For the first two weeks of my study abroad program, everyone was placed with a host family. I live with a rather nice Spanish family in a small apartment in the northern part of the city. I share a room with another girl in my program, Kelly. My host mother is Montserrat, a sweet woman in…
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Conversations with Strangers: Chris from Brisbane
How we met: I really wish I could make up an exciting story (preferably involving a Vespa and a sunset), but I am a terrible liar and we met on Tinder. I refused to meet him at first because I am convinced that as wonderful and attractive Australians are, they are also heart-breakers and should be avoided…
Read MoreWhy I Deleted Snapchat and Why You Should Too
I was at a bar waiting for a friend to join, so naturally I opened up Snapchat to kill a few minutes. And suddenly, I had an epiphany. I give absolutely zero shits about your dog, how pretty your overpriced drink looks, that you’re about to “rage with your bitches” or that you just “worked-out” for an hour. And guess…
Read MoreConversations with Strangers: Roman from Kazakhstan
How we met: I was trudging through Brussels airport with two bags that collectively weighed more than me, so I flagged Roman down in his airport golf cart. He was hesitant to help at first, but when I spoke Russian to him he immediately drove me across the entire airport to my gate and even…
Read MoreHow I survived a total of 24 of travel (And unsolicited advice on how you can too)
Be polite to airline personnel. At the airport, they are god. Do not underestimate them. Ask them how their day is, say please and thank you. I got a free upgrade to business class on my connecting flight, an extra bag checked for free, unlimited international phone calls and a ride across the expansive airport…
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“Be brave. Learn a lot. And know that God is always with you.”
I leave for Barcelona today. Naturally I had about a million errands to run. I was nervous and stressed, and going 100 miles per hour. I had forgotten about the joy of my upcoming adventure and was letting my last few hours at home slip away. Comfort came in the form of kind words from…
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