I’ve landed back in Pittsburgh, I’ve had a few days to reflect on Costa Rica, and I think my biggest takeaway is that I need a little bit more “pura vida” energy in my life. As I said in my first post, “pura vida” translates to pure life, and, among other things, can be used…
Coming to a Close: Lessons I’ve Learned
During my time studying abroad, I have had to acclimate myself to a new culture, navigate social interactions in a different language, acquaint myself with a different education system, and adapt to lifestyle changes. However, all of this taught me to be flexible and adaptable, to embrace change, and to approach the unfamiliar with an…
Abroad in Florence
Even though I am exhausted, I am loving how busy I am here. My roommate and I wake up early and head off to class. My program’s classes are “Language and Literature for the Young Child” and “Teaching English Language Learners.” After class we work on assignments and then we go explore! A nice place…
Hello Florence!
When finally arriving in Florence, after a long day of sleepless travel, I was feeling a little bit anxious. However, everyone in my program is so friendly and helpful with this new big transition! These first few days have been a bit rainy, but still amazing! Because we’re in Florence! Also, one of our first…
Postcard from Porto
Hi!! I have just returned to Lisbon after spending the loveliest weekend in Porto. Although the study abroad program has taken us outside of Lisbon to Setúbal, Arrábida, and Ribatejo, this was my first full weekend outside of Lisbon and my first trip solely organized by fellow students. My internship supervisors at the Portuguese Council…
Grüezi! A bit more of Switzerland!
Hello!! I’ve officially been in Switzerland for a month now! At first, I thought that most of my time in here would be spent traveling every weekend, maximizing my time as much as possible, and exploring Europe! Yet I fell in love with the majestic mountains, the turquoise lakes, and the gorgeous views. One thing…
Reflections from Belfast
It has now been about a month since my return from Belfast, and I’ve found myself reflecting on what was such a meaningful global experience. The Social Roots of Medical Innovation program was a unique opportunity both academically and culturally. Before this program, I knew very little about the social contexts that shaped trauma care…
Two Weeks Till Colorado and Wyoming!
Now that my 6-week summer Calculus class has ended, it’s finally starting to set in that I’ll soon be back to work, just in a different state this time! At the break of dawn on July 11th, I’ll be on a plane, heading out for my “People and Other Animals – Writing Wyoming” program. I’m…
Summer in London So Far!
Hello! This is Melina Mazzella, and I am officially 3+ weeks into my summer internship experience in London! So far, I have felt welcomed, challenged, and amazed by all of the new experiences I have had. Reflecting on the past 3 weeks, I am proud of myself and my friends for our efforts to explore…
Ducks in a Row
My first two weeks of being here have been a lot of getting my ducks in a row, trying to get myself more organized and situated with my internship, my accommodations and my social life . Mostly, I’ve been trying to find my way-literally and figuratively. The first few days left me wanting a massage…