Elizabeth S - Murcia, Spain - Fall 2014

Hello CPP 250!

I am studying abroad in Murcia, Spain through ISEP.  I have been here for about a month and a half and am finally settling into "regular life".  I had typical problems getting here and want to advise you all that the calmer you are in response to changes, the easier everything will be ( No pasa nada or don't worry is a very common phrase here!)  I ended up arriving about 24 hours later than anticipated and, though frustrating, it was not the end of the world.  Since arriving I have completed an intensive language course with other international students, visited several beaches, visited Granada, and even went to a bull fight! I've experienced so much culture in my short stay here already and I cannot wait to see what comes next! Studying abroad is not all traveling and experiencing culture, though, my classes have begun and adjusting to that has been difficult.  I have become thankful for the "easy" registration process at Elmhurst.  All in all I am loving Murcia and am so glad I made the decision to study abroad.  Best of luck in your preparation!

Joceline R - London, UK - Fall 2014

Hello, everyone! My name is Joceline and I have been in London at Queen Mary University for about 3 weeks now and it has been a nonstop adventure! I used to think that England wouldn't be that different from the U.S because they speak English here too, but was I wrong. There are many things that one has to get used to just like crossing the street. I’m probably having more trouble with that than I should but thankfully some streets have ‘look left’, ‘look right’ written on the roads for you. Also, whenever I’m in public such as on the tube or eating out, I try my hardest not to be “the loud American”. People usually don’t speak while on the tube and when they do speak in public it’s close to a whisper. Sometimes the only reason I know I am being too loud is when I start getting the stares…
But anyways, I've been trying to keep myself busy and trying to do something new every day because I know three months would go by quickly. So far I am doing well, I've visited Big Ben, Tower of London, different palaces, royal parks with beautiful gardens, museums, churches and many more sites in just a short time. I’m planning to go to Paris for a weekend trip this month and Stonehenge & Bath and hopefully Amsterdam next month! This was a different experience for me being so far away from my family and being more independent. I thought that I was going to be homesick right away but so far (may sound horrible) I don’t miss home at all. I’m having so much fun seeing things that I only dreamed of seeing and exploring what’s around my new home. The schoolwork (you know because there is the studying part still) isn't too heavy, I only have classes once a week and three days a week and the assignments are all reading. Also, because London is such a diverse city you meet people from all over the world & learn about their cultures and customs as well. Fun fact: apparently they don’t have squirrels in Australia, so you will see Australians taking videos of them at the parks. So far this has been a one in a lifetime and amazing experience & I can keep rambling on but I won’t. Wish you all the best on your future study abroad adventures!
P.S A little advice: Even if it seems like a lot of work make sure you do the class assignments & especially the binder assignment well because it was very helpful for the first week, especially upon arrival to the airport & university! And feel free to ask any questions (even the ones you aren't forced to ask) or concerns that you may have because when I was taking the class I knew I had tons of questions!!!!