by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
When I initially committed to studying abroad back in early spring, I was hesitant about the fact that none of the friends I had already made at UA would be joining me in Oxford. During my orientation, there were groups of people who already knew each other going into...
by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
As somebody who just returned from studying abroad in Oxford for the month of July, I thought it would be helpful to share what I believe are essential things to pack in your suitcase. Before leaving for my trip, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I...
by Gracie P. | Aug 24, 2026 | Comm & Info Sciences, Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Hard to believe that one week has passed since I got to Porto, Portugal for the European Innovation Academy! This study abroad program marks my first international flight, my first time in Europe, and not to mention my first time studying abroad— let’s just say...
by Bayli Drobil | Aug 24, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Closer Look at Christ Church Meadow Gorgeous View of Magdalen College One of the first things I had to adjust to when I arrived in Oxford was the time difference. Coming from Alabama, I was six hours behind the United Kingdom, which did not feel like a major...
by Jenaia P. | Aug 24, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Walking through the airport back in the States was weird. My first thought was pure relief. I was ready for my own bed, ready to see my parents, and ready to stop living out of a suitcase. Don’t get me wrong, I loved being abroad. But after two weeks of constant...
by Gracie P. | Aug 11, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
There were many moments where I wanted nothing more than being where I am right now: sitting on a plane headed back to Dr. Pepper, Chick-fil-A, and Target (just to name a few). Now here I am doing exactly that wishing I could have just one more day in Portugal. ...
by Vanessa A. | Jul 21, 2026 | _
Ciao! Mi chiamo Vanessa Alexander. I am an Instrumental Music Education student, a Million Dollar Band member, and Chapter President of Kappa Kappa Psi here at UA. For the past week, I’ve been studying Italian language and culture in Florence, Italy. Being a...
by Abbye W. | Feb 2, 2026 | Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
My new friends posing with my lost luggage! Being from the Midwest, traveling to arrive in my study abroad city was a nightmare. With various flight delays, missing connections, and rerouting, issues are bound to arise. For me, the aircraft for my connection from...
by Jones T. | Jan 28, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Exchange, Semester, _
It only took a few weeks of settling in while abroad to decide I was ready to travel outside of my host city. Sitting only an hour train ride away is the small town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. This town, most well known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, bolsters a wide...
by Tyler L. | Jan 23, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
It has been a month since I returned to the US from my semester abroad in Budapest, Hungary and I have been reflecting on how this unique opportunity has changed me. I realize that I’ve now fundamentally changed from the version of myself who departed for Europe five...
by Emmett D. | Jan 23, 2026 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Hey all! I am Emmett and I am studying in Barcelona, so far it’s been amazing! I went to Madrid the second weekend and loved it! Choosing to study abroad was something I had thought about for years since my mom studied in Rome for a year, but it became a real...
by Macy M | Jan 8, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Coming back home was bittersweet. Though I was only in Germany for a month, it felt like I lived a small lifetime in that short span. It is crazy to remember how I almost did not go on this trip just because of anxiety. I was so worried about going abroad not knowing...
by Eloise C. | Jan 8, 2026 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
As a young woman, I was nervous to travel around Europe by myself. But as I’ve pushed my boundaries and stopped waiting for other people to join me before traveling somewhere, I’ve found out how fulfilling solo travel can be. Solo travel is a...
by Katrina F. | Jan 5, 2026 | By College, Commerce & Business, Duration, Europe, Honors College, Program Type, Region, Semester, UA-Affiliate
I’ve officially been back in the US for one month. I wish I had more time there, but I’m glad I’m home at the same time. One thing I will say for anyone going abroad – eat as much as you want because the food is to die for. I miss Italian food...
by Abrielle B. | Dec 11, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
Despite studying in Seville, Spain, I made the most of my time in Europe by traveling to Paris, France, and Faro, Portugal, and experiencing two different cultures. I would advise anyone studying abroad to visit as many locations as possible and make the most of the...
by Kelsie A. | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first arrived in Edinburgh, I was immediately taken by the cool air and all the historic, older buildings. What I did not anticipate, though, was the number of stairs and hills I would have to walk up and down. On the very first day, I walked around 20,000...
by Konnor C. | Dec 11, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
Following a flight cancellation and rescheduling, I have finally returned to Alabama. After passing through security and approaching the gate of my flight, which had been delayed, I received a notification that my flight had been cancelled due to mechanical problems....
by Brianna C. | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Internship, Non-traditional, _
The opportunity to study abroad found me in the most unexpected way, through dance! As a dance major, I heard about auditions for Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, a unique group that tours across the southeastern U.S. and then travels to perform at the renowned...
by Konnor C. | Dec 11, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
Taking part in the European Innovation Academy program, this summer has led me, alongside thirty other UA students, to Porto, Portugal. What I quickly realized was just how dense the city of Porto was, and that I would certainly need some time to adjust before I could...
by Zander D. | Dec 11, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, _
After three weekends of trains and travel, weekdays in Porto had one focus: the European Innovation Academy. I treated EIA like a full-time class with clear deliverables. The schedule was three weeks, Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00, with weekends open for travel and...