ISEP student Rachel B. from University of Montana studied anthropology in Malaysia at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. She gives us snippets of how she’s adjusting to three important factors – food, friends and family. … More How to Adjust to New Cultures While Studying Abroad
I’d like to shed some light on something I didn’t quite understand when I read it in the ISEP handbook: reverse culture shock. This term could seem odd to you. Especially when the handbook describes it as culture shock, but in your home country. If you haven’t experienced a study abroad semester or year, you may be thinking, “How on earth can that happen?” I’m used to my home country and the culture it possesses. How can I feel disoriented in my familiar surroundings? Well, it’s definitely a possibility. … More My Surprising Experience With Reverse Culture Shock
We asked Linda, ISEP Coordinator at American University of Sharjah, to dispel some misconceptions people may have about the Middle East. … More Myth Busting the Middle East
I will soon step onto a plane and fly more than 5,000 miles away from my permanent home in Wisconsin to my new temporary home in Valparaíso, Chile. There haven’t been many times in my life I’ve been as excited as I am right now, attempting to imagine how different my life will be in just a few days. But simultaneously, I feel sad, scared and helpless because I’m beginning my international adventure as my home nation aches over the shooting in Orlando, Florida. This tragedy has broken hearts all across the United States, and mine is no exception. At this moment, there’s a call to action in this country. A call to contributing more than just “thoughts and prayers” to the cause. A call to honor 49 victims with real change. … More How The Tragedy in Orlando Will Impact My Study Abroad
At first, you might not even realize it’s coming. You’ve always known the date you’re set to return home from abroad, but it sneaks up on you. You just got used your new place. You made friends; some distant, some seemingly lifelong. You’ve been having fun, experiencing so many new things and meeting new types of people, both good and bad. You were so used to thinking you had more time to do everything on your list. But then it hits you: the beginning of the end. … More The Beginning of the End
When I decided to study abroad in Europe, I had to take into consideration that I don’t fit the “typical” American image that the world has been accustomed to. While pondering thoughts of being discriminated against because of my ethnicity, I realized that my identity is not to be feared but to be glorified when faced with certain circumstances. Being a minority in Madrid helped me discover the true beauty of having a racially diverse community. Not only did I rediscover my own self worth and identity, but I stumbled across the cultural diffusion of a small neighborhood in Madrid, called Lavapies. … More Walking on the Diverse Side of Madrid
Traveling abroad and living in another country so far away from home can definitely challenge you and your ability to cope with new situations and habits. This is what people usually call “culture shock.” I experienced culture shock in the United States in a few different ways. … More How I Experienced Culture Shock in the United States
My idea of studying abroad was one that I’ve had since I was a kid, so it was a project that I’ve had in mind for a long time. I have an uncle who lives in the United Kingdom, and after he suggested studying here, my mind could never get rid of the idea. … More How I Chose to Study Abroad in the United Kingdom
I have officially been abroad in Spain for one month! The good news: I’m loving it here! The bad news: I also have my moments where I crave American soil, not enough to miss home, but enough to notice. … More The Best and Worst Adjustments to Studying Abroad
I’m finally in Chile! I arrived on February 21 and have been settling in, meeting friends, learning as much Spanish as I can, adventuring and more. This video was taken March 14, 2016 from the summit of Cerro La Campana in Parque Nacional La Campana at an elevation of 6,170 feet (1,880 meters). … More Valparaiso to Valparaíso: Top of the World
ISEP Study Abroad Blog 