Tag Archives: Pre-departure

Patient anticipation, up ’til now I’ve been hurry up and waiting

I’ve heard that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

In exactly one week, I will sitting on a plane (where I will be inevitably uncomfortable).  Hopefully I will be sleeping, but probably not.  Knowing myself, I will most likely be sitting up, hyped up on tea and coffee, with a mind swirling with thoughts of a new life in a new place with new faces and new adventures. London is truly calling me now!  It’s hard to fathom that I’m leaving my entire world behind for a place that is so different from where I come from. I’ve spent plenty of time in cities, but growing up in a suburb of Philadelphia really is no comparison to the life I will be leading for the next five months- smack dab in the middle of vibrant central London. I’m enthralled by the prospect of what is to come, the excitement of the unknown, and the fantasies of all of the adventures that lie ahead… but at the same time I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I won’t see some of the people I love most for five months. Sure, five months really isn’t too long, and I’m sure I’ll meet people abroad that will ease the homesickness when it creeps up on me (and it unavoidably will creep up on me), but the thought of leaving my family and friends is hard just the same. I’ve wanted to study abroad in London for years- in fact, I’ve been set on this dream since I was only 14 years old, and I know I’d deeply regret it if I didn’t push myself to take the leap and go. So with that thought, I guess the only thing left for me to do is really get everything together- the clothes and shoes (packing is undoubtedly going to be quite the challenge…), the passport and tickets and important documents, and the final goodbyes.


Location: Abington, Pennsylvania

Thoughts, Hopes and Expectations for Seville 2012

Hi all! I’m a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish and applied linguistics. I hail from The Steel City – Pittsburgh PA – which is a wonderful place to grow up and live, but I have always loved to travel and learn about other cultures, so I’m really looking forward to this long awaited semester abroad!

I love all things natural, artistic, creative, and genuine, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the artwork, museums and architecture in Andalusia. However, there’s still a lot I have to think about and organize before I take off:

With 3 weeks of term papers, classes, and finals left in the semester, and an entire month of traveling to see family over winter break before I leave, it hardly feels like my trip to Spain is the next thing on my list of plans, but it’s sure getting close! I haven’t booked my flights yet, but I plan to get there a day or so before our orientation in Seville, so that I can get acquainted with the city and make sure I’m in all the right places at the right times!

 

I’ve been getting lots of advice and safety tips from past and present Spanish professors, teachers and friends, so hopefully I’ll at least be somewhat prepared. I was adopted from Russia when I was 3 years old, and have always had an knack for languages and people of other cultures, so though I’ve lived in America most of my life, I like to think I have a pretty diverse worldview. I’ve taken courses in Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, and learned bits of French, Arabic, and Portuguese from friends who live in the countries where they’re spoken. I’ve traveled quite a bit (mostly to Caribbean Islands and Central American countries on family vacations, Israel a few times, and to Europe on vacation and a volunteer trip), and have a lot of friends from other countries who I met in college and high school, working at sleep away camp, and elsewhere. I’ve also taught English as a Second Language (my minor), and connected to a lot of international students through that. My experiences with all these people and places have made me as much a “global citizen” as I probably could be at this point, and I hope to expand on and change my definition of this concept throughout my time in Europe.

I don’t know what exactly is in store, but I’m getting excited for the change of pace and culture that Spain will be. What I expect to see when I get to Spain is traditional Moorish and Spanish architecture, people of all different European and North African descent, a lot of cute, classy little bars, caf�s, and restaurants, and clubs 🙂 I’m really looking forward to experiencing all of the different aspects of culture – from food and going out, to casual discourse, class schedules and academic expectations. I think people will be friendly, but am aware I have to watch my back, because as in many places, security can be a concern -especially in times of economic unrest like there have been in the past couple of years. I know to take advantage of resources and opportunities (including people!), but not to be overly trusting. I love meeting new people, traveling with, and learning from them, so if all goes well I’ll have a lot of locals and friends to rely on and show me around. These are all things I got a lot of practice with last summer when I spent two months traveling in Israel, but expect to be different everywhere I go.

I’m hoping that in Europe people are accommodating to the frugal an conservationist lifestyle that I’d like to live. I recently saw a special about all of the cyclists in Copenhagen, it seemed like such a great example to be setting for the world!! I hope I have the opportunity to rent or buy a cheap bike to use if my commutes to and from classes and elsewhere necessitate it. I also hope I’ll be able to maintain a pretty healthy lifestyle – aside from not eating red meat, I tend to avoid fried foods and keep a pretty low-fat diet, and apparently the temptation of tapas (little Spanish snacks that are often fried – according to my sister, who has also traveled a lot and been to Spain) will challenge that effort.

 

That’s all I can think of for now, there’s lots to come – even before I set off for Europe – but I’ll save it for when I have more information about my trip! I’ll post links, photos and videos of everything about my travels as I go, there will be a lot to keep up with, but I’ll do my best to keep it up to date!

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy following my studies and adventures abroad 🙂


Location: State College, PA

One Month til Takeoff

Hi everyone my Name is Jonathan Casey and ill be studying at the University of Kent in Canterbury. I will be taking classes in history and politics while abroad. I am looking forward to exploring the rich history of Kent and meeting as many people as I can. I chose Kent because it is a well respected school and can act as a hub to visit other European countries.

I am also looking forward to my 21st birthday, which will take place during this program. I am planning on spending that weekend in Dublin!!! I also am a longtime soccer player and can’t wait to attend some EPL games and others across Europe. In a few weeks ill be living a dream and studying abroad in England. 


Location: University Park, Pa

So, I am going to leave for Nagoya today at 1:25pm. I figured I would write about my expectations before I arrive and see how things match up. 
I expect that Japan will be very clean and people will be extremely polite, almost suspiciously. I am certain that I don’t know enough Japanese. There is really not much I can do about that since I’m going there to learn. Sadly, I will still kick myself every night as I recount my mistakes and realize how I could have made myself clear. 
The fashion is going to be noticeably different. I am eager to see how us Americans will measure up.
My curly afro will likely draw a lot of stares from children and adults and hopefully they don’t get too hands on. I’m all about spreading culture and sharing in diversity, but I’m not a petting zoo. I expect someone will try, however.
Having a 2 hour + class will really exhaust me, but I believe the teachers will be really nice and helpful. There’s no way they would teach that long if they weren’t passionate about it, I think.
I expect that this experience is going to help me grow up again, in a way, as I learn to communicate and adapt to a new “normal.” Learning how to express myself again might help me discover a new side of myself. I’m excited to see the result, but not until I document this journey. 


Location: 5113 Woodmere Drive, Centreville, VA 20120

Asia Adventure

         Where have the days gone? It seems the summer has flew by and I leave in almost a month.  My summer has consisted of working and taking classes; I have yet to fully take in the reality that I will be spending four months in Shanghai, China. Many people question my unique choice and the reasoning behind my decision to go to such a foreign place.

         I’m currently a senior about to embark on my fifth year at Penn State, Yes my fifth year at Penn State!   I’m a transfer student from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. I’ve recently decided to pick up a second major, Media Studies, my first major being Political Science.  The Media Studies major has allowed me to spend one more year at Penn State, while also fitting in my second study abroad experience.  During my sophomore year, I studied at Cambridge University for about a month. It was an amazing experience that was highly rewarding and my first real adventure of traveling the world.  During my trip, I traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and France. I developed a great interest in traveling and realized how exciting and exhilarating exploring new places can be!

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    (Me on the Eiffel Tower!)

            

          I’ve read other student blogs where they have desired to go to their country for many years. In my case, it’s quite the opposite.  When I wrote my essays for the application to study abroad, I simply wanted something different.  I wanted to explore the world, and travel to the unknown. In my personal opinion, I feel the more people travel, the more similarities we find with one another. 

         My original decision was to go to Egypt, in hopes for a glimpse at a different type of lifestyle.  This was sadly cancelled, due to the unrest and revolution that occurred.  After viewing the rest of my choices, I decided on Shanghai, The Paris of the East!


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Why China? For many reasons:

1.     Over 1 Billion People!  A country with 1/6 of the world’s population has to offer something exciting.

2.    World Power! I’ve developed a serious interest in politics, and constantly learn about China’s growing power in the world.

3.    Communism! Whenever I tell anybody about my choice, I get the same reaction: “Why would you want to go to a Communist Country???” Well hopefully this blog will go beyond a simple government structure and provide insight on actual Chinese people. There are so many misconceptions and judgments towards other countries; I hope to witness firsthand daily life of the Chinese and grasp a solid understanding of their culture.

4.    Culture!  I contemplated Europe or Australia, but felt I was searching for something more. The introduction of a new language, as well as really learning about the Chinese way of life.

5.    Food!  One of my previous roommates and good friend is from Malaysia.  He has complained about the American version of Chinese food, and the lack of authentic Chinese food in the United States. Well I hope to enjoy the authentic Chinese food, as well as blog about the differences.

6.    Adventure! I’m one year away from graduation and about to enter the “real world”.  I will most likely never get another to chance to live and really learn about another culture, especially for four months.  This trip will provide great insight into China, as well as help me grow and develop as a person.

7.    TRAVEL THROUGHOUT ASIA!

        

          This blog will hopefully provide people an inside perspective of a student traveling throughout China, detailing the trails and tribulations of a student studying abroad. The blog will also be a tool of self-reflection and serve as a memory of my journey for years to come.

          This post seemed rather boring, but a proper introduction of my Chinese adventure and myself is necessary.  In the future, I hope to blog about the ups and downs of an American student living and exploring China!


Location: Freehold, NJ

4 Weeks

I don’t know how, but it is already four weeks before the program starts 😡 
This is one of those things in life where I don’t believe there is such a thing as “ready.” It feels more like acceptance. I’m not relaxed, but I am not going to focus on each detail, each “what if?” any longer. Though I am still curious as to what delicious food awaits..

The mission of this blog is to not only document my experience, but to find a Japan that is beyond samurai, Pokemon and musical toilets. Perhaps Japan is not as wacky as we may think? But to me, the language will always be out of this world, so I hope to find a way to overcome that as well >.<

がんばれ～！


Location: 5113 woodmere drive, Centreville VA

Getting ready for Quebec!

Sometimes my friends would laugh when I said I was studying abroad in Canada this summer. 

“That’s not abroad!” joked one of them. And, sure– I see his point. Canada’s not that far or exotic. It’s probably one of the few study abroad locations that can be reached by car. But despite this, Canada is home to millions of French speakers, European-style cities, and a Francophone culture vastly different from my Pennsylvanian one here. So take that, friend!
My name’s Noelle and I’m a French and Journalism double-major. I’ll be spending five weeks in Quebec City this summer for an intensive French immersion program at the Universite Laval, and here’s where I’ll be blogging about it. I’m beyond excited because, first, I’m obsessed with travelling. And second, this is my chance to really work on my French. I hope to come back this fall speaking fluidly and with a lovely French accent. One can only hope, right? 
Here’s a picture of a friend and me in Lyon, France last summer. I’m the one on the right.
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I know I could have chosen to go to France (a lot of people ask me why I didn’t), but I’ve been there before. Don’t get me wrong; I love it there. But all my French classes at Penn State have been about the language, history, and literature of France. I haven’t learned at all about Quebec, and that’s partly what drew me to this program. I also spent a brief amount of time in Quebec City a couple years ago– only a few hours, really, while my family was on our way to someplace else. Just that amount of time was enough to convince me that I needed to come back. Evidence: 
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I took this shot in 2008, and yes, Quebec City has a CASTLE. Or as they say in French, a chateau. I don’t leave until the end of June, but I already can’t wait to spend my summer there. I’ll write again soon! 

Location: State College, PA

FINALLY I’m getting out of here!

To quote the famous Bill Bryson, in his book In a Sunburned Country, a tale that documents his travels throughout the vast continent of Australia,

“If you are not stung or pronged to death in some unexpected manner, you may be fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, or carried helplessly out to sea by irresistible currents, or left to stagger to an unhappy death in the baking outback.”

Normally, a statement like this would scare me from going anywhere near such a place, but after sitting home for almost a month and a half, I’m SO READY to finally begin my abroad adventures. Because Australia’s seasons are completely opposite of our own, it is  currently in the middle of its summer break, and the first semester of the academic year doesn’t start until the end of February. This means for all students studying abroad in Australia from the United States, myself included, we have to sit and wait and wait and wait for our time to finally leave. For me, that time is TOMORROW. 

For any student reading this who is considering going abroad in Australia, just know that the wait is going to be long and excruciatingly painful unless you keep yourself super occupied. I went to Israel for 10 days while the normal Penn State semester was just getting started, which was great, but for the past 2 and a half weeks I’ve been doing absolutely nothing. All of your friends are at school living their lives and posting it on facebook while you’re stuck at home in your pajamas, unable to get off of facebook, while watching crime shows like Law and Order for hours on end. Normally, this sounds like a dream come true, but if you actually live it out, it gets super old after about 3 days. But this past week has really picked up as I have been running all over town doing errands and buying last minute necessities for the land down under. 

I just finished packing and I’m bringing 2 suitcases and a carry-on (probably just a backpack). Since it’s currently the equivalent of our August there, most of my clothes were pretty light and didn’t take up that much room. The only problem I ran into was that they don’t provide any linens or towels in the apartment complex that I’m staying in at all, so we bought large space bags and stuffed them all in there, comforter included. Even though it reduced the size of everything, it still took up a lot of room and that made packing kind of difficult. 

Other than that, I’m so ready to get going here. My friend Lauren who also goes to Penn State who is studying abroad with IES as well is coming to my house and then we’re going to leave for JFK International Airport by 1. Our flight takes off at around 6:30 to LAX, where we’ll have a 2 hour layover before a 14 hour (BLAH) flight to SYDNEY! The fun thing is we’re going to take off on Thursday, February 10 and we don’t land until Saturday, February 12. Hopefully I’ll sleep a lot on this flight, because I don’t know how else I’m going to survive. 

It’s weird, even though I’m about to embark on this crazy journey, I’m really not that nervous at all. If anything I’m just ready to start! I’ll update again as soon as I get settled in Sydney, but for now goodbye, America!!  

Location: New Jersey

Wait, I still have to pack? Oh no…

I love to travel.

I used to go on vacations all the time with my family and I would be the first one packed and ready to go. Sometimes I would pack a month or so in advance because I was so excited. What ever did happen to that girl? Because nowadays, I hate packing more than anything.

I think I can attribute it to my senior year of high school. I lost my house in a fire right at the end of my junior year so I was moving around a lot before finally moving back home. But six months later it was time to move to college. So that’s mainly the reason I don’t like packing. It is just strenous. I have to make lists, figure out what clothes I want to bring, the toiletries I need just for now, all the paperwork; just way too stressful.

And, I am leaving in 3 days for London. With this snowstorm here, who knows what could happen? I know I need to buck down and get into London mode, but I just don’t like the stress that comes with packing. Plus, my family is on me to get going. I’m doing necessary laundry right now so I make sure I take the clothes I want and need. And I’m constantly checking the weather in London so I know I’m ready.

I am excited, but nervous too. This is definitely a brand new experience for me. I’ve never lived in a city. I’ve been a suburban girl my entire life! My brother is already telling me how to get from the residence hall to my classes and I’m getting so confused. It will definitely be an adjustment in the beginning, especially with the time difference. My dad and I are scoping out places to watch the Outback Bowl because we cannot miss a Penn State football game! So much to do and so much to look forward to in so little time. I better get going before I miss my flight in three days!


Location: Bethlehem, PA

About Me

Hi! My name is Lindsay and in the spring I’ll be studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea.  I’m majoring in International Politics, so naturally I’m studying abroad (in a place that seems to be having some political issues… good for my major?).  Currently I’m a junior at Penn State, and hopefully after studying abroad I’ll still be able to graduate on time.  My family lives in State College, so this will be a pretty big trip for me (other than the previous two times I’ve studied abroad).  This will however be the furthest I’ve ever been away from home.  I’m really going to miss my family and friends, but I’m excited to do something different for a semester away from Penn State and State College.  So everyone should come visit me while I’m gone!

I decided I wanted to study abroad a long time ago, however it took me a long time to decide where I wanted to go.  I’ve already studied abroad in Germany twice, so I wanted to go somewhere different.  However, other than not wanting to go to a German speaking country, I had no clue where I wanted to go.  After looking at programs in Senegal, Norway, Australia and as a last resort, even Germany, and after finding reasons why I shouldn’t go to each of those places, I finally decided Korea was where I wanted to go.

I looked at the program page and the pictures they had on the page looked pretty cool.  The one problem I had, and still have, with studying abroad in a place like Korea is that I don’t know any Korean.  I’m hoping with the time that I have before leaving I’ll be able to pick a little bit up, but really I’m going to rely on the kindness of Koreans to help me with the language barrier.  I’m really excited to be going somewhere so different and exciting, but I won’t lie, I’m a little nervous to be going to a place that seems to be having some sorta scary problems.  But I’m hoping by February things will have calmed down enough that my mother will allow me to go without worrying too much, and things will be safe there for me as well.  As far as I know there’s only one other student from Penn State (UP) going to Sogang University, so I’ll definitely be making some new friends while I’m gone!

I’m excited to go to a place unlike any other I’ve been to before, and I’m looking forward to all the new things I’ll get to learn about and experience. Hopefully my next post will be from somewhere exciting in Seoul!


This is going to be my home for five months! Just a little bit different than State College…
I think Seoul is bigger than any place I’ve ever been before.


Location: State College, PA