Pitt Global Experiences Students' Blog

  • computer_Dublin

    Although there are many study abroad guides and checklists out there, there are some bits of advice I’d like to share with those who are planning to study abroad in Sydney, Australia based off of my own experience studying abroad there this past semester.

    Bring a Book

    You may think you’re really never going to read that book that you’ve been carrying around each time you travel for the past three years, but you might be surprised that you actually reach for it out of your carry on this time around. The trip to Sydney is just so long. From waiting at... Read More

  • computer_Dublin

    I studied abroad in Cergy, France at the Global E3 University ENSEA. While I did not find the academic program itself appealing, I enjoyed the hustle-and-bustle Parisian lifestyle that accommodates nearly 2.2 million people in the capital city. The high-speed trains and modern department stores that lined the cobble-stoned streets of Paris really amazed me. I loved having access to one of the oldest cities in the world that preserves its rich history, architecture, and cultural image while continually innovating, adopting technology, and keeping up with the latest global trends... Read More

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    Food is definitely the window to the soul, especially in Paris, one of the largest cities in the world. I met a lot of new friends at ENSEA through a shared love for trying food and eating. Every time we made a trip to Paris, we either went to shop or eat out and usually the latter a few times per trip. 
     
    The first time I visited Paris, we went with our entire French American Exchange (FAME) group and a few other French students from our school ENSEA. They guided us through the winding streets, kept us together in a condensed group to protect us from tourist scams, and... Read More

  • computer_Dublin

     
    When arriving in Seoul I was nervous because I had never been out of the country before and I was travelling to the city that my mother was born. I wanted to make a good first impression on people I met because I'm representing not only my mother, but myself as an Asian American student. I had also been studying Korean at Pitt so I was nervous about speaking to people with the basic Korean I knew. My worries quickly went away when I had nothing but friendly and helpful interactions with store employees, restaurant owners, tour guides, etc. Many people in Seoul understand that... Read More

  • computer_Dublin
    Every time you tell someone you plan on studying abroad in the Middle East, they’re going to ask you the same question-- “But is it safe?” Let’s be honest, the only things Americans really know about the Middle East comes from the news. For most people, the region sparks images of deserts and camels, but mostly terrorists and violence. While you can find all of those things here, they don’t define the region.
     
    I’ll admit, there is heightened violence in the region and it is noticeable as you travel and live there, but it’s not anything that will threaten your... Read More
  • computer_Dublin
     
    I would like to preface this story by saying that I am not a public transportation snob (i.e. I don’t avoid cost-effective transportation for the sake of luxury) and I rather enjoy the thrill of hopping on and off trains, subways, buses, etc.
     
    However, because of my experience of public transportation in Santiago, Chile, I can now appreciate even New York City’s public transit system, as they at least respect the idea of “rush hour” – designated hours where there’s barely enough air to breathe on public transportation. Regardless of the time of... Read More
  • computer_Dublin
     
    A fulfilling study abroad program is made up of lots of different components – and some of the most important go beyond the classroom. For example, a big part of my study abroad experience was the service-learning project I participated in for five weeks in Dublin, Ireland, through the Global Diversity Program. Based on my experience and academic background, I was placed into a volunteer-run organization called Fighting Words. Fighting Words is a center for children, young adults, and adults with special needs to receive mentoring, help with skills development, and... Read More
  • computer_Dublin
     
    Since many students go abroad for language immersion, I wanted to share my rather unique experience and some of the lessons I learned along the way. When I studied abroad, I was able to practice two languages in addition to the German I went to Berlin to study. How, you may ask? Well, the full story requires a bit more explanation...
     
    At the beginning of my freshman year, my parents were assigned to a two-year job post in Central Asia. Since I wanted to be a part of their overseas experience while still staying on my academic track, I decided... Read More
  • On my program last semester, I had the opportunity to live and study in three different countries. We started out in Greece, then went on to the Czech Republic, and ended in Ireland. When I speak about my time abroad, I am often asked which country was my favorite. Although every country had its own unique experiences to offer, my answer has consistently been Greece. I fell in love with the beauty of Paros, and was further enamored by the people I met in Athens.

    We spent the first two weeks of the program on the Greek island of Paros. It was a beautiful and homey place... Read More
  • computer_Dublin
    When people talk about their study abroad experience, they often describe it as the absolute best time ever - but it’s important to remember that studying abroad is not all glamorous. Travelling is often awkward and hard, but it’s empowering to embrace these moments and realize that they make your experience all the more real. I distinctly remember one moment from the night before my flight to Spain, squatting next to my overweight suitcase and staring at its one broken wheel. “This will be fine,” I thought to myself.
     
    It was not fine. It turns out, luggage... Read More