My Favorite Belgian City

If you think Amsterdam holds the title for Europe’s most picturesque canals, think again! I personally believe Bruges is equally deserving of that crown. Located in northwest Belgium, this city is often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” captivating visitors with its serene waterways, medieval buildings, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re strolling down ...

Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad in Leeds

Studying abroad is filled with exciting adventures and personal growth. If I could go back in time, I would choose to study abroad every single time. But as with any big life decision, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand to make the experience smoother. If you’re planning to study abroad, ...

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Culture Shock: My Experience Studying Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland has been one of the most exciting and eye-opening experiences of my life. But like many students in a new country, I found myself experiencing culture shock. Although Dublin is an English-speaking city, there are still many differences between Irish and American cultures. From academics to food, the pace of ...

Sally’s Favorites in Aberdeen and Dublin

For my final blog post, I would like to introduce my travel buddy, Sally. Sally is a popular LINE Friends character that keeps me company whenever I travel. I enjoy documenting every new place I travel to with a Sally photo so that I can create fun memories to look back on. I frequently give ...

5 Things to See When Visiting York

York is a city with history and medieval charm. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a picturesque destination, York has something for everyone. Best part is that it’s only a 20 minute train ride from Leeds. Here are five of the attractions I prioritized experiencing while visiting this beautiful city. 1. National Railway ...

Leeds to Ireland: Traveling Abroad While Studying Abroad

Before coming to Leeds, I had not made any plans of traveling outside the UK. Being in the UK, you are much closer to Europe and it can be shockingly cheap to travel compared to flying from the US. However, there were many uncertainties going alone to study at a foreign university, such as not ...

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Christmas in Monaco

When I think about Christmas in Monaco, it brings back such fun memories of exploring the city with my friends. Monaco may not have snow, but it knows how to create that magical holiday vibe in its own unique way. Pretty Lights Everywhere Starting in late November, Monaco turns into a Christmas wonderland. The streets ...

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Studying Abroad in Monaco vs. Germany vs. South Korea

Studying abroad is a life changing experience that helps you explore new cultures, gain global perspectives, and build new skills. Last year, I had the amazing chance to study at two different universities: the University of Mannheim in Germany, Hanyang University in South Korea, and this year at the International University of Monaco. Each country ...

It’s Time for a Doric Lesson!

Foo’re ye deein? This phrase is commonly used as a friendly way to say hello or to ask how someone is doing in the Scots dialect, Doric. Doric is one of Scotland’s official languages and it is an important part of Aberdeen’s regional culture. Although English is the main language spoken in Scotland, there are ...

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Navigating Culture Shock: My Experience Adapting to Italian Life

Samia Jannatul, Graduating Winter Term ’25, is a Political Science major studying at the American University of Rome this Fall 2024 When I first set foot in Italy, I was ready for sunshine, delicious food, and the rich history. What I wasn’t fully prepared for was the subtle culture shock that awaited me. While I ...