#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Loving Work! Internship in Panama

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update on her summer internship in Panama:

I have been working for Logistics Services (Panama) for a month and a half. I have already worked on some really great projects, and am hoping to finish up a couple more before I leave. In addition to the valuable work experience I am gaining, I also get to work with some great people!

My coworkers are really fun to be around and they are extremely helpful with learning Spanish. Most of them also want to learn English or improve what they already know, so it’s more like us teaching each other. Although I do have a handy online translator pulled up on my computer most of the time. Another interesting aspect has been watching the office transform during my time here. My first week we moved into a new facility.

It was pretty barren but is slowly starting to fill up. Last week the kitchen appliances arrived including an automatic tea kettle and a panini maker! I am hoping that I will get to try them out before I leave.

There is also always something happening at work. This last week was especially busy. On Tuesday, we hosted representatives from the United States Commercial Services department of the U.S. Embassy, here in Panama. And on Wednesday,  we had a Board meeting. Turns out, the mother of the man who is head of the Board, graduated from the University of Oklahoma! And one of the first things he asked me was “Where is your accent?”. Encounters like this really make me think about how small the world really is, and about how it just keeps getting smaller.

Hosting representatives from USCS!

But as small as the world is, there are countless things to do and places to see. However, this weekend I decided to take it easy and haven’t strayed too far from home. I went to the Plaza last night (small strip mall / restaurant area) and had dinner and am currently in a cafe sipping some coffee and watching the palm trees sway in the breeze.

I am excited for work (I feel like I say that a lot, but it’s true!) and can’t wait to get back to my projects!

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Read more from Claire at https://clairebeach9.wordpress.com/
To find out more about the http://walton.uark.edu/global/index.php

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Going Home and Other Misadventures

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this to say about her time studying ecology in Scotland:

Before I left for Scotland, my mom told me that my life was about to change and I would be a different person when I got back. It sounds a bit dramatic, as my mom can often be (sorry mom, I love you, please pick me up from the airport tomorrow), but it really was true. I left for Scotland knowing that I was about to have an amazing experience, but I never would have been able to predict how immensely this trip would change me. I met people from far away places that I would have otherwise never had the privilege of knowing. 

I was allowed this amazing opportunity to learn more about my field of study and I got to experience this entire other world while doing it. In these past four weeks I have never laughed so hard, felt so out of my element, worked so hard, or tried so many new things. My study abroad experience was much more than just a different place to learn skills that will help me in my career. I thoroughly believe that every person you meet and every place you go leaves a mark on you that inevitably changes you. I am honored to say that Bonnie Scotland and my wonderful ecology group have left a mark on me.

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Read more from Madison at https://scotchandkilts.wordpress.com/
To find out more about Adelante's Ecology summer program, visit http://www.adelanteabroad.com/program/discover-ecology-summer-program-in-scotland/.  

Learning Law in London #HogsAbroad

Yesterday, I went for a stroll through the central London and by stroll I mean a brisk pace to see every sight there is! I hit all the main sights that my feet would allow. The high points include: Big Ben/The Parliament Building, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge. My favorite had to be Big Ben and that’s not just because we share the same name. When I exited the tube, Big Ben was the first thing I saw. The architecture was extremely detailed, even for the naked eye. Just the sight of the clock towering over you was enough to send shivers down your spine.

Immediately to the right, down the road, is Westminster Abbey. It had equally astounding architecture. On the inside there was a sense of humility and reverence among the quietness. While there was a queue to see inside the abbey, I remember hearing nun asking a guard, “where do I enter?” He responded, “To visit or to pray?” The nun said, “to pray…” That conversation reminded me of the historical significance of this place, and the respect its worshipers held. The thought hit home when I noticed some writing on the front of the building. It read, “May God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the church and the world, peace and concord; and to the sinners, eternal life.”

I then visited one museum that I found particularly interesting. It was the war rooms of Winston Churchill. In this museum I was able to retrace the steps of Winston Churchill during Britain’s darkest hours of World War II. It was in these steel and concrete-reinforced rooms that Winston Churchill and his war cabinet made some of the most important decisions of the war. It was amazing to discover how dedicated his staff was to him. Despite possible flooding from the Thames River, an influx of deadly gas, or destruction from the constant bombing above, Churchill’s staff remained loyal to both him and their country. 

I admire Winston Churchill because after the near defeat in the Battle of Britain he was able to rally the nation using only his words. He united the people in their darkest hour when he too thought defeat was imminent. It was this moment in his life that he reflected on past experiences. He said, “I felt as if I were walking with destiny and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial… I was sure I should not fail.” These words struck me as true for us all. Our past experiences and knowledge are useless if we ignore them when we are faced with our greatest trials. 

  

Learn some British:

“I’d fancy a…” = “I’d like a…”

Cheers = No worries/Take it easy

Queue = Line

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Learning Law in London #HogsAbroad

My name is Benjamin Fruehauf. I am a second year law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law. This June and July I am studying abroad in England. I will be studying at Cambridge, which is in the region known as East Anglia of England. Cambridge is north of London and is about an hour train ride away.

Currently, I am in London exploring what many have called the greatest city in the world. I can understand why. London, like any city, has diverse group of cultures. You can’t go a block without hearing a different language or some odd dialect of English.

London is also full of beautiful parks, known as Royal Parks. These Royal Parks have several memorials, statues, gardens, and streams. There is plenty of open space for all to enjoy, despite such a high density of people.

             

Transportation is a breeze in London. Get yourself an Oyster Card and you can hop on the tube. The tube is the fastest way to get around London. Although if you’re not used to city life like me, it might take you some time to figure out the complex public transportation. However, if this Arkansan (from a town of 30 people) can figure it out, so can you!

When it comes to food, you can find Japanese, Chinese, Moroccan, German, Irish, and Indian all on the same street. Don’t forget to try so traditional British food! Have some meat pie and mushy peas while you’re in town. What I found interesting is that the most popular meal is the Indian dish, chicken tikka masala. I immediately thought of Britain’s age of imperialism. No wonder the best of so many cultures show themselves here! As they used to say, “the sun never sets on the British Empire.”

Learn some British:

Tube = Subway

Railway = Train Station

Mate or Chap = Friend

Cheerio = Hello or goodbye

Pint = Beer

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Paseo por el Madrid

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update from the Spanish in Madrid summer program:

Cuando alcanzé ala superior de la calle, vé todo de Madrid y “wow.” Fue muy bonita y tomé mi respiración fuera. Madrid es una ciudad grande y yo nunca quiero salir . Debe vivo aquí para siempre. Madrid es my hogar ahora. No puedo esperar volver.
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When I reached the top of the street, I saw all of Madrid and “wow.” It was very beautiful and took my breath away. Madrid is a large city and I never want to leave. I could live here forever. Madrid is my home now. I cannot wait to return.
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To find out more about the Spanish in Madrid summer program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/madrid.  

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Embark Alone-a to Barcelona

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update from her study abroad in Barcelona, Spain:

I have never seen such community before – the children were blowing bubbles with the homeless, the tightrope walkers had befriended the barefoot music makers, and on the blanket next to us sat four girls from Germany who said that they are also in Barcelona to study abroad. I enjoyed the beautiful day and the contagious happiness that was being spread around the park. I think that it’s a good experience to see the world simply because you realize how small YOUR world is. There are so many people, places, ideas, and ways of approaching life and this city seems to be a melting pot of them all. 

As I sat back with my notes, listening to the music on my blanket, it was plain to see that a little love for those around you really does go a long way. TODAY after class we wandered in the opposite direction than the day before, finding many quaint shops without the hustle and bustle of the tourists. I found one store, offering ten percent off in exchange for kindness – yet another example of the love that’s constantly displayed for one another here. 

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Read more from Katie at https://ktsbigadventure.wordpress.com/
To find out more about the ISA Barcelona, Spain: Spanish Language & Culture - Summer program, visit http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/spain/city/barcelona/  

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: The Yes Girl in Italy

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update from the U of A Rome Center summer campus:

...And that's how Villa D'Este stole my heart.

I have honestly never seen anything so amazingly beautiful in my life. For anyone visiting Rome - if you visit anything, visit Villa D'Este. You will not regret it! It is my favorite place in the whole wide 
world.

On the way back we stopped for some gelato from La Romana, rated the 3rd best gelato in Rome but #1 in our hearts. Then we headed home to rest from the long day and get ready for our early start the next day, which you shall hear about very soon!
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Read more from Sydne at http://theyesgirlwrites.blogspot.com/
To find out more about the U of A Rome Center Summer program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecampus.

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Traveling Arkansas Girl in Belize

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this to say about her involvement in the Community Development in Belize program:

Sadly, today was our last full day in Dangriga, but it was also the most fun. We hosted community day at Why Not island and each team had an activity booth. All of our community partners and class’s from the schools we taught in came out to play games and say goodbyes. The kids were sweet as always and really loved all the activities. A little boy named Moses made me a God’s eye and tied yarn on it so I could wear it as a necklace. He almost made me cry. 

Saying goodbye to all the friends I’ve made here was so tough. Mr. Evan the granola man, Frankie, Charles, Mrs. Monica and Mr. Cohns…Thank you to all of you for welcoming us into your beautiful community and making Dangriga a home away from home. Week one we got lost in town, had no idea where we could eat lunch or grab a snack, and now we know all the good restaurants, where our favorite people hang out, and where the snow cone place is! We made Dangriga our home these past three weeks. Each person I’ve encountered has changed me. 

Dangriga, thank you, a million times thank you. I’ll never forget you or the things you taught me. Goodbye Belize, and stay beautiful.  

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Read more from Tyler at https://travelingarkansasgirl.wordpress.com
To find out more about the Community Development in Belize program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/belize.  

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Razorbacks and Romans

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update from her summer at our U of A Rome Center:

Hello, friends!

Today marks day 13 that I have spent abroad! I’m caught between feeling like I’ve been away from home for months and feeling like it was just yesterday that I boarded the plane to Rome. Our little apartment is quickly starting to feel like home, and it seems like I’ve known all my new friends and roommates for years! You get to know people really well when you’re all trying to live in a foreign country together–a phenomenon comparable to what you see in, like, Survivor. Except none of us are getting kicked off an island.

Our group spent this past weekend in Florence, which was, hands-down, one of the busiest weekends of my entire life! Our train left the station around 8:30 Friday morning, and it was about an hour and a half trip to Florence. [Side note: Shoutout to Emily (one of my very best friends since 2nd grade and forever life-partner) for saving me from the wrath of the train station gypsies. They stopped me and asked me questions for a few minutes, but she came to my rescue right before they could steal from my backpack. She’s the real MVP.] As soon as we arrived in Florence, we dropped our stuff off at the hotel and walked to Santa Maria dei Fiore, the main church of Florence......

In case you can’t tell by the millions of different angles I took pictures of it from, this is a massive cathedral!

Inside the cathedral, looking up into Brunelleschi’s Dome

Hey, congrats, y’all

The wind almost blew my phone out of my hands and into the streets of Florence whilst taking this sweet panorama. You’re welcome for my sacrifice, everyone.

Waiting outside to see Dave

DAVE.

By far, my favorite thing we saw in Florence! It’s so surreal to see it in real life.

Smolder.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli. There were FAR too many people to get a decent picture. Our group even got yelled at in French by an angry French tour guide for being in the way or something {I don’t know, I can’t French}.

GALILEO’S DEAD BODY IS IN THERE.

NOT Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, but just a plaque commemorating him. He’s buried in France. Calm down, everyone.

Machiavelli’s tomb! I literally couldn’t even.

....Needless to say, we were absolutely exhausted after those few days of literally nonstop tourism. I think our tour guide, Consuelo, and our professors were under the impression that college students have the same amount of get-up-and-go as 5 year olds (false). But it was definitely one of the most impactful and truly eye-opening weekends of my entire life, and I know I will remember it forever.

Every day, I’m even more thankful than the last for this whole experience living in Rome! Of course, the days get a little more routine the longer I’m here (which I actually love, routines are my jam), but every day I find something new to spark my interest, learn about, or be thankful for.
Oh, also, there’s still selfie stick sellers in Florence. Beware, obvious Americans.
Ciao, amici!

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Read more from Bailey at https://razorbacksandromans.wordpress.com/
To find out more about the U of A Rome Center summer program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecampus

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: In the Land of Scotch and Kilts

 One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this update from her summer studying ecology with Scotland’s Rural College:

Today was absolutely fantastic. We were told we would be bird ringing and didn’t really have any idea of what to expect. In an effort to monitor population numbers of several endangered and threatened species in Scotland, SRUC has built a very talented team of bird ringers. By banding the birds, it is easier to calculate population numbers and migratory patterns in species that Scotland is taking extra measures to conserve. We took a hike down to the mesh netting (harmless) in place to catch the birds and returned with more than enough birds to practice with. The professionals carefully weighed the birds, measured the wingspan, and identified the sex. After the calculations were taken, we were allowed to place the bands on the bird’s legs. The bands are very small metal pieces that are painlessly applied with a steady hand and pliers.

Our adorable Payton with an equally adorable bird

How they weigh the birds. Yeah, there's a bird in there.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to take an overnight trip to Loch Lomond! We were also promised a barbecue at the cabins but we are all pretty skeptical as to what Ian (a Brit) means by “barbecue”. Stay tuned for more updates! Guid Nicht!

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Read more from Madison at https://scotchandkilts.wordpress.com/
To find out more about Adelante's Ecology summer program, visit http://www.adelanteabroad.com/program/discover-ecology-summer-program-in-scotland/.   

#HogsAbroad Student Blogger Spotlight: Warren's Trip to India

One of our #HogsAbroad student bloggers had this to say about his recent trip to study international business in India:

Overall this trip has been the greatest learning experience of my life. India has so much to see and do, and to see even a small portion of it has been spectacular both personally and academically. It has been the trip of a lifetime and I can’t think of a better way to start my summer than by studying abroad. 

I want to thank the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business for offering such a great program, Dr. Anand and Dr. Ellstrand for leading the trip, George and Charlene Edwards for their generous scholarship, and my friends and family for their emotional support. 

What a great trip!
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Read more from Warren at https://warrenstriptoindia.wordpress.com/
To find out more about the International Business in India program, visit http://studyabroad.uark.edu/wcobindia.