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 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 Nathanael J. | Dec 12, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Honors College, Summer
Wow, what a trip. I have so much to reflect on I don’t even know where to start. Even though I joined late, I feel like I have been on this trip for the whole time. As we wrap up on the last day or so, I want to say thanks to everyone in the group. I felt so welcomed...
by Brianna C. | Dec 12, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Back from Scotland! I am back from Scotland! While I loved every moment of my time abroad, I was also excited to return home and share everything I learned. The second I landed in the Atlanta airport, I immediately felt more comfortable and more in control and aware...
by Mya D. | Dec 12, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Non-traditional, _
“WOW, I can’t belive we’re actually here!!!” Are my first thoughts as soon as the plan touches down in Edinburgh. But little did I know that there would be many more “wow” moments to come. First Impressions From the moment I...
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, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hello from Scotland! I absolutely love it here! I’ve been learning so much and fully immersing myself in Scottish culture. Here’s a little about my study abroad experience so far: First Impressions When we landed in Edinburgh, I was so jet-lagged! Our flight was a...
by Jack D. | Dec 11, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When we weren’t visiting historical sites, we were able to visit different communities around the country. One village, Nzulezu, sat on stilts over the water. The community was made up of a historically persecuted group that could only find safety by living on the...
by Jack D. | Dec 11, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Elmina is a coastal town that once operated as the colonial capital of the Gold Coast before Cape Coast and Accra. Its name comes from the Portuguese for “the mine,” but mostly the economy is based around fishing. Elmina is bordered by the shining blue coast and is...
by Angelina | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Community Health Sciences, _
These photos were taken at Mole National Park in Larabanga, Ghana. From where we were staying in Elmina, it took about 12 hours, broken up into two days, to reach. Before entering the park, we were advised not to feed the baboons because they can be aggressive. Later,...
by Mary K. | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
My study abroad trip was single-handedly one of the best experiences of my life. I learned things I never knew about myself, saw things I have always dreamed of, and grew in ways that no classroom could have taught me. Getting to live each day to its full potential...
by Kylie Blake | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Non-traditional, Summer
After three very long flights back to the United States, I am officially home. I was so relieved after traveling all day. We had to leave for the airport at 3 AM Scotland time, and we didn’t get back to campus until 9 PM. It was exhausting, so I was grateful to...
by LC L. | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I first stepped onto the streets of Edinburgh, I felt like I’d entered another era. The age of the buildings and the cobblestone beneath my feet whispered stories from centuries past. I couldn’t help but imagine the countless people who had walked these same...
by Kylie Blake | Dec 11, 2025 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Non-traditional, Summer, _
Arriving in Scotland was such an amazing feeling. Since I’ve never flown to another country before, I’m soaking in every second of being here. On the first day, we walked all along the famous Royal Mile, seeing the different Edinburgh Fringe Festival venues, shops,...
by Konnor C. | Dec 11, 2025 | Commerce & Business, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
As my time in Porto has ended, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the connections I have made. The people and places have all left a unique impression on me that I know I will take it back with me to my home. I think back on the talented students I met...
