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For just under two days, I travelled all through the eastern world with layovers in Athens, Dubai, and Sydney. Even though they were quick stops, it’s easy to fall in love with countries as pretty as they are from the sky. It was also amazing to be able to explore Dubai International Airport — my ten-hour layover there was definitely an experience I won’t forget. But landing in Christchurch was like a dream come true.
I know what you're thinking: how can I sit through a long flight, risking sitting near obnoxious children or between talkative flight enthusiasts? With a little bit of preparation, you'll survive. You might, in fact, end up enjoying it (okay, maybe that's an overstatement).
DO...
During our IES Abroad orientation in Rabat, there was a session in which the students in my program collaboratively listed things we were nervous about and things we were excited for. Everyone had different anxieties and interests, but one student was excited for something that I found particularly unique: he was excited to gain a greater appreciation of life in the United States.
Hello All!
This is my first blog being written as a correspondent for the Paris French Studies program for the upcoming semester, fall of 2017. I am thrilled (and terrified, very very terrified) for this new adventure coming up in my life. While I am in Paris I will document my adventures through this blog, sharing my experience in classes, everyday life, homestay, travel, and whatever else happens to come my way.
I was fortunate to grow up near the Canadian border and enter my second country before I even knew what countries actually were. Throughout the United States, this is very uncommon and I think being in Europe is the perfect opportunity to explore and experience cultures that are unavailable in the U.S. I am extremely lucky to have been able to meet friends from college and to travel with them throughout countries.
My Japanese friends jokingly called me sararimanppoi (サラリーマンっぽい), or “like a salaryman.” Supposedly, I fit the salaryman image fairly well. I had a tendency to wear button-up shirts instead of something more casual from Hollister or GU. I carried my things in a satchel bag instead of a backpack, at least until the clasp shattered and I had to carry it like a suitcase. Perhaps most surprising for my friends, I knew how to sing several older Japanese songs that their parents listened to. And to complete the image, I was always busy.
One of the most refreshing discoveries while abroad, is finding souls that desire traveling as much as you do. This common state of mind leads to adventures of a lifetime. Take a look.
Rome has been great, but I can honestly say that I started planning trips during my time abroad as soon as I could.
And you should to!
Here’s how:
Obviously, one of the best parts about studying abroad in Europe is the weekend travel – it's fairly easy and cheap to travel around France and the surrounding countries. Arles is amazing, but it was really exciting to spend two weekends in other cool cities.
