Tag: study abroad

Introducing Braeden Lawler

Published on by DU AbroadLeave a comment

What is/are your major(s)?

International Business

What is/are your minor(s)?

History, Leadership

What is the name of your study abroad program?

ISA: Prague, Czech Republic: International Business & Economics

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Prague, Czech Republic

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I enjoy the tranquility of being off my phone and the idea of not just seeing new things but hearing them. I love the sounds and smells of new places that can enhance an experience.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am excited to immerse myself in a new culture as well as being able to explore a new place on my own. While I love hanging out with new people. I want to challenge myself to create memories that i Will remember forever with or without people I know.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I put a lot of capital and respect to the idea of being well-travelled and a ‘global citizen’. I feel that DU gives me a great opportunity to pursue this idea. I have also travelled often with family and friends, so I want to see the differences that study abroad will have compared to travelling around Europe with friends.

Braeden’s Blog Posts

My friends playing Spikeball in Budapest.

Pre-Departure Feels

Published on by Abigail HopperLeave a comment

As my departure date has quickly shrunk from three months to three days, I’ve found myself swept up in a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and seemingly endless bullets on my to-do list. My ten months in France have gone from a silly abstract trip to very, very real. From spending hours comparing sim cards and the best banks for international use, it seems like there’s always one more thing that needs to be figured out. Where’s the nearest grocery store? What if I get sick (what’s a girl gotta do to get some acetaminophen :/)??

It’s 48 hours before my departure, and while there’s still much to be done, I can say that there is a lot that I have figured out. I’ve chosen an area I like in the city, signed a lease on a Banksy-themed studio apartment, acquired my visa, and registered for classes. I’m almost through the process of packing and filling in anything I might not be able to get when I arrive (resisting the urge to fill my bags with mac & cheese cups and chick-fil-a sauce).

I’m finding my excitement to be closely matched with anxiety, and can go from being thrilled to tearing up about leaving my friends and family in seconds. The thought of not knowing anyone in a new city is daunting, and I’m finding myself running through countless scenarios where things are wonderful or horrible or anything in between. So, if you’re also feeling nerves or guilty about the excitement being bogged down by fear, I can assure you that you’re not alone and that it’s a perfectly normal way to feel! Change is hard but there’s so much to be gained! I keep thinking back to how hard it felt when I first left my hometown to come to DU, and how many incredible people I got to meet and I’ll the experiences I’ve gotten to have.

Here’s to new beginnings!!