Tales From aBroad
Learning Through the Unknowns- Oxford Fall 2021
Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I don’t exactly remember at first what it was about it that was so appealing to me, but the urge to get away from home and from what I knew was getting increasingly strong. Oxford, England is drastically different from what I had experienced in Abilene, Texas. In fact, when I first arrived, I was in shock and absolutely terrified because Abilene was all I ever knew. This feeling left within about 48 hours though.
The Test and the Reward
When previous students of study abroad speak on the subject, one thing that seems consistent between them all is how the experience changes you. For some, peace of mind is gained, independence is earned, and friendships are formed. This. . . wasn’t quite what happened to me.
Turrialba, Costa Rica – Spring Break 2020
Last spring break, I journeyed to Turrialba Costa Rica with the Social Enterprise Consulting class. There were 10 students and 2 professors on the trip. We worked with RETUS, a local tourism network that specializes in rural eco-tours. While there, we visited small businesses run by entrepreneurial women…
Unexpected Gems – Spring 2020
Studying abroad in Oxford for the Spring semester of 2020 was an experience I’ll not soon forget. Granted, this is likely due to the fact that our semester was cut short after Covid-19 began spreading around the globe at a rapid rate, but the short time we had in England provided me with memories I hope to hold on to for a long time.
The Glasgow Fiasco – Spring 2020
Time has always been elusive to me. I frequently find myself begging for more time, a problem I’ve had since high school when I realized that you don’t ever get time back. As we loaded onto the bus and rolled away from ACU, I promised myself that this trip would be different.
Magical – Oxford Spring 2020
In the spirit of squeezing every drop out of the college experience, I studied abroad in Oxford during the Spring 2020 semester. While it is sometimes confusing, I feel it is only right to clarify that I studied in Oxford, England, not at Oxford University. The latter is much more prestigious, but the former is much more fun.
Oxford Connections – Spring 2020
Before I studied abroad, I might not have taken seriously how deeply one connects to the place they live. Yet, the past two months, while seemingly short, truly were life-changing.
Exploring German Culture – Spring 2020
My study abroad experience in Leipzig, Germany was incredible! We saw many neat places, got to know locals, and learned much about the history ingrained in the city. At first, it was very strange because being there didn’t feel very foreign to me. It felt like another metropolis in America until…
Oxford Study Abroad – Spring 2020
Studying abroad has meant the world to me and I would hop on a plane right now to go back if you handed me a ticket, but I am also grateful for the time that I had there and how unique situations bring people together. The people in these pictures ARE study abroad for me.
The Ups and Downs of Study Abroad – Spring 2020
My semester in England was filled with a variety of ups and downs. I traveled a lot, made some friends, and felt more deeply connected to the United Kingdom afterward. However, I also experienced days filled with stress and difficulties.
I am so glad I studied abroad in China because it changed my view of Asian cultures and has even made me consider going back. I definitely recommend stretching yourself and going to a place you never imagined yourself being in because you’ll learn a lot about yourself and about the world.
A huge “THANK YOU!” to the Honor’s College for giving me a Travel Grant and lessening the financial burden of Study Abroad! This semester would not have been possible without you!
You cannot remain unchanged after a journey such as this. God is constantly shaping and refining us to be more Christ-like ambassadors for His kingdom. I am not the same person who left Dallas, and with God’s grace, I have a new appreciation and understanding for engaging His global mission.