I had my reservations about Dublin’s city center during my first few weeks. See, the general rule of thumb is—much like any other city—don’t go out at night by yourself, and for the most part, you’re left alone. The exception to that rule ranges from three feet to no more than five feet tall.
One of the most rewarding experiences about studying abroad is getting to learn about and experience the cultures and customs of another country. Here in Granada, I’ve loved trying new Spanish foods, learning about Spanish pop culture, and just adapting to daily life in Spain. But, as Thanksgiving week started, I felt a strong longing for home.
In a move that would surprise none of my friends back on campus, I’ve allowed dates, dating, and people I'm dating to define a not insignificant portion of my Berlin experience.
Well, I have been in London now for almost three months. Being in this city, in a new country, far away from home has allowed me to push myself and stay out of my comfort zone. Because of this, I have grown into a new form of independence that I did not originally have back home. I have always been interested in traveling and have done a lot of traveling around the states, so I had a good foundation of traveling independence and experience.
Recently, the IES Abroad Granada office hosted an event that gave students the unique opportunity to talk to Abid Khan, the director of the coming-of-age film Granada Nights. Before going to the event, all I had known about the film was that it was a semi-autobiographical account of Khan’s time spent in Granada as a young adult.
Going abroad involves a lot of personal change which doesn’t come without some emotional evolution. Before I came to Spain, when people asked me how I was, my answer was,
One of the determining factors as to why I chose to study abroad with IES Abroad, as opposed to the hundreds of other options that are offered, was the opportunity to have a part time internship, along with my academic classes. Throughout my time at my home university, I had a variety of internships and work opportunities in my field of communication studies in areas of journalism, public relations, social media, and advertising.
When I have not been stumbling, um, frolicking through Irish fields, meeting people from six feet away, or sipping tea on my rooftop, I have been learning to look.
When you go abroad for the first time, it’s overwhelming and really difficult to figure out what’s really worth it. To reflect a little and share the best things, here’s a list of 11 things you need to know before you go abroad.
One of my personal goals going into this semester in Nantes, France with IES Abroad was to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship with my boyfriend until we’re reunited in the United States. I am proud to say that we have been very successful in this regard. Now that I am in the home stretch of this semester abroad with just a few more weeks until my flight home, I have a newfound sense of motivation to push through finishing my courses and submitting all my term papers because I will be back with my family, my pets, my friends, and my boyfriend before I know it.