Category: Europe

Unpacked and Unprepared – Preparing for Sevilla

Published on by averywrightLeave a comment

It’s been less than a week since arriving in Sevilla, and it already feels like I’ve lived a lifetime. Every day is a new adventure, and I’m learning so much along the way. To start this first blog post, let me take you back a few weeks.

It’s Sunday, three days before I leave, and nothing is packed. This whole ‘study abroad’ thing is becoming very real, and I’m not quite sure where to start. I’m not quite sure what the weather will be like. I have zero weekend trips planned, and I’ve been researching like crazy the past few days on what to pack, as if I’m flying to the middle of nowhere rather than the fourth-largest city in Spain. I decide it’s now or never, I need to start throwing things into a bag.

I decided to only use the allotted free bags for my three months abroad, which meant a checked bag, a carry-on, and a backpack. Additionally, I packed an Ikea bag for my trip back home, which I can already tell will be much needed and appreciated. After weighing my bags 8 separate times to stay under the 50 lbs weight limit, I was finally ready to go.

Here are some things through my meticulous research that I’m already glad I brought with me:

  • Plug adapters – A must-have if you want to charge anything.
  • Ziploc bags – These can be used for leftovers, storage, and anything else you need.
  • Water bottle – I have been bringing this everywhere! You walk so much and need to stay hydrated.
  • Passport holder – It was really nice to have everything I needed in one place while traveling, such as my passport, ID, boarding passes, and baggage receipts.
  • A good bag – Really necessary for walking around all day and night, big enough for everything I need, but a hassle.
  • Zipper clips – Gives me peace of mind when walking around, much harder for someone to pickpocket you, although Sevilla feels very safe, and this hasn’t been an issue.

Even though I’m glad I packed well, I realized I worried way too much about it. Instead of researching what to bring, I should’ve researched the culture and places to see. I wasn’t expecting the tiny one-way roads, the 9:30 pm dinner times, and the leisurely pace of daily life.

Even then, every surprise has been a good one. My nerves from last Sunday quickly turned into excitement after being here for only one week. While I’m still battling a bit of jet lag and am not quite confident in my Spanish speaking skills, if this first week already feels like a lifetime, I can only imagine what the next few months will bring.

Can’t wait to share it with you all!!

P.S. Follow my abroad Instagram for more updates on my travels!

Scusi–I’m Trying to Get to Class!

Published on by Mattie EmbreyLeave a comment

Prior to my arrival in Italy, I didn’t know what differences to expect between this and my previous study abroad experience in Morocco. The biggest, and most unexpected, shock was the tourism scene. Meknes is no Marrakech, Chefchaouen, or Tangier when it comes to people visiting Morocco from abroad. My ten classmates and I stuck out like sore thumbs among the quiet city of locals going about their daily business. Sorrento, Italy, however, is a HUGE tourist destination. It’s difficult to feel out of place here because it seems like everyone is out of place. People come from all over the world to experience this beautiful town by the Italian seaside. I’m still not sure which setting I prefer. I felt more immersed in the local culture and routines in Morocco but Sorrento is so energetic and lively.

Going to school in Sorrento definitely has its quirks, though. For example, my apartment here is about a 25-minute walk from the school. I don’t mind the walk, but the insane pedestrian traffic can get annoying from time to time. It makes sense: people on vacation with their partner or family strolling around and slowly taking everything in. Then suddenly a 21-year-old girl comes quickly weaving through the crowd like her life depends on it. I must look ridiculous whenever I’m running late to class. My education is everyone else’s vacation. I’m grateful that at least my apartment itself is slightly out of the way of the main city hub–definitely more than worth the half-hour walk.

The fun part about the walk is getting to see everyone having fun, dressing up, and letting loose. I like to live vicariously through couples day-drinking by the beach, girls getting their photos taken in elegant dresses, couples celebrating their weddings, and families enjoying fancy Italian restaurants. It’s hard to feel burnt out after a long day when there is so much vibrant relaxation all around you.

In all, I feel very lucky that I’ve been able to experience both of these settings. I’ve loved (and been slightly annoyed by) both, and I can’t wait to live out the rest of my time here in Sorrento.