Johanna Jarvis, ’27, is a Graphic Design major studying at the Tamagawa University this Spring 2024. As a first-year, already having moved out of the house into a dorm was a big enough move. So, if you were to tell me that I’d be halfway across the globe 6 months later, I would have to laugh! Three of my classmates and I were all accepted as the first students to join the Graphic Design exchange program with Tamagawa University (in person). As trailblazers, we’ve definitely had our fair share of trials and tribulations during our preparation process. But after all that, a 14-hour plane ride, a ..read more

Greetings, Dragons! As the spring term unfolds at Drexel University, I’m thrilled to share my second-week experiences with you. This week has been nothing short of exhilarating, marked by new discoveries, fascinating encounters, and unforgettable moments. Let’s start with the weather – a significant improvement from last week, wouldn’t you agree? The sun’s warmth beckoned me out of my room, prompting my exploration of the Drexel athletic amenities at the Recreation Center. With friends in tow, I ventured into group activities, such as Core and Cardio Strength sessions. Trust me when I say, it ..read more

“Culture shock,” the one word we hear every time when we travel abroad. However, I have totally underestimated how big the impact is, especially when it is my first week in Barcelona. 1. Catalan is everywhere! Barcelona is Located in a Catalonia region, meaning that Catalan is one of its official languages. I initially thought Barcelona was just another part of Spain, I could not be more wrong! Signs, street names, and almost everything is in Catalan. Spanish almost felt like a second language. For example, “salida” means exit in Spanish, while “sortida” means exit in Catalan. You will almost ..read more

Hello there! If you’re reading my blog, chances are you’re either a Drexel student or soon to be one. Greetings! I’m Ela, and I’m thrilled to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge about college, education, and university life. I could say that the past 2 weeks have been the most intense weeks in my entire life! Just this Monday, I arrived in Philadelphia with two big suitcases and a bunch of memories from NYC, where I spent 10 days with my sister on a goodbye trip! As my first time in the US, NYC has captured my whole heart and has set a high bar, but there’s plenty of room for Philade ..read more

America. The land of the free and home of the brave. My study abroad decision marked the start of many new beginnings, both in and out of Philly. I am privileged to have friends in America whom I met through my previous summer schools, and I will be reconnecting with them. One of my friends even recommended that I watch IASIP, the longest running American sitcom. I came to love the sitcom and learned a lot about Philadelphia. Thanks to my friends, I learned so much about America leading up to Spring and it is an honor to spend my last semester in Drexel University. I will be sharing everythin ..read more

For anyone who has played Poptropica, or any game ever, there is always an aspect of “unlocking something new.” Embarking on a mission across the world, 14 hours ahead of the Eastern Standard Time, is the closest you can get to unlocking that map in real life. To unlock anything in games, you tend to need to find the key, or obtain a series of tools and gadgets before gaining enough EXP to explore those new parts of the world… In this case, that Key was an acceptance to Seoul National University and also a D-2 Visa. Studying abroad is a journey no different from this. Traveling to a country wi ..read more

1.Tian Tan Buddha aka Big Buddha When visiting Hong Kong, I think one of the must visit places would be Big Buddha. Surrounded by small villages and hiking trails, the Big Buddha is much more than a tourist attraction. Inside the Buddha, there is memorials for people that have previously passed, a sacred place for locals and visitors alike. There are paintings that hang on the walls as well as scriptures that people are able to observe to learn more about the history of some of Hong Kong and the village alike. In the surrounding village there is another temple where people can place their offe ..read more

A significant cultural difference between Drexel University and the University of Hong Kong is that they have a week off in the middle of the semester called ‘Reading Week’. For locals, as well as some exchange students, this reading week is considered a week where they study for upcoming midterm exams in the following week. I had my midterm exams before reading week, so it was a chance for me to go on a small adventure! My friend and I decided to take this chance to take a 5-day trip to Taiwan. This week’s blog will be some highlights of how my said trip went including visiting old friends an ..read more

I was excited and nervous at the same time when I started my study abroad program at the University of Aberdeen. As exciting as the academic options were, there was also a certain fear associated with starting a new social life in a strange place, however, Aberdeen’s kind locals and active student population quickly alleviated my worries and made my time there one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. University of Aberdeen The Heart of Student Life  The University of Aberdeen is an exciting hub of social activity with plenty of chances to meet individuals from around the world in ..read more

Bienvenidos my lovely blog readers! We’ve reached the end of my little blogging journey, and I have to say, I had the best time documenting and sharing my study abroad experiences. For my final blog, I’d like to revisit all my Costa Rica adventures and excursions. I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent here and so satisfied with the places I’ve visited and the people I’ve met. I hope this blog helps you with your Costa Rica itinerary and shows you places you might not have considered. So let’s dive right in! Volcán Irazú & El Sanatorio DuránThis was our first trip with our program and my ..read more