Bama Bloggers Abroad
Belize Blog #1
I just arrived in Belize. It is such a beautiful place but definitely an adjustment. The hardest part about day 1 was being so excited to see everything and meet everyone while also being so...
Pre-departure; Expectations and Goals for Studying Abroad in Spain
As a Sport Management major, the UA in Europe: Globalization of Sport program creates an incredible opportunity to expand my personal understanding of the international sports industry. I hope to...
My Study Abroad Journey: Pre-Departure Thoughts and Preparation
Hi! My name is Na'Kysia Boykin, and I’m a senior nursing major with a minor in psychology at the university. As I approach the final stretch of my undergraduate journey, I’m beyond excited to take...
Take-Off Thoughts!
I’ve known that I wanted to study abroad since early high school. In fact, it’s a large reason why I came to the University of Alabama. I knew that the University was extremely supportive of study...
Preparing for My Adventure In Belize
I have always dreamed of studying abroad, and now that it is actually happening, I am ecstatic. The chance to get up close and personal with marine creatures was one of the main reasons I picked...
MSW Internship in Ghana: Post 2
My internship in Ghana has been an incredible and transformative experience. During the weekends, I’ve had the chance to explore different parts of the country, including Accra, where I visited...
Studying Abroad in Athens
I am currently three months into my study abroad program at the American College of Greece in Athens, Greece. The school is located in a neighborhood just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown,...
A few things to take home
I am currently wrapping up my study abroad experience. 10 countries, 100+ days, and many memories and stories I am taking home. Above all, I have learned so much about myself and my lifestyle that I...
Public Transportation in Ghana
Living in Greater Accra, the trotro experience became a daily adventure for me. Trotros are shared minivans or buses that locals use for public transport, and they’re honestly a bit chaotic. They’re...
Pre-Departure: Panama City, Panama
Hi, my name is Connor Lanier and I am a Accounting major preparing to go to Panama City, Panama for a week over spring break. During this trip, business school freshman get to meet with various...
While Abroad In Panama
Rushed with excitement, stepping foot of the plane was unreal first because it was a new country and second I couldn't believe I was actually studying abroad. Being greeted by the bright sun and...
MSW Internship in Ghana: Post 1
I have been waiting my whole life for an opportunity like this to work internationally. For the past two years, I have been counting the days until I could get to Ghana. This program is why I stayed...
Florence midpoint!
I am half way through my time studying abroad in Florence, Italy! I am having an incredibly transformative experience. Florence, and Italy in general, is an amazing home base - this city is filed...
Abroad: Panama City, Panama
My first impression after arriving in Panama is just how cool it is to be in a new place. I was nervous and anxious about our weeklong trip, but once we got there and settled in I started to...
Returning From Panama
Going to Panama has been one of the best experiences for me individually as a person in terms of growth, exposure, and development. Enjoying every moment taking it in and learning as much as I can...
Preparing for Study Abroad
As long as I can remember, my biggest dream was to see the world. As I am writing this, my dream is merely hours from coming true. I have never been outside of the country so there has been so many...
Life 9000 Miles from Home: Getting Involved on Campus
I am studying abroad in Sydney, Australia this semester, and the homesickness has been especially hard this time around. The time zone difference is immense, and that’s one thing that never gets...
The Bewilderment of Return
As I sat on the plane awaiting takeoff from the Milan airport, my senses were being assaulted. Although there is a popular stereotype of the Italian culture and language being loud and expressive,...
Reverse Home Sickness- Ghana, Africa
After being home for two weeks there have been a flood of emotions about being back home and missing Ghana. Coming back from Ghana has been a lot harder than I expected. I thought I’d be happy to...
Semester is almost over :[
The semester is almost over already :[ Somehow it's already been over four months since I got here, I have had a blast in Paris. Although, sadly, it is coming to an end it was a once-in-a-lifetime...
Studying in One of the Oldest Libraries in the World
Studying in the Bodleian library has been a dream of mine since high school. The bodleian, just like the rest of Oxford is one of the oldest and most acclaimed places in the world. It is straight...
Navigating Britrail
Navigating britrail within the United Kingdom can be a real challenge. Though our britrail passes got us free trips to anywhere within the UK, the logistics of getting there were […]
Oxford’s College Campuses Compared to Ours
For the most part, Oxford University's college grounds are completely different than ours. Really, the only thing similar is the presence of dorm rooms and class rooms. Most of the Oxford college...
Changed for the Better: How Study Abroad Shaped Me
Studying abroad has truly changed me for the better. Before this trip, I used to be afraid of change and hesitant about new beginnings. I liked staying in my comfort zone because it felt safe and...
Views From Cape Coast
Pictured in this post is the Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was originally built by Sweden in the 17th century. Over the years, many countries took possession of it until the 1660s when...
Reflecting on my time in Benin
Returning home from Cotonou, Benin after a transformative four-week study abroad experience has been both comforting and surprisingly disorienting. While I was excited to reunite with family, sleep...
Advice for Future Study Abroad Students
If I could give one piece of advice to future study abroad students, it would be to embrace change and step outside your comfort zone. New places, new people, and new routines can feel overwhelming...
Going to Ghana: Tips and Advice for Studying Abroad
Sunset in Kakum National Park As I prepared to study abroad, I had so many thoughts and expectations. Going to Ghana was not something I ever anticipated being a part of my academic and personal...
10,000 Miles Away
Before I left for Australia in July, I made a joke that it would probably be the farthest point away I could get from my hometown in New York. Turns out, Melbourne, which is just a two hour flight...
Finding Value and Authenticity in Your Study Abroad Journey
Photo I took of Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland For the fall 2025 semester, I chose to study at the University of Helsinki in Finland. This is my fourth time studying abroad, following...
Studying Abroad in Budapest: First Weeks and Impressions
My name is Tyler LeValley and I am a junior at Alabama majoring in marketing and minoring in international business. This semester I am studying abroad at Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. I...
Arrival in Perth: A New Chapter Abroad
Studying abroad has always been something I wanted to do, but I never thought my first trip outside the US would take me all the way to the other side of the world in Perth, Australia. This is my...
Diving into the Unknown
Living by the ocean on the Gold Coast, I was drawn to picking up a water activity during my time here. After some exploration, discussion, and the convincing of my friends, I signed up for a course...
Advice for Spain Travels – Reality and Necessities
Studying abroad in Spain was one of the most enriching experiences of my college journey, and I’m grateful for every moment spent exploring the historic streets of Madrid and the vibrant coast of...
Reflection On My Return From Belize
Now that I’m back home, my mind is filled with a mix of emotions. The moment I stepped off the plane and into the airport, everything felt so familiar, yet different. I was excited to reunite with...
State-side Again: A Reflection on My Time in New Zealand
The past three weeks have been packed full of incredible adventures, but the time has absolutely flown by. It all feels like a blur of hikes, cities, restaurants, presentations, and traveling....
Almost Out the Door: Getting Ready for Spain
Getting ready to go abroad to Spain has been a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of list-making. It still doesn’t feel totally real, but with my flight coming up soon, I’m starting to feel...
Traveling to New Zealand (ft. first impressions)
“I’m naming this first leg of our trip ‘Escape from LA,’” joked my study abroad professor as we fumbled our way through the labyrinth of the LAX airport, trying to find the international terminal. I...
Grateful for Spain: A Chapter I’ll Never Forget
Only 20 days left before the end of my study abroad program, and it’s bittersweet. It’s hard to accept that I’ll soon be leaving a place that has truly become a second home. While I’m excited to...
Time to go home
Somehow, it is now already May, now I have to get ready to go home somehow. I have studied abroad these past two semesters, one in Rome and one in Paris. It has flown by like it was nothing, I 1000%...
Study Trip to Japan
For spring break, I went on an astronomy and computer science-based study trip with my school, AUP, to Tokyo, Japan. This trip was filled with it all, we got to explore Tokyo and went to 3 other...
Exploring Impact & Innovation in Panama City: A Day with GELI- UA in Panama
Today, our Manderson Graduate College GELI cohort had an incredible day in Panama City, diving into impactful community service, engaging with global business leaders, and exploring innovation in...
Day 4: Navigating History at the Panama Canal – A UA Adventure!
Good morning from Panama City! Today was all about one of the modern wonders of the world—the iconic Panama Canal—and what an unforgettable day it was! Journey to the CanalAfter a hearty breakfast,...
What they don’t tell you about life in Japan.
Truthfully, I haven't been dealing with a lot of culture shock. It turns out that researching and studying a country for three years will prepare you for the cultural differences and challenges you...
Pre-Departure
Experiencing the world and discovering something new offers opportunities that aren’t available to everyone, making my feelings about traveling abroad even more appreciative and exciting. For most...
UA in Panama : Day 1
Our first full day in Panama was nothing short of amazing! As part of the Manderson Graduate College of Business and the Global Experiential Learning Initiative (GELI), we dove headfirst into the...
Pre-Departure Reflections: Embarking on the Manderson Global Experiential Learning Initiative in Panama
As the countdown to my departure for Panama begins, I find myself reflecting on what led me to this incredible opportunity and what I hope to gain from it. The Manderson Global Experiential Learning...
Return: Panama City, Panama
After returning, all I really want to do is go study abroad again. It was such a fun and rewarding experience and really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I feel like I am more certain of my career...
While Abroad
Hi from Ghana, my first impression upon arriving in my host country was excitement and amazement, and the country's scenery. But when I arrived at the host college, I quickly had thoughts running...
Country-Hopping and Culture Shock
Many of us who have the opportunity to travel abroad will experience many different countries, and with that WILL come culture shock, too. Whether you are traveling to one country and hopping around...