Ciao lettori! ¡Hola amigos! Our TWO spring, semester-long foreign study programs have officially launched as of this week, which means that our travel blog will be updated with views into the student experience abroad again starting NEXT WEEK!

This spring, we have about 10 Mountaineers studying in Cuenca, Ecuador under the tutelage of the Mount’s very own Doctora, Dr. Diana Rodriguez-Lozano (College of Liberal Arts). We also have about 20 Mountaineers studying in Florence, Italy with Dr. Alejandro Cañadas (Bolte School of Business).

Once again, we have a few students who will be blogging about their adventures studying abroad. Their posts will begin on Monday, so be on the lookout for some insights into student life abroad, descriptions and pictures of the amazing scenery in both Italy and Ecuador, and all the fun our students will have this semester! Each student is writing about something personal and interesting to them within the context of studying and living in either Florence or Cuenca for the next few months. I won’t reveal much more than that, except to say that Olivia, Shelby, Rebekah, Tyler, and Amara have some interesting themes they plan to explore over the next several weeks as they go on excursions, attend class, and make unforgettable memories with their classmates in Italy and Ecuador. Look for the posts from students studying in Florence on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and for the ones from Cuenca on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

New this semester, our two interns, COMM majors Kelley (Salzburg 2018) and Emma (Salzburg 2018 & Prague 2018), will offer some insights about how to prepare for a trip abroad and some reflective posts about how their time abroad was a significant part of their undergraduate experience at the Mount. We’ll also get an update about Emma’s Honors Project which will be presented at the 2020 SPARC Festival in April.

Emma and Kelley enjoying some craft beers at the Alchemist Bar in downtown Salzburg. We were putting our newfound beer knowledge to good use to fully appreciate some amazing Belgian brews.

Finally, we also plan to share some behind-the-scenes details as the TWO TRIPS preparing to depart this fall for Dublin, Ireland and Prague, Czech Republic begin their recruitment process and finalize plans for more unforgettable experiences on the Emerald Isle and in the Heart of Europe. The Dublin trip is being led by Dr. Ernest Solar (Division of Education) and the Prague trip is being headed by… YOURS TRULY! Information sessions for fall study abroad trips are being held next week. Contact Shaadi (Prague 2018) for more information!

Cliffs of Moher

The Old Town Square in Prague is a “must-see” but especially at night! There are significantly less tourists around and the buildings look even more beautiful when they are all lit up.

Having the opportunity to study abroad is a life-changing experience, and Mount St. Mary’s is committed to helping students to become more aware of world cultures through its Foreign Study programs as we strive to form ethical leaders in service to God and others. We hope you’ll tag along this semester to see what our students are up to in Florence and Cuenca and to learn more about studying abroad with the Mount! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @MSMUtravels!