Dustin - Final Reflection, Spain

My favorite moment of my study abroad experience is definitely trying the different kinds of Spanish food. Although the food offered in the school was not the best it was still amazing to be able to try authentic Spanish food. I was able to try what regular students eat on a daily basis at the school we went to. But I tried the best plates when we went on our excursions. I tried a lot of different tapas. Tapas are smaller portions of a dish, similar to a snack. This allowed me more variability. I think I tried around 15 different tapas, from paella, to tortilla to rabbit meat and even bull’s tail. I enjoyed every single one of them except the anchovy tapa. 

Excursions to anywhere were what I looked forward to everyday. We were stuck in school, a child’s nightmare. It got boring and any outings satisfied my desire to explore. We went to the Centro and various shopping malls in the city. We also went to the beach daily and the supermarket. On weekends we visited cities in Andalucía. This was amazing because we got to sightsee and explore the city on our own. 

Overall this experience was awesome. But I personally prefer a program with a host family more. On my past two trips my host families were awesome and I really connected with them as if they were my real family. On dorming programs such like Spain, you really interact with other kids from various countries more. Do not get me wrong but having international friends is awesome. I learned a lot from all of them that I do not believe I could have learned from a host family, but personally I prefer a host family.

Crystal - Observation of China, July 31st

1) No Blue Skies...I didn't notice at first, but then I went to this "English Corner" where people gather and speak English/Chinglish, and they were like, "DOES AMERICA HAVE BLUE SKIES?" & I was like, "Yeah..."
2) Asians really can't drive.
3) Bao zi (A bun with bread) and zhong zi (Stick bread with a lotus leaf wrapping) is pretty godly tasting.
4) No fire hydrants.
5) Asian guys are desperate.
6) Hooters in China isn't as exciting at Hooters in America.
7) There is no drinking law.
8) Food on the street tastes good.
9) Stray dogs and cats make you sad.
10) PANDAS ARE CUTE.

PS: AUGUST FOURTH IS WHEN HARRY POTTER COMES OUT IN CHINA!

Crytal - China, July 18

I'm safe in China! Except that I'm still on New York time for a bit...& I also feel nauseous sometimes, so if it doesn't get better by tomorrow, my family said they would take me to the doctor. Do you think this is normal?
I'm also homesick around the 3-4am when I suddenly wake up...But during school (my first day was today), I am happy because Americans are there, and I am learning more Chinese! I also played pingpong & painted in school.
I'm just still having troubles adjusting even though my host family is really nice and supportive. I just wish I could speak to them more.
-Crystal