GEO Blog

GEO Blog

Want to experience the world through the eyes of our students? Dive into the GEO blog and discover captivating tales of adventure, culture, and academic growth. Share your study abroad journey with us by sharing your own blog post!

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The Coastline

A uo student standing on the streets of Oviedo
Growing up in Eugene, I’ve always loved weekend trips to the Oregon Coast. While I have a penchant for searching for shells, wave jumping, or having an ice cream on the dock, I have found that hiking along the coastline brings me a distinct sense of calm and intrigue. Perhaps I feel called to those…

Between Home and Barcelona

A uo student posing outside an apartment in Barcelona
Hello again! I have officially been in Barcelona for over a month now, and my experience here has been amazing. I came into this experience with minimal expectations and an open mind, and I think that has allowed me to appreciate everything I've gotten to experience so far.One of my favorite parts…

Ahí nos vemos, de nuevo

a uo student at the Teotihuacan Mexican pyramids
It didn’t really feel real, leaving Mexico—it finally hit me when I stood in the George Bush International Airport customs line in Houston, and I realized that I could actually understand what everyone was saying around me (“I don’t feel dumb anymore!” I said to my grandma), and that I realized I…

Wrapping up in Whales!

A uo student holding up a goat
Currently, I am solo traveling in Ireland, and I have not had to integrate back into the United States, but it has been difficult leaving my peers behind. Studying abroad was an amazing experience, and to leave Wales with the knowledge of not being able to have the same experience again was…

¡Hasta luego!

A uo student holding a piñata on the streets of Queretaro
Hello! I’m back in the U.S. and missing my home in Mexico. It was hard to say goodbye to my friends and family in Queretaro because I don’t yet have a plan for when I will return, but I know that I will, and soon. I suddenly have a lot of free time now because the program actually ended up having a…

Settling In!

A group of uo students standing in an courtyard in Querétaro
¡Hola hola! It’s week three of my program in Querétaro, and I don’t want to leave in only three more weeks! I’ve really settled into my daily routine, and I’m finally getting the hang of balancing schoolwork with family time and exploring the city by myself or with friends. Before I left for México…

Who Am I Here?

A uo student taking a mirror selfie on the street in Japan
When I first arrived in Japan, I expected to feel more connected to my Japanese identity. In some ways, that has happened. Being able to speak Japanese, spend time with family, and live in Japan has made me feel closer to that side of myself than I have in years. At the same time, I wasn't prepared…

Halfway Through!

a group of students in hiking gear pose at the top of a rock with the city in the background
I'm now officially halfway through my program! It's certainly been a wild trip so far — we're currently in Mexico City, and we'll be here for three days. Today, we went to the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan and to the Palacio de Bellas Artes to view historically significant murals — I'm currently…

My First Days in Seoul

two banners that read "Hanyang International Summer School" with students waiting in the room for orientation to start
Hello!  My name is Jasmine. I am a 1st gen Mexican American. Third year global studies major at the UO. I am currently in Seoul for the new geo program “K-Pop and Beyond in Seoul”. I mainly chose this program due to my interest in Korean culture and the hands-on experience of the program.…

Socializing, Eating, Bussing, Talking in Kyoto

a uo student posing next to a mural of Japanese art
My name is Emely. I am about to go into my fourth year as a Global Studies and Spanish major. This will be the fourth year I navigate higher education without guidance from my family, as I am the first to have the opportunity to take this path. I am Mexican, I am American, and I am a woman. My…