by Jacklyn D. | Jun 24, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I have experienced many culture shocks just from attending UA—one of the biggest being game days. At least for that, I had a relative idea of what going to an SEC school would be like, but the culture shock of living in a different country was further from anything I...
by Jacklyn D. | Jun 24, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, _
If there is one thing that anyone knows about traveling, it’s that there is a likely chance you may get jetlag going from point A to point B. While this may not have been the biggest worry I had in preparation for my trip, it was definitely something to note. The time...
by Jordyn M. | Jun 24, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
Coming home after studying abroad is an emotional rollercoaster. I remember getting off the plane and feeling both happy and sad at the same time. The sounds of English, the ease of getting around the airport, and the first bite of American food all seemed like home,...
by Jordyn M. | Jun 24, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Italy was the ideal destination for me to study abroad, thanks to its rich history, stunning art, and vibrant culture. Italy was the perfect place for me to get out of my comfort zone and grow as a person and as a student. I planned this trip in consultation with my...
by Jordyn M. | Jun 24, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer
First Impressions When I initially went to Italy, I was both excited and scared. When I came to Florence, I kept asking myself, “Is this happening?” “Am I ready for this?” and “I can’t wait to eat pasta!” The energy was very...
by Haley D. | Jun 23, 2025 | Education, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
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. I am very excited as I will be traveling with other students from the...
by Haley D. | Jun 23, 2025 | Education, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
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 marvel was built in 1929 and has since become a key landmark in the...
by Julius M. | Jun 23, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
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. The city itself is beautiful, with so many monuments to see. I’ve...
by Julius M. | Jun 23, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, UA-Affiliate, _
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 easily and naturally with everyone around me. Living in Seville has...
by Taj J. | Jun 23, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Summer, UA-Affiliate, _
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 here carry a rhythm that I’m beginning to understand: the quiet,...
by Saphia H. | Jun 23, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
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 worries a bit, and the country is so beautiful. I cant wait to go see...
by Saphia H. | Jun 23, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, _
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 improved a lot since I’ve been here. The Language and Culture Study...
by Anthony A. | May 12, 2025 | By College, Commerce & Business, Europe, Summer, _
One of the best choices besides going and studying abroad in Madrid, was choosing to stay with a local family. Not only do you get to eat local and authentic food but also get to truly improve your Spanish. I got very lucky with my study abroad family. On...
by Natalie F. | Jan 7, 2025 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
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 can feel my language skills slipping even though I’m still consuming...
by Annabelle B. | Jan 7, 2025 | Europe, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
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 cultures, meeting amazing people, and stepping out of your...
by Ethan T. | Jan 6, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
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 very easy to remember what the best piece of advice I received was....
by Alyssa W. | Dec 20, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
“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 someone from the area about everything from economics to music. It was a...
by Alyssa W. | Dec 18, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
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 Chicago deep dish from Giordanos or sourdough bread from a San Fransisco...
by Alyssa W. | Dec 18, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
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 the miracle of zipping it shut a second time. Unfortunately, this is a...
by Emma D. | Dec 18, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
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, stereotypes, tourism, and most often and most divisively; politics. No...
