by Sadie B. | Aug 25, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
One of the many murals inside the City Hall building of Oslo Hello everyone! My name is Sadie Benson, and I am an upcoming sophomore at the University of Alabama, majoring in Finance and Accounting. This summer II, I am studying Literature in Norway. Before travelling...
by Cassidy G. | Aug 24, 2026 | Africa, Engineering, Europe, Faculty-Led, Internship, Summer, _
After spending the last three months in Europe, I’m finally back in the United States. It’s strange not spending every Thursday night figuring out where I’m flying next or every weekend wandering through a new city. For months, my life revolved...
by Kate B | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Education, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
The latter two photos were taken on my trip to Washington State. The first photo is from my first day in Dublin, wearing my new raincoat! Since I’m majoring in Secondary Education Social Science, studying abroad becomes harder for me to fit with my coursework as I...
by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
When I initially committed to studying abroad back in early spring, I was hesitant about the fact that none of the friends I had already made at UA would be joining me in Oxford. During my orientation, there were groups of people who already knew each other going into...
by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
As somebody who just returned from studying abroad in Oxford for the month of July, I thought it would be helpful to share what I believe are essential things to pack in your suitcase. Before leaving for my trip, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I...
by Gracie P. | Aug 24, 2026 | Comm & Info Sciences, Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Hard to believe that one week has passed since I got to Porto, Portugal for the European Innovation Academy! This study abroad program marks my first international flight, my first time in Europe, and not to mention my first time studying abroad— let’s just say...
by Allison D. | Aug 24, 2026 | Europe, Faculty-Led, Human Environmental Sciences, Summer
Now that I am back home, I miss having walking incorporated into my daily life. I enjoy exercise with a purpose, and walking to get places gives you a purpose to exercise. I am, however, glad to be able to drive in a car with air conditioning. I have found myself...
by Rebecca M. | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, _
These are some Japanese Stab Binding books that I got to make in my Book Arts Class While I am studying at Oxford, I am taking two classes. The first is a fantasy creative writing course with Dr. Kidd. Within the class, we read short stories, discuss elements of Lewis...
by Rebecca M. | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer, _
As someone who has had a peanut allergy my entire life, I have become very used to navigating eating in the states. I know how to properly read the ingredient labels, how to order in restaurants, and what ingredients to expect in common US foods. However, when going...
by Rebecca M. | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
Paddington London Underground Station While I was studying abroad in Oxford, I did not ride in a car for the entire month. Instead, I had the opportunity to use every other common form of transportation. I used planes, trains, buses, and even boats. Before going...
by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Closer Look at Christ Church Meadow Gorgeous View of Magdalen College One of the first things I had to adjust to when I arrived in Oxford was the time difference. Coming from Alabama, I was six hours behind the United Kingdom, which did not feel like a major...
by Kate B | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Education, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When people talk about going abroad, culture shock is a topic that often comes up. Two days after arriving in Ireland, I should have been deep in culture shock, but instead I experienced something stranger: uncanny familiarity. We were hiking the Spinc, which roughly...
by Jenaia P. | Aug 24, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Walking through the airport back in the States was weird. My first thought was pure relief. I was ready for my own bed, ready to see my parents, and ready to stop living out of a suitcase. Don’t get me wrong, I loved being abroad. But after two weeks of constant...
by Elena K. | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Summer
The British Medical Association I am amazed by how much I have learned and experienced during my study abroad program thus far! When I first arrived in London, I felt that it was very similar to the major US cities I have visited, especially those in the Northeast....
by Lucas C. | Aug 24, 2026 | Engineering, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
After some time back in the US, I’d be lying if I said one of the things I miss most from the UK wasn’t the food. Jokes aside, being back in the states has genuinely felt different. While I figured my only trouble would be un-adapting to some things...
by Ava Noelle R. | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Honors College, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Hello sailors! If you’re reading this, I assume you’re either interested in going abroad or you already plan to. Well, I’m here with a few financial tips to help you along on your journey, wherever your destination may be. Personally, I have set my eyes on the lovely...
by Kate B | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Education, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Kylemore Abbey! This is the main castle; beyond the picture to the right is the gothic church, and to its left are the gardens and a Benedictine convent. See the beautiful fog rolling in over the hillside? The valley was magnificent! I also saw many swans in the lake...
by Elena K. | Aug 20, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Summer
The view of London from The Shard Reflecting on my study abroad experience in London, I truly could not have predicted the immense impact this trip would have on me or the incredible quantity of rich experiences I would have the opportunity to participate in each day....
by Gracie P. | Aug 11, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
There were many moments where I wanted nothing more than being where I am right now: sitting on a plane headed back to Dr. Pepper, Chick-fil-A, and Target (just to name a few). Now here I am doing exactly that wishing I could have just one more day in Portugal. ...
by Ellyssa A. | Jul 23, 2026 | Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
When you live in a city for four months, it’s easy to feel like you have all the time in the world to explore it. There’s no rush or pressure because it’s right there in front of you. Ironically, that’s exactly why so many people end up not really experiencing...
