CAPA WORLD

If you want to experience nature and learn more about history outside of Ireland (on a budget), you can add a weekend trip to Scotland to your plans. Clare takes a short flight from Ireland to Scotland and tours the Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. She brought her camera along to snap some breathtaking views of her time there!

Making Chinese dumplings from scratch in Shanghai? Definitely an item that's crossed off on Absa's bucket list! Here's a story of how 18 Champlain College students got involved in this cultural activity and learned how to make dumplings. Want to make some of your own? Absa shares more details on the recipe in this post.

Pack your bags because we are taking a high-speed train to Beijing! Is The Great Wall of China on your list of places to go before you die? Have you wondered how to make your way to The Forbidden City? Well, in today's post, Absa will show you around all these places and more. Together with her CAPA classmates, she spent the weekend in the prominent Chinese city where they toured some of the most historic spots in the world and spent time taking in the local culture.

Your first time bargaining may feel awkward so Absa has put together some helpful steps to ease you into the Chinese consumer culture. She also shares the things (affordable luggages and bulk souvenirs, anyone?) that she and her friends have gotten from negotiating with shop owners. You'll leave Shanghai knowing how to bargain, so put this new skill to practice while you're there!

Get this on your radar: Katie makes a very compelling case as to why Dublin is the place to be. It's a city with adventures waiting just for you. From sharing local everyday spots anywhere under the sun such as parks, coffeeshops, and food joints, to suggesting events and day tours, Katie has several lists lined up for you to take your pick. A dose of spontaneity is required, so be ready to live life as a Dubliner!

One great thing about studying abroad in Shanghai is that it can be incredibly cost-effective to travel to other parts of the country, thanks to high speed bullet trains and youth hostels in tourist hot spots! Don't believe us? Champlain College student Lauren and 7 of her friends were able to spend a weekend outside of Shanghai in Huangshan and Hangzhou for less than $150 per person. She breaks down her planning and the costs in this new vlog, so definitely check it out for helpful advice on how to plan a similar trip when you study abroad in China! 

CAPA Summer vlogger and Purdue University student Camille Campbell reflects on her actual experience of studying abroad and interning in London, comparing the city and lifestyle there to her initial expectations of London and it's the culture. She compares food, fashion, attractions, commuting, and safety, touching on her own identity and experience as a black woman in the U.S. vs the U.K. 

⚠️ Collaboration Alert ⚠️ Today we are zooming on Hannah Woodruff and Clare Weigel's blog/vlog #collab featuring their trip to Scotland. They planned every detail down to a T in order to visit places like Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye all in one weekend, and now they are sharing their trip with you! Check out these awesome highlights for inspiration, and for 6 tips on how to plan a trip like this on a student budget, check out Hannah's blog post.

There'll always be more to do with whatever limited time you have while studying abroad, so learn to make the most of it! Hannah serves up 6 tips to help you focus on where you want to go and how to get there without sacrificing your sanity and the quality of your experience. Have a travel buddy in mind? Get them to read this too.

On a quest to see more of Argentina's culture outside Buenos Aires? Ben cosigns this CAPA visit to Estancia Don Silvano, an Argentine cattle ranch. Filled with local cuisine tastings and beautiful views, the ranch also has plants and trees, as well as animals and horse racing for students to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.