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Category Stories: Academics

  • Study Abroad Highlights from Shanghai

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    Study Abroad Highlights from Shanghai

    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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    How Māori Language Showed Me the Best of New Zealand

    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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    Five Ways to Make the Best of Study Abroad at Oxford University

    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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    How to Navigate Study Abroad When You’re Completely Lost in Class

    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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    Adjusting to Daily Life as A Study Abroad Student in London

    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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    Q&A: Life at the University of Otago

    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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    From Molecules to Metropolis: A Pre-Med Journey in London’s Unique Ecosystem

    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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    Exploring Italy on IFSA Excursions

    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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  • Brushstrokes Across Borders

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    Brushstrokes Across Borders

    Tristen Tate provides highlights of her first time traveling abroad and studying at SOAS, University of London with IFSA. She discusses how her arts classes, gallery visits, other European travels, as well as street art, helped to make her experience reflective and memorable. https://youtu.be/dRyqWQZ9sko Tristen T. | Claremont McKenna College | SOAS, University of London…

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  • A Journey Through Prague and Beyond

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    A Journey Through Prague and Beyond

    Embarking on an unforgettable semester abroad, Prague became not just a destination but a canvas painted with diverse experiences. Exploring the city’s unique charm and venturing beyond its borders unraveled moments that transcended mere education, enriching us with cultural treasures and lifelong friendships. What’s the best thing about Prague?Yiran: Strangely, my favorite aspect of Prague…

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