Lindsay Ryan - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Spring 2012

Greetings Elmhurst College students from Argentina!  I’ve been living in Buenos Aires now for about three weeks.  It was a definite shock to leave winter in Chicago and arrive in 90 degree weather in Argentina but I am officially adjusted to the temperature here and loving it.  I have not started classes yet but I will in the next week or so when the Argentine students return from their summer vacations.  In the meantime, I’ve had lots of time to explore Buenos Aires.  It is such a beautiful city!  It took me a while to figure out public transportation and I still don’t fully understand the bus system but it turns out that most porteños (Buenos Aires locals) don’t even understand it.  I still cannot believe how packed the buses and subways can get here.   It is on a completely different level than the public transportation in Chicago.  If you are by any means claustrophobic, Buenos Aires is probably not the best place to be.  However, the city has so much to offer and I’m just starting to discover it all.  Not too far away from my apartment are these gorgeous botanical gardens that are filled with families on the weekends.  Of course tango is incredibly important here so I had to check out a milonga (tango club).  I took a tango lesson with some friends from my program and it turns out that for me at least it’s going to take a lot of lessons to not feel like an elephant trying to tango.  Scratch that—I think an elephant would probably do a better job than me.  I also had the opportunity to go to Colonia, Uruguay for a long weekend.  It is a wonderful little colonial city on the river. 

It’s also been an adjustment to eating dinner at 10pm every night.  Once I got used to it I actually like eating later in the night.   I live with a host mom who is wonderful and extremely patient with my Spanish abilities, but it is definitely difficult to function in a different language all day.  However, I’m taking it as a good sign that people on the street come up to me and ask for directions quite frequently.  Unfortunately I rarely know where to direct them.  But for some reason I always feel compelled to give them directions anyway.  So I’ll have to work on that so I’m not sending people into random parts of Buenos Aires.  I am really embracing not looking like a lost puppy in a big city anymore and can’t wait to feel like an actual porteño. 

Pamela S. - Barcelona, Spain - Spring 2012

Greetings from Barcelona! I have been here for two months and I have to say, I'm in love with this city. I've  seen a lot of the most interesting and touristy things already, although I have yet to go into the Sagrada Familia. I spend my days wandering about the city, getting lost or un-lost, depending on the situation.  And not a day goes by without hearing someone in my program grumbling about the workload and claiming that this is vacation. I blame the absurdly wonderful weather. 

Barcelona is different from home in many ways. The most obvious, and the one that took to the most getting-used-to, is the language. As a native Spanish speaker, I wasn't expecting too much trouble in this area. But Spanish isn't the main language here, Catalan is. I can apparently pass for a local, since I'm always addressed in Catalan first. Fortunately, it's pretty easy for me to understand but the locals sometimes seem a little offended that I don't speak Catalan since they are very, very proud and defensive about their culture and language. It takes a little guesswork to read signs and stuff since the non-touristy areas are mostly only in Catalan though.

Home is in the northern part of the city, by the mountains. I find that area to be very nice to live in, because it's away from the busy part of the city center, but right off a major road that means lots of shops and cafes are still close by. I have two other American roommates and we live with a wonderful Spanish woman who is a magnificent cook and loves to feed us delicious Spanish food. We have two other Americans who live on the floor beneath us with our host mom's son as well, so we're all just one big happy family! I love my homestay! When we first got here, my roommates and I would joke that if we ever got lost, we'd just look for the castle at the top of the mountain and use that as our north star. It's actually the Tibidabo, a building with religious ties. I haven't gone there yet though because the amusement park doesn't open until the weather is a bit nicer.

I'm about twenty minutes from the city center, Plaza Cataluyna, where IES has their building. I would be ten minutes away but my metro line is broken and the transfer adds around ten minutes to the metro ride while the bus takes the entire twenty minutes. From there, the Cuitadella Campus of my university Universitat Pompeu Fabra and their partner business school, ESCI, are another fifteen minutes away.

I'm very happy that I took classes at the university though, that's how I've made some Spanish friends! In one of my classes, the students are just preparing to study away themselves, so I'm really excited for them! I'm really grateful for them. They can give me advice on what to spend my weekends on, how to get places, and explain to me what's going on in Barcelona, Spain, and the European Union as a whole. For example, a week ago there was a student protest due to changes in the educational system and a few strikes have happened as well. These are  very complicated issues so it has been great having someone around that would be able to tell me more.

I'm very happy to be here. I love that I get to spend a semester in this wonderful city. I almost don't want to travel because that involves leaving this city! Spring break, however, is going to be spent in Venice and Paris though, so there's some amount of travel involved in my life.

And because I always want to think I'm helping someone, here's some tips! Getting lost and accidentally forgetting your map is one of the best ways to get to know the city. But please be smart about it. Don't make it obvious you're not from the area. Don't sweat the small stuff, enjoy your time abroad because believe me, it goes by way too quickly. And don't forget, the study part of study abroad comes first for a reason. Barcelona does have great places to visit, a good nightlife scene, etc. but the last thing you want to do is return home with regrets which my program has been kind enough to remind us happens too often for anyone's tastes.

That being said, I have to go do school stuff now but feel free to contact me with any questions! I'm always happy to help!

Curtis D. - Oxford, England - Spring 2012

Hey from Oxford. Here's a list of recommendations I've gathered thus far.

1. You'll be given a map. Use it.

2. Don't be afraid to wander. See 1.

3. Do your work. Professors are super nice but know if you're not doing your best. Communicate with them.

4. Go to the Library. See 3.

5. Check out the various free museums. The History of Science Museum is especially interesting. See 1 and 2.

6. The main grocery marts are Sainsburys and Tesco. The former is cheaper, but the latter is better.

7. Fire & Stone has £5 pizza on Thursdays. It's to the north.

8. There's also a really good Indian restaurant around the corner and a better burger joint farther down.

9. Eat good food. You'll be fending for yourself. See 2.

10. But don't be an ugly American. See 6.

11. The Botanical Gardens are nice, too.

12. The Four Candles pub has the cheapest drinks, but pretty much every other pub has better food. See 2.

13. Balance between work and not work is important, but don't be an ugly American. See 6.

14. Meals at the college are also cheap and good, but don't forget your robes or they'll kick you out. So don't make them be snoody Englishmen by being an ugly American.

15. Use the resources the administration gives you.

16. Everyone here knows everything and they won't be afraid to tell (or brag to) you.

17. Manage your time. Weekends can be used for awesome things like trips. See 13.

18. Always use cash. Avoid contact with credit card companies (any companies, for that matter) if at all possible.

19. Get a phone. Use it.

20. The Purple Turtle is a club. It's owned by the Oxford Union. It sucks. Don't listen to anyone who says otherwise.

21. There are cameras everywhere. See 10.

22. If you're good at making friends, do that. See 19. If not, don't freak out. See 1 and 2.

23. You'll meet a guy named Alan Thorton Jones here. He's in his eighties, has a half dozen degrees and knows everything about everything. Get to know him.

24. If there's anything you don't know, ask. It's not a big deal. See 3, 4, 10, 15, 16, and 19.

Hope all is well,

--Curtis

Kyle S. - Barcelona, Spain - Spring 2012

Hola my fellow Bluejays! How’s the weather in the windy city? I’ve been studying in Barcelona for a good two months now and can’t remember the last time it rained or a cloud covering the sun. The mild Mediterranean climate is awesome! …Although it makes me stand out more then my blonde hair does by making me wear shorts when all the locals are bundled up with coats and scarfs… This has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to do so. I would do anything to trade places with you and start my experience over again.

Overall my experience in Barcelona has been fantastic. I’ve met many great friends and learned many life lessons that I intend to bring back to the states with me. I cannot say the same for my program and housing unfortunately. For housing, I’m in a home stay, living with one roommate and our Padre, Francisco. My roommate and Francisco are awesome however; there are many restrictions within home stays. Can’t have any guests. Can’t use the kitchen. All right, we can use the microwave. Woopty doo. And a few others.  My program is IES and I’ve had some issues regarding my schedule and activities. I also have friends in other programs here in Barcelona such as CEA, CIEE, and ISA. Unfortunately my friends within these programs often remind me of my programs blunders and I often see their programs perks.

This is all thrown out the window for me because Barcelona has captivated me. Barcelona is famed for the renowned architect, Gaudí and rightfully so. Gaudí has made his mark through is unbelievable architecture. My favorite places Gaudí has transformed are La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. Simply Amazing. The reason that I chose Barcelona over Madrid was because of the beach. Odd thing is, the night life is situated on the beach which makes for some pretty crazy nights. One of my favorite nights here in Barca thus far was a private party hosted by HTC/Beats by Dre with Afrojack headlining at Opium Mar. This party had high rollers, executives, and celebrities (Shakira and Akon) all in VIP. Then me, and a lot of other study abroad students on the dance floor. What a night! Did I mention for free!? In Barcelona I’m fascinated with the party promoters, three main ones that I know of, that blast facebook, tweets, and emails with events going on Sunday through Monday with free entrance till a certain time. Non-stop partying. Money saved is quickly spent. The clothes here are extremely cheap and I’m very disappointed I didn’t pack lighter to bring home some of my Euro swag with me. Pack light!

So far I’ve traveled to Amsterdam and Prague. Both were amazing and I don’t think I could provide a ranking of which is better. Amsterdam was so amazing with its canals, red light district, Heineken museum, and the Ann Frank Huis. Prague had an amazing history around Hitler of course, but the old buildings are fascinating along with the Charles Bridge, Astronomical Clock, Lennon Wall, and the Prague Castle.

To be honest, I don’t really know where I’m going with this blog and I could write a book about my experiences. I’ll try and keep your reading light. Feel free to email me with any personal questions! Especially if your going to Barcelona, I would love to give a list of what bars, clubs, restaurants, and places to go! (E-mail removed by Alice for security purposes – see me if you want Kyle’s e-mail address.)

Cheers!

Shelby K. - Australia - Spring 2012

It has been roughly a month since I stepped foot on Australian soil and I am trying to embrace every moment.  It has been fun thus far.  My journey started out with a trip up to Cairns for a four day orientation.  As part of orientation, I was able to white water raft the Barron River (scary stuff) and snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef.  Floating at the ocean’s surface, just meters above a stingray, was a once in a lifetime experience.  My favorite part of the orientation was petting and feeding kangaroos, and holding a koala.  I am a sucker for soft, furry, cuddly things.

I moved into my residence in Wollongong about three weeks ago.  My home away from home is a nice sized dorm room that I share with one other American student.  Even though I have to share space, I am not complaining.  I’ve got the luxury of a huge desk, about double the size of the one’s at Elmhurst in which I personally always feel cramped, and a sink in my room which is perfect for my obsessive hand washing tendencies.

Wollongong is a medium sized city so there is a fair amount of things to do and keep busy with.  I have spent several afternoons browsing the mall nearby, looking for the best deals on Ethernet cords and t-shirts because I seemed to have packed a little too lightly.  I have also enjoyed relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand, if the one by Snooki counts as good.  I have even gone out dancing with friends in downtown Wollongong.  Wednesday night, or Uni night, is the night to go.  I always have a blast dancing my heart out.  Riding the party bus, decked out in neon lights, hardwood paneling, and roaring music, to get downtown on Wednesday nights is a cultural experience in itself.  There is just so much to see and do.

I have been attending classes for two weeks now.  The first day of classes and lectures was a bit intimidating but they get better.  One of the quirky parts of the lectures was that each lecture began by informing the class how and where to exit the building in case of a fire.  I think it is mandatory that the professors put that information in their first lecture.  Each lecture is two hours, which depending on the lecturer flies by faster than one might think.  My sociology professor just has a way of keeping the class so engaging, interacting and asking us questions, that before I know it class is over.  My philosophy lecture on the other hand tends to drag on a little.  This past week was the first week of tutorials, which are basically a class in which you debrief from the lecture, talk it over and sort out any confusing parts.  These are very helpful and somewhat comforting being that they have smaller class sizes and share more similarities with classes I have taken at Elmhurst.

Everyone is very friendly here in Australia.  I have already made some very good friends through my program orientation.  I hope to make even more friends as I begin to settle in and get into the swing of class.

Amanda W. - Australia - Spring 2012

Cheers EC students!  My adventure to Australia began Valentines Days as I flew to LAX to meet up with other AustraLearn kids to take the 14-hour flight over to the land down under.  It’s been three weeks since that flight but I still feel like I’m flying high!  To start things off let me just praise the AustraLearn program.  The Bridging Cultures orientation in Cairns (pronounced Cans) was amazing.  During the five-day stay I got to meet people not just going to my University, but also people going to Macquarie University in Sydney as well.  The program leaders made us feel right at home with the Australians and we got to do so many activities like take a dive on the Great Barrier Reef, hold a koala bear, hang out with kangaroos, walk through the rainforest, and experience an Australian BBQ (and yes I did try some kangaroo, which is quite delicious!).

I knew Australia would be different than the US, but mostly when you picture differences people only think about the physical things, like the landscape.  But what I was reminded of is that as we explore the world with not only sight, but with the other four senses as well.  The plants feel different, even the birds sound different; I still find myself waking up early because I haven’t gotten used to the sound yet.  Even remembering to first look right before I cross the street (yes Australians do drive on the left side of the road) or stay to the left while walking on the sidewalk still seems a bit unnatural.  But it’s all good fun, especially to the Australians.  The stereotype that Australians are laid back is just the tip of the iceberg.  Australians are literally the nicest people I have ever met. If they are teasing you, that means they like you.  The people here treat others with equal respect no matter your social class or job everyone is equal. 

I take a free bus to uni or into town from my dorm everyday and each time someone strikes up a conversation with me.  Even walking past someone there is rarely those awkward ‘I’m going to pretend that I’m not looking at you so I don’t have to say hi’ encounters, people just smile and say ‘hey ya goin?’  The town of Wollongong is beautiful.  My housing is a five-minute walk to the beach and bus ride to the local mall.  One of the first days I was in Wollongong I just rode around on the bus to see what it has to offer, and I feel like I have barely scratched the surface yet!  The city is a cheep hour and a half train ride to Sydney.  I went in for the Mardi Gras parade, which was just insane!

To talk academics, I am taking 3 classes this semester.  I am taking an Australian studies course, Film and Literature course (next week we are watching Twilight…), and a Biology course called Biodiversity of Marine and Freshwater Organisms.  The way classes are here is that you have lectures and tutorials.  Lectures are once a week for 2 hours (or twice for 1 hour) and tutorials are once a week for an hour.  The tutorial is the size of a normal class at Elmhurst where you get to discuss the readings and ask questions on assignments, and lectures are usually in big theater halls (that put Illinois hall to shame).  The grading system is based usually on 1 to 3 assignments, 1 to 2 exams, and participation in tutorial.

Australia has heaps to offer and I can’t wait to explore it.  I’m already picking up the slang and a bit of the accent as well.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask and I’ll try to respond quickly…if I’m not at the beach.  Cheers!

p.s.  Don’t ask where the bathroom is, you’ll get weird looks, ask for the toilet!

-Amanda