One of the things I was excited about the most about studying abroad was having the opportunity to travel to places I have never been to before. Not only being able to travel and experience cool new places, but the people you travel with too are what make the trips all so special. Since I arrived I have been to Munich, Germany; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona, Spain; Madrid, Spain; LaCiotat, France; Cannes, France; Nice, France and a few other small towns in the southern region of France. Having the opportunity to travel to all these different places was something I would have never been able to do in such a short period of time, which is why I am extremly thankful of the opportunity that has been presented to me by stidying abroad.
Each time we visit a new place we try to experience the city as a true citizen from that city/town would. This is what truly allows you to enjoy the city in the best way possible. Rather than doing the main tourist attractions, I find it more fulfiflling to ask a local around the street what are the places that locals go to and what they do for fun around the area. Furthermore, when traveling to the towns and cities within France, we try to talk to as many locals as we can to practice our frnehc speaking abilities, as many of us are here trying to learn and really work on our French.
Something I was worried about traveling through Europe was the expenses that might come with it. What I didnt expect to learn was that traveling through Europe is extremely cheap (if done right). There are many websitrs a traveler could use to find flights or train rides for less than 100 euros! Then for planning palces to stay in, it is very easy to find a group of people and book places like Air bnbs or hostels which will make housing very easy when traveling. Right now we are on Fall break, and as I write this blog I am on my balcony staring out on the beaches of Barcelona in Spain. Before this we were Lisbon and Madrid, a weeks traveling and housing all for less than 300 euros.
More to come soon