Gananoque, Canada: FIFA Chow Downs and Native Name Origins

A year ago today, we were in the midst of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and two years ago we were in the midst of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. In both instances (and by pure coincidence), I spent the final games of each of these events outside of my home country. I’ve always been… Continue reading Gananoque, Canada: FIFA Chow Downs and Native Name Origins

I’m Back: New ‘Travels’ Down Memory Lane & New Activism

The American girl who was gypped from her semester exchange in Cardiff due to a pandemic is at it again: travel blogging, but this time with a twist. Now, please make no mistake. For the past (almost 3?) months since my study abroad experience came to its early end, I’ve been holed up at home… Continue reading I’m Back: New ‘Travels’ Down Memory Lane & New Activism

Week 8/9: Farewell for now to my lovely Cardiff

Umm…hi there. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well, as you may imagine, a few things changed since my last post as I’ve been caught in the tailspin alongside the rest of the world. It’s taken a while for me to write again because I didn’t want to say anything too rashly. I know that… Continue reading Week 8/9: Farewell for now to my lovely Cardiff

Week 7: Bristol, Street Art, and—yes—Coronavirus

Hello, and welcome to another week in the saga that is living in the UK during Megxit, Brexit, Welsh flooding, winter storms, UCU strikes, and Coronavirus. It’s honestly shocking to write out just how much I’ve witnessed while here. Here are the highlights of the past week—with the very important note that (most of) the… Continue reading Week 7: Bristol, Street Art, and—yes—Coronavirus

Week 6: Reading Week Adventures in Tenby & Cardiff Parks

In preparatory sessions for study abroad, the Global Education Office at my home uni frequently referenced the ‘emotional rollercoaster’ and ‘culture shock’ that I would undergo while away. A whopping six weeks into my time here, I can confidently say that I’ve never felt happier and more “at-home-while-at-school” in my entire college career. While I’m… Continue reading Week 6: Reading Week Adventures in Tenby & Cardiff Parks

Week 5: Waterlogged Wales, Striking Lecturers, and Rugby

Once again, I find myself in awe that I’m already so far into my study abroad experience. I swear I just got off the plane about a week ago? Regardless, this week has been pretty relaxed in terms of my own life and fairly hectic in terms of everything else happening in Wales at the… Continue reading Week 5: Waterlogged Wales, Striking Lecturers, and Rugby

Week 4 Day Trip: Heavy Showers in Bath, England

Yesterday, my study abroad friends and I took our first self-organized trip to Bath, England! Since our last trip to Stonehenge/Salisbury was arranged through Cardiff Uni, this time we had to rely on our planning (and spontaneity) to get us into and around the city. Our day began on an early morning train ride (behind… Continue reading Week 4 Day Trip: Heavy Showers in Bath, England

Week 3 (and part of 4): Classes, Exploring Cardiff, and Winter Storm Ciara

It’s been a busy but wonderful past two-ish weeks. My apologies for the inconsistent update, but my student life (and therefore extensive amount of readings) is finally kicking in. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying all of my classes here so far. It’s so great to say that I finally feel like an actual journalism student. For… Continue reading Week 3 (and part of 4): Classes, Exploring Cardiff, and Winter Storm Ciara

Week 2: Classes, Cardiff Bay, and Stonehenge/Salisbury

Week two in Wales is officially at its close, and with it brought a full-on cold, the start of classes, further Cardiff exploration, and even a trip to Stonehenge! It feels so crazy to look back on this one week and realize just how much I’ve done. This week has gone by so slowly—but, oddly… Continue reading Week 2: Classes, Cardiff Bay, and Stonehenge/Salisbury

Week 1: Flights, Exploring Cardiff, and Induction

Hello from wonderful (and wet) Wales! Also (according to one of my flat mates) Happy Chinese New Year! It’s been a whirlwind week since I arrived in Cardiff, so I’m just now finding the time and energy to write this first post. Needless to say, I’ve arrived safely, and I’m settling in well so far.… Continue reading Week 1: Flights, Exploring Cardiff, and Induction