Here in the UK, it is common to use public transport. I experienced riding the bus and the train quite frequently. With these experiences, it took many times until I fully understood the etiquette of getting on and off. More specifically, I was not used to the kinds of timelines others were on or even…
Month: December 2023
Final Reflection- Argentina
I have noticed that Argentines are much more affectionate in their greetings of family, friends, and even strangers. The most common way to greet others is a brief hug and kiss on the left side of their cheek while greeting them by saying hello, how are you, and other similar greetings in Spanish. An individual…
Final Reflection from My Time in Italy
Now that my time abroad has come to an end, I have started to reflect on the past four months I have spent in Italy. Before studying abroad, I had some expectations for how my time would go, but during the first couple of weeks of being here, I had to throw those expectations right…
Final Reflection
I’ve transferred schools and changed my major many times in the past three years but the one thing I knew I wanted to do during college was study abroad. The Rollins website said the coursework was rigorous at the University of Sydney. That would normally turn me away immediately, but I went through with it…
Semester in Australia Conclusion
Reflecting on my semester in Australia I have learned so much about the environment and sustainability. I have also grown tremendously and feel more capable and independent than ever. My program had numerous hiccups. First our academic director was a man from South Africa who had only been in the country a couple of days…
Blog Post #3
One experience that helped to characterize my perception of my study abroad experience was interning at a non-profit called the Freedom Hub that helps survivors of modern slavery in Australia rebuild their lives. At the start of my internship, I realized that the Australian workplace is far more relaxed and hands-off than the US. While…
The American University of Paris: Blog Post #3
My first cultural observation took place when I visited the Emergency Room in Paris. After hitting my head and experiencing concussion symptoms, I thought it would be best to get evaluated by a professional. When I arrived at the hospital, I was met with shortness and indifference from the nurses. After waiting for several hours,…
Blog Post #3
In Japan there are many social rules that should be followed and as a study abroad student, I would not have known unless I researched or Japanese people told me. Most of these rules are made to not bother other people around such as staying quiet in public areas and even sometimes in private…
Return from the Land of Fire and Ice (blog post #3)
Ironically enough, Icelanders are a very cold people; they tend to be a bit blunt and standoffish. Which I found presented a few interesting interactions that put me and my peers into situations that could’ve been resolved with little explanation and conversation. I think it made for very confrontational moments. Especially with the culture of…
Blog Post 3
I found that many people in New Zealand viewed Americans, and particularly Floridians, through a stereotypical lens. Several times, when asked where I was from, people would respond by talking about ‘Florida man’, beaches, and uneducated people. Someone also called me ‘swamptrash’ because I was from Florida. I was also asked by a few people…