by Brianna Hobson | Sep 15, 2026 | Arts & Sciences, Europe, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
From the moment I set foot in the London Heathrow Airport, I was in awe. Exhausted and stiff from an overnight flight and surrounded by a flurry of people aside, I was ecstatic to be somewhere I had always dreamed of going. Aside from what the UA orientation told us...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
