by Arianna Jones | Aug 24, 2026 | Asia, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
First Day at J.F. Oberlin University I’m currently in my last two weeks of studying abroad, and it’s crazy to think I’ve been away from home for a month already. Through this program and classes, I have taken so far. I’ve been able to meet new people, eat...
by Arianna Jones | Aug 24, 2026 | Asia, Summer, UA-Affiliate
It was a long travel day back home; I slept the majority of the time on my flights. Arriving to the first of many airports in the U.S. was interesting. A mixture of the bittersweetness of such a crazy experience and the relief of getting home. I got...
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 Ava T. | Jul 8, 2026 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Have you ever really wanted to do something but found that actually doing it is terrifying? If so, you aren’t alone. Ever since I was a freshman in high school I have wanted to study abroad, specifically through Semester at Sea. In December of 2024, this idea of...
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...
