When you applied to study abroad, you completed a short activity that asked you to choose some words to describe your different identities, as well as some values you associated with those identities. In the pre-departure orientation, we looked at some different values and placed ourselves and US culture on a spectrum between them. We…
Month: August 2019
T-minus 1 Day Until Rome!
The past two weeks of my life have been a whirlwind of work, packing, appointments, and soaking in as much of my hometown as I can before I leave for the semester. During this crazy time, I have stopped to think about what going abroad really means, and how I think it will change parts…
Starting New in London
As I get closer and closer to leaving for London to embark on my study abroad journey this semester, I cannot help, but to think about all the new experiences I am going to gain. My outlook on life is going to change and grow into something I could only imagine. I have lived my…
Salut! Aix-en-Provence
I barely had time to get used to speaking and hearing Portuguese after I traveled to Brazil from the US for summer break. And in 3 days I will be going to France; a place of which I do not know the language at all. I am used to cultural differences, language shocks, and awkward…
How will I do in London?
I have been putting off my pre-departure blog because it floods me with many emotions. I am so excited for this immersive experience in another culture by trying new food, meeting new people, and learning how another culture approaches everyday activities. I am also a little nervous to live independently in a foreign environment, a…
Before I Fly Out for Rome
My identity is the lens that I look at the world through. It’s how I experience the world. I have never been out of the country, I’m from a small town where everyone new everybody, and this will be the longest time I’m away from my family. I’m definitely prepare for a bit of culture…
Aussie Update!
G’day Mate! Greetings from Newcastle, Australia. I’ve already been here for a month, time is definitely already flying. What have learned within my month here so far? Australians abbreviate everything and they’re fun and always up for an adventure! The beaches are absolutely breath-taking. It’s so nice being only twenty minutes from the ocean. The…
The Road to Bremen, Germany
This is the beginning. A little less than a week until I take off on the journey of a lifetime. There are a handful of emotions soaring through my mind as it begins to set in that I will not be around my friends or family for almost half a year. I will be on…
Predeparture Thoughts on Identity
Our identities are formed through life experiences both chosen and inherent to our birthplace and upbringing. Throughout my life my identity has been both fluid and rigid, growing and changing through my education and life experiences while based upon the values given to me as a child. I have been challenged to analyze my identities…
Pre-departure: London CAPA
I can’t believe it’s only two weeks until I depart for London for a full semester! When I was asked about my identity in my application to study abroad, what I thought would be a quick process turned into a long contemplation about what my identity really was and what it could be. I returned…