Guest Blog Post: Eating My Way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and Stopping at Every Street Corner


On any given street corner from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, at any hour of the day or night, diners perch on miniature plastic stools, hunched over steaming bowls of noodle soup. But Vietnamese phis more than a steaming bowl of noodle soup; it is a national obsession that flirts with full-on addiction. But you can hardly blame the Vietnamese, because—and pardon my language—it’s so f***ing good. Continue reading

Sickness Abroad: Helping Yourself Heal

One of the worst experiences abroad can come from a seemingly innocent problem: getting sick. Even a mild cold can trigger homesickness as you struggle to cope with illness alone in a strange place. Here are a few tips to help you make it through, whether you have a twisted ankle or the flu. Continue reading

Guest Blog Spotlight: My Semester in Sevilla, Spain

by Carly Okyle

I thought that it would be like a scene out of The Sun Also Rises. I imagined that I would travel around Europe having outlandish, exciting adventures with The Old World as my playground, and I assumed that I would return as a sophisticated, cultured woman who’d cultivated a taste for imported wine and foreign men. Of course, I was almost a century too late to take part in Hemmingway’s world of alcoholic ex-pats. I never would have fit in anyway, since I preferred Shirley Temples and the occasional glass of Manischewitz to cups of Cognac or tumblers of scotch.  Continue reading

New York Times on Study Abroad in the Middle East

A recent article in the New York Times profiles the dramatic increase in American undergrads studying in the Middle East. Written by Jennifer Conlin, this article insightfully traces the rise in popularity of places like Cairo, Damascus, and Beirut. Especially in a post 9/11 world is this article an important look at relations between the United States and the Middle East, showing how study abroad can fuel a mutual desire for dialogue and understanding. To read more, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/fashion/08Abroad.html?pagewanted=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Travel Companions

While abroad, many students take the opportunity to travel as much as possible- country-hopping in Europe, exploring the countryside, or just going on an adventure in their host city. Regardless of where you’re going or how you’re getting there (train, donkey, motorbike), your travel companions are going to have a huge impact on your experience. With the right friends by your side, even the most miserable of trips can be hilarious and enjoyable. Remember: your closest friends may not always be the best of travel companions. You may adore your BFF from school but if she hates getting dirty and you want to go hiking, it’s probably wise to find a new partner for the camping trip you’re planning. Continue reading