Reasons to Study Abroad

Y'all knew this post was coming, but studying abroad is one of the best leaps of faith that I've taken thus far in my life. Here are some of the reasons after the fact that I'm glad that I studied abroad, even though there were some trade-offs.

Living Aboard// Personally I think almost every body should be abroad for about a month. It's  great experience and it opens your eyes to how other people live. You're able to relate to people from different backgrounds.

Politics & World Issues// My professors were always very curious about how Americans view issues in our own country. Speaking with people from other countries who were taught differently, they have a different outlook and experience with world issues and controversies in our country.

Fun// While studying abroad, the program is about having fun. Young adults our age in Europe aren't expected to live as independently as we are. Your professors and advisors encourage you to travel, go out with you friends on a week night and have fun. There is homework, but not as important. They want you to immerse yourself in the culture.

Personal Growth// As an individual, I discovered more about myself while studying abroad than I have since the first semester of college. I became more confident in my abilities as well as who I am and what I want. Some of my friends discovered they wanted to come back, others discovered that they had chosen the right path. Affirming aspects about your plan is just as good as figuring it out.

Travel// As a study abroad student I hope you travel! As you travel you naturally become more independent and are able to figure things out by yourself. You get more confident asking for help, and are more likely to try new foods and activities!

Studying abroad is such a great experience. It's scary, terrifying, amazing and life changing. I encourage you to do research and strongly consider studying abroad!


xoxo

Travel Tips: My Top 6 Tips for Traveling in Europe

Since this one of my last full weeks in Europe for awhile, I thought I would share with you my favorite travel tips for traveling in Europe.

1. Buy Tickets Online: In cities with big tourist attractions that require tickets, it's always a good idea to try and buy the tickets on line. Most of the time you can even download a QR code onto your phone so you don't have to keep track of papers! It can be cheaper too!

2. Use Hop-On Hop-Off Buses: One of my favorite things to do is use a hop on, hop off bus when in a big city. It's cheap transportation and you get a to hear about landmarks you may not have known about! They are normally around 30 euro, which isn't too bad! These are easily an entire day.

3. Leave a day/afternoon free for exploring: One of my favorite parts about traveling, other than the food, is wandering and experiencing residential neighborhoods of cities. You find great gems, cool gifts and even a hidden landmark.

4. Book a shuttle or look into using public transportation: Honestly after traveling in a plane I don't want to have to deal with finding transportation. One week before I travel I look to see if there is a shuttle service that can take me to and from where I'm staying, or public transportation that's easy to navigate. In Paris, a shuttle service saved my 30 euro. We used a taxi in Berlin because it was easier and more worthwhile than public transportation. Don't always use a taxi as default!

5. Take pictures of monuments with Yourself: I didn't do this too much with other trips and I definitely regret it. This semester I took lots of pictures with my friends and myself because in 5 years I'll want those. Artsy pictures can always be bought.

6. Be aware of your surroundings: Pickpockets are real in Europe, though some cities are worse than others. Be aware of that when you're traveling, and make sure to find a suitable bag. Personally I prefer a crossover with a flap or a zipper because I can keep it in front of me with my hand on it. Don't be over vigilant but don't be oblivious either!


These are my top tips for Europe! What are yours? Where have you been? I've actually added more cities to my bucket list!


xoxo

A Day in the Life of a Study Abroad Student

Hey y'all! I know this semester my posting has been a bit erratic, and I promise come January everything will be back to normal. Unfortunately anything that has to do with Google will not load on my laptop while I'm at my host family's apartment. (If you know how to fix this please let me know) The only time I have to blog is a short hour in between classes on Tuesdays.


Anyway, here is a look into the life of what a typical Thursday is for me!

1. Wake up 9:00am: I don't have class until 11:10, but I like to have plenty of time in the morning for my commute. I wake up, check my phone for messages and updates from my friends, then head to the shower. I get ready, grab some pastries and coffee with milk for breakfast (typical Spanish breakfast) and pack my bags.

2. Commute at 10:15: I take the a 20 minute Metro ride into Bilbao and then a 10 minute walk to the University. I usually have a book on my phone and my headphones to pass the time!

3. Classes 11:10-2:00: I have three out of my five classes, Spanish grammar, Spanish conversation and Modern Spain.

4. Lunch 2:00-3:00: My host mom packs me a sandwich, and I usually buy a soda or something to go with it. The sandwich is normally a baguette and some sort of meat and cheese.

5. Class 3:00-4:00: I have my Basque Language and Culture class, which is really interesting and probably one of the most useful classes I have here. I'm able to learn about the culture that I'm immersed in and understand their customs better.

6. 4:00-6:00: This is a really weird time because I normally take the 30 minutes commute back to my host family's apartment to drop off my books and do some things before I have to leave at 6 to go back into the city to nanny for an hour and a half. I don't like to carry my heavy bag around while attempting to chase small people.

7. Nanny 6:30-8:00: I nanny two little girls for an hour and a half on Thursdays, trying to teach them a little bit of English. The three year old knows none, but she is starting to learn her numbers! The 7 year old just started English classes, so we work on everyday words. They are already bi-lingual, as they know Spanish and Basque.

8. 8:00-10:30: My friends and I normally get together around this time for a couple of drinks in order to catch up. One of my friends and I have to leave around 10:30 in order to catch the last metro into Getxo. This is one of my favorite habits here, because winding down with good friends after a long week is great.

9. 11:00:  I normally try and watch an episode of something on Netflix, catch up on emails, friends and Facebook. If I'm lucky I even get to talk with MB for a bit before I fall asleep after he finishes classes for the day.


I chose Thursday because it probably has the most components of my life here in Spain. While it's busy, it's much more chill than what a typical day would be for me in the US.

Have you studied abroad? What did your day look like?

xoxo

PS Stay tuned for pictures from my trips to Barcelona and Paris with my parents! 

Travel Tuesday

Well hello there, it's been awhile since I've posted. To be honest it's been a lack of inspiration. Yesterday was officially the half way point for me, and I'm honestly excited about it. I've been making plans for Christmas vacation, and I might even be able to figure out where I'm living next semester. It seems to be the time where life at home is going to continue and I'm honestly happy about it.

My parents and I meet up in Barcelona on Friday, and I can't wait to see them. I didn't realize quite how close I was with my family until I've had to be away from them for this long, where communication isn't as easy as in the US.

Here are some pictures of what I've been up to the past couple of weeks!

The park in front of la Casa de Juntas in Gernika, a sacred place for the Basque people.

Inside la Casa de Juntas in Gernika

The old tree stump from the Basque's oak tree. In the Middle Ages, the basque government met under oak trees. 

A replica of Picasso's Gernika.

Mundaka Spain

It's really breathtaking

People at the beach in the middle of October. Which I'm told is extremely rare. 

More pictures of the ocean, I just couldn't help myself!

We love field trips!

The view from where we hung out for the afternoon!

Bilbao at night!

More fun times!

Is there anything y'all miss from me? Organization tips or study tips?

Is there anything you want to know from my study abroad experience? 

xoxo

Tips on Dealing with Homesickness

Homesickness has been my biggest obstacle while I've been in Spain. Learning the language, and adapting to the new eating schedule has been a whole lot easier than missing my family and friends back home. (While I miss MB, the unfortunate reality of our relationship is that we aren't used to seeing each other that often, so Spain isn't all that different)

Here are some tips on how to deal with homesickness, whether you're abroad for a time period or living away from home for the first time, I hope these tips will help you!

1. Allow yourself to be homesick: Homesickness is natural, so don't suppress your feelings. Allow yourself to wallow for 15 minutes. After that change what you're doing. Concentrate on a task or watch your favorite show.

2. Get out: Get out of your room or apartment. Meet up with friends and go shopping or sightseeing. Sitting in your room is probably the worst thing you could possibly do. Make the new place your in one of your homes.

3. Don't cut yourself off from your friends and family back home: I don't advise spending every waking moment that you aren't in class or at a job talking to friends back home, but don't cut yourself off. Schedule time to talk to your family and friends, and keep a semblance of your normal schedule. I still all MB some nights before I go to bed, which gives some sort of normalcy to my new life abroad.

4. Realize that you will see your family & friends again: This is not a permanent situation. You will see your loved ones again. This new experience is going to show you how strong you are, and give you confidence. You will make new friends in your new home, and when it comes time to leave you will miss your time in your new home.

5. Bring special belongings: Make sure to bring pictures and even a special keepsake with you. It will make your new place a little more familiar and help you remember your loved ones.



The most important part to remember about homesickness is that it's natural, but it's not natural to let it consume you. These are times when you find what you're made of. I have every confidence  that you are strong and capable.


xoxo

Travel Tuesday Week 5: Playing Tour Guide & Another Country

This week was great. I went to France, started nannying and got to see my grandparents. I also continue to grow more confident in my spanish skills and navigation skills.


Seeing my grandparents was great, but a little disorganized. I learned that actually finding a restaurant in Bilbao is more difficult than you would think, and I'm glad that I figured this out before my parents come for almost a week.

France was beautiful, we went to experience what the french part of Pais Vasco (Basque Country) was like. The French basques don't have the same cultural heritage as the Spanish basques because of the French policies. I can now add another country to my list, so I've been to four European countries.  I can't wait to add one more at the end of my semester abroad!

I've also had a couple of moments where I can't believe I'm actually in a foreign country, living as a "local". I use the metro at least two times a day, sometimes four or five. I know what candy to buy in the local shops, and what kind of drink I'll order. It's kind of a pinch me moment!

Also getting my fall clothes was great, but the homemade cookies from my mom made my week!

I know this post is late, but I've been a little sick this week and trying to catch up on papers and homework.

Here are some pictures from my trip to France, and my grandparents visit!

The beach in Saint Jean de Luz

French Street

We're so happy to add another country to our list!

We were reflecting on the beauty of the sea. 

xoxo

Travel Tuesday: Week 4 I Experience A Busy Social Life

This past week has been busy, and it was the best way to spend my fourth week in Spain. This Thursday marks one month in Spain and I've had such a great time.

This past week I did something every. single. day.  That is not something that happens for me, unless Matt and I only have a week together. It was great, and I'm starting to become close with people on the trip making the experience that much richer.


We went to San Sebastian on Saturday for a film festival and that was really cool. We hung out on the beach for a couple of hours, and then went to wander around until lunch. We had great pizza and sangria, then set off for the film festival. Due to lack of foresight, we went on the last day but we saw a movie at an international film festival. The movie wasn't very good to be honest, but we went! Some of the group had to catch a bus back to Bilbao at midnight, and they were able to see some pretty cool people.


This week we found our favorite bar, and our favorite cafe to study in. I started my two tutoring/nannying jobs and am starting to fall into a routine with my friends and host family.

This weekend I get to see my grandparents and I couldn't be more excited! I miss my family.. but as I become more and more comfortable I miss MB less and less.

The cathedral in San Sebastian. The stain glass windows are beautiful

La playa -- the beach

Candids by my girl SF. 

My girl MW and I with our film festival tickets.

Sunset over the  San Sebastian beach. PS note how I was at A BEACH at the end of September. I went in the water. #notinWIanymore

MH (the man), HG and SF (the girl looking at the camera). Who wouldn't want to ride a carousel in Europe?

MH, MW and SF have become my support team, my BFFL. I had a great week with them, and definitely feel the most like myself when I'm around them. 

xoxo

Travel Tuesdays: Week 3

This past week in Spain has been the best yet, and I can't believe that today starts my fourth week in Spain.

This past weekend we headed to Madrid and Toledo early Friday morning. In my program there are three groups, two with special programs not through their university and others that are directly enrolled. I'm in the group that is directly enrolled, and we had a great time together.

Everything we did this past weekend, I had already done four years ago. But I am excited because when I get home I'm going to be able to compare the two different sets of pictures. It was also exciting because I understand our guides about 80 percent more than I did four years ago.

Toledo is by far better than Madrid in my opinion. The center of Madrid is very regal, but Toledo is old and beautiful. It was the original capitol of Spain, and has a beautiful blend of Muslim, Jewish and Christian architecture. There are pictures at the end of this post. I have to say Bilbao and Segovia are still my favorite Spanish cities though.

Since the beginning of this trip I see human kindness and togetherness more and more everyday. Even though I don't know many of the people on this trip well, each of us looks out for the others. There are multiple examples of some guys walking me to the metro at night, or making sure that I have enough euros to get home. My girlfriends and I require that someone knows where we will be, and we never leave anyone behind. There is sometimes the simplest act of offering water, a pony tail or 10 cents that makes me realize that human kindness is everywhere. I've been able to find a topic of conversation with everyone I've met, no matter our backgrounds.


I'm slowly growing used to the eating schedule here, and even the sleeping schedule. My classes are picking up a bit but they're still pretty easy. This week is recruitment for my sorority and I'm definitely missing my sisters. I miss being able to pick up the phone at a normal hour for me and talk to my parents. I miss talking to MB every night before I fall asleep, but every day things get better. I've met a couple of women who I've really connected with and are making this experience even richer.

If you were to take anything out of this post it should be that friendship and kindness can make any situation better, and that each day I'm in a foreign country I feel more and more at home.

Palacio Real in MAdrid

A cute square in Old Madrid

Toledo

Breathtaking still?

My friend Mariah and I in front of Toledo. Mariah studied here last summer!

My girl Shawna and I!

Beautiful church in Toldeo

A church near the Prado in Madrid

Come back next Tuesday for another Travel Tuesday!

xoxo

Study Aboard: Week 2

I can't believe I've been here two weeks, I'm so comfortable that it seems like much longer. As I expected, as I become more comfortable here I have started to become more and more excited for what the next 4 months hold!

Here are some interesting customs and everyday things that I have observed the past couple of weeks.


1.Alcohol is totally different here: In the US there is this stigma around alcohol, it's unattainable until you're 21, and then it's something that people turn to in order to fix something. However in Spain children are taught to have a different attitude towards alcohol, and they definitely think about it more casually then we do in the US.

1. University is different: In the United States many universities make sure to have the "total package", but in Bilbao there are two universities, and most young adults live at home until they find a job. Also, university is basically just a place of learning. Sure there are extra-curriculars but they aren't anything major like at universities in the US. Think of going to a top school, but living at home and not being involved in extra-curriculars.

3. Tomatoes and Seafood: That is basically my diet here, and I love it. I know for a lot of people it's not very ideal, but I love it. My host mom is a great cook, but I'm secretly craving my mom's breakfast food and baked goods as well as my dad's tacos and homemade pizza.

4.Life at home doesn't stop: My friends and family at home are still there, and I still need them in my life. They also don't stop needing you. Trust me, you are not forgotten at home, and you can't run away from things either. Make sure to tell your loved ones about your feelings, and make time to hear about what's happening in their lives!

5.Friends make everything better: This past week I connected with a group of great people, and have had the option to hang out with someone everyday. It's great, and we have definitely started to make memories I know I'll have when I'm 70.

6. Attitude is everything:I've had one really bad episode of homesickness, but that was the only time I allowed myself to feel bad. There are definitely times where I have to remind myself the be positive, but there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful I'm here.

7. I love Europe, I love Spain, I love Bilbao: Even though I'll definitely be ready to leave Bilbao in December, I'm falling in love with Bilbao and it's culture, along with Spain and its cultures, and the history of Europe in general. I'm already day dreaming of the next time I'll come back with my hypothetical family in 15 years.

Wearing my letters to the beach. 

After an afternoon at the beach, I got to watch a beautiful sunset in Plentzia, Spain

More photos of the sunset over the river

Friends at the Bilbao v Barcelona game. Watching it in a bar was so much fun! 

Silliness one night

This beautiful fountain in the main park in the middle of Bilbao. I walked there after class one day. 

What are your study abroad experiences like? I'm looking forward to Madrid and Toledo this weekend!

xoxo