Everyone told me when I decided to study abroad that it would be amazing — I would develop new skills, learn more about myself, and cultivate a more global perspective. Now facing the end of my semester, I can confidently say that all those things came to fruition, though not in the way I anticipated. …
Tag Archives: Culture
Exploring Geneva & Embracing Ramadan Traditions
The last month has been filled with a whirlwind of travel, new experiences, and so much good food! All within the last few weeks, I have had the incredible opportunity to visit Switzerland, participate in my first Ramadan, finish my classes, and begin an internship. There has certainly been an abundance of new schedules and …
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A Trip to Sakartvelo!
მოგესალმებით საქართველოდან! Mogesalmebit sakartvelodan! Greetings from Georgia! Welcome to Georgia, a country laden with history, churches, diverse climates, awe-inspiring geography, and the best FOOD. As you might have already guessed, I spent my spring break in Georgia, known to Georgians as Sakartvelo or, more correctly, საქართველო. Starting in Kutaisi, we journeyed across Georgia to the …
Cats, Hummus, and One Month Left
I have just about a month left in Jordan, and return has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m looking forward to going home, seeing my family, and catching up with my friends. But I’m also already missing so many aspects of Jordan that I won’t get to experience in the states. Here’s a …
Safety in Jordan
Right after I arrived in Jordan, my host dad told me a story about some travelling he had done while visiting a friend in an unsafe area. “My friend had five locks on his door,” he said. “Five locks! He was afraid to be outside after dark. We could hear gunshots outside. He was afraid …
Ramadan
I walk from one epoch to another without a memory to guide me. The prophets over there are sharing the history of the holy … ascending to heaven and returning less discouraged and melancholy, because love and peace are holy and are coming to town. Darwish, Mahmoud. “In Jerusalem.” Translated by Fady Joudah, The Butterfly’s Burden, …
The Sound of Salzburg
Cue The Sound of Music soundtrack: I ventured to Salzburg for a day trip this weekend. No, I did not take the famous Julie Andrews picture, sorry to disappoint. However, I walked through some of the filming locations. I also toured a fortress in the mountains and ate some delicious food. A Few of My …
Austrian Cultural Norms
Grüß Gott! (a common Austrian greeting). This week marks my third week in Vienna. That means I’ve been here long enough to share some of my favorite Austrian cultural norms with you! Environmentalism One of the first instructions I received upon moving into my apartment was how to properly dispose of our garbage. You may …
Learning the Comical Way
I think it goes without saying that East Africa is a very different place from West Michigan and the U.S., in general, and this is something I knew coming in to my study abroad experience. However, I wasn’t sure in what ways specifically, but I am quickly learning. A lot of cultural differences can’t be …
Final Moments in the City
Three days! Three weeks have quickly become three days until the end of the semester. The end of my experience in the city. The end of nursing school. The beginning of my *official* adult life. The beginning of a new start. The beginning of finally contributing to society in a larger way. Don’t get me …
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