by Robyn H. | Jan 8, 2026 | Asia, Exchange, Semester
It’s been a while since I’ve returned to the United States, if the post date is any indication. A new semester is just beginning, and it’s hard not to reflect on what I’ve experienced in my time away. Prior to this, my idea of Japan didn’t really have any firsthand...
by Robyn H. | Dec 11, 2025 | Asia, Exchange, Semester, _
At time of writing, it’s just become December here in Hirakata, and in spite of that, it’s not really all that cold. The Kansai region has a pretty comparable climate to Alabama, actually; both of them are Cfa (humid subtropical) climate types. That basically means...
by Kaya H. | Dec 5, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer
It is with a heavy heart that I must say that my experience abroad has come to an end. As I stood at the airport gate, waiting to board my last of seven planes, I felt a strange sense of longing and relief within me. My abroad trip was nothing short of miraculous; it...
by Maliah L. | Dec 4, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer
I chose to study abroad to broaden my global perspective in Public Relations and Advertising alongside others who have similar interests. South Korea’s rich cultural heritage and a booming media and tech industry makes it the ideal place to explore innovation PR...
by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
South Koreans and Americans differ in many cultural, social, and behavioral ways. While Americans generally value independence, self-expression, and personal freedom, South Koreans tend to prioritize group harmony, respect for hierarchy, and collective responsibility....
by Maliah L. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first arrived in South Korea, I was incredibly impressed. Everything felt new and exciting, and I immediately felt welcomed by the warm atmosphere and kind people. I was filled with a mix of emotions like excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nervousness. I...
by Willow M. | Nov 17, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hello there! This is Willow Mills checking in from South Korea! I can hardly begin to describe how amazing these three weeks have been. It is my first time in Asia, but it definitely won’t be my last. The biggest adjustment I have had to face has been the...
by Robyn H. | Oct 24, 2025 | Asia, Exchange, Semester
It’s been about two months since I first arrived in Japan for my semester abroad. Those two months, but especially since I first arrived, have been a nonstop learning experience. There was no way I could know everything about Japan, my host institution, or every...
by Rob K. | Oct 20, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Photo: View from our boat in Ha Long Bay in Northeast Vietnam. Hello! Today, I have made it back to Alabama after another long and tiring day of travel. However, I am incredibly fulfilled after completing our time in North Vietnam and Taipei, Taiwan. Both places were...
by Treycen G. | Oct 20, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
The first full day of Cambodia began with a business field trip to a garment factory. The factory we visited is a global supply chain component of the garment industry. It was interesting to read all of the places that these textiles were being shipped to which opened...
by Treycen G. | Oct 20, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I had finally arrived in the last country of the Asia Trip: Laos. While the rest of the trip had full schedules and packed days, the plan for Laos was similar to how Laos is as a country. We had a few events planned, but overall, it was free reign for us. Laos was the...
by Kaya H. | Oct 16, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Asia, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Non-traditional, Summer, _
If you’re anything like me, the thought of studying abroad brings a wave of excitement and nerves. Before I came to the university, I dreamed of studying abroad, but never thought I’d have the opportunity, due to finances and class constraints. But now, in my final...
by Sameen H. | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I am traveling back home, I am thinking of all the wonderful experiences I was able to take part in while abroad. From snorkeling with sea turtles to interviewing the manager of a garment factory, I gained first-hand knowledge of the various cultures in...
by Rob K. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Summer, _
Hello! Earlier today, I finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam after a very long journey starting from Birmingham, Alabama. To be honest, so far, the city is about as I expected based on my past travel experience to Southeast Asia. In other words, I am enjoying...
by Sameen H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Semester, _
When I first arrived in my program’s first host country of Malaysia, I was immediately struck by the heat and humidity that far exceeded any I had ever encountered in the United States. In fact, it was so humid that in the last few minutes of my flight to Kuala...
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Since I’m studying abroad on Semester at Sea, my “host location” is a bit unconventional, the MV World Odyssey, sailing in the middle of the ocean. What drew me to this program, and what I’ve come to love most, is the incredible sense of community on board. When I...
by Willow M. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Comm & Info Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hi there! My name is Willow and I’m going on the UA in South Korea trip to study advertising and public relations strategies internationally! I’m currently 18 days out from flying to Incheon Airport, and I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous....
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
I had known since my freshman year of high school that I wanted to go on Semester at Sea, and I was beyond excited for my junior year of college to finally take on this adventure. Still, deciding to study abroad during the year when none of my friends were going felt...
by Sameen H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Asia, Commerce & Business, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I chose to study abroad because of the inspiration from my sister and the motivation from my parents. When my older sister, Sarah, was an undergraduate student at Mississippi State University she took part in a study abroad program to various European countries...
by Ryan P. | Sep 17, 2025 | Asia, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
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 cities: Kyoto, Himeji, and Sayo. Sayo is a super tiny town that even...
