Best Decision of my Life #HogsAbroad in Spain

Coming to Spain to study abroad has been the best decision in my life. And I mean the BEST.

I didn't know what to expect but I came so eager to find out what living abroad means. The first two weeks weren't as easy as I thought it would be. I had many connections flights and I lost ALL of them due to weather conditions. Finally, after 32 hours of sleep deprivation, I found out ALL my luggage was lost!! Can you really believe that? So I had no clothes to wear, nor laptop to connect with, and no shampoo or basic toiletries. Certainly I didn't have a good start BUT it turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life.

I got to know new people from ALL over the world. I made friends from Italy, Pakistan, Germany, Austria, Mexico, Bolivia, Spain, Colombia, Morocco, Brazil, and France!! I'm really glad I met them because they have broadened my knowledge and perspective about cultures and the world itself. Do you want to know what's the coolest thing about them? All of them they speak at LEAST three languages!!!! I thought I was cultured because I'm bilingual (English and Spanish) but I'm guessing I have to learn another language. So I had no problems at all on communicating with these folks.

I truly enjoyed this study abroad experience. Besides meeting new people, I tried new food which some of them were good, others not so. I listened to different types of music, I laughed, I walked at least 10 miles a day. I saw hundreds of museums, I went to the theater, famous stadiums, I ran, climbed and many other adventurous things! I'm so happy that words cannot explain how much I learned and enjoyed being in Spain. Here's a short video compiling some short trips I did when I was in Spain. I had the chance to visit Portugal, Morocco, Italy, France, and Spain!

Not everything is just trips and parties. I study Marketing and being at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid is quite different from home. I have lots of group projects every week and classes are quite different. I don't love their system nor do I hate it. It's just different. Having lots of group projects, I have sharpened my skills on time management and being more cooperative. I definitely loved every single part of study abroad.

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Marketing major Stacy Dheming is spending the fall 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

Final Thoughts On Studying Abroad #HogsAbroad in Spain #MondayMotivation

My study abroad trip in Madrid has officially come to an end. I have been home for a few days now, and the realization that I am back is finally setting in. It really seems like I had just unpacked my things yesterday. I really came to love Madrid. I met so many amazing people, and visited so many gorgeous places. I saw so much, yet it feels like I still had even more to see. I wish I could have stayed a while longer.

For the people who plan to study abroad, I have but one recommendation. That is to meet and get to really know some new people during the trip as possible. I had so much fun travelling Europe, but what really made it special, were the awesome people that I got to go to those places with. I also had the amazing opportunity to room with 8 amazing people that became my dear friends. So enjoy your study abroad trip, but more importantly, spend that time meeting new people, and connecting with, because in the end, you will only be left with those memories, and those new friends to make more memories with.

View From The Royal Palace

Templo De Debod

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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
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About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

How I Paid For My Study Abroad #HogsAbroad in Spain #FundingFriday

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. For someone like me, coming from the worst financial situation imaginable, it seemed impossible. But it’s not. I made it, and that means you can too. Here are a few ways that helped me fund my trip.

Scholarships- Without the scholarships I received, I would not have made it to Spain. So, my advice is to check the deadlines every day, and scour your college website, and outside sources for scholarships and deadlines. I was lucky to receive various scholarships. I received The Walton Study Abroad Scholarship for $2,800 by applying directly on the Walton College site. I also received the Office of Study Abroad Scholarship for $800. And finally, I received the Gilman Scholarship for $3,000. If you receive financial aid, then you HAVE TO apply for the Gilman scholarship. Also, any academic scholarships or aid (like FAFSA) count towards your study abroad.

Hard Work- For me, asking for financial help from my mother was out of the question. Because of this, work was what paid for a big portion of my study abroad. If you are even thinking of studying abroad, I recommend getting an early start and working hard to save as soon as possible. This will allow you to enjoy your trip to fullest, and travel around as much as you want. Especially while in Europe. It is very cheap to travel around Europe, especially when planned way in advance.

Loans- Although I did not personally take out student loans, I know many people who did. Taking out a student loan can help you a long way. However, I would recommend looking into a credit card. I took out a Sapphire Chase Credit Card just in case of emergencies. I have a $5,000 limit, with no interest for a year, no international transaction fees, and cash back points on every purchase. It is definitely worth having in case you need extra help during your trip.

Budgeting– Create a budget early on. Figure out how much your housing and utilities will be and set that aside. After that look into transportation fees in your city. I had a 20 euro metro card I had to pay for monthly. Next, give yourself a budget for your food. Be very generous with this especially if you like to eat out. Consider that groceries are usually more expensive in cities. Finally figure out where you want to travel to and approximate the costs there and back. Book early for the best rates and include taxi fees and metro fees within the city. Places like London have a very expensive metro fee. Most importantly, stick to your budget. If you over spend early on, it can lead to problems later.

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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

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About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

Dublin, Ireland #HogsAbroad #WanderlustWednesday

I can honestly say that I had NO plans on visiting Ireland while studying abroad. It never crossed my mind, but boy am I glad I did!

Dublin Bay Cruise

First of all, Ireland is breath-taking beautiful. We took a day to explore the City Center of Howth. It was freezing, but we decided to take a cruise around the island. It would’ve been a lot nicer if it were warmer, but it was well worth it! I was able to see tons of seals as they played with the waves that the boat created. Also, we met an older couple from Alabama who were visiting Ireland, and they were planning on renting a car to explore the outskirts of Dublin. Extremely nice people!

Second, the people of Dublin are EXTREMELY nice! They are very outspoken, and won’t hide how they feel. Although they were very straightforward, never beat around the bush, they were extremely nice. Never judgemental and were always glad to help us when we got lost.

Of course we took a tour of the Guinness storehouse. It was amazing to learn everything that went into creating a pint of Guinness. There was a man who was a Guinness expert, he knew everything about it, from what went into it to how long it took to make.

While in Dublin, I had my favorite food EVER. I missed it so much. I had potato skins with buffalo hot wings. In Spain, there’s not that much spicy food because Spaniards aren’t really into it! I had to take advantage of my favorite food in Dublin!

YUMMM

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Hi! My name is Erica Portillo, and I am a Junior at the University of Arkansas. I am studying International Business with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Spanish. I have had the opportunity to take my studies abroad – to Madrid, Spain! I am from Rogers, AR and have never been to Spain, but I cannot wait to be there!

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International Business major Erica Portillo spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Erica at ericaspainblog.wordpress.com

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

Naples, Italy #HogsAbroad in Spain #TravelTuesday

So interesting fact: everyone told me not to go to Naples, that it would be a waste of my time. They were wrong, everyone was wrong. I loved Naples, and I’m so happy I didn’t listen to them.

Naples isn’t as “touristy” as Rome was, which was nice. We could walk away from the city in Rome and still hear people speaking English, but it wasn’t like that in Naples. People were only speaking Italian and the people there were so extremely nice.

The building to the right, in the picture, was where I was staying. It was in a nice area, right next to the metro stop.

The following pictures are just bits and pieces of the beautiful city, Naples. We saw a castle, which was amazing, and the best part was how the locals would run through it as part of their daily run. I would love to run through a castle as part of my daily jog!

I wasn’t able to visit Mount Vesuvius, but I was able to capture a picture of it from afar.

My traveling group and I had one of the best restaurant experiences all through out our trip in Italy, but my personal favorite was in Naples. We came across a pizzeria, which was closed at the time, well we started talking to the owner and ended up telling him we’d be back for dinner. So of course we go there for dinner. The moment we arrive the owner gets real excited and starts putting all the tables that are in the restaurant (2) together to form one big table. He handed out menus, asked if we would like appetizers, and of course we say yes! He was friendly and geniuely happy to serve us! All I have to say is the Margherita pizza was one of the best I had in Italy! It was fresh and delicious!

All of this to say, everybody NEEDS to visit Naples!

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Hi! My name is Erica Portillo, and I am a Junior at the University of Arkansas. I am studying International Business with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Spanish. I have had the opportunity to take my studies abroad – to Madrid, Spain! I am from Rogers, AR and have never been to Spain, but I cannot wait to be there!

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International Business major Erica Portillo spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Erica at ericaspainblog.wordpress.com

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

3 Nights in Paris #HogsAbroad #WanderlustWednesday

Growing up, I loved animated Disney movies. Among one of my favorites, was the Hunchback of Notre Dame. This classic film is set at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. This movie inspired me to visit Paris. I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit the city of lights. It has been one of my favorite cities so far. The ambiance of the city is just incredible. I only had a short 3 days there, but every second of it felt unreal. My friends and I visited many beautiful landmarks and museums , including The Louvre, Arce De Triomphe, Hotel Des Invalides, the infamous Notre-Dame cathedral, and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Arc De Triomphe (Honorable mention: A Crepe)

Hotel Des InvalidesLouvre Entrance

Notre-Dame Cathedral

I like to think that I am a simple, carefree guy. I enjoy the simple things that life has to offer. I love food, relaxing, and wondering with no destination in mind. Because of this, my favorite part of this trip was just relaxing at 3 different sites, each with a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower, while enjoying a savory Crepe. Every hour, the Tower displays a 5 minute long light show that is breath taking. I saw like 3 every day. 

Sitting down and enjoying the fresh spring air with this view was truly euphoric.

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Hello, my name is Edgardo Alaniz Flores. I am currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas. My major is International Business with a concentration in supply chain management. I also am pursuing a minor in Spanish. For the spring semester of 2018 I will be studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. I choose this program for various reasons, but the top two reasons were that they offered many business classes, and the second being that the university was in a Spanish speaking country. To make this journey across the ocean possible, I applied for a few scholarships. The Sam M. Walton college of Business study abroad scholarship. Another Scholarship I applied for was the Gilman scholarship. Without these scholarships my study abroad experience would not have been possible.

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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/
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About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program) offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

Short Trip to Morocco #HogsAbroad in Spain #TravelTuesday

Out of the blue, I decided to book a 3 day trip to Morocco through BeMadrid, a popular exchange student website. The trip cost $230, and included transportation there and back, visits to a few popular destinations, and best of all, a camel ride. Going there, I had no idea what to expect. The trip took us through 2 cities, Tangier and Chefchaouen (better known as the Blue City). Unfortunately the weather was extremely gloomy during my visit, which led some crazy raveling conditions, but Morocco was definitely a one of a kind experience.

We landed in Tangier. In Tangier, we got to see unbelievable views from a cliff slide, explored the caves of Hercules, and rode a camel.

The blue city Chefchaouen, was my personal favorite. We got to overlook the city and got to soak in the magnificence of the surrounding mountains. We also had the opportunity to explore the shops and meet some locals.

In the end, Morocco was an experience unlike any other. Although it was only a short excursion, I enjoyed it and can’t wait to explore more of Morocco.

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Hello, my name is Edgardo Alaniz Flores. I am currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas. My major is International Business with a concentration in supply chain management. I also am pursuing a minor in Spanish. For the spring semester of 2018 I will be studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. I choose this program for various reasons, but the top two reasons were that they offered many business classes, and the second being that the university was in a Spanish speaking country. To make this journey across the ocean possible, I applied for a few scholarships. The Sam M. Walton college of Business study abroad scholarship. Another Scholarship I applied for was the Gilman scholarship. Without these scholarships my study abroad experience would not have been possible.

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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

--
About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program) offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

A Visit to Naples, Italy #HogsAbroad in Spain

This past weekend, I went to Tangier, Morocco and Chefchaouen, Morocco! I definetely enjoyed Chefchaouen, The Blue City, more than I did Tangier. In Tangier we saw the Hercules caves, and rode camels on the beach. It was truly a great experience, one I will never forget.

I tried Moroccan chicken kebabs, which were delicious. Also, mint tea a big deal in Morocco and it is SO good. I’ve only been home for about a day and already miss the mint tea!

In The Blue City we walked around, and shopped at the different local markets. It’s called The Blue City because mainly as the buildings are blue, and it’s beautiful.

We were able to see a man as he was making a blanket, truly mesmorizing. In this shop, they sold scarfs, man made bags and blankets.

I really wanted to share this photo because although we live in the 20th century and everything is moving towards technology, there are many Countries that haven’t been able to adopt all these new technologies. For example, Morocco, till this day hand washes all there clothes, not just delicates, but all of them. They don’t have machines that wash their clothes, nor a machine that dries their clohtes.

Studying abroad has made me realize a few things, one being that I am extremely blessed and thankful to be living in a home that has a washer, dryer, stove, microwave, and a central heater. We often take these things for granted, when in reality they’re a HUGE blessing and something to be extremely thankful for.

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Hi! My name is Erica Portillo, and I am a Junior at the University of Arkansas. I am studying International Business with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Spanish. I have had the opportunity to take my studies abroad – to Madrid, Spain! I am from Rogers, AR and have never been to Spain, but I cannot wait to be there!

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International Business major Erica Portillo spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Erica at ericaspainblog.wordpress.com

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

Naples, home of the best Pizza ever. #HogsAbroad in Spain #FoodieFriday

This week was spring break. A group of 8 friends and I decided we were going to explore as much of Italy as we possibly could. Spring break overlapped with Easter, so we were expecting Italy to be jam packed with tourists. Fortunately for us, this wasn’t the case. One of our stops was in Naples. Everyone we talked to advised us to skip this city, but we didn’t listen. I sure am glad we didn’t. While there isn’t much to do, it is a beautiful city filled with some of the nicest Italian locals we came across. We walked the shoreline, climbed the Castel dell’Ovo (literally meaning Egg castle), and most importantly, had the best pizza I have ever had the pleasure to indulge in.

Now if you know me, you’ll know that I am overly obsessed with pizza. Pizza is by far the best food in the world. With that being said, you can only imagine how good this pizza was. Pizza originated in Naples, so when I tell you this pizza is uncomprehendingly good, you better believe. We got it at a tiny shop next to our hostel. We noticed this place had a million carry out orders, and the only 2 tables in the place were always occupied by what seemed to be regulars. We decided to give try and go in, and luckily we got there in the nick of time and secure a spot.

 

Pictures truly do this pizza no justice. Naples was worth the visit for the pizza alone. I can’t wait to go back.

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Hello, my name is Edgardo Alaniz Flores. I am currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas. My major is International Business with a concentration in supply chain management. I also am pursuing a minor in Spanish. For the spring semester of 2018 I will be studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. I choose this program for various reasons, but the top two reasons were that they offered many business classes, and the second being that the university was in a Spanish speaking country. To make this journey across the ocean possible, I applied for a few scholarships. The Sam M. Walton college of Business study abroad scholarship. Another Scholarship I applied for was the Gilman scholarship. Without these scholarships my study abroad experience would not have been possible.

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International Business major Edgardo Flores spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of the Gilman Scholarship and our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Edgardo at edgardoenespana.wordpress.com.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/

--
About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program) offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

Warhol. The Mechanical Art #HogsAbroad in Spain

This past week I visited the Warhol museum. I knew his most famous works, such as the Campbell’s Soup cans and the portraits of Marilyn Monroe, but that was all I knew. I learned so much about him, and his work was real interesting.

I haven’t explored outside of Madrid the past 2 weeks since classes have started. Classes are SO different here at UC3M. We have lecture classes mainly in the beginning of the week, for example, mine are on Monday’s and Tuesday’s. On Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, and Friday’s we have ‘practical’ sessions, which are similar to Supplemental Instructions (SIs) back at the U of A. I haven’t had a problem here at UC3M, but I have had to get accustomed to the new University and the atmosphere of the classes here.

Also, I have recently booked my Spring Break trip to Italy!!! I am so excited to explore Italy for a week. I will most definitely post about that trip when the time comes!! The plane tickets to travel around Europe are ridiculously inexpensive. Traveling is very affordable, unlike back in the States.

So far I’m loving my stay here at Madrid, Spain!

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Hi! My name is Erica Portillo, and I am a Junior at the University of Arkansas. I am studying International Business with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Spanish. I have had the opportunity to take my studies abroad – to Madrid, Spain! I am from Rogers, AR and have never been to Spain, but I cannot wait to be there!

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International Business major Erica Portillo spent the spring 2018 semester in Spain with our U of A Exchange Program at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Read more from Erica at ericaspainblog.wordpress.com

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/