Ciao Italia! Dealing with Culture Shock while Studying Abroad

I have been in Italy for about a week so far, and have found myself in a constant state of wonder.

From making my way to Verona by train with my limited Italian skills, to understanding the bus system, to learning the differences in their grocery stores, my whole time abroad has been a wonderful (though frightening) cultural experience.

However, though of course Italy has been generally wonderful so far, it has been far from easy to adjust to the Italian ways and the distance from home. Commonly, this is referred to as culture shock.

A Letter to Remember

Dear Ghana,

I cannot thank you enough for making this one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. You’ve welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. You’ve allowed me to explore who I am and what I want in life.

You’ve taught me that I’m stronger than I think (physically, mentally and emotionally) by putting me to the test hiking Mt. Afajato, challenging me with unexpected blackouts or rainstorms and even bargaining in the markets or with taxi drivers.

You’ve taught me to live in the moment and appreciate every given day, which should be lived to its fullest.

A Closer Look at Ghana

Hey, everyone! In this blog post, a wanted to give you a look at many of the incredible moments I’ve experienced during my time living in Ghana. These photos should not only give you insight into my experience thus far, but hopefully also debunk some of the myths or stereotypes you may have about Ghana.

Putting the STUDY, in Study Abroad

It may seem exciting that the University of Ghana uses the British grading system, because you can earn an A or B in your classes with lower scores than in the U.S. But all that excitement goes away when you find out that your classes consist of only an interim assessment (midterm), worth 30 percent if your grade, and a final exam worth 70 percent.

My Three Day Adventure in Cape Coast

Last weekend, we took a trip to Cape Coast, which was one full of many emotions and memories that I will never forget. Cape Coast is the capital of the central region, in south Ghana. It became heavily influenced by the British due to being used as a trading port and its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Although the city is healing from the trauma, it is still struggling economically.

Catch Me in Ghana, How ‘Bout That?!

Akwaaba everyone! Welcome to my first of many blog posts this semester while studying at the famed University of Ghana!

Twenty-Nine Cities, Six Countries and Counting …

Yup, you sure did read that right. In the 94 days that I have already spent in Europe, I have been able to cover 29 cities and six countries (bottom of this blog post will have my running list of places visited). But my travels aren’t finished yet!

We Are All Right Where We Are Supposed to Be.

With a little less than half of my time already over here in the Netherlands, there is one thing that I have learned and will take away from my voyage abroad. Note that I say voyage abroad instead of time abroad, because living in another country for half a year is not simply time passing by, but a journey that will stay with me for a life time.

Make It Happen

Today marks my 33^rd day in the beautiful and unique city of Rotterdam. I have come to realize there is much to update everyone on since my last blog post.

From Scared, Unfamiliar, and Intimidated to Adapting, Growing, and Accepting: My Last Days in the U.S.

Groeten Uit Rotterdam! Greetings from Rotterdam, Netherlands. My name is Salvador Terrones and I am a third year interdisciplinary major at San Diego State University. Although I have barely spent my second day in the Netherlands, I feel that I have much to share about my last days in California and my first days in Rotterdam.