Onsite Journals
Ever wonder what it is really like to study abroad?
Check out the journals listed below and find out how exciting Saint Mary's College study abroad programs can be.
Cordoba, Argentina
Liz Litke, Spring 2011
Entry #1: Far from Home
Bueno… I realize that I am writing this journal after I've already lived here for awhile... I'm not exactly sure what I will be saying, and I want to apologize in avanzado for any Spanish words, phrases, or entire blogs that may "accidentally" appear... I mean, living in a Spanish speaking country for 6 months is bound to take a toll on me sooner or later…
I guess I'll begin with what I'm doing here. Survey says…….. I have no clue.
I had wanted to study abroad for various reasons- learn Spanish, travel the world, live in a new culture, experience LIFE. And now that I'm here, I didn't know what I had signed up for. But all is well in America del Sur, don't you worry. It is definitely an experience! I will be calling Córdoba, Argentina my new home from February 4 through July 30, studying Spanish through the CC-CS program at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Hopefully I will learn a thing or two while I'm here (;
For more of Liz's experience in Argentina, check out the rest of her journal.
This is Arlene Forney, 2009
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to spend this semester at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, Australia. I have already learned so much, and the actual studying has yet to begin.
The beginning of an Australian Adventure …Saturday, February 16th, 2009 .......
As I anticipate embarking on my own Australian adventure, it caused me to reflect my purpose as a pilgrim: To strengthen my sense of identity as a person of faith through experiencing the universality of the Catholic Church. Faith is a constant, in every part of the world. I am so excited to meet the people that have come together from around the world to study here in Fremantle. My perception of the world seems to be continuously shrinking, especially when contemplating the encompassing love of Christ. The repetitive "It's A Small World" song has been replaying over and over in my mind, which may be contributing to my thinking. The people are friendly, the landscape is pretty, and the Fremantle has some interesting buildings. After only half a day in Australia, I understand how people are attracted to living here, despite the various lethal species of wildlife. If you ever get the chance to see this country, I highly recommend it. The University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle campus) is the first Catholic University in the country. Old buildings have been transformed into school buildings scattered throughout the town, all located within blocks of our hotel. The city is perfect for college life: the beach, stores, post office, doctors, buses and train station are within walking distance. My first night at the P&O: filling out some forms, emailing my family, and hoping all is well at home. Jet lag made sleeping come easily. Find out more about Arlene's experience in Australia
Greetings from Austria
Elizabeth Pugh,2010
September 2, 2007
Austria is so BEAUTIFUL! Flowers everywhere, the mountains surrounding us, the little kids babbling in German as they play, the amazing old buildings! I was worried about fitting in with all the ND students, but I've made fast friends, which is completely comforting as we all work on our German. We went grocery shopping the other day, which is always a little scary due to the ultra fast pace of the checkout counters, but I hope to get into the swing of it soon. At least Frau Hahn warned me! Find out more about Elizabeth's expereince in Austria.
Dijon, France
Maggie Karcher, 2012
Spring 2011
Dijon!
First thing I will talk about is Dijon: the city and the area itself. Two other Saint Mary’s girls and I live about a five minute walk away from Centre Ville, which is the heart of Dijon. On the main road, there is an impressive selection of stores, a cinema, and a park. Clustered around the Centre Ville there are at least six Cathedrals (I’ve only been in three, but they were all beautiful), a museum of archeology, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in the Palais des Ducs, from where the Dukes of Bourgogne ruled the region. They amassed a lot of the collection, and there are really interesting pieces, especially from the middle ages and the renaissance. For more of Maggie's experience in Dijon, check out the rest of her journal.
Allison Vaughn, 2013
Spring 2011
I’ve very much enjoyed my time in France so far. We arrived in early February and started classes a week after our arrival. Classes have proven to be pretty interesting, and the teachers are pretty cool. It’s really different from being in an American classroom as far as the teaching styles and grading methods. Anything above a 10/20 is good, and if you receive even a 14/20 you’re doing superbly. I feel as though I’ve really improved in my French, and even began to feel that way just a few weeks into the classes. More on Allison's experience in France.
Greece Summer Program 2007
Michelle Sherman, 2007
June 2, 2007 
Today, we started off by visiting Eleni’s aunt, who lives in Argos (oldest city in Europe and famous for orange and lemon produce). We met her aunt, her aunt’s husband, Eleni’s mother and Eleni’s cousin (Marina?). Our whole group was greeted with an explosion of hospitality and warmth (including of course, food!): cherry juice, bundt cake, and loukoumi (the Greek version of “Turkish Delight”—but don’t dare call it “Turkish Delight” in Greece!), smiles, kisses, and the juiciest oranges I’ve ever eaten.
Find out more about Michelle's experience in Greece.
Maynooth, Ireland
Madison Koehler, 2014
My name is Madison Koehler. I am studying at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth as a part of a program Saint Mary’s has had for around 38 years. It is a wonderful partnership that really helps you feel like a part of the community from the moment you arrive. We live in apartments on campus that are in a flat-style arrangement. This year we are in River Apartments. We each have our own bedroom and bathroom and share a kitchen and living room area with 4 or 5 other people.
We are only a short walk into town, which has all the basic stores, tons of restaurants, and of course the pubs. Maynooth is a little town, and I feel totally safe walking around it, not that I ever go without someone, but I don’t fear what may happen walking around town either.
Find out more about Madison's experience in Ireland.
Rome, Italy
Alexandra Penler, 2014
Journal 1: The land where buses are Mercedes and police cars are BMWs
A week and a half ago, 46 students arrived in Rome to begin our semester abroad. We knew we’d learn about history, better understand a new culture, have some trouble with the language, and eat plenty of gelato. Little did we know we’d be climbing up a mountain, see a traveling band, or be whisked away before the peace march could commence. I’ll explain all of these events in a minute.
Our orientation took place in Assisi, a usually sleepy town in the Umbrian valley. It is home to St. Francis of Assisi and one of the most beautiful views in Italy. Our 3-hour bus ride led us to the base of the mountain, which we would climb halfway up to get to our hotel. Our fearless leader Ms. McHugh climbed this in heels, which made her even more astonishing.
We had good food, explored a bit, and all went to bed early. We then rose and took our first tour, up the rest of the mountain to a castle rightfully named La Rocca. The rest of our trip was very similar. Tours to various churches and other markers, people catching up on sleep, and exploring to find the better gelaterias.
More on Alexandra's experience in Rome.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Kate Kirbie, 2012
Fall 2010
Entry #1
5 October 2010: Recap of the year
Sawubona! We are already two and a half months into our journey abroad to South Africa. I know all of us have found this the experience of a lifetime. Previous highlights have included going on a safari and seeing up-close-and-personal lions, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, monkeys, and more. This last weekend we were taken to go zip lining through the canopy at the edge of the Drakensburg mountain range. My Plant Diversity and Use class went on a field trip to the coast where we collected algae in rock pools as the salty waves misted (or soaked) our backs. In Behavioral and Reproductive Ecology, we got to know our nature, and our classmates, better in our weekend field trip to the southern coast to work on our mini projects. More about Katie's experience in South Africa.
Seoul, South Korea, EWHA Women's University
Laura Corrigan, 2013
August 24th, 2010
The area around EWHA is so cool and perfect for any college girl! It is covered from street to street with people selling all sorts of delicious treats on the street. There are stalls lined with beautiful scarves, headbands, and shoes being sold for prices that seem too good to be true. Once you step into little storefronts, you bow your head down a little and attempt a formal hello in Korean, “Annyeong Haseyo. The hills up and down each block make each street more exciting because you never know what you will find as each hilly block leads to more wonders to be discovered. It is such an adventure each time! I am constantly making mental notes of places to return to and try to remember, but it is impossible!!!
The ECC, the main campus center, is completely underground covered with solar paneled windows making it glow at night. It is a sight to see! It holds anything you could ever imagine in a student center! (Starbucks, phone store, movie theatre, bookstore, cafes, bakery, restaurants, print store, classrooms, study rooms, and traditional sleeping rooms!!!!)
Find out more about Laura's experience in Seoul.
Seville, Spain
Katherine Saenz, 2011
September 6, 2009
Most houses in Spain don’t have internet so I am lucky to have it available at my house. Today we went to the monastery of Christopher Columbus and to see a museum to see replicas of the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Then we went to la playa (the beach) but it was cold and raining so we went to an Italian restuarant and had terimisu and café capucino. Both were wonderful!!! Three other girls from Saint Mary's and I sat talking for about two and a half maybe three hours. We walked on the beach after it stopped raining. There were shells everywhere. It was much less of searching for shells and much more of gathering them up. On the bus we all ate our bocadillas (aka sack lunches). When I got back from the beach I walked home and went up to my apartment door. I started to unlock the door but it didn't work then I realized it was the wrong apartment and started unlocking the wrong door. A man came to the door and looked at me like I was a trying to break into his apartment I just said sorry, sorry and hurried out of the building. Then I realized I was on the totally wrong street. I eventually realized it was the street over. Now I am sitting in my room clean from my first shower (ducha) at my house. All in all it was a great day... long but great! Oh, by the way, tipping isn't necessary in Europe/ Spain.
Find out more about Katherine's experience in Seville.