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 readingThe Wolfpack Abroad crew is currently out on Lady Elliot Island, pictured here. This two-mile stretch of land boasts a sustainable resort atop coral cays of the Great Barrier Reef. We hope the group is having a great time snorkeling, scuba diving and lagoon walking, while simultaneously learning from our experienced field guides. Krysta Frye, the Deacons Abroad marketing intern,…
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 readingFor a third year running, Australia has secured the title of the world’s happiest country. Based upon criteria of income, jobs, housing and health, the land down under beat out number two Sweden and number three Canada for the top honor from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD statistics show more than 73 percent of people aged…
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 readingCaroline Marion, 2013 South Queensland student blogger, writes: Perseverance. That word has never meant as much to me as it did when the opportunity to be a part of a study abroad program arose. Let’s just start out by saying I didn’t even get into the program the first time around. I know most people say, “Don’t tell people that!…
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…
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