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Seeing Through A Different Lens: The Benefits of Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ Student
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As I prepared for my 4-month IFSA study abroad program in Buenos Aires over the summer of 2019, I had a lot of questions about what my semester in Argentina would be like. In addition to the usual concerns about academics, the language barrier and adjusting to social life in a different country, I had…
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How to Convey that Sorority Life Isn’t Always Like the Movies While Abroad
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My Big Fat Greek Study Abroad Experience I decided to study abroad in the fall of my junior year — leaving my comfortable home at Rhodes College was difficult yet exciting. I have a great support system at Rhodes, which includes my lacrosse team, friends and sorority sisters. I was hopeful to make new friends…
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In-and-out: A Nigerian-American’s Exploratory Ethnic Immersion in London
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When I departed for my semester abroad at King’s College London (KCL), I had a feeling that I would be diving into an ethnic experience that would be difficult to articulate. On one hand, I would be travelling to the UK through an American study abroad program, but I knew through research and conversations with…
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How to Practice Self Care Abroad
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Learning how to practice self care abroad has been essential for me, as I have severe anxiety and depression and deciding to move abroad scared me more than anything in my life ever has. I was terrified of what was going to happen without immediate availability to my support system (Wow! What a lighthearted way…
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Retaining My Kazakh Identity While Studying Abroad
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Probably one of my biggest fears when going abroad to study in the US 3 years ago and again upon my arrival in UK was that I would not be able to stay true to my culture and values held by my people. Kazakhstan, being a country of only 17 million people, does not have…
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Celiac Disease Abroad
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One of the best parts of traveling anywhere is tasting new flavors of local food and drink. Our human need to eat and gather around meals manifests in diverse, beautiful and interesting ways all over the globe. Yet while the connections gained around cooking and sharing meals are vital aspects of a cultural experience, they…
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Does Toxic Masculinity Exist in London?
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Recently, I spoke with several male friends studying in London, either full-time or with IFSA, to discuss if toxic masculinity exists in London, and how it differs from where they’re from. I was surprised to find so much overlap in their responses! Alex, who attends Pomona College in California but is studying at University College London with IFSA…
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Finding the Comforts of Home While Abroad
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There is nothing like the unique experiences you can have in a new culture. However, on occasion, there’s nothing like finding the comforts of home while abroad. As an American (Marylander), studying in Prague, I can share with you a few of the ways I find pieces of home in the city. Beating the Heat…
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5 Things Students with Special Needs Must Know Before Studying Abroad with IFSA
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The prospect of studying abroad might be quite daunting especially if you are not sure that you will get support and help that you need. I am here to tell you that with a good amount of research and timely communication with IFSA staff, you should be able to avoid possible problems and get the…
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IFSA Interview Series: Teacher Education in Northern Ireland
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“I went to a school every single day, all day, for five weeks. I built great connections with the students and with the staff. I loved experiencing the school system and seeing the similarities and the differences between the Northern Ireland education system and the American education system. The experience has allowed me to critique…