Submitted by Nathaniel Burlew on the 2025 Winter program in Volterra, Italy…
A painting from inside Volterra’s Cathedral
Last week we arrived in the Tuscany region of Italy. We are staying in the old town of Volterra, which is located in the Pisa province. The town itself is a walled in city, situated on the top of a mountain. First impressions of this place is the architecture is second to none that I have ever seen. Every brick, every crevice of every building, the attention to detail is absolutely astonishing. So far it is has been so cool and so much fun to experience a culture that is so different than the one we are used to back home. I am looking forward to the rest of this trip and all of the things we have planned!! (Submitted on January 16, 2025)
Submitted by Eden Goldstein on the 2025 Winter program in Florence, Italy…
“You are about to embark upon a life-changing experience. Walk it well, knowing that your life will be enriched through the study of foreign nations and that there are more similarities among the people of the Earth than there are differences. Have fun, be careful, and come home safe.” My grandma had said this to me before I arrived in Florence, Italy, for the University of Delaware’s Winter study abroad program.
My entire life I have dreamed of traveling to witness the beauty of immersing myself in a culture that was unfamiliar to me, and of being able to absorb firsthand the differences that set us apart from one another. Using only my imagination of what it could be like from the stories I have been told growing up by my parents and grandparents of the magnificent world that exists beyond what is familiar to me, I craved an experience that would teach me to thrive within my own uncomfortability. Never did I think my expectations would exceed my imagination the way that it has, in such a short amount of time. Our differences are what makes us unique, and our individuality is what makes us as people so incredibly special both collectively and on our own. Appreciating the characteristics that we each carry is often taken for granted. In just one week in this unforgettable program, this concept of noticing the traits that set us apart from one another, I have found to be in contrast with an overwhelming amount of similarities, as my grandma had said and of course, she is always right.
I have always gravitated towards engaging in my own creativity, and with no surprise ever since I was young, I became connected to not only the art that I can construct but learning about the art that makes up our world history. Guided by my interest and curiosity I have studied the intricacy of the iconic European artists, architecture, compositions, statues, and all of the culturally impacting phenomena that have existed in this region for as long as I can remember. This program has allowed me to come face to face with some of the most important works of art in the world, and what a beautiful thing that is! Within the past week, my class and I have been on guided tours of the Galleria dell’Accademia, Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, and both Siena and San Gimignano, Italy. The historical significance of these castles, galleries, cities, and monuments is beyond mesmerizing. The precision and commitment to detail are not just inspiring and beautiful, but impactful and influential.
Along with the many tours and time I have spent here appreciating the art that fills this wonderful country, I have noticed something even more important in the mists. While I had been focusing on the art on the walls, I took a moment to watch everyone around me, as they watched the art on the walls. Each of us standing in the same place, at the same moment in time, all coming together to admire the same thing. None of the differences between us mattered at all, because it was our similarities that brought us all here. The universal language of art is something that connects every one of us, regardless of our age, gender, culture, religion, social class, or anything else that stands in the way of our individual or societal biases. I will forever be grateful for this program for allowing me to be reminded of how necessary it is to come together, set aside our differences, and be present in the moment, whatever that moment may be. (Submitted on January 14, 2025)
My apartment street in the Santa Croce historical district
Submitted by Molly McGuigan on the 2025 Winter program in Italy…
So far throughout my study abroad trip, we have traveled to three different cities in Italy: Siena, Florence, and Pisa. There has been great sight seeing, shopping, and eating. Going into this trip, I didn’t know anyone, but I now have 30 new friends. We all eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, and have planned a trip together during our personal travel time. This has been a great experience so far and I am so happy I decided to study abroad! (Submitted on January 14, 2025)
Submitted by Gabriel Fennemore on the 2025 Winter program in Schoelcher, Martinique…
I selected some of the most beautiful pictures I’ve captured so far in Martinique, l’île des fleurs (“the island of flowers,” as it is nicknamed.) But paradise is not just a good climate.
Expecting a bus that had forgotten its schedule, I spoke a long time with the old woman that waited beside me. When she asked what I thought of her country and I called it beautiful, her reaction surprised me: “C’est mon pays, faut parler franchement. Pour moi, ce n’est pas l’île des fleurs. Ça c’est pour les touristes. Mais c’est l’île des poubelles.” (“It’s my country and I must speak honestly. For me, it’s no isle of flowers. That’s what tourists call it. It’s an island of garbage.”)
She referred to all the litter in the roads, the noisy cars, the poverty of the neighborhoods on the other side of the hill. Everything being imported, the cost of life becomes unmanageable. The French government ignores its responsibility toward its territories, maintaining them as vacation spots. “Mais la nourriture n’est pas mal, hein ? Vous aimez le boudin ?” (“But the food’s not too bad, hey? You like boudin?”)
I still find the island beautiful. But the stories of photographs and the stories of people living here are very different. I am reminded I am only a visitor. (Submitted on January 13, 2025)
Submitted by Abigail Bienkowski on the 2025 Winter program in Paris, France…
Within my first week or so here in France, I have seen many museums, architecture, and historic places that I have not been exposed to in America. The city is rich with love, history, and stories, and getting to experience them has been an honor. Every corner you turn is as beautiful as the last, and the city has a surreal feeling to it. To top off the beautiful sights, the culture is nothing short of wonderful. The city of Paris is just as beautiful and welcoming as the people within it. This city has opened my eyes and this experience is truly a blessing. (Submitted on January 13, 2025)
The details within every building in France are mind blowing. The city is packed with buildings rich with skill and history in its making.
Submitted by Saniyah Norwood on the 2025 Winter program in Paris, France…
My first few days in Paris felt like a dream. My group and I explored all of Paris on a bus that gave us a tour of the entire city. None of it felt real! I am so excited for what is to come in the next couple of weeks! (Submitted on January 8, 2025)
Here I am walking through a Parisian neighborhood for the first time! The architecture in Paris is truly breathtaking!
Submitted by Olivia Merced on the 2024 Spring program in Barcelona, Spain…
While living in Barcelona for about 2 months now, there are a few culture shocks I have experienced. Firstly, meals in Spain are a lot different than in the USA. Here, Spaniards eat a small breakfast, a big lunch, and a small dinner. Dinner here is served earliest at 8 pm which was an adjustment. As lunch is the biggest meal of the day, during lunchtime lots of places are closed. This is called a siesta. This is a time for people to rest and eat before entering the long night ahead. Another culture shock was the metro system. I do not use the public transportation system where I’m from, Delaware. The only public transportation I had previously used was the NYC subway which is difficult to figure out. I was very nervous about using the metro in Spain before coming. However, the metro system is extremely easy to use, as it’s color-coded for each line. Even young children use the metro by themselves. It only took a few rides until I figured out the system and felt comfortable traveling alone. Lastly, the biggest adjustment was grocery shopping. In Spain, people do not shop for 2 weeks of food like we do in the USA. Spaniards like to shop at specific stores or markets for their food. Like, Carnisseria for meat, Fruit, and Vegetable stands, and Bakeries for bread and other baked goods. This was a pleasant experience and adjustment as I’m now eating better quality food and my groceries aren’t being as wasted as they were in the US. Overall, there are many cultural differences between the USA and Spain. Nevertheless, these culture shocks have not impacted my experience negatively, only making it more of an adventure. (Submitted on November 5, 2024)
Submitted by Isabel LeCompte the 2024 Spring program in Prague, Czech Republic…
Almost two weeks ago I landed in the Czech Republic and the reality of my surroundings are slowly starting to settle in. I’m sitting in my small kitchen table to write this however I keep getting distracted and looking out the window. Not surprisingly though, my neighbors across the street are doing the same. Peering out the window and people watching seems to be a common past time here. Every night I come home, and just sit by the window to catch a small breeze and to see how many people grant this street a small glimpse into their nightly routine. If I were home, I would think it odd to peek into someone else’s window and see what they’re doing or even keep the blinds more than a little open. This doesn’t seem to bother many people here. Everyone here is unbothered by others’ attention, and are content with going about the day as they please. There is one thing I’ve picked up about the Czech people that I think show for a true resilience in their culture. Most people speak English which isn’t a shock however unlike other countries I’ve been to, it’s only when prompted. It’s encouraged to learn the basics of the language in which you currently spend time in, but after that most people fall back on English to get the conversation going. Every time I greet Czech people with “Dobrý den” (hello), they almost insist the conversation keeps going in Czech and wait until I ask them to speak English. Even when I’m visually struggling to understand their native language. This isn’t a criticism, but an understanding of the nation’s history. This territory has belonged to many foreign governments, and forced to forget their own cultural identity. The Czech Republic have only been their own democracy for 31 years, so I understand why there is a polite insistence to speak their own language for as long as they can when visitors start a conversation. It’s small but impossible to go unseen. This fun fact has absolutely nothing to do with me or what study abroad students experience, but I hope there is a small persistence to keep going without any fear of being the outsider. Or fear of putting myself in temporarily uncomfortable positions, because I know in the end it will benefit me greatly to come home with great memories. I haven’t been here all that long but I’m starting to miss my family and only within the last two days has it sunk in that I’m not able to go home until December. Of course, there are other students on the same boat and we all share comfort in going through the same excitement and homesickness. Yet even that camaraderie can only carry you so far. There are many mixed emotions and times of loneliness. However, every evening when I come home, I enjoy my few minutes to look out the window and think. Without a doubt, I’m lucky to have this opportunity and learn about my host country and the people that make it a great place to live in. (Submitted on September 9, 2024)
Submitted by Jasmine Pennington the 2024 Spring program in Athens, Greece…
My whole study abroad journey was the best 4 months of my life. I was in the study abroad program in Athens and while studying; I was able to travel through Europe. When I was young I told my mom I’d be the daughter who would get on a flight and text her later when I arrived. I dreamed and hoped for an opportunity to travel and when the study abroad program for Greece was shown to me; I knew it was now or never. I want to see the whole world and have even planned on Spring break 2025 to head to Lisbon and Barcelona. My top Destinations I visited were London, Milan, Rome, Venice, Chania, Heraklion, Santorini, Aegina, and exploring the city of Athens. I simply cannot thank the University of Delaware for this opportunity. I have so many pictures of my adventure and want to be able to share the incredible essence of nature’s beauty across Europe. These photos are from my Film camera which I developed recently and wanted to share them with others who share the same dream of studying abroad. I think Athens was the best city for me to truly learn more about myself. It showed me that a simple walk to clear my head made me more productive later in the day. Towards the end of my semester in Athens, I chose to take the last two weeks to truly explore the islands in Greece and one solo adventure; I walked the entire coast of Aegina and it was an 8-hour trek there and back with limited water. I could’ve easily ubered from one side to the other but chose to walk and enjoy nature and see amazing views i couldn’t have imagined in Delaware. I can attach some photos from this walk and it will show why I stopped so much. I’d say in that aspect Greece is truly breathtaking in comparison to the city of Newark. Then I had to run to the ferry because I am a poor planner of time and kept taking stops to just sit on the benches along the way to truly take in how blessed I was to be the first in my family with a passport and first ever in three generations to travel across Europe.
Then fast forward to the friends I made who were also from the USA, we planned to take a trip to the cities listed above. My favorite city overall would be Chania. The whole Island of Crete which apparently is pronounced Creet-ee and not like saying CreTe. We explored Heraklion and went to the Palace of Knossos, and then went on a 2-hour bus ride to the city of Chania. While we were there we went to a couple of beaches but one truly brought me to tears. I knew I wanted to go as soon as I researched Greece as a whole. It wasn’t even possible for me to go there because the bus routes weren’t fully running when we were there in April. So, my friends all surprised me and said that they booked a Taxi online and booked one back to the airport because this beach had no service and once there you need to have a plan to get back. The beach was called Seitan Limania and it was a trek to get to the bottom and getting back up was a whole other story. My friend took a couple of pics of me climbing it and we took rests because there were no safety ropes, a literal string was the guide to take the trail down the mountain correctly. I wouldn’t change a thing about the ways I traveled in Chania, the food I ate and the people I met. I was there for 5 days and during that time I got to eat fresh seafood and watch the sunsets on the beaches that were truly different from sunsets in Delaware. Every experience in Greece had me in awe of how Cretians wake up everyday and can go swimming in crystal clear waters. I live in Delaware where the closest beach is 2 hours away. I’d say my traveling experience while going to these cities showed me how to be more independent and gain more knowledge on how to properly pack a bag in 30 minutes when your group wants to go to Santorini when you have a final 2 hours before the flight. I really love the people I met, the Greek students I studied with and the local grocery store worker who weighed my kiwis and a single apple I got because I ate it on the way back home. I truly had a routine being in Greece and leaving there was bittersweet but that doesn’t mean I don’t love Delaware just as much. I truly love being here on campus and able to pursue another dream of mine which is graduating and being able to check another thing off my bucket list. I was so in love with the nature there and how their trees, grass, and animals look different. I did miss the campus squirrels because I saw zero while in Greece. My film camera weighed 10 lbs but in my heart, it weighs a ton with all the memories and nature that was captured. It is simply more precious to my heart when I use my film camera to capture a feeling and a specific point in time where my eyes light up to be able to see it in real life. It’s a reminder that studying abroad actually happened and that those places I visited will be a part of me. (Submitted on September 15,2024)
Submitted by Maxwell Poruban the 2024 Spring program in Granada, Spain…
This week is the final week of classes before finals of the Granada Spring 2024 study abroad program and it’s time to reflect on the academic side of my experience. This semester has been different for a number of reasons, but it has also been extremely successful. The entire program in Granada is immersive: the county and city, the program and homestay, and of course the coursework. At the University of Granada’s Center for Modern Languages, I’ve taken six courses covering the history, literature, sociology, and a philosophic seminar that covered all things Spain. It was hard. That’s the simple reflection. That is not to say that it wasn’t an enjoyable, enriching, and exceptional semester. I would repeat it without question and recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their Spanish and learn along the way.
My favorite, and most challenging, class was the Granada Institute of International Studies seminar taught under the auspices of SPAN308: Contemporary Spain II. In this class we of course covered all aspects of contemporary Spain, but we delved into the topic in an interactive and hands-on manner. Through writing, multimedia projects, excursions, lectures, readings, and presentations from all manner of local intellectuals we worked through what Spain means today. In addition to my formal education, I also received a huge amount of language help and practice with my host family and simply living in the city of Granada. All of this has contributed to a truly excellent semester. (Submitted on May 23,2024)
