Hi everyone, it’s Rachael with my last check-in from Queen’s University Belfast, where I’ve been studying abroad this semester. I can’t believe the semester has already come to an end and that I fly back to Philly this week! It’s been a jam-packed semester, and I think it’ll take a while for me to fully…
Author: Rachael Betz
Hi, I'm Rachael! I'm from Tamaqua, PA, and I'm majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish at Pitt. I'm also a member of the Frederick Honors College. I graduate in spring 2026, and I'm looking forward to pursuing a position in meteorology after graduation.
University Systems: Reflections from Belfast
Hello again, it’s Rachael with another check-in from my semester abroad at Queen’s University Belfast. With November about halfway over, we’re really entering crunch time for assignments. This prompts me to reflect on some of the differences I’ve noticed between the school system here and the one back home. While I mostly take science classes…
An October in Europe
Hi everyone, I’m Rachael, and I’m checking in again from my study abroad experience at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). I’m taking a minute to reflect on October and all I’ve experienced this month. School-wise, I definitely feel like I’ve found my rhythm. Getting used to a new place will always take a little while, but…
Beginning in Belfast
Hi everyone, I’m Rachael. At Pitt, I’m a senior majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Spanish. This semester, I’m studying abroad at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, where I’m completing several of my general education requirements. It’s hard to believe that I’ve already been here for two weeks, but it’s true. The…
So long, Spain!
It’s hard to believe that my time studying abroad in Spain has already come to an end, but I’m so grateful that I got to experience it! I participated in a month-long program where I studied at the University of Alcalá in a town near Madrid, Spain. One of my favorite aspects about my program…
Adapting to Spain
Hello again!! I’m Rachael, and I’m two weeks into my study abroad program, Pitt in Spain. These past weeks have been full of new experiences, classes, and fun activities. I’ve really been enjoying my time here, and it’s hard to believe it’s already halfway over. Navigating any kind of new environment can be challenging, but…
Salutations from Spain
¡Hola! I’m Rachael, a Pitt Honors student participating in the June session of the Pitt in Spain Program. I’m a rising sophomore at Pitt, and I’m majoring in Environmental Science, with minors in English Literature and Spanish. Throughout my study abroad experience, I will get to take classes at a university near Madrid. The classes…