Weekend #1!

One word for the weekend: wow. I really did not have any high expectations or plans for the weekend except to finally catch up on sleep, and that is the opposite of what happened. On Friday afternoon I was riding the subway home from Target when I met a guy who claimed he worked for …

Present-oriented Pre-departure

In just a few days I will be departing Chicago to head to Sevilla! Well… technically I’ll be headed to New York… then Madrid… then Sevilla. After pushing through each obstacle leading up to this adventure, I am still shocked that this day is finally arriving.  I cannot wait to explore Spain, meet my host …

The First Few Days

I have now been in Chicago for a few days, and it has definitely been quite an experience. Moving in definitely had its ups and downs, but in the end I am very happy with the room that we got as it is easily one of the bigger ones that we have seen (and that …

Pre-Departure!

*Note: This post was written on December 10th I just realized that less than a month from today I will be moving into my apartment in Chicago. On one hand, it feels like this opportunity has been a long time coming, but on the other hand it feels like it has come way too fast. …

Apply, Apply Again

I’ve always been an organized person, just take a look at my planner! Since my first, school-given agenda in 2010 I’ve kept track of deadline after deadline, even notes for things as simple as ‘text Mom!’, to help me keep track of my days. In my experience, if it’s not written down it will quickly …

The Land of Seven Moles, Giant Balls of Cheese, and Grasshoppers?

There is no better way to explore Oaxaca than through your stomach. When people think of Mexican food/drink, they think of 10-peso taco stands, rice and beans, and of course, tequila. However, Oaxaca has so much more to offer, it is the gastronomic hub of Mexico after all. Think mole to memelas, chapulines and mezcal, …

Theatre Scene

As London is home to the renowned West End, I have been able to take advantage of the countless plays and musicals being performed for months on end. Before coming to London, I had seen plays and musicals before in the States but London has revolutionized my love and appreciation for theatrical work. I have …

A Day in My Life

What does a typical day studying abroad in Barcelona look like? I thought what was more fitting to write about on my last day of classes. IES Barcelona courses are concluding final class periods and we are on our way to finals week. I have been meaning to write about and document what a typical …

Reasons to be Thankful

It seems strange to miss Thanksgiving this year. I love the traditions of family and friends getting together to share a delicious meal and reflect on what makes them grateful. My family even takes a collective nap after the feast. That is a relaxing and necessary communal experience after the indulgences. Being in a foreign …

Health Care Abroad: Tips and Tricks

For those of you curious or concerned, here are some details of my experience with the health care industry while studying abroad, and what I wished I would have known before I stepped in blind. Everyone has their own idea of their worst nightmare coming to fruition, or their worst case scenario. For me, one …