When in: Hanoi, Sapa, and Cat Ba Island

Vietnam is amazing. I truly can’t express the wonder of traveling here, and I can’t imagine going to Asia without stopping by. The culture is almost tangible here, from the architecture to the clothing, and don’t get me started on the coffee and food, and the geography and the people and again the food, all …

Sustainable Traveling

Studying abroad can use up a lot of time and resources, but there are ways we can be kinder to our planet during our travels. Walk You will most likely be going to a country that is not as big as the United States and is reasonably walkable around town and to classes (even like …

Short Term vs. Semester Programs… Pt. 2

This post is the second in a two-part series; follow this link to read my first post on semester programs: https://purdueclaabroad.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/short-term-vs-semester-programs-pt-1/ In this post I’ll explore the pros and cons of short term programs, delving into why they’re right for some students and limiting for others. Short Term Programs Four weeks in Barcelona, Spain sitting …

When in Chiang Mai

On Monday I heard someone mention Chiang Mai and I thought it sounded fun so I booked a flight Wednesday morning to the city. Safe to say this was a very last-minute solo trip with minimal preparation. Let me also begin by saying this was one of the best trips I have ever taken in …

How to Fit Your Life in a Suitcase

Lugging around an oversized suitcase, carry-on, and personal item is no fun, especially when you’re trying to bounce back from jet-lag. If you’re anything like me, packing can be the worst part about traveling. You either pack too much or you end up forgetting everything you were supposed to bring. Instead of worrying about how …

When in: Bangkok

Thailand is really incredible. Somehow it has managed to never be weighed down by foreign influence, strategically ceding land in Malaya to the British to avoid colonization, siding with Japan during WWII to avoid conquering, and aligning with the United States to avoid the communist revolutions sweeping the rest of the region. Thailand is thus …

Tips for Living in a Homestay

While living in Madrid, Spain for a semester, I lived in a homestay; my family was a single, elderly woman named Rosa. Through living with her and talking to other students in homestays, I learned a few tricks to make the transition into a new family a little easier. Show up with a gift. Bringing …

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

When in Australia, you must, must, must visit the Great Barrier Reef! Since I was studying abroad in Sydney, visiting the Great Barrier Reef required a three-hour flight north, but it was SO worth it. Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef was definitely the highlight of my time abroad. There were a lot of …

The Government Wants to Pay YOU to Study Abroad

A common misconception that holds people back from studying abroad is that it seems too expensive. However, this is not true! Not only does Purdue offer many scholarships, but the national government also offers many scholarship opportunities to send students abroad in order to strengthen international relationships and build a cultured citizenry. Here are some …

Traveling on a Budget

Studying abroad is a great way to see the world, but traveling on a budget can be difficult. Follow these simple steps and at the end of your program, you won’t find yourself staring at an empty bank account. Transportation: Unfortunately, transportation tends to be the most expensive part of traveling. Even in Europe where …