I’m sure some of you are wondering why am I in Sarajevo and I didn’t make it clear before, but it’s a field study trip which is a part of my study abroad program. The program I am in is focused on the relationship between the European Union, the Western Balkans, and Turkey. So far the 1st half of the program was spent on history and looking at the socioeconomic issues that have defined Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) for the past 100 years, with an emphasis on post-WWII political structures and institutions.

After having spent just a week on the island of San Cristóbal, I’ve really started to embrace the island life—especially the concept of doing homework on the beach.

I realized today that much of the frustration I have been facing during my trip thus far has been because I was denying the fact that I was experiencing the sensation of culture shock. Before coming on this trip, I had thought that with enough preparation I would be able to avoid the discomfort and confusion of culture shock. I thought that coming in with an open mind was enough to avoid this phenomenon.

I was wrong.

Hi, all!

This post will just be a quick update because I have to be up bright and early to catch a flight to London tomorrow!!! If you know me, you know that there are many, many British things that I adore, so this is super exciting for me.

Luckily, I’m going with an IES Abroad friend who shares my interests so we’re setting aside plenty of time to see lots of Harry Potter and Sherlock attractions. Now if only I could run into Benedict Cumberbatch!

I have not done too much travelling outside of Paris, mostly because six weeks is not a very long time to spend in one city, especially one with so many museums and attractions.  I did however make one trip out of the country, to Brussels, Belgium.  And since they speak French there too, it was a win-win situation for me.

It seems as if just yesterday I was packing my suitcase to come to Spain.  And now, again, I am packing my suitcase, but to leave Spain.  The time has gone by both quickly and slowly.  Slowly in the sense that I have had the chance to appreciate each and every experience.  Quickly in the sense that I have done so much and had so much fun in such a short amount of time.

This Saturday, I will return to the United States after a month of Spanish-language intensive and immersion in Costa Rican culture. I don’t know yet if I am happy or sad, but I wanted to share four of the amazing things I learned about Costa Rica and Pura Vida while living here.