UI study abroad correspondents will be sharing their stories from around the world. Let the vicarious travels begin! 

One of the best things about choosing to study abroad in Europe is that you’re only a few hours away from the next country!

Today is Saturday, April 18, 2020, and if all had gone as expected, I would have spent today in Seville, Spain, practicing my new flamenco dance moves and gearing up for the world-famous Feria de Abril, an annual celebration marked by incredible exhibitions of music, dance, and delicious food.

Meet our Spring 2020 study abroad correspondents

I had the opportunity to take some incredible classes including windsurfing in the Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine and cooking, and Spanish dance. These classes were in addition to my Spanish language and chemistry courses and were by far the most fun.

The benefits of my experience abroad are immeasurable and irreplaceable. I learned so much about Spain, Spanish, travel, myself, being open-minded, standing up for myself, my thoughts and beliefs, my habits and culture, food likes (and dislikes), who I surround myself with, how I travel, who I travel well with (and don’t), how I dress, speak, communicate and treat people, and more.

An important decision to make before studying abroad is whether to live with other students in an apartment or with a host family.

In my semester abroad I tried many new foods. I found some of my absolute favorites while also keeping a healthy distance from others (like the raw cow tongue in the market). There is no shortage of fascinating dishes to try in Europe.

This fall I spent 4 months living, studying, and traveling in Valencia, Spain. I had an unbelievable experience filled with food, culture, language, oranges, and fun! Valencia is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Spain and is the most perfect city anyone could live in

Kate Struckman-Johnson, Place of Study: Reykjavik, Iceland

Germany is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling this year. Earlier in October, I was given a chance to celebrate a German holiday related to this tremendous event - October 3 Tag der Deutschen Einheit, or in English German Unity Day.

Freiburg im Breisgau is an idyllic and beautiful city in southwestern Germany located near many towns and landmarks. Last weekend I went on a day trip with a few other Americans to visit a lake only an hour away from Freiburg, Titisee.