Bama Bloggers Abroad
Pho Real: Eating My Way Across Vietnam
One of the biggest attractions of traveling abroad to Vietnam is the diverse cuisine of the region. I initially was excited to experience all of the different foods, but I also knew that my palate...
Nature Unlike Any Other
Norway’s beauty is no secret whatsoever, though it should never be underestimated. During my...
Looking Back on Benin
I left Benin on June 29, and have had time to reflect on the incredible experiences I had. The UA in Benin program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially because it was a faculty-led...
Greece: A Study in Culture & Entrepreneurship!
I have always wanted to study abroad, so when I got the opportunity to spend 17 days in Greece, I quickly took it! Some key factors I considered before studying abroad were the location and the...
Good and Bad Nerves? Traveling Alone in Rome/Venice
Come my second weekend in Italy, I had planned two day trips: Saturday in Venice and Sunday in Rome. The only issue: I would be completely alone in Rome. For Venice, I had booked my trip through...
From the States to the Stones: Our First Week in Oxford
Arriving in the United Kingdom from the United States has been nothing short of transformative. Stepping into Oxford felt like entering a different world—one steeped in centuries of tradition,...
First Step: My Summer Adventure in East Asia
Today, 19 June 2025, marks my 20th day in Tokyo, Japan—and the end of the first part of this incredible adventure. Before I left the United States, people often told me that studying abroad would...
Copenhagen and Culture Shock
When I was preparing to study abroad, the most intimidating thing for me was the idea of culture shock. I feared that culture shock would stop me from enjoying my visit to Copenhagen to the fullest....
ChemE Goes Abroad – UA in Denmark
Hi readers! My name is Hannah and I am studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark at Technical University of Denmark (DTU). I'm packing up my safety glasses and lab coat to begin a critical course in...
Better Than Imagined
I have been having a lot of fun in my summer study abroad program in France. I knew I would be okay once I got over the hurdle of starting the trip. There will never be a time in my life that nerves...
Back Home: Surprising Lessons from My Study Abroad Experience
7/21: Home for a Week Coming back home felt familiar at first—English signs, the foods I know, the usual routines I had missed. But after a little while, I started noticing subtle things that felt...
Academics Abroad: A New Way of Learning
6/15: Half-Way Done Taking classes abroad has been a refreshing shift from what I’m used to at the University of Alabama. Everything feels more casual in the best way—professors go by their first...
A Semester I’ll Never Forget – Teaching English in Spain
by Cameran S.| April 23, 2025|Europe | Human Environmental Sciences| Semester | UA Non-Affiliate Wrapping up my semester abroad in Spain has been so bittersweet. One of the...
Goodbye Seoul
Seoul, South Korea, you have been an unforgettable chapter in my life. As I say goodbye, my heart is filled with gratitude for the kindness and warmth of the people I met here. From the friendly...
My Favorite Things About London
If you are thinking of studying abroad, and London is in your top places as a main base, read this for some of my favorite things about this wonderful city! 1. City Life As someone who comes from a...
The art of “prego”
As I acclimated to Milan's day-to-day life and culture, I began to see a consistent theme besides the noise of the tram, pop-up flower shops, and endless accessibility to carbs in all their glorious...
A Day with Local Students: Where Passion and Play Bridge All Barriers
One of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences during my time in Panama was spending a day with a local school for students who don’t have many resources. I’d heard a lot about the school...
A Sloth-Saving Adventure: The Best Moments Are Often the Most Unexpected
Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you never see coming. That’s exactly how I felt on my first day in Panama when something completely unexpected happened that would become one of the...
Unforgettable Spain Trips!
Studying abroad in Spain has been an incredible experience, not only for academics but also for cultural immersion. Recently, we visited three historical cities of Spain: Granada, Salamanca, and...
A Culinary Adventure in Panama
One of the best parts of studying abroad in Panama has been the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. The country’s food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural diversity, blending...
Beyond the City: Exploring Breathtaking Beaches near Melbourne
When many Americans (including myself) imagine Australia, we tend to conjure up images of kangaroos, the Outback, and most prominently, beach culture. The movies and television we encounter in the...
Upon Return: UA in Panama 2025
Hola, mis amigos! This week was so much fun, and I got to experience so many new things. On top of that, I was also given the opportunity to manage the social media account for UA in Panama, which...
While Aborad: UA in Panama 2025
What's up, guys! Panama so far has been so much fun. The picture above was from our meeting with Copa Airlines and MSC Shipping. This day was so fun as we got to see live flight simulations take...
Pre-Departure: UA in Panama 2025
Hola, mis amigos! My name is Roman, and I got the chance to study abroad in Panama this spring break! I am so grateful for this opportunity! I chose to study abroad because my father went out of the...
Program Trip to Salamanca
Over the past weekend me and a couple of my friends visited Salamanca, a beautiful and historic city only 2 and half hours away from Madrid. With the program I selected called "ISA" there are...
Getting Ready for Madrid
Ever since I started packing, it seems that I either don't have enough room in my carry on or I simply don't have enough time to read up on European customs. In preparing for Madrid I have watched...
6 Weeks Till Panama City, Panama!!!
The unknown of studying abroad can be very scary. At least for me, I am used to my small town in Alabama and not experiencing too many other cultures. Going out of the country has always been on my...
From Plans to Packing: Study Abroad Tips for Beginners
I started planning to study abroad last summer, and now, sitting at the airport waiting for my flight to Madrid, everything feels surreal. Countless advisor meetings and Duolingo lessons later, it’s...
Pre-Departure: Ghana, Africa
I chose to study abroad in Ghana, Africa, as it has long been an educational goal of mine. Several key factors influenced my decision, including the affordability of the program, the rich cultural...
From One Overpacker to Another
Let's just say, I do not have the best track record when it comes to packing lightly. I have always been that one person in my family that has to be prepared for every minor problem that may arise....
Pre-departure chaos
I currently sit short of breath in my seat due to forgetting my phone charger of all things and sprinting to get one 5 minutes before boarding. I’ve known I’ve wanted to study abroad for years but...
From Dreams to Reality: Preparing for My Study Abroad Adventure/ Tips for booking flights
Hello! I'm Aruzhan, (Ari) and today was a milestone in my study-abroad journey to book a flight to Europe! It was like going on a roller coaster of emotions: excitement, anticipation, and a bit of...
My Experience with European Cuisine
Being in Ireland has given me appreciation for many things I take for granted in the U.S. Although, I loved my time in Europe, the lack of air conditioning at night was killing me. The biggest thing...
Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made Of–Oxford, England
Shakespeare is woven into the tapestry of life in Oxford, England. From the Radcliffe Camera library of the Bodleian (which is designed in the style of Shakespeare’s Globe’s) to the stained glass...
UA Macroeconomics in Croatia & Italy: Italy!
After our travels in Croatia, we moved to Venice. Venice was an interesting part of the trip, as it was both beautiful and also extremely touristy. Everything was packed, and there were vendors...
The End of Study Abroad: Overall Thoughts, Feelings, and Tips.
As my spring semester study abroad comes to an end, it is time to reflect on my overall experience and how this experience has shaped my life in ways I never thought it would. Having the opportunity...
Pre-Departure Prep & Perception
I am so pumped!!!...but also nervous. How crazy is it that I get to go and create memories that will last a lifetime while also learning and doing something that I love???? I think the nerves come...
Exploring Popular Sites in Barcelona
My time in Spain is passing so quickly, and I'm already entering week 3 of my four-week abroad program. This past week, I didn’t travel outside of Barcelona like I did last weekend. Instead, I...
New Types of Campus Squirrels: Adjusting to the First Weeks Abroad
Before studying abroad, you are told to expect culture shock. It is an inevitable part of traveling. As I settled into my first two weeks in Colombia, I found that adapting to a new culture has two...
How Climbing Over 700 Steps Made Me Feel Refreshed
As I write this, I am finishing my last day of classes in Colombia. It is a very strange feeling. I am sad, yet relieved to return to the United States. Study abroad consists of a lot: classes,...
I Decided to Do My First Hike in Norway
If you had asked me last year if I would like to go hiking on a fjord in Norway, I would look...
While abroad in Greece!
As of writing this, I am halfway through my time in Greece. We have traveled to many different cities and seen a lot of other things! When I first arrived in Thessaloniki (after experiencing many...
Tips for Studying Abroad
My time overseas has come to an end, but the lessons I have learned and the memories I have made will stick with me for a lifetime. Here are some of my tips to make your trip as enjoyable as...
Six Important Tips to Prepare for Study Abroad in Colombia
When I was preparing for my 6 weeks in Colombia, I struggled to find traveler tips. Of the few tips I could find, most were very tourist-y for short trips. Now that I have returned, I feel it is my...
Dear Future Study Abroad Student: Read This First! -Amelia Wiley
Now that I’m done with my experience studying abroad in Benin, I have learned a lot, but not only in terms of academics; it also has been a very personal journey for me. In retrospect, there are...
My First Week in Barcelona!
I can’t believe I have been living in Spain for over a week now! I arrived in Barcelona on a Thursday, and I spent the weekend sightseeing, settling in, and getting to know my roommates. Over the...
Speaking in Tongues: Navigating Language Barriers Abroad
One of the main languages spoken in Benin, Africa is Fon and another commonly spoken language here is french. I personally am fluent in french and hearing Fon has confused me since some words sound...
Feeling Extra Happy When the Locals Speak to me Only in Spanish
Hi! I am currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I am taking 2 Spanish classes to go towards my minor. This is my first time being away from the United States and it has been a great experience....
The Trip Of A Lifetime!
Now that I’m back home, it’s surreal to think that just a week ago I was walking the cobblestone streets of Florence with 17 other students from Alabama, strangers who turned into my lifelong...
Florence, home away from home!
As I write this blog post I currently have the warm summer sun illuminating my funky italian room, my host mom is preparing our amazing and fresh dinner, and our 20 year old cat is snuggled up next...