CAPA Study Abroad Blog

On a Quest to Understand My Heritage

Jan 18, 2018 10:30:00 AM / by Irene Kanthan

Rachel is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2018, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Business Administration major at Merrimack College, she is studying abroad in Florence this semester.

In her first post, Rachel shares her reasons for wanting to study abroad and how she is preparing herself before heading to Florence.

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It is crazy to think that I am leaving for Florence in less than 8 days and as I am staring at my unpacked suitcase (procrastinating) the nerves and excitement of leaving are slowly setting in. I am not only wondering about how I am going to pack everything in this tiny suitcase, but also reflecting on what has led to me take on this new adventure of studying abroad.

CAPAStudyAbroad_Florence_Spring2018_From Rachel Cholewinski -Working with Children in Ecuador.jpeg Working with children at a school in Ecuador.

Studying aboard has always been something that has interested me and I came into college with the motivation to apply. Although I have always had this idea in the back of my mind, I decided on officially studying abroad after I came back from an Immersion Experience in Ecuador my freshmen year. This program was only for 2 weeks, but I grew in more ways than I expected. This trip inspired me to continue to learn about other cultures as well as encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. After this trip I really became passionate about traveling and meeting new people because I found that in these situations I truly learned the most.

Posted in: Florence, Italy, Predeparture & Study Abroad Preparations, Identity

A Reflection on My Heritage and Time in Poland

Dec 20, 2017 11:30:00 AM / by Irene Kanthan

Thaddeus is an official CAPA blogger for fall 2017, sharing his story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A BFA major at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, he is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Thaddeus leaves London for Poland to visit and learn more about his heritage and the rich history in this European country.

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For the final full weekend of my time at CAPA, I decided to take a trip to Poland since I come from Polish heritage! It is the first time that someone with my namesake has traveled back to the country since my great-great-grandfather in the mid-1950's. My grandfather was originally from Krakow, however, I also took the time to visit Warsaw and Gdansk.

Christmas market in Krakow, Poland.

In Krakow, the city feels like a small town mixed with modern architecture centered around the Old Town section which was established around the 13th century - as with most Old Town boroughs through Poland.

Posted in: London, England, Identity, Personal Learning

The Person I am Because of Study Abroad

Apr 19, 2017 5:30:00 PM / by Julie Ritz

Courtney Manning is an official CAPA blogger for spring 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A Convergence Journalism major at the University of Missouri-Columbia, she is studying abroad in London this semester.

In this week's post, Courtney talks about studying abroad in London has changed her as a person in a positive way.

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It’s hard to believe that I only have a week left of my program in London. I have dreamed about this trip since I was around five or six years old, and I’m honestly heartbroken about leaving. I’m blown away by how much I’ve changed during this trip- I knew I was going to change somewhat, but I never imagined it would be this drastic. I’m proud of my changes, though, because I feel that I am now truly a more cultured, tolerant and independent person than I was before.

CAPAStudyAbroad_London_Spring2017_From Courtney Manning Changes 4.jpg

Posted in: London, England, Identity, Core Values

My Identity as an American in Sydney

Mar 9, 2017 5:30:00 PM / by Julie Ritz

Natalie Emmert is an official CAPA vlogger for spring 2017, sharing her story in weekly posts on CAPA World. A nursing major at Arizona State University, she is studying abroad in Sydney this semester.