Category Stories: Academics
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How Leaving the U.S. to Study Abroad Changed My Life
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Initially, I was hesitant to study abroad. Having never traveled outside of America, I knew I was committing to learning a new way of life and being alone in an unfamiliar country. Despite these uncertainties, taking this leap of faith taught me things about myself and allowed me to experience a new way of life and culture.…
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Balancing Academics and Exploration in London
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For most students, me included, studying and attending classes isn’t always the most exciting aspect of being abroad. But between all the events and travel, it’s important to make time for academics. Academic culture shock This summer I studied at University of Westminster in London, and one of the things that gave me the most culture…
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Study Abroad Highlights from Shanghai
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After studying in Beijing last summer, I knew I wanted to return for a full semester abroad in China. Still, I worried that the experience might not live up to last summer. Did I enjoy living in China or was it friends who made it special? Would I be able to form connections as deep…
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How Māori Language Showed Me the Best of New Zealand
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Aotearoa means land of the long white cloud in Te Reo Māori, the language spoken by the indigenous Māori (mau-ree) in New Zealand for the last 700 years. It’s called this because when the first Māori explorers, Kupe and Kuramārōtini, found these islands, they saw a giant cloud over it, signaling a new land. This…
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Five Ways to Make the Best of Study Abroad at Oxford University
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Studying abroad in Oxford is tough, but a great choice. I hope these tips from my experience here this year help you maximize your time here. 1. Embrace the tutorial system. Here’s how it works: You’re assigned two tutorials per term, one primary and one secondary. You write six to eight essays for your primary,…
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How to Navigate Study Abroad When You’re Completely Lost in Class
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When you go abroad and take classes with local students, you’ll encounter many things that make absolutely no sense. It’s already challenging to study Spanish, but on top of that, you’re expected to learn about other topics like economics, the environment, psychology, and philosophy—all in Spanish! It’s tough, to say the least. When I studied…
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Adjusting to Daily Life as A Study Abroad Student in London
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Getting to Know London at King’s College As a third-year economics student at Duke, I spent my fall semester at King’s College in London. London didn’t feel too far from home because there was no language barrier and I had been there before. But there were certainly some unexpected transitional periods. Living in a flat and…
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Q&A: Life at the University of Otago
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Interested in University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand? Spring 2023 alum Gracie Mathis has you covered! Watch her info-packed Q&A to learn about student life, where to see tiny penguins, can’t miss hikes, the best jazz night, how to meet locals, and more! https://youtu.be/LiGs0gWgt-Q Gracie M. | University of Puget Sound | IFSA University of…
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From Molecules to Metropolis: A Pre-Med Journey in London’s Unique Ecosystem
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For me, however, I saw the perfect backdrop for my quest to understand the complexities of life through the lens of biology by being in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and historic cities, where history intertwines with cutting-edge science. As a pre-med student, I didn’t know if studying abroad would be possible for…
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Exploring Italy on IFSA Excursions
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While studying on the IFSA Summer in Rome program and taking the Sustainable Tourism class, students engaged in activities and excursions which deepening their exposure to Italian culture and history. During one activity, students volunteered with the Retake Roma organization. Retake Roma conducts neighborhood events promoting sustainability and a better quality of life for locals…
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