a garment factory, I gained first-hand knowledge of the various cultures in...
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 Rob K. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Summer, _
Hello! Earlier today, I finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam after a very long journey starting from Birmingham, Alabama. To be honest, so far, the city is about as I expected based on my past travel experience to Southeast Asia. In other words, I am enjoying...
