When I decided to study abroad, I thought that I’d be off to some European local every weekend, shopping and site seeing. The shocking reality of studying here was that I needed my weekends to recharge, do class work and keep up with friends and family from back home. I haven’t been able to do nearly as much traveling as I’d envisioned but I have seen some really cool places. Here’s a list of where I’ve been so far:
1.Cornwall, England (Oct 2)
This was the first trip that I took in England, and it happened the first weekend I was here. My study abroad program hit the ground running with this hiking adventure to Tintagel, the legendary site of King Arthur’s birth.
2. London, England (Oct 15-17, Nov 5-7, Dec 21-22, Feb 11-13)
Sure, this one seems obvious but it’s actually really far away from where I study! Two hours by train, plus a lot of money, London has been a fun weekend trip a few times this year. Luckily, I’ve been able to go on my program’s dime. My favorite places so far have been The Foundling Museum, The British Library and the new exhibit at Kensington Palace.
3. Cardiff, Wales (Nov 12-14)
I had my first hostel experience just outside of Cardiff in the town of Brecon.Though it will never be my first choice accommodation, it was nice to have a real “study abroad experience”. Wales was beautiful and I got to hike around the countryside, see a pretty castle and learn a little Welsh!
4. Topsham, England (Oct 29, Nov 25)
The professor who came over with the Kenyon-Exeter program lives in Topsham, a short train-ride away from Exeter. I’ve been to this town several times for various Kenyon functions such as Thanksgiving Dinner. For Thanksgiving the program invites all of our English professors to a pub to share in our uniquely American meal!
5. Luca, Italy
Over Christmas break I traveled to Italy to meet my parents. Christmas was spent in a little apartment in Luca, cosy and familiar. The city was gorgeous and welcoming. My parents and I enjoyed strolling around the cobblestone streets and learning how to navigate the walled city.
6. Florence, Italy
I spent New Year’s Even in Florence this year and got to see all of the firework celebrations over the Ponte Veccio! The shopping in Florence was to die for and my mom and I left with our pockets significantly lighter!
7.Rome, Italy
To finish out our Italian adventure, my family spent a few days in Rome. Touring the Vatican was the most exciting part since we had a wonderful tour guide.
8, Bath, England (Jan 15)
This was a day trip with my friends to see the Roman Baths and Jane Austen’s favorite place! We ate lunch at The Pump Room and did a little shopping at The Jane Austen Museum.
9. Glastonbury (Mar 4-5)
This is a trip that I already shared with Her Campus!
10. Stratford-upon-Avon (Mar 17-20)
Just in case you didn’t see my post on my Shakespeare adventure—here’s the link.
11. Chepstow, Wales (Mar 20)
This is where Tintern Abbey is. Take a look back at my post last week for more information about this trip!
Want to know what’s still on the list?
- Dublin, Ireland
- Galway, Ireland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Dorchester, England
- London, England (again)
Over the next three weeks, I’ll be traveling to all of these places and sharing my adventures with you! It’ll be non-stop traveling and an adventure but I’m really looking forward to finishing off my study abroad experience with a bang.