Studying abroad sounds like a helluvalot of fun, you fantasize, as you scroll through the list of programs that IES Abroad has to offer.

Before I begin, I think it needs to be clarified and brought into harsh light that I am not ironically writing about keeping healthy and staying fit while abroad, but the very act of writing this blog post is ironic.

1) Freshman year, I was that girl that solely survived on stale off-brand Lucky Charms, chocolate milk, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. And yes, if I’m desperate or miserable enough, I still revert back to these dismal nutrition habits.

Bonjour!

My first weekend at Paris took place on an Open Bus Tour that the program gave us tickets for. We got to hop on and off a bus that would stop at all the big tourist attractions. It was perfect for trying to sightsee in the cold weather. A group of girls I had met during the orientation decided to meet up at a metro stop by the Notre Dame to see the famous cathedral and then start the bus tour there. Here’s are the pictures of the places we got to see.

Somehow the month is gone.  Did someone steal my January?  This week will mark my one-month-iversary in London.  I’ve explored museums, seen ancient ruins aplenty, and wandered around churches older than the United States.  You know, “cultural stuff.”  I saw Stonehenge this weekend, which is incredible.  However, I also have plenty of other memorable experiences that are a little less intellectual, you might say, but equally enjoyable.  I’m talking about food.  As promised, some words about what I’ve eaten whi

This point was originally meant to be posted on January 24th. However, due to internet issues on the part of the author it is now being re-published.

Dear Internet,

This weekend I finally got the opportunity to stay in Dublin. With nowhere to be, and nothing set to do, I had every right to shamelessly do all the touristy things I wanted. On Friday my friend and I decided to be spontaneous and go take a hike outside of the city. We got directions from a local Dubliner and then took the Luas (kind of like an aboveground subway) to the Dart (train). The Dart took us to a little town where the man had told us the mountain would be. Well, turns out there was no mountain.

This past weekend, my friends and I decided to take a trip to Florence.  We planned two nights, bought our museum passes, figured out the bus system, and headed off for a girls’ weekend.  When we arrived in Florence I was shocked by how much it reminded me of New York.  There were cars, busses, and motorcycles everywhere.  Crowds of tourists were everywhere we went.  It was strangely comforting to see a McDonald’s right across from the train station.  Of course the American girls had to go ge

Most people in America don’t enjoy their morning commute.  You are tired, in a rush, facing ridiculous amounts of traffic, and desperately need caffeine. Even when I walk to class every morning in Washington D.C. I am slightly grumpy despite being a self- proclaimed morning person.

When exposed to a new environment, with so much to see, smell, touch, feel, experience, a week can feel like a month. In a city that offers so many resources, the desire to constantly be active can be tiring. And yet, one can not help but feel rejuvenated when walking through the busy streets, the energy of passing bodies striking through you. There are street performers, contemplative smoking business men on the corner, an elderly couple leisurely strolling and holding hands, and dogs dogs dogs everywhere.

Bienvenue to my homestay!