Pre-Departure Thoughts

  3 days from now, once I step on the plane, my life is going to change forever.   I’ve only been out of the United States twice; both times were to visit our missionary friends with my parents and it didn’t feel much like I was leaving the country. I’ve...

Greece Abroad

First Impressions My first impression of Greece was “Wow, this looks like home.” The airport in Santorini is up on a cliff and looks a lot like the Sonoran Desert at home in Arizona, except with an ocean view. It was so funny that I had to take a picture....

A New Experience

This summer I chose to study abroad because I truly believe it is the best and most unique way to not only learn information inside a classroom but gain cultural experience as well. Last summer I studied abroad in France for almost 6 weeks in a language intensive...

While Abroad

Upon arriving at Oxford, I was amazed at the beautiful architecture and the main lawn at the entrance of Worcester College. It felt prestigious to be here. The lawns and orchard are some of my favorite spots. They, along with the quaint coffee shops and bustling...

Host Locations

Participating in two sessions this summer in Spain means that I get to have the experience of staying in two different host locations: one in the peaceful town of San Lorenzo and one in Spain’s bustling capital, Madrid.  These two locations could not be more different...

Madrid to Home: Final Days

Eleven days and counting. The time is approaching where I have to think about packing and going home, but I don’t want to. Spain has become my home base in Europe and it breaks my heart even thinking about leaving this wonderful place and not knowing when, or if, I am...

Pre-Departure Thoughts

I have several reasons for wanting to study abroad. I have always wanted to travel, and I figured that if any time was a good time to try, it would be now. Since I am a pre-med student, I would like to use the time I have available before medical school to its...

Summer in San Lorenzo

Getting off the plane from Atlanta to Madrid was one of the most exciting and nerve racking things I have ever done. What will the school be like? Will I meet friends? Will I even be able to communicate with these people for a month? Questions like these and many...

Getting to Know the Locals

After having spent some time here in Spain, I have realized that every interaction I have is an opportunity to improve my Spanish. While speaking with my fellow students has definitely improved my Spanish, my conversations with native speakers have been the most...

Italy 2017

Wow, Can I say culture shock?! I am stunned at how beautiful this country is. I don’t have words to describe how beautiful this country is. I am traveling a lot and have so many trips planned I don’t know how I will get everything I want to do in to the...

Travels before Copenhagen

Before my class in Copenhagen began, I got the chance to spend a little bit of time touring Europe with my family. My brother, sister, and grandparents met me in Copenhagen to begin our trip. From Copenhagen we flew down to Rome and continued with a trip through Italy...

Barefoot in Barcelona

I had no idea my Study Abroad experience would be this meaningful. The people, places, and events I have been able to experience have been incredible. Living in Pamplona has been a wonderful time with a fantastic group of students and professors for the University of...

Final Week in Spain

This is my last week in Spain. I am starting to miss the US a little bit, but I am not 100% ready to come home. I have had a great time in Spain. Last weekend, we went to Barcelona. We went to Park Guell, the Sagrada Familia, the Olympic Park, and the art museum. I...

Coming to an End

Exactly 4 weeks ago I arrived in Pamplona, Spain. In exactly 6 days I will be back home in New Jersey. Thinking back over the past four weeks, it is crazy how fast the time has gone, but also how many amazing adventures I’ve gotten to experience in such a short amount...