In a time of canceled study abroad trips and vacations, it feels like we have a wall built around us keeping us trapped in a country with raising coronavirus cases. Normalcy is feeling further and further away. Until we can get this situation handled, one thing that we can do is live vicariously through those who live in cities and countries where the virus is seemingly under control. Watching vloggers talk about their real experiences gives us a chance to feel like we’re right with them! Whether you were planning to strut down the streets in Barcelona, eat gelato in Rome, get lost in Paris, travel the seas, or just let your soul wander, here are three American YouTubers who are enjoying life abroad in Europe that we can watch this semester while we wait for the opportunity to travel again.
- From Finding Love in Germany to Strutting the Streets of Spain
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If you have ever dreamed of studying or working abroad in Spain or Germany, Katie Horan is the person you need to be watching. She is a 21-year-old American student who earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Alabama and studied abroad in Spain. After she graduated, she moved to Germany for a 9-5 marketing internship in Germany where she found met her current boyfriend and fell in love. She recently moved back to Spain to begin graduate school, so that’s where she’s currently based. She makes videos documenting her experience adjusting to life abroad, moving into her new apartment, and exploring a new city during a pandemic. In one memorable video, Katie offers her experience on some culture shock she experienced as an American in Germany. Hearing about her experience can help you make the transition to moving to another country so you can make the most of your time there. Make sure you check her channel out to see all of the upcoming videos as she starts her new life in Spain!
- From Dating Experiences in Paris to Deep Talks in Amsterdam
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As one half of the traveling YouTube duo DamonandJo, Damon Dominique is a 28-year-old YouTuber from Indiana who is currently living his best life in Paris. He speaks 5 languages and is learning more every day. After studying abroad in France during college, he fell in love with the French language, French culture, and even a French guy! Since then, he has lived in cities all over the world but has since returned to the city that captured his heart. He started a separate YouTube channel from Jo as they live in different countries and it was hard to continue making videos with each other. On this new channel, Damon takes you along as he struggles to get a visa, bank account, and apartment in Paris. Now that everything is sorted out, he shows you how to go thrifting in Paris, shares tips for those learning French, and has “Red Wine Talks” with friends discussing topics many people are afraid to talk about. Before COVID reached the streets of Paris, Damon was traveling to cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin to learn the languages and cultures. While in Amsterdam, Damon spoke with Dutch natives and discussed perceptions many tourists have about the Netherlands and what it is like for people who live there. His Dating with Damon series will have you feeling like you are watching a romantic movie. Whether you’re looking to learn more about different countries, languages, love, or just looking for a way to feel like you are abroad, check out Damon’s channel for all that he has to offer!
- From Going to College and Landing a Job in Italy
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Tia Taylor is one of the most popular American YouTubers living in Italy. She is truly living the Lizzie Maguire Dream we all want. From living in Italy to finding love, she is sharing her life with us and educating us at the same time. Her videos range from style to personal finance to living in Italy as an American. She has older videos from her study abroad trip to Italy that give you an idea of what you can expect if you traveled abroad. She talks about racism in Italy that many people don’t talk about. In addition, she has a series on comparing Italy to America. She even has her boyfriend on her channel from time to time to give the Italian insight. You can also find tips on adulting and money tips in Italy. Whether you are planning on going to Italy, like watching travel videos, or just want to learn some tips, Tia Taylor should be where you start. You won’t be disappointed!
While we look back on our old pictures of our pre-COVID travels to see places we’ve already been, it may be time to start looking for new places to visit by watching YouTube videos! As we wait for things to get back to normal, we can stay proactive and use the time to learn more about the places we want to go and the cultures we want to experience. Hopefully, we get to travel again soon!