Cattedrale di Pisa and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Submitted by Nathaniel Burlew on the 2025 Winter program in Italy…

Over the past few weeks we got to visit some of the major cities in Tuscany. Notably we got to see Florence, Pisa and Siena. It was so surreal to see these places in person. The cathedrals were absolutely massive, the pictures can’t even do it justice. On the inside, every single square inch of the walls and even ceilings are detailed with gold or paintings. Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa had my group feeling like we were going to fall off, we did not think we were going to feel the tilt as much as we did. The trip has been great so far, making new friends, seeing historic places, and not to mention, eating amazing food.

With my study abroad experience coming to an end, we got to visit cities like Venice and Verona. Venice was just as beautiful as you could imagine. The canals were woven between the beautiful and bright colored buildings. The seafood was some of the best I ever tasted. Verona, known as the city of love, was a cool experience. We got to see a colosseum, not quite like the one in Rome, and also got to see iconic buildings from Romeo and Juliet. This trip is winding down and it has been a life-changing journey. Being able to immerse yourself in a culture that is different than the one you are used to, is an opportunity that you won’t take for granted. I am so thankful for my time here, making 30 new friends and our fantastic instructors, Charlene and Tim! (Submitted January 27, 2025)

Ponte di Rialto bridge in Venice

Kangaroos and Koalas

Submitted by Ariana Castiglione on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney, Australia…

We had the opportunity to go to the famous Walkabout Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia! I loved getting the opportunity to see and pet all the different animal! I still can’t believe I pet a kangaroo and koala! (Submitted on January 24, 2025)

This is a picture of the kangaroo round up

Watson’s Bay Views

Submitted by Ariana Castiglione on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney, Australia…

We went on a walking tour of Watson’s Bay, which has some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen! After the beautiful views we got to relax by the beach! (Submitted on January 24, 2025)

Palm tree view of Sydney at Watson’s bay

Halfway Mark in Paris

Submitted by Saniyah Norwoodon the 2025 Winter program in Paris, France…

I have been in Paris for almost 3 weeks now! I have been enjoying it so far. I have approximately one week left here. I am excited to see my family and friends back at home. However, I love Paris and don’t want to leave. So far, I have visited the Louvre, Versailles, Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Montmarte, and many other monuments and institutions. Being in Paris for study abroad was not only a great academic opportunity, but a great chance to live life with a new perspective. I’ve met so many great people on this trip and can’t wait for what the rest of the trip brings me! (Submitted on January 23, 2025)

This photo was taken with my friends Jack, Marcella, Reaghan, and Marina on a boat tour of the Seine. It was a networking event with the students from Sorbonne Nouvelle University, UD alumni, and Sorbonne Nouvelle alumni.

The Real Emerald City

Submitted by Maggie Parker on the 2025 Winter program in New Zealand…

One of the events I have been most looking forward to is the Tongariro Crossing. The hike was a half marathon distance, 13.1 miles, and increasingly rewarding the more I hiked. After the summit, with winds whipping, all my layers on, and being up in the clouds, my program comes across the Emerald Lakes. Seeing the crystal clear water, the steam from the volcanoes, and walking along volcanic rock made my entire week. I had been anticipating this hike, and it was well worth the wait. (Submitted on January 23, 2025)

Walking through the clouds to summit the hike.

Wildlife!

Submitted by Tori Binder on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney and Adelaide Australia

During the past few weeks, we got to visit a lot more cool places! One highlight was visiting the Featherdale Wildlife Park outside of Sydney Australia! We were able to take photos and visit with Koala Bears and even pet and feed the wild Kangaroos! These animals are the heart of Australia and getting to meet them has definitely been a high point of the trip for me! (Submitted on January 22, 2025)

This is a picture of me with a Kangaroo friend who was enjoying a snack, he was super friendly and loved being pet!

Weekend in Venice

Submitted by Molly McGuigan on the 2025 Winter program in Venice, Italy

This past weekend we traveled to Venice and had the opportunity to stay overnight. This was by far the best part of my study abroad trip so far. Venice is a beautiful city filled with local people and great food. Venice made up of over 100 little islands having its visitors walk over tiny bridges around almost every corner. There are no cars on the island of Venice, but there are water taxis you can take to move around more efficiently. My favorite part of Venice was taking a gondola ride around the city at sunset. You could see all of the colorful buildings and their lights with a great view of the sky as well. I plan on returning to Venice this upcoming weekend during our personal travel time! (Submitted on January 20, 2025)

Girls on the Gondola

Barbados EDUC419

Submitted by Kate Wixson on the 2025 Winter program in Holetown, Barbados

As I reach the halfway point of our study abroad program in Barbados, I am filled with gratitude for this incredible experience. The opportunity to connect with the Bajan community has been truly enlightening. From our time spent teaching in local schools to the bonds we have formed as a group, this journey has brought proffesional and personal growth to us all. The music, food, and excursions we have experiened this far have been more than amazing.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Bieler for her dedication and guidance. Her commitment to fostering an understanding of diversity in education has made this program not only memorable but extremely impactful. This experience has broadened our perspectives and strengthened our passion for inclusive education, and we are excited to continue learning and growing in the weeks ahead. (Submitted on January 17, 2025)

Our whole group at the Bathsheba Beach, which stands at about 82 feet, or. 25 meters

Sydney Opera House

Submitted by Ariana Castiglione on the 2025 Winter program in Sydney Australia

We got to experience an amazing tour of the inside of the iconic Sydney Opera House! This was so interesting to get to experience and learn all about the different shows they put on. The inside of the opera house is beautiful and I’m so glad I was able to do this! (Submitted on January 17, 2025)

This is an image of the view of the Sydney Harbor when I was on the tour of the opera house! We weren’t allowed to take images of the inside of any of the actual theaters sadly

First Steps Into an Old World

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)