Going abroad proved to be the great adventure I had pictured all those months ago when I was writing my first correspondent post. I was so happy when I arrived and got over my first hurdles. I remember being extremely nervous about making friends, and yet, within the first few hours, I found my closest friends for the rest of my time abroad. Though it may seem like a small piece of living abroad, those friendships really allowed me to acclimate and feel comfortable in a space where I was so uncomfortable at first.

My IES Abroad sponsored trip to Campania was months ago, but I never got around to editing the footage. Looking back on all the beauty and adventure of the trip, I’m filled with gratitude for the way IES Abroad Rome has provided us with cultural experiences that will stick with me for life. 

Hey everyone! I’m Samantha, a third-year student at the University of California, Berkeley. I am originally from Bethesda, Maryland, but I mainly grew up in Boulder, Colorado with my parents, two older siblings, and our adorable Bernedoodle named Mango. I love the outdoors, all types of animals, staying active, trying delicious foods, and live music. I am so excited to study abroad in Madrid next semester and document all my adventures!

While traveling abroad, I ranked most of the restaurants and food places I went to. In this post, I will include some of my favorite restaurants as well as places you should avoid. 

Everyone’s favorite part of studying abroad: The passport and visa application process. Just kidding :) But in all seriousness, I have a few tips to share based on my own trials and tribulations.

So, here I am. Back on familiar soil, surrounded by the comforts of home, my family, the holiday season and my friends and yet something feels so profoundly different. Just a week ago, I was having daily adventures in Dublin, exploring a new pathway to Trinity or just watching the influx of different people walk up and down the holiday market on Henry Street. From the bustle of city life, my daily soundtrack has reverted to the silence of my room, the conversations with my parents and the gentle rumble of cars driving on the roads. 

Clothing Essentials

The Dining Experience
One of the first things I noticed was how much longer meals last here. In Barcelona, people take their time at the table, engaging in meaningful conversations without the rush I was accustomed to in the United States. Back home, I often ate quickly or multitasked, always thinking about the next item on my to-do list. Adjusting to this different lifestyle in Barcelona helped me learn to be more present, prioritizing my time with others over constantly worrying about school or the things on my daily to-do list.

I recently went to Geneva, Switzerland, and had an absolutely amazing time. I loved it so much I am ready to retire there. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by beauty and mountains. In this blog post, I will talk about what I did in Switzerland and some recommendations, as it has been my favorite trip while abroad. Please note that Switzerland is a very expensive place; meals will probably range from $20-30, so keep that in mind when traveling!