Czech Republic: Pre-Departure: “Thoughts & Prep for Studying Abroad in Prague” by Laurel Messenger

“Besides being scared and nervous, I am just as excited. I am looking forward to finally seeing another part of the world and immersing myself in a different culture. I am excited to meet new people and hear their stories, and of course, I am excited about all the food I am about to eat.”

Continue reading

Finland: Pre-Departure: “Ready for Finland” by Matthew Papaly

France: Mid Program: “A Day in the life – Summer Abroad in Lyon” by Grace Peyerwold

“Despite the shortness of my time in Lyon, the time I’ve spent here makes it easy to call it home. I love my host family. They have made me feel very welcome and even though I am still struggling with the language barrier, I love talking with them. One of my favorite parts of the day is sitting around the table and continuing to talk long after we’ve finished dinner.”

Continue reading

Ireland: “Post Program Reflection” by Brittany Mureno

I improved my language skills to a point where I can get by in most daily conversation. This has connected me to a unique group of people who I never would have known if I stayed in the United States. The world seems a lot smaller to me now. I learned that I can form friendships and find community anywhere I go.

 

  Continue reading

Ireland: Mid Program: “A Day in the Life” by Brittany Mureno

My study abroad program is in Carraroe, a small village in County Galway, Ireland by the sea. There is a grocery store, three bars, a restaurant, and shop or two. It is very small, and about 600 people live here. All of the houses look very similar.

Continue reading

Ireland: “Arrival” by Brittany Mureno

My favorite thing about the program is just how immersive it is with the language learning. Besides my conversations with the other students, nearly all of my day is conducted in Irish. I live with an Irish speaking family with five other girls. The Bean an Ti (woman of the house) and the Fear an Ti (man of the house) insist we speak Irish to them. They help us with our homework and with any questions we have. I am learning a lot, and improving my Irish skills immensely.

 

 

  Continue reading

France: Post Program Reflection: “Looking Back & Looking Forward” by Libby Babb

Looking Back & Looking Forward

Hello again! It’s been awhile, but I think it’s about time that I sit down and really reflect on the time I was able to spend studying abroad in Grenoble, France. I arrived back here in the states at the end of December, and there hasn’t been a day that’s passed without me thinking about those four months in which I was able to fully immerse myself in a new culture, a new experience, and a new way of life. Looking back now, I can really appreciate my time abroad, and reflect on everything that I gained.

 

Continue reading

Spain: End of Program: “Hasta luego, Sevilla” by Olivia Esparza

End of Program: Hasta luego, Sevilla

 

Spain has many great things but what I’ve missed the most from home is the ease of communicating in a language that is comfortable to me. Although my Spanish has improved immensely it is still not nearly as comfortable as English. Nine months without being surrounded by my native language reminded me how fortunate I am to live in an environment that I find comfortable. Spain is a beautiful country and I’ve loved living here, what I will miss the most are the friends I’ve made while abroad and the beautiful places in Seville. Becoming friends with local students was one of the highlights of my semester, because of it I got to know Spain and its culture better. When I return home I don’t think I will experience any culture shock. While home for Christmas break I adjusted back to culture and had time to reflect on my first semester before going back to Spain. Now at the end of my second semester I am already familiar with the feeling of returning home after being gone for a long time. Now at the end of my nine months I’m ready to go back to the states and reengage with life at Western. Studying abroad provided me with many wonderful experiences that I would love to keep in my life. Speaking Spanish with native speakers is one experience that I plan on maintaining while I’m back in the states, Spanish friends and I have planned to keep speaking by Skype to practice. My nine months abroad have changed my appreciation for other cultures and have inspired me to travel more of the world.

Spain: Mid Program: “A day in the life” by Olivia Esparza

 

Mid Program: A Walk Around Seville

 The neighborhood I live in is a residential community full of apartment complexes with parks and cafes on every corner. Every morning I walk out of my building to see the locals starting their day, while walking to university I pass plenty of cafes full of families having breakfast together before hurrying off to school and work. The neighborhood, “Los Remedios” is mostly locals and few tourists, which makes it ideal for experiencing Spanish life. The most Spanish place in Seville is “Plaza de Espana”, an architectural masterpiece designed for the 1928 exposition. The ornate brick towers and medieval architecture of the building easily make it the most beautiful place in the city. Before coming abroad I expected many new experiences traveling with many new people. While that has been true I’ve also had many solo traveling experiences that have made me a more independent person. At the beginning of my program I planned to practice Spanish weekly and be fluent by the time that I left. I have stayed consistent with my practice but am not yet fluent, I expect with more consistent practice I will be. In Seville the best access to community engagement are language exchange partners. Every week I meet with locals to practice speaking. After a couple months of weekly meeting I’ve made great friends with some locals and have had a more immersed Spanish experience. Some students have benefited so much from the English practice that we’ve planned to continue speaking by skype after I have returned to the US. For students who are about to study abroad I recommend that they set goals for their semester and constantly reflect on them to not lose sight of where they want to go.

2018 Video Contest Winner: Adam Hudak “Archeology on the Edge” Scotland

The video was filmed during the archaeological excavation and field school at the endangered site of Swandro-Orkney, Scotland. Working with some of the UK’s top archaeological professionals, the program aids the excavation racing against time and tide to preserve Orkney’s cultural history from rising sea level. In addition to this field school, I completed independent geological survey of coastal processes, geohazards, and erosion. Upon completion, I contributed 3D photogrammetry survey, field sample geochemistry, stratigraphy, and remote sensing spatial analysis.

Apply for this program here: Hunter College CUNY: Orkney Gateway to the Atlantic, Scotland Summer Study Abroad