For spring break, it seemed like everyone in the IES Abroad Milan program had the same idea, which was to go to Greece. A big portion of our program traveled to the country for the week. Some of us were in Athens, others in Mykonos, and some even went to both! I was lucky enough to spend the week in Mykonos with 11 of my friends from IES Abroad. We rented a villa that had more than enough space for all of us and two pools! We were beyond excited to be spending our week there and even more excited to explore the island.

After visits from my parents, older sister, and one of my best friends from home, I’ve transformed from tourist to tour guide in a matter of months. Despite the initial pressure of fitting everything I love about Granada into just a few short days, I’ve come up with a list of things I think should be on everyone’s Granada checklist.

The optimal location of Nice allows discovery of other cities and sites in the area. While I stress the importance of getting to know Nice, there are some unmissable places to explore along the coast. 

Saint Paul de Vence

About an hour bus ride from Nice, this medieval town with a rich history is perfect for a quick trip. We visited this quaint village during orientation and enjoyed its cobblestone streets, protective fortifications, and amazing views.

There is surely no better way to experience a culture than a celebration like a wedding, and I was lucky enough to be able to participate in two such events here in Rabat.

I’ve always considered myself to be a fairly independent person, but this semester has given a new meaning to that word. One of my aunts wrote to me that there is never a time when you are as independent as you are when living in a foreign country. It demands more problem solving, decision making, and putting yourself out there. I’ve learned the most about this intense independence in my solo travels, making a solo trip one of my top recommendations for anyone studying abroad.

My time studying abroad is quickly coming to an end, and I just want time to slow down. I have spent three months here and have learned so much about myself and Italian culture. I have also learned a lot about the weather, which, especially in April, is not exactly what I expected when packing from my always-warm home in Texas. So, I thought I would update my previous post on what to pack when studying here in Siena.

Monday morning after breakfast, I convinced my American host sister to come with me to a yoga class (the Buenos Aires-Santiago Emerging Economies students come to Santiago for the last six weeks of their program, and several were placed with our host families). We walked along quiet side streets in the now-chilly morning air to a yoga studio about a mile from our apartment.