GEO Blog

When I moved to Japan for my spring term, the extent of my language proficiency was 72 “days” of Duolingo Japanese. I was ready to take on language exchange, excited by the prospect of leaving with a solid, beginner-level Japanese skillset. However, I have lived here for a month now and my Japanese…

As I sit down to reflect on my study abroad journey, I can't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions. It's been an incredible adventure, filled with breathtaking sights, enriching experiences, and valuable lessons. Yet, it hasn't been without its challenges, particularly as an African American woman…

Image I am loving my time abroad more than ever the past few weeks. I had an adjustment period where I missed home and my connections in Eugene, however there was a turning point when I began to feel close with others in my program here. Here in…

I am loving my time abroad more than ever the past few weeks. I had an adjustment period where I missed home and my connections in Eugene, however there was a turning point when I began to feel close with others in my program here. Here in Madrid, the students have single dorm rooms. I was excited…

Image When you’re abroad, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. There are so many new things to try and places to visit. Before you know it, you’re looking at your bank account wondering where all your saved-up money went. After experiencing…

According to the omnipresent Oxford English Dictionary, culture shock is defined as, “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.” It can be extremely intimidating to arrive in a new place where there…

Image A quick Google of “What to Bring on Your Study Abroad Program” will provide 20 different lists all containing the usual suspects: a power converter, extra underwear, copies of important documents, medications, and so on… Indeed, these are…

Upon returning to the United States after spending 6 months in Norwich, England, I found myself to be quite tired. Obviously jet lag catches up with you, and all of the traveling, but I spent much of my summer relaxing. I found I had a lot of things I missed about living in Oregon, the nature, and…

Hello, fellow adventurers! My name is Isabelle de Klerk, but you can call me Izzy. I'm a 19-year-old African American woman, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Business major at the University of Oregon and I want to share my experiences and reflections with you as I embark on my study abroad…

Hello! It’s a pleasure to begin writing. My name is Emma Egbert. I am a junior at UO studying finance. It is a gift to be able to study abroad this Spring in 2024. I am a part of the GlobalWorks program, where students are paired with internship opportunities and get to work in another country. My…