CIMBA Archives - Page 13 of 27

Mikaela
University of Minnesota
2016 Spring

Being Mindful of Learning Another Language 02/25/16

This past weekend, I traveled through Slovenia; a country where I knew none of the local language. While there, I became much more mindful about the importance of language and culture after an insightful conversation (in English) with a local. Up until now, I have only been to countries where I knew enough of the […]

Alicia
Western Michigan University
2016 Spring

Day Trips May Just Change Your Life 02/14/16

Want to spend the weekend in Paris? Prague? Barcelona?… Yes, of course! Those are all completely realistic goals here. It is so easy to jump on a plane, train, or bus and make it to any one of those places in a few short hours. This is, by far and wide, the craziest thing I […]

Mikaela
University of Minnesota
2016 Spring

“Touristing”: The Art of Sightseeing 02/12/16

Three cities in four days. That about sums up my first extended travel weekend. Going into it, I knew I would be running (literally) off espresso and it all worked out because I had the most amazing weekend. I wouldn’t recommend this busy travel tactic to all but I wouldn’t discourage it either. These three […]

Alicia
Western Michigan University
2016 Spring

Traveling in Packs: The Pros and Cons of Traveling in Large Groups 02/09/16

This past weekend I experienced my first overnight travel away from CIMBA, and, like any other first, it was quite the learning experience. Our party of ten was one of many that chose to spend their second weekend abroad in beautiful Firenze (Florence). Together we trooped up and down the ancient cobblestone streets – tripping […]

Mikaela
University of Minnesota
2016 Spring

Travel Planning 101: Sticking to Your Budget 02/03/16

I have gone $300 over budget on travel so far. Well actually, I never made a budget, but I know I spent way too much on flights and hostels. It is extremely easy to pay double for travel expenses and now I have learned my lesson. Here is my mistake that I hope you can […]

Mikaela
University of Minnesota
2016 Spring

Living Abroad Week 1: Is the First Week Stressful? 02/01/16

Jet lag is real. I have never experienced jet lag in my life (also haven’t traveled overseas either), but I sure do feel the 7 hour time change! Then, as soon as I land in my new home country, it’s like BAM! Go to all my classes, plan travel trips for next weekend, socialize with new […]

Alicia
Western Michigan University
2016 Spring

What to Expect: Surviving the First Week Abroad 01/28/16

Ciao from Paderno del Grappa! To start with a cliché- I would say that the first week in Italy was, in summary, not what I was expecting. Most surprising was, when we first arrived, I didn’t really feel like I was in Italy. For months I had thought that the moment I stepped off the […]

Kevin
Clemson University
2016 Spring

Unconnected: Why Being Disconnected From Technology Is The Best Worst Thing To Happen To Me 01/27/16

I like to think that I have changed a lot since I graduated from high school now 3 years ago, I like to think I am more responsible and mature, and depending on who you ask that might be true? But one thing that hasn’t changed is that I love technology. I even wrote a […]

Emily
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2016 Spring

The Path Less Traveled (By My Home University) 01/27/16

Ciao from Italy! It’s been a little over a week in beautiful Paderno Del Grappa and I feel as though I’m slowly but surely getting the hang of things! For my first blog post here, I thought I would talk about something that has had a major impact on my study abroad experience so far—choosing […]

Alicia
Western Michigan University
2016 Spring

Common Sights Of Home 01/19/16

Long before I had even been accepted into the CIMBA program, I began receiving advice and testimonies from anyone and everyone who had been in, or near, Italy. I’ve been told again and again that my norm in Italy will be so completely different from my current normal. After a mid-shower revelation that in less […]