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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Reflections on Faith, Community, and Culture in Italy

Image of Sarah with Saint Peter's Basilica in the background
Image My time abroad has been so wonderful and exciting. Every weekend, I've travelled to a new city and get to see places I never thought I'd have the opportunity to visit. It's been almost surreal at times, and the experience has exceeded my…

Between Cultures: An Architecture Student's Roman Adventure

Low point of view photo of 4 college students in a Roman cathedral
Hi! I’m Favi, an international student in her 4th year of architecture, and I’m thrilled to be a Diverse Duck Ambassador. As someone who’s navigated life between cultures, I’m excited to share how my identity shapes—and is shaped by—my study abroad experience. Image…

Confronting fear of returning abroad

Sarah standing in front of a body of water in Italy
Ciao, my name is Sarah Shewaye! I’m a third-year Honors College student from Salem, Oregon, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Global Studies. I am a first-generation American and college student, the daughter of a Ukrainian refugee and an Ethiopian immigrant. …

Advocating for your needs while abroad

Four students sitting at a dinner table in Spain
Hi Ducks! My name is Ariel Carreon, and I am a junior, majoring in English with a legal studies minor. I am handicapped due to being visually impaired, but that has not stopped me from choosing to study abroad!  Image The program I am…

The Confidence Boost I Never Expected: My Study Abroad Journey

Sarah sitting on a bench overlooking a city
Image How Studying Abroad Transformed My Confidence and IndependenceI stepped onto my first solo flight a year and a half ago. I was anxious and a little emotional, unsure of what the next several weeks in London would bring. Before London, I had…

In the Midst of Unrest: What Ecuador Taught Me About Home

Woman riding a horse along a muddy trail on a rainy day.
Image I found myself in a country on the precipice of internal conflict. Right before I left for Ecuador, a presidential candidate was assassinated. There were cases of car bombs in downtown Quito during my stay. Thankfully, no casualties, but a…

From the Dojo to the Dorm: How Waseda Shaped My Exchange Experience

Two young males wearing traditional Japanese Kendo uniforms holding up peace signs.
Image My study abroad experience at Waseda University was by far the most adventure-filled and thrilling time of my life. Every day was an adventure, and each was more exciting than the last. But with every passing day those adventures become…

Reminiscing on the Wonders of Japan

Girl holding up a plate of a homemade Japanese treat in a workshop.
Image My time in Japan was a dream, with each day offering something new. In Tokyo, I explored ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines that have stood for over a thousand years, enjoyed the lively atmosphere of annual sakura (cherry blossom)…

Navigating Cultural Identity in Italy

College-aged girl posing in front of a sitting area in Siena, Italy.
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…

Bittersweet Goodbyes: Returning to the U.S. After Studying in Spain

Smiling girl posing in the middle of a flea market in Madrid, Spain.
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…