Preparing for Prague

I think the first time it really hit me that I am going abroad for a semester was when I received my Czech visa in the mail. The second time was when I finally sat down and actually opened my suitcase to start packing.

My last couple of days in San Diego have been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot of running errands, doing neglected loads of laundry and just making sure that everything is ready for my trip. And because I clearly have a pack-crastination problem, I seem to have left things until the last minute.

I’ve found myself sitting on my floor in a caffeine-fueled frenzy, the soothing sound of my Czech language app playing in the background, while I try to figure out what items from my Southern California wardrobe should make the trip to central Europe.

China on the Mind

“China. China, China China, China.” It almost sounds like a sentence, no?

The name itself carries so much context that an introduction is not quite needed. China, the home of the Great Wall. China, the land of almost unrivaled smog. China, a country of designer lovers, city dwellers, and factory workers, all of whom make this modern country possible.

But of course, there is a lot more to it than that.

You Can Find a Way to Explore the World

Hi, my name is Emiliano Estrada. I’ll be studying abroad this semester at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

When I was in high school, I realized that I wanted to get out of my hometown and explore the world. The first step was to go to college in San Diego. What I was going to do after that though, I wasn’t sure.

Overcoming Pre-Departure Hurdles

Well, I have made it ! I arrived in France 6:55 a.m., August 26.

The flight itself was fairly lengthy — about 14 hours total — however, this moment itself has been a long time in the making. I have dreamed about this for almost a lifetime and made it my goal about three years ago; to not just study abroad but to extend my stay for as long as possible, which to date is about 10 months.

I battled through classes, homework, financial stresses and personal loss. I have overcome many challenges in my life and have surmounted the odds … truly. I am very, very fortunate and privileged to be where I am now, not only in France about to embark on the experience of a lifetime, but probably one of my most important experiences in life.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Greetings, everybody!

My name is Mauro Abel Ordiano. I’m writing this on Aug. 26, the day before I am off on my adventure to Hungary at the University of Pécs

Expecting Change and New Experiences in Stockholm, Sweden

Let me start by telling you about myself and where I come from. My name is Emily Estrada and I am a senior majoring in public administration at the SDSU Imperial Valley Campus in Calexico.

Some of you may not be familiar with this campus so let me give you a little bit of information on it. It’s located in a rural border-town community with approximately 1,000 students. It is highly populated with Hispanic minority students and primarily serves students that come from the surrounding agricultural towns of Imperial County, that include Brawley, Imperial and El Centro, in addition to the city of Calexico. 

Looking Forward to a Semester Abroad in the City of Love and Shakespeare

Hello! My name is Marcella Anderson and I am a third year foods and nutrition major and interdisciplinary studies minor.

I am about to embark on the journey of a lifetime (hopefully), spending fall semester abroad in Verona, Italy. I am participating in an independent program through the University of Nevada Reno, and will be studying subjects such as art, food and Italian Culture. And I will be taking 14 units that will all transfer back to SDSU with me!

Eight Pre-Departure Study Abroad Tips

I’ve been in Spain for almost a month and think I am finally getting used to the culture and education system in the country, but it definitely took a lot of time and adjustments to get to this point.

Easing Pre-Departure Worries as a Vegan

I am heading off to Sweden in a few days for a trip that will last me nine months. Like most people traveling to a foreign country I am a little worried: Will I have too much stuff with me? Will I have too little? Will I stick out? Will I make friends? But there is one question I ask myself that may be a little more unique; what will I eat?

Coping with Pre-Trip Anxiety

“The best experience of college!”

“You’ll wish it were longer!”

“You’re going to have the time of your life!”

“I’m jealous!”

Every time I’ve mentioned my study abroad trip to someone in recent months, their response is some variation of one of those statements. Usually, it’s a compilation of all of them. People from all walks of life- current students, alumni, family members, coworkers- everyone has encouraged me in this endeavor. They talk purely of the positives: the excursions, the diverse people I’ll meet, the food, the sights, the adventure, and while yes, I’m stoked for all of that… can I be honest?