Category: All

Submitted by Kara Kimos on the 2024 Spring semester program in Aix-en-Provence, France…

Bonjour from France! My name is Kara, and I’m a junior at UD studying Human Resources with a minor in French. This is my first week in Aix-en-Provence, a town in southern France that’s close to Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. In choosing this study abroad program, I was looking forward to the ability to immerse myself in French culture, so I wanted to describe some of the differences I’ve been noticing! 

I speak a decent amount of French, but this week, I have been working through being nervous to speak French to store/restaurant employees. It’s clear to them that I am not French, but I have had positive experiences so far when speaking, even though I am definitely making mistakes. Noticing my accent or apprehension, I’ve been asked a few times in French: “Do you speak French?”, to which I reply in French, “Yes, I’d like to try if you’re okay with that.” Even as my new friends and I continue to go to more and more restaurants, I’ve felt myself slowly getting more comfortable over the past few days! 

One major difference my peers and I have noticed is that we are constantly being stared at. One of my classmates pointed out that a woman was staring at her, and rather than breaking eye contact and looking away like Americans often do, the woman just continued staring. Aix is somewhat of a tourist town (much less so than say, Paris), but I see how it would still be of interest to them to see what international students are up to! Think people watching but a little more intense. 

Another cultural adjustment I’ve noticed is that you have to say “Bonjour!” (or Bonsoir! after 5pm) every time you address someone, walk in the door of a store, or board the bus, otherwise you’re considered very rude. In the US, I’ve noticed that in some stores, you don’t greet an employee until you’re making your purchase. 

All in all, I am loving life in Aix, and I can’t wait to get more and more comfortable with speaking French in my daily life! (Submitted January 21, 2024)

Submitted by Jasmine Pennington on the 2024 Spring semester program in Athens, Greece…

Today, plans changed and I was dropped from a friend group because of my demeanor. What I mean by that is, my bag wasn’t dior and my bank account wasn’t my parents. So, today I planned a solo trip to the Acropolis and ended up meeting this group of 5 girls who actually were super sweet and went out to lunch with me. I think that when I have been traveling alone after being ousted from this elite group made me feel unworthy in a sense, but others actions don’t deserve a reaction. I spent too many nights trying to fit in and make myself more marketable as a friend. Moving on, I saw Acropolis and it was better than the pictures. It is still very insane to see such ancient buildings. I just can’t fathom the walk up the hill with those fat rocks. I took many pictures and not really any stood out except the one not facing the acropolis.

In lieu of meeting this next group of friends; i have been invited to go out to breakfast tomorrow in downtown Athens and make plans to visit places all over Greece. I just hope this new group of friends actually is not materialistic. I swear I was ignoring the other group’s five hundred instagram videos before I could eat my food. I don’t understand why I was trying to be friends with people who were not that kind to me and didn’t value my time. Also, School is picking up and it’s only the first week, the teaching style is completely different. I think taking 3 history courses would be easy, but it is all solely verbal and zero material implemented. (Submitted January 20, 2024)

Submitted by Sydney Ballenger on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

Week two of my semester in Rome has been a week of adjustment. Classes began on Monday and I felt like a freshman again as I followed my google maps directions to locate each of my classes on time. Several of the classes I am taking this semester are unique to Rome, including an art history course titled “Cities, Towns, and Villas: Rome, Ostia, Pompeii” and a sociology course titled “Rome: Modern City”. Both classes take place on site, meaning each class meeting is in a different location around Rome, specifically selected to emphasize the content of the lesson for that day. I am also taking an introductory Italian course, hoping to learn enough Italian to get around the city without having to rely on google translate. 

Outside of school, I’ve spent my time meeting people in my program, trying cafes and gelaterias around Trastevere, and making weekend travel plans with my roommates and new friends. I also began running every morning, a daily practice I took up back home and was looking forward to implementing here. In Rome, my run is along the Tiber riverwalk, going past the oldest bridge still existing in Rome (Ponte Fabricio), and turning around outside the walls of Vatican City. Running is usually my favorite way to explore a new place and it has been no different here. I believe that bringing elements of my routine from home– running– and implementing them into my daily routine here has helped me adjust to my new environment and feel like Rome is my home for the semester. (Submitted January 19, 2024)

Submitted by Maxwell Poruban on the 2024 Spring semester program in Granada, Spain…

Week two of my semester in Granada has been a week of settling in, meeting new people, and digging into my course work. The group of students from the University of Delaware, and several others, is truly excellent and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone. While we are all of different backgrounds and majors, as well as having different interests and objectives for our program. However, we have been drawn together by this program and have begun to face challenges as a team. Many of us attended the “Intercambio Lingüistico” that was organized by the University of Granada’s Center for Modern Languages team. Here I was paired up with native Spanish speakers and learners in a classic Spanish bar. As I met new friends, I enjoyed a tapa of ensalada rusa while spending a few hours chatting and learning. I found holding a conversation in Spanish for this long to be challenging, but I was rewarded with new friends and many local recommendations. 

This week our intensive Language and Culture continued and we marked our halfway point by taking our second midterm. Like almost everything else, this class has been hard but worth the effort. Our professor is demanding, but aptly, patiently, and passionately answers our questions. I highly recommend this program and intensive course to anyone interested in improving their language skills. 

Finally, my roommates and I climbed the hill of the Alhambra to visit the Carmen de los Mártires, a 19th century Carmen style house with extensive public gardens. A carmen is both a Spanish name and a word derived from Arabic that signifies: garden. These houses have four walls with a patio in the center, often with a fountain or water source. Carmen de los Mártires offers spectacular views of Granada, charming architecture, and voracious peacocks; making the hike a trip worth taking.  (Submitted January 18, 2024)

Submitted by Samantha Jennings on the 2024 Spring semester program in Copenhagen, Denmark…

I began my 2024 with a journey to Copenhagen, Denmark on the DIS Copenhagen Study Abroad Program. I was extremely excited and nervous because I didn’t know much about the cities, the language, or the culture of Denmark. I primarily chose the DIS program because of the variety of courses offered and the experiential learning component that is emphasized on the program. So, arriving in Copenhagen was a scary unknown lying ahead of me. However, as I explored the city I found that Copenhagen is very similar to the place that I call home. From the flowing water in the canal to the Kinder Chocolate in the grocery stores and the soft, untouched snow on the ground, there was a hint of something familiar in the air. Instead of choosing to stress about homesickness or a new living environment, I instead began to go for walks both to gain knowledge about the city as well as to take my mind off of the stresses of studying abroad. Soon after, other students on my program began to join me on these walks. What began as a calming strategy soon became a way to make new friends with similar interests and explore our new home! I encourage anyone who may feel homesick or out-of-place while abroad to find a friend and go explore, you never know what friendships, experiences, and sights lie ahead! (Submitted January 18, 2024)

Submitted by Juliana Monticello on the 2024 Spring semester program in Rome, Italy…

I have officially been in Rome, Italy for one week and I feel like so much has happened  already. I will be spending the next four months living in this city full of history and culture. On  my walk to class, I find a new hidden gem every day. There is so much to see, and I can’t wait to  explore all of it. But in the first week, some of the highlights included the Spanish Steps,  Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Church di Saint Ignazio of Loyola.  

The Spanish Steps were absolutely breathtaking. The grand staircase was even bigger  than I had imagined. The panoramic view from the top felt like I was looking at a postcard. The  Piazza di Spagna below was busy with tourists and locals alike exploring, walking, and shopping.  

Not too far from the steps was the Pantheon. I was in awe of the oculus, which lets  sunlight shine into the dome. The illuminated interior was stunning, and I was fascinated by the  ancient Roman engineering that created this masterpiece.  

The Trevi Fountain was bustling with people, but nonetheless it was mesmerizing. The  statues of mythological figures amazed me as to how someone could create such a realistic and  detailed work out of marble. And of course, I tossed a coin over my shoulder into the pool of  water to ensure my return to Rome. 

The final of my favorite sites was the Church of Sant’Ignazio of Loyola. This roman gem is  full Baroque art and architecture. It features intricate frescoes and a spectacular dome. A friend  and I spent nearly an hour there because there was so much to see. Every time I turned I  noticed a new detail. The church had an otherworldly atmosphere that made it feel like it  existed outside of time. 

As the week comes to a close, I find myself fascinated by the fact that I am living in a city  so rich in history. The Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Sant’Ignazio di Loyola’s  church stand as witnesses to the city’s enduring legacy, and I am eager to explore everything Rome has to offer! (Submitted January 16, 2024)

Submitted by Elizabeth Mitchell on the 2024 Spring semester program in Paris, France…

From the moment I landed in Paris a week ago, it was clear that there was a special buzz in the city, and throughout my first seven days here it is clear what this buzz is all about. The summer 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris and the preparations being made are exciting and extravagant. They already have one of the tourist centers, Hotel de ville, decked out in Paris 2024 advertisements. There is Olympics merchandise being sold across the city, and even a countdown to the opening ceremony outside the Eiffel Tower. There are even some less obvious signs of the Olympics coming. On my first Friday in Paris, my new roommates and I climbed the Eiffel Tower, but the top floor was closed. The second floor that we were able to get to was swarming with Eiffel Tower engineers who all seemed to be working on the top level which was closed. It is rumored they are preparing the Eiffel Tower for a special opening ceremony surprise, which is why the top will be closed for so long. It has been a thrill to see all of these preparations being made even though I will not be here during the games. I feel like I am getting to experience two magnificent things at one time, Paris and the Games. I am excited to continue to watch preparations being made and even more excited to watch the games later this year. (Submitted January 15, 2024)

Submitted by Zoë Leshock on the 2024 Spring semester program in Athens, Greece…

The first week of my semester a American College of Greece in Agia Paraskevi and Athens has been a dynamic mix of orientation, suburban exploration, and now, the official start of classes. Here’s a snapshot of the latest adventures:

Day 1: Orientation and Campus Tour

The week began with an informative orientation presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of student life and what to expect in the upcoming semester. Following that, a campus tour allowed me to familiarize myself with the scenic beauty of Agia Paraskevi’s hillside campus, setting the stage for the academic journey ahead.

Day 2: Suburban Vibes and Practical Errands

Exploring the suburban neighborhood and tackling practical tasks like grocery shopping characterized the second day. Immersing myself in the local community and everyday life made the transition to this new environment even more engaging.

Day 3: Roommate Connections and Movie Night

Casual bonding with roommates continued on day three with a laid-back movie night. While we watched the first Twilight movie (I had never seen it!!), we shared laughs and stories, creating a comfortable living space and laying the foundation for lasting friendships.

Day 4: Downtown Athens Exploration and Culinary Adventures

Venturing into busy downtown Athens offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. The day concluded with a traditional Greek dinner, treating our taste buds to a symphony of flavors that I can’t wait to taste all semester long.

Day 5: First Day of Classes and RA Pizza Night

The week reached its peak with the official commencement of classes. A singular class marked the start of my academic journey in Greece, and the day was complemented by a meet-the-RA event featuring everyone’s favorite—pizza. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow students, share excitement about the upcoming semester, and savor some delicious pizza.

As the week unfolds, both Agia Paraskevi and Athens continue to reveal their unique charms. From academic pursuits to cultural exploration, each day brings new opportunities for growth and connection. Here’s to a semester filled with learning, laughter, and memorable experiences in this Greek adventure a ACG.

The modern Olympic Stadium in Athens, View of the town at night from the top of ACG’s Campus, The Parthenon atop the Acropolis seen from Downtown Athens (Submitted January 15, 2024)