Student Blogs

Senegal: Arrival: “Host Culture & Cultural Immersion” by Sage Romey

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“A huge part of this study abroad is focused on reflection on my place in the world and specifically in a world where I am the one with privilege to come somewhere where everyday I am confronted with things that make me uncomfortable. I have expressed before and I will express again how grateful I am for that, and I will do my best not to take my privilege for granted. With all this in mind, here’s my first few days in Senegal.”

 

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Czech Republic: Arrival: “Time Flies When…You Move Across the World” by Laurel Messenger

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“When coming to Prague I really didn’t have too many expectations. I hadn’t traveled before so I didn’t know what to expect. I just went into it with an open mind with the idea that anything and everything is possible. The good and the bad.”

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Finland: Arrival: “Orientation Week” by Matthew Papaly

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Orientation Week

“So I kinda freaked out when I first got here. I was overwhelmed by being halfway around the world all on my own. I convinced myself that I wasn’t going to make friends and that I would be miserable here. But everything changed once my suite-mate arrived and orientation week started.”

 

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England: Pre-Departure: ISEP Exchange – One Year Studying Abroad in Europe” by Luke Griffin

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“When you think about all of the things that you need to get done before you depart it can seem really overwhelming. But if you make a list (for example writing down all the papers I have to collect or what I need to pack) it can seem much more organized and you can start working your way through it. Once I got started with a list like this everything became much more manageable and in the long-term the paperwork and preparation is a momentary (but still important) stress that’s nothing compared to the excitement that I’m going to be able to study in Europe for an entire year.”

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Ireland: Pre-Departure: “Thoughts before Leaving for My Adventure” by Lena Pulve

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“I’m not too nervous about anything yet, other than the plane ride over there. Slightly worried about homesickness but I know I’ll be having fun – This blog and art journal are really going to help me connect to and take in my surroundings and I’m so excited to experience a new place. “

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

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“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.”

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

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When I chose to go to Finland, I did so knowing that I was going to a less populated, Western, and English-speaking country. I figured since I was going to study, it would be a good idea to choose somewhere that was relatively easy to get around. Even with this in mind I’m still going halfway around the world on my own for four months. But I’m sure this will help increase my independence and give me the opportunity to meet many new people.”

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

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“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.”

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Ireland: “Post Program Reflection” by Brittany Mureno

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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.

 

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

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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.

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Ireland: “Arrival” by Brittany Mureno

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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.

 

 

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

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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.

 

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