Semester Programs Spring Semester United States

Washington, D.C. – Pacing Myself

Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

After a fun, eventful weekend with my family, I went into the workweek feeling refreshed. I felt eager to accomplish my work both at my internship and in my classes. It was a well-needed break to allow myself to reset and relax, which I find to be incredibly important. Studying in D.C. does get overwhelming due to balancing classes, internships, and socializing. There is so much to see and do with such little time. I need to remind myself to slow down and relax every once in a while. I will definitely work on giving myself some time to unwind each week to avoid burning out.

A photo of the White House that I took this weekend while exploring D.C. with my family.

Spring Break In Spain

Submitted by Isabelle on the 2019 spring semester study abroad program in Rome, Italy…

This week, I had spring break and I chose to travel to Madrid, Tenerife, and Barcelona. Being able to see so many different, amazing places in Spain really allowed me to explore the country to its fullest. In Barcelona, we stayed in a room in a local couple’s house, and it was really interesting to talk to them and get a native person’s perspective on what to see in the area. I would highly recommend staying with locals when traveling as it allows you to gain a whole new level of insight and to really get to know a place. They were so nice and when it was time to go, I felt genuinely sad about leaving them. Tenerife was beautiful and so warm. We learned that it is somewhat the “Florida” of Europe. Many older European couples go there to retire. They even had a “palm beach” just like Florida. It is right off the coast of Africa so we got plenty of sun, and were able to relax between visiting cities. Towards the end of spring break, I was looking forward to going back to Rome, as traveling nonstop can get exhausting and I wanted to stop spending so much money. Overall, I’m in love with Spain and will definitely be returning at some point in my life.

Surreal Opportunities in Washington, D.C. …

Submitted by Maxwell Lasher on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

My experience in DC has been riveting. To be honest, my wildest dreams are coming to fruition. I can not believe my experience thus far, it is beyond words. I have brought to light now, including today, three different grant opportunities that my work didn’t know about. One of these awards has $75M for FY19 in funds for education programs for students in colleges across the nation. The most ironic part about this equation is that the grant program is a scholarship initiative that I used going through my undergraduate degree.

Almost all of my grant experience up to this point has been un-paid, which I know for sure at this point will eventually pay off. Every opportunity I seek to seize, but it is not easy. Time is more valuable in DC, than anywhere else. Speaking of which, everything in DC is ridiculously expensive. So, since I have been here at McAllister & Quinn I have been speaking up on my intuitions and it has led to greater opportunity each time. Now, before the end of the month, I will have presented at two different meetings (one in front of the whole firm).

I am so grateful to my family, University of Delaware, IGS, and the federal government for helping to make this happen!!!

Very crazy and surreal.

Australia: Autumn In Sydney

Submitted by Gabriella Van Winkle on the 2019 spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…

It is officially beginning to become fall here in Sydney. This past week has been rather gloomy and very rainy. Temperatures have dropped to the low 70s and sometimes mid 60s. This is somewhat nice so I don’t overheat walking to class or my internship anymore, but it’s harder to have beach days. We haven’t been out exploring much because of the rainy weather and haven’t been to the beach (my favorite spot). I’m hoping we can squeeze in a few more beach days so I don’t lose my tan before we go home!

This past weekend was St. Patrick’s Day, and at first, I wasn’t sure if many people celebrated that around here. However, I came to find that the scene in Australia on St. Patrick’s is not at all different from how America celebrates. We had a fun day and ended it with a nice pasta dinner overlooking the Harbour. Once the sun set we walked over to the opera house to see it turn green! At the end of the day on St. Patrick’s Day, they have green lights that reflect onto the white Opera House to make it appear green. It was very pretty and a perfect way to end the day.

Washington, D.C.: Capitol Hill

Submitted by Brianna Pearson on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

Here is a photo of the inspiring view that I get to see each morning. Each day as I walk to the office, I think about all the people and things that have come before me on Capitol Hill. Not only that, but I get to walk pass the Supreme Court of the United States! All the things I have dreamt about and read in history books are right at my fingertips. My walk to work each day inspires me to do something great and make a change for the future. All the things that are in our history books were once someone’s present. So one day, this present will be history as well and I can only hope to be a part of it!

Australia: Endless Activities

Submitted by Gabriella Van Winkle on the 2019 spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…

Although school and my internship have kept me somewhat busy, I sometimes find myself with free time and looking for ways to spend it. Luckily, it is almost impossible to be bored in Sydney! All I have to do is look up things to do and plenty of things pop up. Sometimes, I will walk around and look for new food to try or markets to browse. It is so exciting to try new food here because everything always looks so delicious. I have noticed, unlike the United States, that there are not as many food chain restaurants. Nearly all of the restaurants and small cafes are their own independent business, which makes them even more appealing. There are many different markets that have a number of different goods that are available on different days so there is always one to visit! When it is sunny and hot outside during this Sydney summer, there are a variety of beaches for us to visit. This past weekend, we visited our fifth beach, Maroubra Beach. It was a bit further than the others, but we wanted to make the trip. Most of the beaches look relatively the same, but the views at each of them never get old!

Fighting Homesickness In Washington, D.C.

Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

Another week has come and gone in Washington, D.C. I cannot believe I have been here for five weeks! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the city and taking in our nation’s capital, however, I really miss home. I have tried to busy myself with work and walks, but being homesick is unavoidable. Luckily, my family was able to arrange a weekend trip to visit me, this time bringing my sister, who is on spring break, with them! I am excited to show my sister all D.C. has to offer, as she has not been here since she was young. It will also serve as a chance to see a little piece of home. I think it is important to have people visit, if possible. It helps with being homesick. For those who can’t have their loved ones visit, I recommend arranging phone and video calls. It’s important to stay in-touch, that way you don’t feel disconnected. Make sure to reach out to those around you as well since they are likely feeling the same way!

Exploring Hong Kong

Submitted by Jenna Jackson on the 2019 spring semester exchange program with Hong Kong Polytechnic…

Two months down, two to go in Hong Kong, China! Often when deciding where to study abroad, many people veer away from Asia partially because of the distance and partially due to the seemingly large cultural difference. These two months have shown me just how similar Hong Kong is to home. Recently, I have realized that Hong Kong is one of the cultural meccas of the Southeast Asia region. It’s a clash of Eastern and Western cultures in one city. Half owned by the Chinese, half owned by the British, both cultures shine throughout the city. Although many people speak English here, they are very appreciative when you attempt to speak Cantonese (the traditional Chinese language). As a current student in an elementary Cantonese class here, I can testify that it is a very difficult language! If you change the tone in your voice for one word you change the meaning completely. Luckily, I have a few Cantonese speaking friends to help guide me when I mis-pronounce words!

I was lucky enough to be in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year. This is one of their biggest celebratory holidays of the year. With that comes fireworks, parades and more tourists from around the world! In America, we see the new year as a time to be with friends, but here it is a tradition and family-oriented holiday. Businesses are shut down for days so they can carry out all of the traditions. One of the traditions is the giving of “red pockets.” Red pockets are red envelopes filled with money given by someone that is married, to people that are younger than them and single or of a higher rank. Some people give them to their employees, waiters and more. One of the popular traditions is the giving of flowers for the new year. Around the new year, they have large flower markets set up all over the city. Below is my friends and I grabbing skewers at the flower market!

I am currently in denial that I have already been here for two months and only have two months left. I am excited to keep exploring Asia while I can!

Washington, D.C.: Getting To Know Georgetown

Submitted by Rachel Evans on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

I’m continuously thankful to be living in this city and to have experienced so much in such a short time. Many days, I find myself exploring the streets of Georgetown. From Union Station there is a bus station where anyone can ride the Circulator for free to Georgetown. In Georgetown, there are many places to explore including my favorites Grace Street Coffee, South Block, and Falafel Inc. Georgetown is a wonderful place because it offers a reprieve from the city and allows one to admire quaint pastel townhouses while also visiting the familiar feel of a college town. I would encourage all to visit Georgetown when in D.C.!

Australia: Halfway Through…

Submitted by Gabriella Van Winkle on the 2019 spring semester program in Sydney, Australia…

It is officially March which means this semester is halfway over and I already fly home next month. Its been an eventful first half full of beautiful sites and amazing trips. This past week, we had our spring break, officially marking the halfway point. Almost everyone took trips, including me and a few of my friends.

To start out, we flew to Cairns for a few days which is home to the Great Barrier Reef. We got the opportunity to go on a boat out to the reef and snorkel in two different parts of it. We also went on a scenic waterfall tour of many different beautiful bodies of water in Cairns. After our amazing trip there, we flew to Bali, Indonesia. We all stayed in an amazing villa with staff that was so sweet and treated us wonderfully. We went on all kinds of excursions, my favorite being the tour of famous spots in Bali. We saw a beach, a temple, a coffee making place, waterfalls, and visited the famous Bali Swing. Throughout the week, we all relaxed and laid on the beach or by the pool. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so happy I got the opportunity to visit such an interesting and beautiful place.

Now back to class for the last half of the semester, I am excited to cross the rest of the things off of my bucket list before leaving this amazing place and returning to the other side of the world in a month!