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 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 Weston T. | Oct 6, 2025 | Europe, UA-Affiliate, _
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 previous experiences at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, in...
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 Hana F. | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Embarking on Semester at Sea is singlehandedly the best decision I have made in my entire life. Ever since I was in middle school I knew I wanted to participate in the program and my dream has finally come true. I have just returned from Thailand, where the ship...
by Annabelle B. | Dec 17, 2024 | Europe, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
After living here for six weeks, I now see Paris on a deeper, more nuanced level. Paris is not just a beautiful city, it is a place where the layers of history and culture are intricately woven into the urban landscape. Paris has become a place to observe and reflect,...
by Natalie F. | Dec 12, 2024 | Comm & Info Sciences, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
by Annabelle B. | Nov 27, 2024 | Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Exchange, Honors College, Human Environmental Sciences, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
Studying abroad with CIEE’s Open Campus Program has truly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I can’t recommend it enough. What I love most about the program is the freedom it gives you to create your own adventure, from choosing where to study...
by Jessica Smith | Jan 5, 2024 | Arts & Sciences, Commerce & Business, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate, _
When I started thinking about studying abroad, the first thing I wanted to do was talk to my friends, professors, and mentors who had experience with study abroad and could give me guidance. I was lucky to have so many people I could turn to that were happy to share...
