The Halfway Mark

I’ve currently been in shock that I have already been here two months and I have midterm exams this week! This trip so far has been amazing and has opened my eyes to such a different way of life. My political science classes here have taught me that Europe has...

Roman Life

I’ve had another wonderful week in Rome, but I cannot believe how fast the time is flying by! Here in Rome, around every corner there is a building or fountain that makes you stop in your tracks (especially since I live about one tenth of a mile from the Sistine...

The First Days

I just finished my third day in Spain, and it has been incredible! I have already forgotten about all of the worries of packing and saying goodbye, and moved my brain into adventure mode. To start, I would like to make one thing clear: do not make packing into too...

Preparing for Germany

I chose to study abroad because I believe that studying abroad is an invaluable opportunity. My research professor, Dr. Anthony Arduengo, offered to take me abroad during the Fall 2014 semester, for the Spring 2015 semester. I did not have any other decisions other...

Italian Adventure: Departure

So, today is the day that I depart to Italy.  There are so many emotions and thoughts racing through my head, I can barely describe how I feel.  I guess excited is the biggest one.  I am nervous, anxious, and scared, but I am also happy, curious, and excited that I am...

5 Reasons to Study Abroad

Now before I get to talking about studying abroad, I thought it might be important for you to know about me so that you can see from where I’m coming. My name is Lucas Palonen and I’m a junior at the University of Alabama. I am studying Accounting with a...

Playing the Packing Game

  Though my program does not begin until January 20th, I am leaving a few days early to make a couple of pit-stops. First I am traveling to see my sister in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and then flying to see a friend for a few days in London before arriving in Spain....

My new home: Florence

I’ve successfully been in Florence for 2 weeks and although there’s been a few bumps in the road overall it’s been a fantastic time. I’ve already learned some tricks to the city and I’ve been forced to learn some things as well. I am so...

Temporary Italian

I’ve been in Europe for just one week now and I still seem to think I am on vacation instead of actually getting to live here for four months! My first stop was England where I wanted to speak to every person just to hear their amazing accents! Then I moved on to...

Headed to Havana!

As my day of departure draws nearer, I can’t get my mind off of the Caribbean. I have been looking forward to this trip ever since I heard about the UA in Cuba program a few years ago. It’s surreal that a trip I’ve been planning for so long is about to become a...

First week in Dublin!

After a sleepless flight from the states, I finally arrived in Dublin on Tuesday! Since then there’s been a lot of adjustment and settling in to the new city and surroundings. I am studying at University College Dublin (UCD) this semester as a senior in Civil...