I started college with little to no idea of what I wanted to do, other than that I wanted to a) write and b) help someone. I’m halfway through at this point, and while I would like to think I’ve figured all of this out by now, I think the only true thread that I’ve connected is that I want to write to help people. I had a cousin who studied abroad in Barcelona when I was young. She had a miserable time, hated the food and the family she was living with, and was ready to leave days after she got there.

As my unpacked bags look back at me from across the room, I have obviously been thinking a lot about what to bring along to Madrid, but I have also been thinking about my past and all of the people and places I am leaving behind. For my first post (yay!), I want to take the time to look back on the places where I am from, along with all of those that I consider family, by blood or not.

Hey everyone!

Hello all! It’s the final countdown to Barcelona of t-3 days!!  I am more nervous than ever and sweating profusely as the day gets closer and closer. Nothing is packed yet, and I’m sitting here reflecting on this exhausting summer of just hustle and grind. I worked three jobs to make this trip happen, and I intend to live this semester to the fullest.

Hello!

Checking back in as a follow up to my study abroad in Australia.

It feels very strange to be back on campus and in the swing of things. Here are some of the ways coming back feels strange with some tips sprinkled in:

Before I pour my heart out to you, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Catie Snowden and I am a senior at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. I will be completing the full-time internship program in Barcelona, Spain where I will split my time between being a research intern at a university hospital and a teaching assistant at a school.

“Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value.” –Louis L’Amour

Sharing experiences and knowledge is how people can learn from each other. Everything from tying your shoes to scientific discovery knowledge, is gained through people communicating and sharing their experiences.

Hello! I am Juliana Trujillo, and I am a bioengineering major studying abroad in Madrid, Spain on the IES Abroad engineering program. The last few weeks before I leave have been hectic: doctor’s appointments, packing, last minute shopping, and making sure I visit with friends and family before I leave. It is really important to me that I do this especially with my family, because I draw energy from them. Their love and support for my trip is just as important to pack as comfortable shoes and a good jacket!

Preparing to study abroad, I have learned, is no easy task. Questions seem to abound off every surface: what do I need to bring? One suitcase or two? Should I bring any books for casual reading? They might take up too much space once I finish with them, but won’t I be upset if I don’t have any to read on the flight? Will I like my roommates? My classmates?