International Experiences

Doriane Feinstein • Feb 22, 2017 •9:12 am

From Sunrises on the Beach to Painful Epiphanies

My view of 2016 was most definitely a negative one; a vision of terror, disappointment, and many sleepless nights. My year could only really be described as awful. With a study abroad program that fell through at my previous university, the unexpected death of a friend, and having to transfer to an...

Hannah Faulkner • Feb 20, 2017 •7:00 pm

Defeating Dumyat

It’s been almost 10 months since I committed to Arcadia, but occasionally I’m still hit with the question: “What made you choose that university?” In all honesty, it was a combination of a lot of small things, as well as one big thing. That big thing was the fact that Arcadia is...

Helen Armstrong • Nov 20, 2016 •7:00 pm

Long-distance Longing

Ah, college. A time of gorging at the dining hall, studying at the library until 1 a.m. and grabbing midnight milkshakes at the diner, Snapchatting your friends back home to show them how great a time you’re having at college… And, often, navigating long-distance relationships. This isn’t a...

Helen Armstrong • May 22, 2016 •8:00 pm

Wonders of the Walk

Over the weekend, I took the wrong pair of shoes to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a town about four hours north of Perugia by train, and it’s a cluster of five towns that climb up the cliff faces like colorful ivy and boast beautiful views of the sea. It’s a place I’ve dreamed of visiting...

Helen Armstrong • May 17, 2016 •8:00 pm

Addicted to Study Abroad

When I decided to come to Arcadia, I already knew that it was an intensely global school. I knew I would be able to study abroad at least once, and that most of my peers would be studying abroad at some point. Once I went on my First Year Study Abroad Experience, me and my fellow FYSAErs got bitten...

Isabela Secanechia • May 14, 2016 •12:00 am

Why Learn Just One Language?

Arcadia’s modern language department — true to Arcadia’s promise — is very involved with our education. By being an Italian Studies major, I was able to meet the other language teachers through the Modern Language department’s club activities, who inspired and encouraged me to take other language...

Clifford Long • Apr 16, 2016 •12:00 am

Bryan Mier is 4,135 miles from home

Bryan, a student in the International Studies / International Peace and Conflict Resolution 3+2 program, is from Tarija, Bolivia. You do acknowledge the fact that you are alone, a lot. For example, my first night here. It was summer when I arrived. I was tired, because I hadn’t...

Helen Armstrong • Apr 11, 2016 •8:00 pm

Just Say Yes

If you’ve been walking around with your eyes and ears open, I’m sure you’ve seen or heard the phrase “Just say yes” or something to that effect. It encourages saying yes to everything that’s offered to you, the idea being that taking every opportunity is important to our growth as humans. While I...

Helen Armstrong • Mar 17, 2016 •8:00 pm

Abroad Again

As I arrive at the midway point in my second study-abroad semester, I can’t help but look back on my first-year semester in London. It’s difficult to avoid comparing one experience to another. Each time you go abroad, you’re bound to see things in a new way. A second or third time studying abroad (...

Marcella Haddad • Feb 28, 2016 •7:00 pm

Making My Own Magic Universe

I destroyed the classroom on purpose. The official lesson plan said to overturn desks, dump out pencil cases, and move around chairs. When I’d finished with the destruction, I placed a note from an evil wizard in the center of the room. It told the students that their magic had been...

Helen Armstrong • Feb 18, 2016 •7:00 pm

Io Non Parlo Italiano

Even in the best of circumstances, it can be difficult to talk to strangers, especially if you’re an introvert like me. I clam up at the hint of conversation with someone I don’t know, allowing my friends to take the lead and only jumping in when there’s a really good opportunity for a...

Helen Armstrong • Jan 3, 2016 •7:00 pm

Embracing Change

I’ve always felt that transitions are the worst times in a person’s life. Like, for example, the week before and after leaving for a big, life-changing trip. It’s stressful, saying goodbye is difficult, and change sucks. I would rather jump right into the middle of it and not have to deal with the...