Enjoying the Simplicity of Spanish Life

For my study abroad class, our professor created our schedule in such a way we have all of our Fridays off – one of the numerous reasons why I adore this professor. He’s from the Imperial Valley Campus of SDSU, which is two hours away from the main campus I attend. I came into this study abroad trip blind, not knowing any of the other students and not knowing the professor. However, he and all of my peers far surpassed any expectation I previously set up for myself.

Getting the Celebrity Treatment

Mosquitos. Everything and everyone is covered in mosquitos here, ha. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but certainly something that I took note of the second that I entered my dorm.

A First Taste of China

You would think that a total of 17 hours traveling to Beijing China by plane would be exhausting afterward, but surprisingly … yes, yes it is, ha.

Arrivederci Italia!

Buongiorno Amici! Students in the Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, Connecting Art and Science – The Cultural History of Art and Anatomy in Italy, have just completed the final component of their course.

A Visit to Auschwitz

When I first sat down to write about my experience touring the world’s largest Nazi concentration camp, I was seriously lost. My mind was panicking to write something meaningful but not too graphic, yet also sensitive … and I suppose, entertaining? But honestly, Auschwitz is not a story that can be condensed into a 1,000 word blog post. It is a completely unique experience that is a hybrid of confusing, heart-breaking and heavy emotions.

A History Buff’s Dream

It is safe to say that Oxford is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is amazingly rich in history and culture. The University was first founded in 1096, so every stone in the street feels like it has been there for centuries. Every shop and pub has its own unique charm. So many people have walked these streets including the likes of President Bill Clinton, authors C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde, 26 British Prime Ministers including Margret Thatcher, actor Hugh Grant, Stephen Hawking and many, many more.

LGBTQ+ Pride in Quito

I thought before I came to Quito that I would have to step back in the closet. My biggest fear was not travelling to a new country and learning a new culture, but it was the unknown of how the people would accept and perceive me. One week after arriving, I realized that you cannot have the experience of a lifetime if you are not true to who you are.

Let the Adventure Begin … in Tbilisi, Georgia

When I first signed up for the Georgia study abroad program I was very hesitant. After all, Georgia has only been an independent democratic state since 1991. But I take off today for this beautiful country the size of Illinois.

Firenze!

Students in my Faculty -Led Study Abroad Program, Connecting Art and Science – The Cultural History of Art and Anatomy in Italy have spent the past four days in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. When we departed Florence yesterday, the students nearly cried as if they were leaving a new love. In fact, that is what they were doing.

Lessons Learned Abroad: Final Thoughts and Reflections

Two weeks ago I was waking up in a Budapest hotel at 3:40 am – getting ready to travel back to the U.S. after 3 weeks in Europe. I can’t believe it has already been two weeks since my program came to an end.