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Jean Vergara recounts adventures with the Buckeyes Abroad Fiji program: At first glance, you think that Kula Eco Park is just your average Fijian zoo. However, roaming its grounds, you realize it is much more than that. It is an experience in conservation. It is a movement toward rehabilitation. It is a reminder of the importance of sustainability. And it…
Continue readingJean Vergara recounts adventures with the Aggies Abroad Fiji program: Fiji is much more than remarkable sunsets, vast coral reefs and white-water adventure. The people are who make Fiji special and unique. Their smiles and warm hospitality reflect the island’s true beauty. Votua Village, where AUIP students have a homestay, really is a testament to this. As many times as…
Continue readingHannah Strange, the Florida Down Under marketing intern, writes: As luck would have it, I was selected as the teaching assistant for UF’s North Queensland and Fiji programs this summer! With a week of our program already complete, today we’re venturing up to Mission Beach with high hopes of spotting an endangered cassowary. Since I studied on these programs in…
Continue readingJean Vergara recounts adventures with the Lions Abroad Fiji program: “Bula! Bula! Bula!” Every day we heard and responded with “Bula” the Fijian word for ‘hello’ and ‘welcome.’ Fijians are considered one of the friendliest people on the planet. With their warm smiles and constant greetings, it was easy to feel right at home. Meeting the students and staff of…
Continue readingTiffany Kascak, the Lions Abroad marketing intern, writes: While being abroad, your schedule might be more hectic than usual. Throughout your travels, you’ll encounter new, interesting things to do and people to get to know. Thus, incorporating exercise into your time overseas sometimes can be a challenge. Most likely you will not be going to the nearest gym to work…
Continue readingA new face will be greeting our Fiji groups at the Nadi airport this summer. Jean Vergara, a cheery and comical individual, joined the AUIP Fiji team to accompany our groups. Jean earned her M.S. degree in Education, specializing in Counseling and Guidance, from California Lutheran University. She attended Stanford University and California State University, Fullerton during her undergraduate studies and…
Continue readingTessa Arnold, the Hokies Abroad marketing intern, writes: Before going to Australia in summer 2011, I had never gone snorkeling. Although I had no experience, I thought, “Snorkeling can’t be that hard, right?” So, our first free day on Magnetic Island, I chose to go on a boat ride with fellow classmates and snorkel to see local fish. I eagerly…
Continue readingRobert Smith, the Wolfpack Abroad marketing intern, writes: Anyone traveling to New Zealand on an AUIP program or interested in the native people known as the Maori should take the time to watch the film “Whale Rider.” Set in modern day New Zealand, the film displays some of the beautiful scenery and locations of New Zealand’s North Island, and it…
Continue readingLast week, our Buckeyes Abroad intern reflected on the environmental consciousness she took home with her from studying abroad in Australia. We’re always pleased when students retain valuable knowledge and implement it upon returning home. Our Wolfpack Abroad intern, Robert Smith, also learned the same concepts while studying in New Zealand and shares this: Many of us understand that we…
Continue readingHannah Strange, the Florida Down Under marketing intern, writes: For many students one of the most nerve-racking things about going on a study abroad is the completely terrifying… homestay. Doesn’t sound very intimidating does it? While a homestay is something to which many students look forward, many introverts (such as myself) find the idea of staying with a strange family…
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