Image Returning to the U.S. after my study abroad experience in Siena was truly a whirlwind of emotions. The transition from the cobblestone streets and rich culture of Italy to the familiarity of home was very bittersweet. I remember feeling…

Image Coming back to the U.S. from Madrid was a mix of emotions. I felt grateful to return to my friends and family, but it was very hard to say goodbye to friends in Spain. During the last few days in Spain, I felt nostalgic about everything. I…

Returning to the US and settling back into my routine in Eugene was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for both cultures. While the differences between Italy and the US were immediately noticeable when I first arrived in Italy, it wasn’t until I came back that I truly…

Hey everyone! I've just wrapped up my incredible study abroad experience in Tokyo. I thought I'd share my journey of readjustment and some pieces of wisdom I've picked up along the way.  Image For those of you planning to study abroad (…

I flew back to the US last week, August 4. Before returning to California I stayed a week in New York City to visit my brother. Being able to speak the language made me feel more respected by the culture. I had never been to New York so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of customs. New York is…

Image It was extremely hard leaving Siena yesterday. The four weeks went by so quickly, it is difficult to grasp where the time went. But I know that it flew by because of how much I was enjoying my time in Siena. Siena was by far the safest…

Returning to the U.S. or the University of Oregon isn't my immediate concern, as I've already graduated and plan to spend the next month traveling through Vietnam and Japan. This extended time abroad allows me to further immerse myself in different cultures and savor my experiences without the…

Image The hardest part of my time here is accepting the realization that my ethnic background has been blurred because of the community I live in back at home. Prior to my trip, it is not that I am oblivious to the fact that I am whitewashed –…

Coming home from any trip can be a readjustment. Coming home from eight weeks studying abroad in a foreign country is certainly a new experience for many people, me included. When you first arrive in your study abroad country, it is easy to get caught up in the thought of what you would be doing at…

Image I fell in love with a woman, that woman is ME. During my study abroad, as a woman who has had children who are now in their twenties, been married, been divorced, lived in different states, in the country and the big city. I still learned…