by Resha S | May 16, 2017 | Central America, Semester, Social Work, UA-Affiliate, _
As I prepare to study abroad, I have constantly been at odds with one question – what should I do with my hair? Should I tame my wild afro with the straightener? Should I go with a nice weave or sew-in? Maybe box braids or micros would be better suited for swimming in...
by Resha S | May 15, 2017 | Central America, Semester, Social Work, UA-Affiliate, _
As my Latin American adventure comes to an end, I can’t help but look back on who I was when I stepped off that plane and who I am now. Before I came to Costa Rica, I was caught up in the daily grind of university life – hardly taking time to eat or sleep, let alone...
by Leigh Copeland | May 15, 2017 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
It’s been 3 months since I’ve been in Costa Rica and 3 days since my 21st birthday. Many people would think it would be a dream to spend their birthday abroad, but for me, it was the moment my homesickness hit its peak. My birthday has never been a terribly huge...
by Joshua S | Feb 1, 2017 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Semester, UA-Affiliate
The reason that I chose to study abroad is because I have always liked the idea of traveling. To be honest, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to do so. This is mostly because finances and finishing my undergraduate studies in four years. One of the...
by Abigail J | Jul 15, 2016 | Central America, Education, Faculty-Led, Summer
“Sorry. I mean Lo siento.,,, Oh wait I mean sorry.” That was the moment I realized that I was no longer in Nicaragua and back in the US. We had just arrived at the Houston airport and I was headed into the bathroom as I ran into lady. I had gotten so used to my...
by Abigail J | Jul 12, 2016 | Central America, Education, Faculty-Led, Summer
Growing up, one of the only college experiences that I heard from my parents was their study abroad trip. They still, to this day, refer to it as the best months of their lives. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted to go abroad. My parents have been...
by Caroline W | Jul 12, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
I was surprised with how sad I felt leaving Nicaragua. While the heat sometimes felt unbearable, there was something about the people and the culture there that made it all worth it. When I said goodbye to my host mom, she started crying and thanked us for visiting...
by Carson F | Jul 1, 2016 | Central America, Engineering, Faculty-Led, Summer
Now that I have been back home for a bit my journeys in Nicaragua seem more distant. While there I hiked volcanoes, searched for monkeys, and communicated in another language for two weeks. Here in my normal day to day life I go to work, pay bills, and grab...
by Carson F | Jun 30, 2016 | Central America, Engineering, Faculty-Led, Summer
Actually getting to Nicaragua proved to be much bigger hurdle than anticipated. Despite checking and re-checking flight times and prices, and waking up at approximately 1:00 a.m., I managed to miss my flight from Atlanta to Houston. I won’t go into specific...
by Carson F | Jun 29, 2016 | Central America, Engineering, Faculty-Led, Summer
I decided that I wanted to come to Nicaragua because it was the perfect opportunity to get valuable medical experience, to be immersed in latino culture, and to travel to a beautiful place. I start my junior year in the spring and with a job, and a desire to...
by Zoe G | Jun 29, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
Now that I have made it back home all safe and sound, I am very appreciative of the the air conditioning here but sad that I had to leave such wonderful country. It was so nice to leave my bustling, fast-paced lifestyle in the US and slow down to appreciate the...
by Caroline W | Jun 24, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
I have been in Granada, Nicaragua for a couple of days and I love it! At times I might complain about the heat (okay probably more often than I’m willing to admit), but the kindness and compassion of the people makes it worth it. My host mom is a 73 year old woman who...
by Danielle K | Jun 24, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
My first thoughts as I got off the plane in Huston after spending two weeks in Nicaragua were nothing as poignant as I might have expected. As the plane hit the tarmac there was an initial sense of relief about being home in the United States, but this was almost...
by Christopher L | Jun 24, 2016 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer
Coming back from Haiti is always a very tough transition to go back into a developed country after spending a week in a developing one. The lack of basic amenities and conveniences in Haiti makes it tough to come home to a shower that is inside, buildings that are air...
by Zoe G | Jun 24, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
After a week in Granada, it feels like a second home. Aside for the heat and lack of running water in the morning, I could stay here indefinitely. It took a while to get used to the lack of air conditioning but now I have just embraced being hot all the time. I do not...
by Caroline W | Jun 23, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
Granada, Nicaragua looks gorgeous in any pictures I have googled, but I am still unsure what to expect when I get there. I know the buildings are painted in bright colors and air conditioning is nonexistent (cannot wait for 100 degree temperatures), but that is it. I...
by Gabrielle H | Jun 21, 2016 | Central America, Engineering, Faculty-Led, Summer
Now that I’ve been back in the US for almost two weeks, I’d like to reflect on this trip and my overall experience of travelling abroad on a faculty-led program. First, I think that every student should try to attend one study abroad program during their...
by Zoe N | Jun 21, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
The first week of Dr. Steinberg’s summer class “Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins” was spent in the Toledo District. From there, we traveled to various locations to learn about Belize and participate in conservation activities. On the seventh day, we said goodbye to Punta...
by Christopher L | Jun 21, 2016 | Central America, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer
The beginning of the trip was exciting as usual! It is so much fun to see all of the members of the community showing up to learn all week! The coolest and most rewarding part of this trip is being able to make real connections with the people that we are teaching. I...
by Abigail Ward | Jun 20, 2016 | Arts & Sciences, Central America, Faculty-Led, Summer
I cannot believe that I am finally on my way to Honduras. I spent so much time getting ready for this moment and am so excited to finally be headed there. The process getting to this point was full of anticipation, excitement, and fear. I have been wanting to study...
