As we ring in a new year, we’re excited to welcome a new crop of study abroad bloggers for Winter Break and Spring Semester 2017! Before you start to follow them on their exciting adventures around the globe, let them tell you a little about themselves.
WINTER BLOGGERS
Sierra Alexis Manlapaz
Chiang Rai, Thailand
“I’m Sierra, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health. Being raised as a military brat has naturally caused me to be constantly consumed by wanderlust. I am very eager to have the opportunity to volunteer to teach English in Thailand as my study abroad experience and I can’t wait to indulge in Thai culture, including their delicious food!”
Hayley Rostenbach
Rome, Italy
“I am a junior studying business and will be taking an entrepreneurship course this January in Rome. I am beyond thrilled and grateful to have this opportunity to gain a new perspective on my studies while abroad, and also immerse myself in Italian culture.”
Sarah Villalpando
San Jose, Costa Rica
“I am one semester away from receiving a B.S. in foods and nutrition and completing the didactic program in dietetics. I believe learning through travel is priceless! Taking what I have learned from my formal education here at SDSU and seeing it come to life on the coffee farms of Costa Rica will be an unforgettable experience!”
SPRING BLOGGERS
Jack Barney
Auckland, New Zealand
“I’m a junior studying business management and I am incredibly excited to study at Auckland University of Technology! I can’t wait to explore the country of New Zealand and experience its nature, food, and people.”
Casey Blauer
Sydney, Australia
“I am always on an adventure; looking for the most stunning beaches, the trendiest bar, the best restaurant and the most interesting people. Follow the shenanigans I get into while I study communication in the heart of Sydney and show you the best way to experience being abroad.”
Zach Engberg
Rotterdam, Netherlands
“I am a junior journalism major studying abroad at Erasmus University Rotterdam this spring. I spent the last semester as Assistant Sports Editor at The Daily Aztec. I am excited to share my experiences during my first time away from the U.S. as I explore the culture, food and sports in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe.”
Daniel Haberman
Nantes, France
“I am a marketing major, and I will be spending the semester in Nantes, France. I just returned from my semester abroad in Sydney, Australia a few weeks ago. So it is about time to go on another trip! I love to travel because it allows me to see the different ways each culture views the things that we never think about. While abroad, I aim to make the most of my first time in Europe by seeing as much as I can; I already have 10 countries that I want to visit!”
Julia Jaramillo
Marburg, Germany
“I’m originally from Northridge where I was (and still am) the poster child of Granada Hills Charter High School’s cafeteria webpage. I’m also a third year majoring in public relations and double minoring in English and international studies. I am so excited to combine all of my interests while spending my spring semester at the University of Marburg in Germany. In addition to chronicles of my daily life, I can’t wait to share the sights, sounds and foods I encounter as I trek across Europe. Think Chrissy Teigen meets Anthony Bourdain meets Rick Steves. If you can’t get enough, check out my personal blog, Where in the World is Julia!”
Molly Hohle
Chiang Mai, Thailand
“I’m a junior studying foods and nutrition and minoring in Spanish. This spring I am lucky enough to be doing my second study abroad experience, this time at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. As a sophomore, I had an amazing semester abroad in Madrid, and I got bit by the travel bug! I cannot wait to experience the lush nature, exotic fruits, intelligent and playful elephants and the people of Thailand, who I hope will help me understand their culture and language. Watch out, Asia; you can’t Thai me down!”
Nasreen Nabizadeh
Shanghai, China
“Hi, humans! I will be a junior studying abroad this spring at East China Normal University in Shanghai. I am currently studying public health at SDSU. I hope to not only study the Chinese language but to also learn about their culture, including their approach to health care and preventative health measures.”
Emely Navarro
Zaragoza, Spain
“Hi, my name is Emely and I am a journalism and Spanish double major. I am so excited to be blogging about my experience in Zaragoza. I have wanted to study abroad since I was little and can’t wait to share my experience and give advice to fellow Aztecs!”
Alex Nestler
Macau, China
“Hey everyone! I’m Alexander Nestler, a junior majoring in management information systems. I am spending the entire Spring semester studying at the University of Macau, in Macau, SAR, China. This is an exciting opportunity to sharpen my Chinese language skills and experience some of the Chinese culture firsthand. I am excited that I will also get to celebrate two new years events for 2017 – on January 1 and on January 28!”
Ria Taylor
Madrid, Spain
“I’m a Junior studying integrated marketing communications. I’m so excited to be living and studying in Madrid this spring and taking in all the city has to offer. I love adventuring, photography and food so I can’t wait to see how I can incorporate all three into my blog posts!”
Salvador Terrones
Rotterdam, Netherlands
“Greetings from Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication in Rotterdam! As an interdisciplinary studies in three department (IS3D) student with an emphasis in SDSU leadership, counseling and social change, and a social work major, I am beyond ecstatic to expand my horizons in one of world’s leading sustainable cities.”
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 
Comment on this post