So you’re flying on a low-cost carrier, huh? Congratulations on scoring cheap tickets! You’re probably elated about that $25 roundtrip ticket to someplace incredible. To be honest, I’m happy for you. I love the prices of cheap flights. However, the experience itself of actually being on these flights can be a little… let’s say taxing. … Continue reading 5 Ways to Survive Low-Cost Flights
[Read More→]It’s about that time of year when students begin packing for study abroad! Packing is ridiculously hard – you suddenly feel like everything in your life is incredibly valuable. And how can you possibly choose what to leave behind?! I’ve gotten to the point of packing only in a carry-on for trips lasting less than … Continue reading Packing for Study Abroad: A Review
[Read More→]Dear fellow travelers, As I find myself blissfully on the road again, excited for this journey, I can’t help but think of you. My travel compatriots. Fellow hikers. Serendipitous sidekicks in adventure. Language novices and pros alike. Those who believe in the healing power of cross-cultural dialogue and sharing. Think back to that time when … Continue reading Love Letter to My Fellow Travelers
[Read More→]There are so many reasons to study abroad. I mean, how many times can you realistically live outside of your home country with few to no ramifications? After you finish your time at college/university, the answer is “not many.” To be fair, the easier question to answer is “why shouldn’t I study abroad?” There are … Continue reading #StudyAbroadBecause Future You will Love You
[Read More→]You’re on your way to study abroad! Your departure is in a few days, you have packed and repacked your carry-on, and you are ready to go! … or are you? There are so many things that you had to get together. You went to a million appointments. You collected a gajillion papers. And let’s … Continue reading Study Abroad Guide: Departure Phase
[Read More→]There are plenty of things you already know about study abroad.
I mean… c’mon. You’ve been thinking about this for a while, right?
You know the types of programs available, why it’s important to start early, and that you shouldn’t lose your passport. And, you also probably have an idea about where you would like to study.
However… how much do you really know about studying abroad in general?
Here are 25 things to know about study abroad.
[Read More→]Let’s talk about having a savings account.
Money is a topic that makes people have emotions across the entire spectrum. For me, I love talking about money, saving money, and tracking spending.
…But I also love to spend money on traveling.
I blame my dad for both of those.
Growing up, talking about money was completely normal in my house. My dad helped me open my first credit union account when I was 7, and I would proudly deposit money every Friday (my smallest deposit was 11 cents. It was a big day).
I distinctly remember a conversation we had when I was five years old – my dad said that he wanted to take us on a family vacation to Europe and wanted to start saving… For the next three years.
We all worked to prepare for the trip (I contributed $15 for my well-thought-out souvenirs, obvs), and I saw how hard my dad saved for the trip.
It was the trip that changed my life.
[Read More→]Full disclosure – I am a dual language major. *collective gasp* (To be fair, the languages were French and English #liberalartsforlife.) I strongly believe in the importance of learning another language. However, it is difficult to become proficient in another language without being immersed in the language and its cultural context. Coincidentally, the U.S. government … Continue reading Language Immersion Programs: What to Know
[Read More→]Whether you are abroad for a few days or a while, the first few days can be chaotic. No matter how long you travel, make sure you avoid these mistakes for a more seamless transition to your new home!
[Read More→]I’ll take a break from my usual “study abroad and international travel are great and here’s how to make the most out of an amazing situation!” to focus on something that everyone encounters during life – grief.
Loss causes grief. Any loss – a loss of innocence, a loss of life, a loss of a pet, a loss of a relationship, a loss of material goods, a loss of self-worth or direction – is devastating in its own way.
Doubts arise. Misery ensues.
There is an abundance of unanswerable questions.
Acceptance is a joke (and not a funny one at that).
However, I do like the idea of putting the “fun” in “funeral.” It helps me get through some of the tougher times when I can’t see beyond my current feelings.
Also, actively working to spin grief into a celebration of the wonderful person or thing or idea that was lost helps me.
I believe that there is nothing more celebratory than vibrant colors, sounds, and laughter at a memorial service.
The past few months have made me think long and hard about grief, and this is my brain dump about all of the reflections I have had.
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