Interning it up in Dakar
This past semester I have had the privilege of working at an NGO (Non-governmental organization) called Culture D’Enfances (in English-childhood culture) that serves children in less fortunate economic backgrounds and gives them an opportunity to explore artistic and creative outlets… READ MORE →
Goodbye and Hello
I’ve been stateside now, back in Idaho, for one week. It’s really great to be back at home with my family and friends. But there’s also a feeling of sadness or emptiness too, as I’ve left my other home and family. Goodbye… READ MORE →
Thanks for Kicking Me Off the Newspaper
Thus far, has your study abroad experience influenced your academic and professional goals? If so, how? Your views on life can change only when something challenges them, throws them into sharp relief that exposes their true nature. For me, coming… READ MORE →
I’m Not Saying My Breakfast Was Better Than Yours, But…
One of the most obnoxious things you ever have to deal with is someone returning from a study abroad and comparing everything in America (especially food) to whatever exotic, fantastic place they visited. “Oh,” they’ll sniff, “the burgers were so… READ MORE →
Loving England, Rain or Shine
My name is Lily Nguyen and I am a student at the University of Central Florida. I am a double major in Hospitality and Event Management and I am studying abroad in Guildford, England at the University of Surrey! I… READ MORE →
Danish Hygge Food Culture
Smørrebrød, flaeskesteg, snobrød, risengrød, biksemad….herring. What the heck do these strange words mean? And moreover how in the world do you pronounce them? These were my first reactions to Danish food – it was something alien and bizarre – they… READ MORE →
Much More than Turkish Delight
When considering Turkish food, most people only think of Turkish delight. However, there are infinite more amazing assortments of Turkish food. Before coming to Turkey, I didn’t think about the food very much, so I was pleasantly surprised by the… READ MORE →
Week One: Tanzania
During this first week, it was hard to have first impressions or preconceived notions because we had not yet interacted with anyone outside of our staff at the refuge camp area, but now I have had an extra week in… READ MORE →
Coffee, Turkish and Otherwise
Oh, sweet merciful heavens, Starbucks. I don’t even drink Starbucks in the US– I like plain, black coffee, so their concoctions aren’t my style– but at this point I’m desperate: It’s three in the afternoon, yesterday was a full 24… READ MORE →
Culture Shock Progression – Not so Linear
What struck me when I first saw this diagram was how closely it resembles diagrams of the Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief. The griever feels at first denial, then anger, next bargaining, followed by depression, and finally… READ MORE →