Ashley Carlisle, the Florida Down Under marketing intern, writes: Though I had waited years for the opportunity to study abroad, I still had reservations about having limited communication and not knowing anyone else. But I knew I could not forgo such an amazing opportunity because of a little apprehensiveness. I jumped in at the deep end and was so glad…
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Xuanyan Ouyang, 2014-15 Fiji International Tourism for Development student blogger, writes: Life-changing means you have experienced something different that alters life circumstances or outlooks in a substantial way. The day and a half we spent in Votua Village, short yet eye-opening, was just that. The homestay experience helped us learn more about the true Fijian lifestyle and the impact of tourism on…
Continue readingXuanyan Ouyang, 2014-15 Fiji International Tourism for Development student blogger, writes: Bula! As with every study abroad program, academic study was not the only thing that we were doing. Our program combined activities and cultural interactions to enhance our learning in an experiential way. Two of my favorite program components were our kayaking and ziplining adventures. Kayaking the Navua River After hearing…
Continue readingVictoria Robertson, 2014-15 Fiji International Tourism for Development student blogger, writes: Going into my study abroad program, living with a homestay family was something I dreaded. Even while in Fiji, I couldn’t help but be nervous for what was to come. Looking back now, I wish I hadn’t been this way, as this was one of the most enriching experiences…
Continue readingJoe Bagazinski, 2014-15 New Zealand and Sydney Sustainable Business student blogger, writes: After hearing about the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes I was not sure what to expect when visiting the city, but it turned out to be one of the strangest feelings I’ve ever had. I never knew the old Christchurch, but as I walked through the shadows of what the city used…
Continue readingVictoria Robertson, 2014-15 Fiji International Tourism for Development student blogger, writes: Ever need to get away? To prove to yourself you can be independent in an environment foreign to you? Ever want to immerse yourself in a new culture completely? I know I had all of these feelings when I first applied to study abroad in Fiji. And if I’m…
Continue readingXuanyan Ouyang, 2014-15 Fiji International Tourism for Development student blogger, writes: For me, to travel is to discover something new, something that will surprise me about myself. During each journey I find out who and what I am. My name is Xuanyan, and I am from a city named Foshan in Southern China. My feet have stepped into 20…
Continue readingCourtney Roth, the Hokies Abroad marketing intern, writes: During our study abroad in North Queensland, we learned about the pernicious human impact on the environment. Upon my return to the U.S., I made a conscious effort to live a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life. With 2015 right around the corner, many of you may be having a difficult time…
Continue readingAdam Carron, the Buckeyes Abroad marketing intern, writes: Figuring out how to avoid breaking the bank while studying abroad can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to food! However, I found that there are some strategies to limit this expense and put that money toward something much more interesting, such as a Shotover Jet ride in Queenstown! Here…
Continue readingCaroline Gilmore, the Richmond Down Under marketing intern, writes: When I arrived in Townsville for the North Queensland, Australia program last summer, I knew little about Aboriginal Australian culture. The little I remembered from high school was certainly not enough. Fortunately while in Australia, we were given the opportunity to connect with the indigenous community, forever changing my perspective….
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