The travels to Poland and Germany seemed like such a bubble. The trip allowed me to become even closer to a group of friends, our shared experiences in these new places allowed for the growth of friendship. Getting back to Vienna meant the start of classes; an event that led to distance between some of us as we focused on the schoolwork at hand. 

Osaka has lots to offer, especially on the dining side. From the first day, we got to taste Osaka's famous okonomiyaki, or Japanese pancakes, and fantastic cheese tarts from Pablo. However, the most memorable 2 hours of our trip was paying a visit to one of the largest aquariums in the world spanning 8 floors. As soon as you step into the magical blue underground world with fish swimming over your head, you can't help but silently observe in awe.

My biggest fear about studying abroad wasn’t speaking the language, figuring out transportation, or taking classes.  It was making friends.  I know that even if my Spanish grammar is bad, I’ll get my point across.  Transportation can be confusing, but there are always people to ask if I get lost.  Classes are hard, but I have supportive professors, tutors, and program.  However, making friends is on me.  For me, friends make or break my experience.  Getting lost alone in a railway station is frustrating and stressf

Dear Internet,

I'm what you'd call a 'homebody'--I like being at home. I find comfort in knowing places intimately, in staking a claim to a space that is entirely my own, where I feel safe. I revel in the routines that give structure to the day; I like predictability. This isn't to say that I don't like to get out and do things, but home is where I can recharge my metaphorical batteries, and it is the only place where I can be nothing but myself.

"This is my first time hosting an American. Usually, I get to host some Taiwanese since Taiwan is close to Japan," said Tomoe in her quiet, almost whispering voice while looking at Becky.

So I'm reaching the end of my second month in London and I'm about 2/3 of the way through my program (scary!). A few friends and I have started feeling like we're back in the U.S. We've gotten to know the city pretty well, developed our own routines, and became comfortable with the culture and people. Basically, it all feels normal now and it doesn't feel like we are in a new country. This didn't really come as a surprise and we were kind of expecting it. It's just a consequence of living in a new place for a while.

            Wow, how time passes when you’re having fun! It is absolutely impossible for me to grasp that I have now been in Milan for almost 7 weeks. I have met so many people, seen so many places, and even celebrated my birthday during this short time here!

In Transit