Bama Bloggers Abroad
Preparations for my journey to Seville, Spain
I chose to study abroad because of the immense opportunity and cultural awareness I would gain by doing so. My first study abroad journey is a 2 course, 6 credit hour opportunity in Seville, Spain....
My Study Abroad Experience in Spain
My journey to Spain went according to plan as my first week in Seville I ventured across the city various times. I visited Plaza De Espana, a famous square in Seville. The beautiful architectural...
There No Place like The Cu Chi Tunnels
We are coming up to our last destination of our Vietnam trip, Ho Chi Minh City. It was known as Saigon until it was renamed to honor the first President of the United Vietnam, Ho Chine Minh. Ho Chi...
The Day I Realized What Trekking Truly Meant
We have been in Vietnam for a week now. Just long enough where you truly start to get adjusted to everything happening around you. We started off in Hanoi, and now we are visiting the beautiful rice...
You Never Know What to Expect
I think when going to a new country, you realize that there will be differences, but you can't truly know what they are until you get there. In my case, I didn't realize that motorbikes were...
Week two in Seville
I’ve now been in Seville, Spain, for two weeks, and I can say it’s very different than what I expected. The culture here is rich and deep, and the history goes all the way back to the 15th century....
End of My Journey in Seville
I finished my classes 3 days ago, and now I’m preparing to take my very long flight back home. Right now, I feel extremely excited to be heading back because I really miss being able to communicate...
From Stranger to Sevillano: A Monday in Seville
Now that I’ve spent a few weeks settling into life in Seville, I decided to take a closer look at an ordinary Monday to see what still surprises me and what’s starting to feel more familiar. Mondays...
Saying Goodbye, Looking Ahead: My Study Abroad Journey Starts Now
Hi, I’m Amelia from New Orleans, I am preparing for my study abroad adventure in Benin, Africa. As a student in the foreign languages and literature program, I’ve always been drawn to francophone...
First Day in France
I landed at the airport around noon in Paris, France and took a bus to Tours, France to meet my host family after landing. I was tired and super nervous to meet them. Meeting them eased some of my...
From Tours, France to Paris, France – A Roller Coaster of Events
After spending a month in Tours, France, I have had numerous interesting experiences. The culture shock has worn off, and I have adjusted to life here. Classes were intensive, and my French has...
Before Benin: Beginning My Study Abroad Adventure
When I signed up for UA in Benin I was very nervous, knowing little about Benin and throwing myself into this adventure alone. I had never been away from home for such a long time, and had never...
NF – LUENEBURG – POST 3
Back home and feeling a little bit of reverse culture shock: not having to tackle waiters to get the check, not knowing how or what to recycle, not using cash and coins. It’s been just a week, and I...
Thinking of Studying Abroad? Here Are My Top Tips!
Thinking of Studying Abroad? Here Are My Top Tips! Studying abroad is one of the most exciting, life-changing adventures you can embark on. It’s not just about academics, it's about discovering new...
Ghana Bound
I’m excited and nervous. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to study abroad, but life got in the way and prevented me from fulfilling my dreams. With my daughter being an adult and a college...
Forevermore, Voyage 134
Embarking on Semester at Sea is singlehandedly the best decision I have made in my entire life. Ever since I was in middle school I knew I wanted to participate in the program and my dream has...
Hana in Ghana
During my time on Semester at Sea, I was able to visit Ghana for a few days. Our ship, the MV World Odyssey, ported in Tema, Ghana for three days and Takoradi, Ghana, for three days in October. My...
Fighting Jet Lag
My study abroad opportunity was not only my first study abroad, but also my first time ever leaving the United States. I had so many questions about what to bring and what to prepare for, but it is...
Chatty Americans
“Americans are so talkative and friendly—people here don’t just chat with everyone they meet”. This was a comment I got on the train to London at 4 a.m., after spending the past hour talking to...
Grocery Stores: The Real Place for Local Cuisine
Everywhere has a signature food: New York pizza, Wisconsin cheese curds, Kentucky fried chicken. When traveling, we imagine taking advantage of the famous restaurants, and schedule time to sample...
Tips from an Overpacker
I am a chronic overpacker. There’s no getting around it. I always find myself leaving home with a bag bursting at the seams, hoping desperately I don’t have to open it and somehow manage to achieve...
Political Encounters
If you have been on the Internet for any length of time, you have no doubt experienced a sharp divide between European and American users. One can often find the two groups arguing about food,...
My Summer in Europe
As my fall semester comes to an end, all I can think about is my unforgettable trip to Europe—a month-long adventure that I now realize I took for granted. The people I met, the food I tasted, and...
The Best of Times
I will never forget the nerves and anxiety I felt the day I flew from Newark to Barcelona. There was so much unknown and it scared me that it wasn't a quick trip, but a three month experience. I...
Settling Into My New Home
Three weeks ago today I arrived to the Newark airport filled with feelings of fear, regret, and doubt. I wondered how an experience that I have always dreamed of could be so scary. I knew this would...
Leaving for Rome!
Countdown to Rome: My Dream Trip The thrill of a long-awaited trip to Rome is finally here! For years, Rome has been calling my name with its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering...
A brief reflection from my time in Paris
After living here for six weeks, I now see Paris on a deeper, more nuanced level. Paris is not just a beautiful city, it is a place where the layers of history and culture are intricately woven into...
Exploring Paradise on Island Time
St. Marteen in a beautiful place with beautiful beaches that I hope to visit again. My favorite part about the beaches there was how clear and blue the waters were. Places I would recommend going to...
While Abroad
Pre-Departure Italy
Reflecting on my time abroad: the dos and don’ts of packing
With this trip being my first time abroad, I had no clue what to pack for a month in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Now, I realize some things I *really* should have brought with me and some things I...
UA in Holland: Preparing to Return Home
It is now officially less than 24 hours until I depart Copenhagen and catch my flight (well, couple of flights) back to the States. Reflecting on my trip, I can say with full confidence that I have...
Culture Shock and First Impressions of Colombia!
I can confidently say that I had (and still have) a great first impression of Colombia. Everyone was warning me about how hot Colombia is during the summer, but as a native of Mobile, Alabama, heat...
Eurotrip Emotions: The Rollercoaster Ride Home
Post-Colombia Experience: Thoughts and Advice
Now that I'm back home, I have such a great perspective for the rest of my summer and the rest of my college experience. I have learned so much over the past few weeks, both academically and...
WEEKEND IN BARCELONA
Technology in Spain
NF – Lueneburg – Post 1
Visa Application Requirements While Trying to Pass My Finals
Take this advice to heart my friends: if you plan to go abroad for an entire semester maybe do it in the fall so you have the summer to get ready without the nightmare of balancing finals. While I'm...
Chow from Italia!
Readjusting after Italy!
Tips, Reflection, and things I wish I knew!
While Abroad
The first thing I noticed after leaving the airport in Australia was that they drive on the left side of the road, and the drivers are on the right side of the car. Very bizarre from an American. I...
Upon Return
I was a little relieved to be home. 3.5 weeks of non-stop travel and flights and bus rides and activities is a lot, even though it was all so fun and interesting. I was excited to see my parents,...
Embarking on an Adventure: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad
Studying abroad can be an incredibly enriching experience, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, make lifelong friends, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around...
Nostalgia, Endearment, and Reminiscence of España
This will be my final post, and though I didn’t intend for it to arrive so late, I’m very happy that I am reflecting on my experience now after a semester back at Alabama. I think when I first went...
Upon Return
The beginning of my first international adventure
My Unforgettable Experience in Paris
Before I Left: What I Wish I Had Known, The Journey Home, and the Art of Packing!
