2024 Fall

Jeremy Gouteix: Post 4

Jeremy GouteixProvider: AIFSBerlin, Germany2024 Fall Berlin has been both surprising and exactly what I imagined. I expected the city to feel big and a bit overwhelming, which it did at first, but I quickly realized it’s more like a collection of neighborhoods with their own personalities. What surprised me was how relaxed the city can feel despite its size—people here love their parks and green spaces, and it’s easy to find quiet spots amidst the chaos. This is the Friedrichstadt-Palast theatre lit up at night. It is by my programs location so it was a common sight to see. I […]

2024 Fall

Jeremy Gouteix: Post 3

Jeremy GouteixProvider: AIFSBerlin, Germany2024 Fall I’m proud of how quickly I’ve adjusted to Berlin. Navigating the city, speaking German (even at a basic level), and feeling at home here are huge achievements for me. I never thought I’d be so comfortable in a new culture, but it already feels like my own. Exploring places beyond the tourist spots and knowing how to blend into Berlin’s rhythm has made me feel like I’ve really embraced the city. In my free time, I’m usually out exploring whether it’s hitting up museums, trying out new foods at street markets, or just hanging out […]

2024 Fall, Semester

Jeremy Gouteix: Post 2

Jeremy GouteixProvider: AIFSBerlin, Germany2024 Fall   To get to my classes from my apartment I have to take two different modes of transportation. First, I take an intercity train from one Bahnhof (train station) to another, once I arrive I get on the metro for 4 stops until I reach the nearest metro station to my school. From there, I walk for about 7 minutes and go inside. On my journey I hear the bustling sounds of Berlin, the cars, trams and trains all going by bringing thousands to their destinations. I see the various architecture, from modern to classic […]

2024 Fall

Keegan Kennedy: Post 2

Keegan KennedyProvider: AIFSParis, France2024 Fall   I’m settling into Paris well; the city already feels like home to me. There is life on every corner and on top of every cobblestone. The metros, cars, busses, trains, and pedestrians are the lifeblood of Parisien(ne) culture. It is truly an expensive city, meaning I can sneeze and spend money. I would say Parisians are kind people, just impatient, they aren’t going to work with you to figure out your problem, but they sympathize with you. My classes are 3 hours at a time so the whole weeks content is in one session, […]

2024 Fall

Keegan Kennedy: Post 1

  Keegan KennedyProvider: AIFSParis, France2024 Fall It took me 3 days to get here. That sounds like a lot because it is. Last year my mom moved back to Montana and that’s where I left from. I had to make the 2-hour trek to the airport the night before my flight since it left at 7am. The check in desk at the little 6-gate airport in Great Falls, Montana even said “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually go to Paris” which should tell you the travel habits of Montanans. I felt so nervous at my layovers in Denver […]

2024 Fall, Academic Year

Jeremy Gouteix: Post 1

  Jeremy GouteixProvider: AIFSBerlin, Germany2024 Fall I chose the IES Abroad program in Berlin because I wanted to better my German speaking skills but also, I wanted to immerse myself in the German culture and how it is spoken outside of a classroom. The German language is a difficult one and after gaining a basic understanding of the language at Hampden-Sydney, I wanted to dive head on into it. This specific program suited what I looked for in a program as it allowed to me to take classes in what I intend to major in, Foreign Affairs, whilst also doing […]

2024 Summer

William Wallis

William WallisSummer Internship 2024Pattaya, Thailand Following a family trip to Thailand when I was six years old, I have always hoped to return to the ‘land of smiles.’ Through Hampden-Sydney and specifically the Compass program, the opportunity to gain summer work experience abroad arose. Since May 2024, I have been teaching English as a second language at Oxford Junior School in Pattaya, Thailand, about one hour’s drive from the capital city of Bangkok. My students range from ages four to fourteen, and working with them every day has enabled me to reflect on the similarities and differences between American and […]

2024 Summer

Leland Blanchard: Post 4

Leland BlanchardProvider: Project GOKaohsiung, Taiwan2024 Summer My time in Taiwan has opened my eyes to the privileges we have as Americans. Unlike Taiwan and the Taiwanese people, we don’t live under the constant threat of invasion and the overturning of our way of life. We aren’t reliant upon foreign nations for the preservation of our own security.  The Taiwanese love America, Americans, and American culture — more than certain Americans do. Me and my tutors, along with my classmate Will, at dinner. Typically, we all go to lunch or dinner together twice a week. Being American has its perks: people […]

2024 Summer

Frank West: Post 4

Frank WestProvider: IESDublin, Ireland2024 Summer Greetings from Dublin, Ireland! I would have to say that Ireland has surprised me quite a bit. Dublin is one of the most vibrant cities I have ever been to, and I have become extremely comfortable here. I imagined Ireland as being a mystical and untamed country unlike any other part of the western world, and in certain respects this is true, but Dublin is like any other cosmopolitan city. It is a metropolis in an ancient land that balances its history with modernity. I was correct is assuming that most Irish people speak quickly […]

2024 Fall, Uncategorized

Fall 2024 Bloggers Announced!

We are delighted to have the following students blog for us this fall.  Follow us on Instagram to see when a new post is added. Jeremy GouteixBerlin, GermanyProgram: IES Berlin Security Studies & International AffairsOne of the aspects that enthralls me the most is the opportunity to live amongst locals. It’s a chance to go beyond the tourist experience and delve deep in to the heart of Berlin’s unique lifestyle.  From eating authentic local cuisine to engaging in local traditions, I look forward to forging genuine connections and gaining insights that textbooks cannot provide. Keegan KennedyParis, FranceProgram: AIFS American Business […]