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Month: February 2018

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By Nora_Wolcott

As a GW Exchange student at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, I’ve spent the past couple months watching my friends embark on their study abroad experiences. Reading the facebook posts, blog entries, and firsthand accounts of their travels has only solidified what I’ve known ever since I was a high schooler applying to college: studying abroad is sure to be one of the landmark moments of my college career. However, so far my 2018 has looked a little different than all of my peers abroad, in that I haven’t been abroad at all. Because New Zealand operates on a yearly schedule opposite to the USA’s, I am actually attending their fall semester, which doesn’t begin until nearly March. Consequently, I’ve spent the past few months staying in DC and working full time, saving up to ensure that this experience is the best it can be.

During my time in DC, spending my hours working in a genetics lab and dog walking, I’ve had a lot of time to think about how I want to spend my semester abroad. So, blog readers, I present to you my official New Zealand Bucket List:

...continue reading "New Zealand Bucket List"

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By shellytakessingapore

Across universities, cultures, and people, college student's best friends are naps and coffee. With temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to 90s, the heat in Singapore, among several other factors, steals a lot of my energy and leaves me fatigued. To combat this issue, I have found myself taking more naps during the day than I normally do back in the States. While napping does help me regain energy, it requires staying in bed more often and takes a lot of time out of my day. Therefore, coffee has been an effective source of energy. However, I learned the hard way that the type of coffee and way of ordering coffee is not the same in Singapore as it is back home. After committing a few cultural faux pas, I believe I have mastered the proper way to order coffee in Singapore.

In Singapore, the term for coffee is the Malay word "Kopi". Kopi is a sweeter, richer version of coffee. The beans are usually roasted with butter and then brewed through a small sack made of cloth. As a substitute for fresh milk, Kopi is served with condensed milk which adds an additional sweetness to the drink. When I had my first cup of Kopi, I immediately noticed how it was much sweeter and thicker than coffee that I was accustomed to. However, for those who enjoy a less sugary cup of coffee, Kopi can be modified to several different versions. The two most common versions of Kopi are Kopi O and Kopi C. Kopi O is served without milk and with sugar. Kopi C is served with unsweetened condensed milk and no sugar. Kopi is also very cheap in Singapore and costs SGD$0.80 (USD $0.60) for one cup. It is often served with toast that has a coconut jam spread called kaya. Just as the java jacket protects you from burning your hands from the hot coffee, a small plastic bag is wrapped around the coffee and allows you to carry it without holding the cup (please refer to attached picture).

...continue reading "Coffee: A student’s best friend"

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By eevenden

Hæ vinir! (Hey, friends!)

This week I am going to write about my experience travelling around Iceland outside of Reykjavik (on a student budget). Since a number of people I know will be coming here to visit me or traveling to Iceland on separate trips, I figured it would be best to condense my knowledge and advice into a blog post in order to makes sure everyone’s trips are, one, safe, and two, relatively affordable.

Over the past two months, I have been on three day trips outside of the city to see some of Iceland’s famous natural landscapes! All of these trips have involved renting cars and planning a route for the day, which I will discuss later. My first trip was to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the North (#1 on the map below), a very scenic, mountainous area which is a bit colder and snowier than Reykjavik. The second trip (#2) was along the South Coast, as much as you can reasonably see in a day, which is famous for its farms, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. Today was my third trip out of the city, around the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the Capital and the Keflavik Airport, where almost all international flights arrive. This area is known for its tectonic and geothermal activity. In two weeks, when my boyfriend is here, we will drive further along the South Coast to Höfn (provided the weather is good) and spend three days exploring an area known for both its volcanoes and glaciers (see pink, hashed line). When planning trips in Iceland, it is worth asking yourself “what kind of sights do I want to see”, because it will differ a lot depending on where you go.

In this blog post, I will discuss the process of renting a car and driving in Iceland from a tourist/student’s perspective, since it is the cheapest way (and therefore only way) I have traveled throughout the country. There are a number of tour companies which can make your experience less of a hassle, but those trips will be more expensive, limiting, and crowded. So, unless you are very limited on time or don’t feel like researching and planning a trip, I wholeheartedly recommend driving yourself.

...continue reading "How to Travel Around Iceland (on a student budget)"

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By shellytakessingapore

In my previous post, I mentioned ways to get around Singapore. However, another important component of the study abroad experience includes traveling to nearby countries and exploring other cultures as well. Often times, friends will post their crusades in other countries on social media. While the pictures seem to portray simple, fun adventures, what isn't shown are the numerous hours pouring over details about flights, lodging, activities, and meals.

Even before arriving in Singapore, I had a vague idea of other countries I wanted to travel to visit while studying abroad. This list included countries such as: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Laos. As days turned into weeks and I continued to remain in Singapore, my anxiety about traveling increased. I had created an unreasonably high expectation for myself regarding traveling. For me, studying abroad meant doing something new everyday and exploring new countries every weekend. However, the reality is far from this idealized theory. Below I have listed some myths that I believe people have about traveling to other countries.

Myth 1: Everyone's schedules will align perfectly.
The experience of traveling to other countries is enhanced when friends join along and explore together. In an ideal world, all of the friends that one makes while studying abroad have the same class schedule. This schedule would consist of classes from Tuesday to Thursday so that Friday to Monday can be dedicated to traveling. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. On my trip, I have friends whose classes end around 6pm on Friday. I, myself, have classes on Mondays that start at 12pm. Moreover, the situation becomes even more nuanced when more people are factored in. While it can be frustrating to have to limit traveling to certain days throughout the weekend, it is important to be flexible and accommodate everyone. A benefit of traveling with a group of friends as opposed to traveling alone is that you can feel safer in an unfamiliar place.

...continue reading "The Truth About Abroad While Abroad"

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By tanvibanerjee

“Do you know what NUS stands for?” My local kaki (friend) asked me one night, “National University of Stairs!”

Her joke rang in my head as I lay on the bathroom floor for the second time that night. My crutches had somehow managed to land far away from where I had slipped and my casted ankle throbbed painfully. Of all the things I had thought I would experience while studying abroad, I didn’t think I would be experiencing my first serious ankle injury.

On the night of January 31, as Singapore slept, I was wheeled into the emergency room by my fellow exchange friends. The dreaded question came next, “So, how did this happen?”  I wish I could tell a tale of how I tripped while catching a pickpocket or something more heroic, but that was not to be. Red-faced and very embarrassed, I was forced to recount how I had stumbled while crossing a road. Worse yet, I hadn’t even fallen to the ground. Instead, I had squawked a very inelegant squawk and clutched at my friends who were walking beside me.

The nurses shook their heads in disbelief as they examined me for more injuries. “How did you trip lah?! This ankle injury happens more commonly while playing sports!”

Head swirling in pain, adrenaline, and shock, I could only hear bits and pieces of information that the doctor was telling me.

...continue reading "An unfortunate ‘twist’: Dealing with an ankle injury in Singapore"

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Shakespeare once questioned: "What's in a name?". A name, however permanent and solidified it may be in one language, is ironically also arbitrary. It is only until you enter foreign territory, where a name is different, that you realize that all along what you considered so fortified was in fact solely constructed.

Since living in Paris, I have become so aware of language: its use, its meaning, and its connotations. Language builds walls but also barriers. The other day, my professor lectured on the idea that in terms of culture, although one thing can be true, its opposite can also be true in another culture. Therefore, if language is a force to bring people together, it is also the thing that can set us apart.

I have been taking French for nine years, and although I do not consider myself fluent just yet, I would confidently say that I can communicate with other people in this language. However, language barriers still continue to exist. I find myself taking things too literally in conversations, like a child who doesn't understand sarcasm. I find myself searching for specific words in my mind, and then resorting to silence because I could not bring myself to correctly engage in a conversation. It is very hard to learn another language, even if you are immersed within its culture.

...continue reading "The Phantom of the Opera"

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By teniolab

On the "Rollercoaster of Study Abroad" schematic, I definitely think I am in that "initial adjustment" phase. More or less I have found myself to be comfortable in my surroundings and have figured out what works and does not work for me to be successful during my time abroad. While in this stage, I have found myself retrospectively criticizing my packing situation. I constantly think that if I had known "this", I would have brought "that". I tried my hardest to not overpack. After many attempts at packing and repacking, I somehow packed the items that I "wanted" as opposed to packing the items that I "needed". But when it comes to being away from home for four-plus months, it is important to pack smart but also pack the items that make you feel the most like yourself.

It is challenging to now realize that I didn't pack certain (sentimental) items for the sake of saving room in my suitcase. So here it is, a list of items I wish I had packed:

...continue reading "5 Things I Wish I Had Packed"

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I’ve celebrated Lunar New Year every year of my life, but since attending college, I haven’t been able to celebrate with my family. This time of year is usually when I get the most homesick which is why I was so excited to have a host family to celebrate with this year. In Tibetan, the New Year is called Losar and it turned out to be really different from what I’m used to. I came with the expectation that the streets would be extremely festive with colorful decorations and people bustling trying to prepare for the holiday. However, Nepal is actually majority Hindu and huge festivals regarding Losar have been suppressed by the government due to Chinese pressure to silence and oppress Tibetan people and Tibetan Buddhism. So in many ways, the act of celebrating was, by nature, politicized. It was a really unique experience to be in a country where this celebration that was so familiar to me became somewhat foreign.

The Baudha Stupa decorated for Losar

...continue reading "Spending Lunar New Year in Kathmandu"

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Greetings from London! Since my program does not start until February 27th, I am traveling a bit before hand. Although there are several iconic London tourist destinations - like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, I have found a few hidden gems. Here’s my list of must sees while in London -

1. Greenwich Royal Observatory

Located right outside the heart of London is the Greenwich Royal Observatory where you can not only glance at the stars and take in the beauty of the city, but also stand on the historic Prime Meridian line. Super unique experience and I would highly recommend if you are looking for something off the beaten path to do.

2. Hyde Park - Serpentine

Hyde Park within itself is quintessentially British and is one of my favorite public parks in the world, but I recently discovered the artificial Serpentine Lake - unfortunately not a real lake, but alas beggars cannot be choosers. During the summer seasons I am told you can rent paddle boats, which is just absolutely precious. Entirely not a winter recommendation, but I thought I would add it because it simply sounds divine. ...continue reading "Least Seen Must Sees in London"

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I have only been in China for 5 days now, but it has certainly been an experience. I spent the first four days in Shanghai before flying to Xiamen, a city in southwest China. I arrived on Tuesday and Chinese New Year (CNY) took place on Friday. I could never have expected the influence that that would have on our trip.

Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, and usually occurs in late January, February, or early March. It is one of the few national holidays and as a result, the largest human migration happens. It is tradition to go and visit your family during this time. It is said that if a girl brings her boyfriend home with her over CNY, then he must marry her (marriage is incredibly important here). Since everyone travels home, cities like Shanghai end up being very empty and closed down. While this is probably a welcome relief for Shanghai residents, it makes its very hard to gain an understanding of the city if it’s your first time there.

...continue reading "Chinese New Year"

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