Scotland | Fun & Free

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By Caitlyn Pickard

Five fun and free things to do in Scotland:

Hairy Coo  

The Hairy Coo offers a FREE Highland tour online! When I first signed up for this tour, I expected it to be a rerun of all the things I’ve seen and done in Scotland. FALSE. This tour was pretty darn amazing. It took us off the super touristy scenes and gave a little Scottish-insider looks at the Highlands. We went on a short hike to a waterfall, learned about the gory past of the Wallace monument, and, best of all, we got to feed some hairy coos! This was an amazing little one-day tour of the Highlands and cannot recommend it enough. Whether you’ve seen a lot of the Highlands or it’s your first time in Scotland, you’ll love this tour. Just make sure to sign up in advanced! They only have it during specific days, so check it out online to see what works for you. If you aren’t able to book the day you want, try going to the check-in point! You will get put onto a wait-list and, if the people who booked don’t show, you can take their seat! 

Ghost tours in Edinburgh 

They aren’t exaggerating that Edinburgh has a dark, bloody past. This free walking tour will take you back into the history of Edinburgh, with a focus on murder and death. FUN! We went when it was still daylight outside because I’m a total scaredy cat, but it still had the creepy aura to it. A few stories include grave robberies, gruesome murder, and a little magic. My favorite story was about the close we visited. The story goes, if you bring a vial of your blood and throw it at the wall, you gain access to this magical market place. This market place will grant you anything you want, at a price of course. The price is usually a piece of you, like an eye, a hand, etc. What would you wish for? 

NOTE: all these tours are free, which means the tour guides are doing it without pay. Their income = TIPS. Now, generally,  tipping is not customary in Scotland; however, free tours are an exception. If you thoroughly enjoyed a tour, give them a £5 tip or more. I avoid giving change because it feels weird; however, that’s totally a personal preference.  

Arthur’s Seat 

Arthur’s Seat is like a staple of Edinburgh. You just have to do it. The hike itself is relatively beginner, so you won’t have to worry too much about physical exertion; however, if you go during the winter after it’s rained and frozen over, it may be a bit of a challenge and you will probably wipe out on your butt once or twenty times. But it is so worth it. If the hike didn’t make you breathless, the view will. At the top of Arthur’s Seat, you can see most of Edinburgh city. Some cool history about Arthur’s Seat is that it’s an extinct volcano. That makes it especially cool in my opinion. It’s also a quick escape from the city if you just need a little nature in your day.  

Dr. Neil’s Garden 

Hilary, the most amazing UCEAP employee ever, told us about this hidden garden. It’s a little outside of the city, which is why it took me forever to go and visit. Regrets. This garden is perfect and so serene. When I went, it felt like I was breaking in since it was so secluded, but it is totally open to the public. It kind of reminded me of the Secret Garden. There’s ponds and fountains, with a variety of different flora, and it’s right next to a loch. It’s perfect for some alone time or just a pause from the busyness of life. There’s swans and geese in the loch, which sits in front of the picturesque Arthur’s Seat.

Portobello Beach 

The day I went it was sunny, which meant it was about 60 degrees. Hello summer! I met with this group called The Wild Ones. And wild they are. What do the Wild Ones do you ask? Well, they go swimming in the freezing cold water. Ever swam in the Pacific during the winter? THAT’S NOTHING. I went in for 20 minutes and was frozen to the bone for the next 3 hours. I couldn’t stop shivering! Granted, some of the members wear wetsuits, which is not what I packed for my time abroad, but a lot of them didn’t. Also, some were training for a triathlon in this water. Serious props to these members. After wading through the water and getting completely numb to the fingertips, you kind of get this adrenaline rush. It feels amazing! Like I walked out of the water feeling like a baddie. I was down to wrestle a lion at that point. I felt invincible. Until the shiver came on about 30 min later. The amazing feeling still remained, just with less invincible-like feelings. After our dip, a few of the members and I went to this little café on the promenade called Miro Café. They have a full menu, coffee, and cakes. Holy moly, their CAKES. I had a banana toffee cake and it was positively scrumptious. I can’t even begin to describe how delicious it was, so I’ll leave it to your envious imagination. After overloading on sugar, I decided to chill out at the beach and just enjoy the sun. It was a great day. Definitely one of my favorites.  

Caitlyn Pickard studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland in Spring in 2018 :http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/United_Kingdom_Scotland/Pages/host_Edinburgh/UKImmersion.aspx

Scotland | Self-Care

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By Caitlyn Pickard

Throughout my college career, I struggled with depression. Additional stress as a student is only natural. With the sleepless nights and exam prompted anxiety, mental illness is quite prevalent amongst college students. Studying abroad does not help with these triggers. Honestly, it adds onto it. The new environment and lack of familiarity can sometimes seem overwhelming. When I am abroad for long periods, I have heightened emotions and feel even more alone on foreign soil. Language barriers may stop you from having deeper connections. Cultural customs may make you feel more like an outsider. Although there is no cure for mental illness, there are some tricks that can anchor you down to reality and can distract you from those feelings. One thing to note is that I have been handling my mental illness without additional therapy or medication for approximately two years now. Therefore, I have been regulating my mental illness pretty solo. If you think that study abroad may be a negative impact on your mental health, talk to your therapist or a close companion about whether or not studying abroad will be good for you. There are always opportunities to travel, but it shouldn’t put your mental health at risk. Know your limits and always take care of yourself.  

Now, with all that background, I wanted to share a couple of things that helped me during my time abroad. Granted, many of these things are personalized, but I hope that maybe it will give you the opportunity to think of things that may work best for you or may not.  

Journaling 

Something I recently picked up was journaling. In my personal opinion, my journal sucks. It doesn’t have profound thought processes or anything truly of significance; however, it is nice to have that comfort of being able to pour out everything I may have been feeling on that day. It’s also helpful to look back on days that may have been just-a-day-in-a-life, where things might have been mediocre but things were okay. It’s important to remind yourself that things will be okay. Things may just be temporary and you won’t feel this way forever. Now, this is something that works for me. Feel free to adapt for what works for you. Maybe that’s art or writing music. Just finding a way to express yourself can help at times.  

Yoga 

While I was in Edinburgh, I picked up doing yoga. I’m used to working hard, being out of breath, and sweat dripping into my eye whenever I do workouts. As an individual, I’m also a very impatient person (sorry to my friends and family that know this and have to deal with it constantly! Love you!). So needless to say, yoga was very difficult for me. I started following Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. She had a few 30 day yoga challenges that I decided to follow. I didn’t follow them very well, but I did begin to develop a routine. I began to do a short yoga video about 3 times a week. It was a refreshing feeling either waking up to greet the morning (or afternoon depending…) or to meditate with Adrienne and her quirky sweet presence. I began to feel more centered and in touch with myself. It was a nice and peaceful feeling. 

Visit a beautiful place 

Or even just a place that gives you a positive feeling. My happy places are at the ocean with the sun on my skin. Although sun in Scotland is rare, it does happen and it’s glorious. There’s also Dr. Neil’s Garden which is only a 30 min walk from Cameron Toll (see my post on Free Things To Do in Edinburgh for more info). Maybe for you going to a more busy place gives you feelings of comfort, such as a popular restaurant or the lounge in your dorm. Or maybe you like people being around, but not really loud. Try out the movies or the university library. Once you find these places, keep a mental note on where you feel most at ease so you can visit it during those moments. 

 

Distraction is key 

Sometimes you just need something to occupy your thoughts so you don’t dwell on the negative. It doesn’t need to be anything big. Something I do is take a shower or just eat ice. By having a physical sensation change, it can distract you from what is overwhelming you at the moment. Now, I’m not advising this as a procrastination method, but Netflix or Amazon Prime can also help. Watching any shows or movies can preoccupy your thoughts. For example, I watch stupid teenage dramas and get really into them, like “omg I can’t believe Matty McKibben is STILL into Jenna even though she’s a total jerk”. I will neither admit nor deny that those are things I’ve said verbatim, but you get the jest. You begin to get wrapped up in their drama that, for a small moment, you forget what you were thinking about. If you can’t afford Amazon Prime or Netflix, don’t worry! With your email address from your university abroad, you’re eligible for a free 6-month Prime trial. Just make sure you use your new country’s Amazon website (i.e. amazon.co.uk).  

Reach out 

My final piece of advice is to call friends or family. You don’t necessarily have to tell them what’s going on in your mind, but just having some familiarity can really help. I hope these techniques help or facilitate some brainstorming of things that could help you in the future. If not, well then welcome to a bit of insight on my mental illness. Having a mental illness is difficult and can be even more difficult when abroad. Just remember, you aren’t alone. Always remember to take care of yourself and take some time to treat yourself. I’ve treated myself a lot during this break. My bank account can confirm. But that’s okay. Because what’s more important than my debt is my healthy mental state.  

Caitlyn Pickard studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland in Spring 2018: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/United_Kingdom_Scotland/Pages/host_EdinburghUKImmersion.aspx

Scotland | Highland Games

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By Caitlyn Pickard

When deciding to come to Scotland, my brain immediately jumped to the movie Made of Honor, a cheesy romcom featuring Patrick Dempsy. Just the thought of getting stuck on a road surrounded by sheep, finding a thistle in the rolling green countryside, and strong Scottish men in kilts throwing around tree trunks to win my heart. Needless to say, none of these things  happened; however, I did get to see Scottish men throwing tree trunks (also known as caber) at the Highland games, among other amazing things.  

The history of the Highland games began as an effort by aristocrats trying to save Scottish culture after the British had created laws against tartan and strongly advising against the use of Gaelic. Many pipers began to compete since a lot of the dynamics of their career within clan families had changed under British influence. It was the main source of a steady income. Thus, begun the popularity of the games. This is a really watered down version of the Highland Games beginning, but it’s a few of the main pointers. If you’re interested in learning more, you should try to take the bagpiping class! It’s definitely an experience. Yes, I learned to play some bagpipe songs. No, I will not be playing them for you because I’m terrible.  

Anyways, more about the Highland Games today! They really only happen during the summer months, like late-May to August. You can check to see when the upcoming games are on shga.co.uk! So, that’s what I did in April and found that there was ONE game happening right before I leave. I decided then and there that I would definitely be going. I was lucky enough to have some friends who were also down for an adventure to the Highlands and enjoy tree trunk throwing. As you can see, I was really excited to see people throwing tree trunks. Don’t ask me why. It’s just amazing.  

From Edinburgh, I traveled to Inverness via bus, which was way cheaper than train. While in Inverness, I stayed in a hostel and decided to explore Inverness for a few days. Just so you know, if you get a chance, check out Rosemarkie. It’s the cutest little town with a lot of exploring and a lovely beach. It’s only a 30 min bus ride from Inverness. Trust me. It’s just so peaceful and a lovely refresher, totally worth it. Unless you’re a city person. Maybe not your scene. After my exploring of Inverness and surrounding areas, I took a bus to Elgin and stayed in an Airbnb with two of my friends.  

We were pretty excited about the games. Needless to say, it did not disappoint! It was awesome. In the beginning, we watched the youth play the Highland heavy weight games, such as little hammer, weight over the bar, and, my personal favorite, caber. These young men were amazing, and slightly terrifying. In agreement with competition rules, they were dressed in traditional kilts and socks for the games. Then, we happened upon the highland dancing. It was so graceful, similar to ballet, but with more cardio due to all the jumping.  We cruised around all the different booths. I found some delicious honey made from bees who pollenated heather flowers. Tony, one of the owners working the honey booth, shared information about their business with us and also lots of samples. Super yum. We also got to try different whiskeys, cheeses, and fudges at the various stands. Quite the variety. And all absolutely mouth-watering. Except the whiskey, which had a wee bit of kick. 

This was one of the most cultural experiences that I was lucky enough to participate in. The best part was that there was almost no tourists. It was an authentic look into some of the Highland culture in Scotland. If there’s one thing you have to do when in Scotland, it is to go to a Highland Games competition. You won’t regret it! I definitely don’t! One thing I learned today is that tree trunk throwing is as awesome as Hollywood made it seem.  

“Wherever I wander, 

Wherever I roam, 

The hills of the Highlands 

Forever  I love” 

Robert Burns 

Caitlyn Pickard studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland in Spring 2018: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/United_Kingdom_Scotland/Pages/host_EdinburghUKImmersion.aspx

UK | Trip of a Lifetime

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By Emma Skinner

I didn’t expected my study abroad experience to go as beautifully as it did. I talk often on how studying abroad at Cambridge had always been a dream of mine but never did I realize how amazing it was to fulfil a lifelong dream. I can honestly say these two months were filled with some of the best moments I’ve ever had. To wrap up my time abroad, I wanted to leave you with some final thoughts: 

The School 

Cambridge is really one of the most beautiful places I have ever been so lucky to visit. The university is divided into 31 different colleges, built over the course of many centuries. This study abroad program– the Pembroke-King’s Program– takes place at those respective colleges. They are simply a short walk down the street from one another and the students are living on either campus or at the variety of flats throughout the city. In my opinion, the school is incredible and I genuinely did not want to leave. 

Professors and Classes 

Going to UCLA, I’ve been used to having classes of over four hundred students. Because of this, the professor-student relationship is quite obsolete. At Cambridge, class sizes were between twenty to thirty students. The respective class seminar–small group discussions– were between ten and fifteen. This meant that the professor (who often ask to be called by the first name here) was much more engaged with the students. Even in the three-week courses, my professors learned every student’s name. I loved the wide variety of class option, one of the main reasons I chose the program in the first place. Not only that, the professors were fantastic at teaching an entire course in such a short amount of time. I enjoyed every minute of it! 

The Environment 

Just the general aura of Cambridge was something special. Perhaps it was my own excitement and joy to be there, but I felt the people I encountered to be extremely friendly– more so than in the United States. The wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés meant endless allies to explore in my short time. The nearby parks and green space also provided a nice getaway from the busier city.  

The Activities

The PA’s (program assistants) provided a multitude of activities for us to take part in. From hikes to coffee tours to visiting different cities, I really appreciated all that was offered. At the beginning of the week, a list was sent out of all the events being offered that week. Each one was always full of people wanting to attend–never a dull moment. 

The People

This was definitely the best part of the program. People from all over the world attended PKP, making it a worldly experience like no other. Even though it was short, I definitely made friends for a lifetime (check out my post on the people I met here)   

The Overall Program

All in all, this program was the trip of a lifetime. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity. If you get the chance, study abroad. You won’t regret it. 

 

Yet now I cannot sing out loud, 

Peace is my farewell music; 

Even crickets are now silent for me, 

For Cambridge this evening is silent.

Quietly I am leaving,

Just as quietly as I came;

Gently waving my sleeve,

 I am not taking away a single cloud. 

Xu Zhi Mo On Leaving Cambridge 

Thanks for the mems Cambridge, see you again soon. 

 

Cheers, 

Em 

Emma Skinner studied in Cambridge, UK in 2018: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/united_kingdom_england/Pages/default.aspx

Spain | Lil’ Girl, Big City

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BY NINA CHIKANOV

For me, Madrid is a perfectly sized city.

It feels bigger than San Francisco, yet smaller than Los Angeles, and includes a great metro, bus, and train system that connects all regions together, making it very accessible for those without cars. Because of its size, there were plenty of things to do and explore within the bounds of the city that kept me entertained on weekends where I chose to stick around town instead of venturing to other parts of Spain or Europe. In this regard, I think I easily adapted to Madrid because it was big enough to provide never-ending surprises, yet small enough that it did not overwhelm me with its depth or breadth of opportunity—and for my first time living in a big city (not on a college campus) it was the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.

While there are many memories from my time abroad, some are more well-documented than others. Overall, I think my photographs paint a comprehensive (yet not complete) picture of what the city has to offer and definitely reflect some of my most valued activities that helped me feel at home abroad.

Some of my favorite moments can be loosely grouped into the following three categories:

1. Views

2. Art

3. Lil’ Things (Misc.)

Views

Some people don’t think views are worth it, but some of my best memories are from looking down at a cityscape from above. I will climb mountains and scale buildings for that moment of serenity that comes from peering out over a landscape that is so vast you forget about people and think about how lucky you are to be alive 🙂

Paseos de Cercedilla

Hiking in Northern Madrid in Cercedilla one of my first weekends abroad was exactly what I needed to center myself after feelings of disorientation and overstimulation of the first week away from home.

About an hour away by commuter train from the center of Madrid, Cercedilla borders el Parque Regional Cuenca Alta Manzanares and features tons of trails of varying difficulty and landscape.

Armed with a bag of grapes and full water bottles, my friend Hank and I ventured through the woods, across creeks, and up hills to see the city from above. This place also has hidden gems, like a sundial and a rock fortress—all within a short trek from the trailhead! Just make sure to grab some snacks before making the trip, since the town is rather small and there’s not too many shops close to the train station.

Hank with grapes, a sign for a restaurant on the climb up to the top, the sundial, a sign for the national park, and finally the view looking down at central Madrid from the top!

Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen)

The next hike we took was to the Valley of the Fallen, close to the region of El Escorial. This landmark is rather unique, not only because it has a 500-foot-tall cross, but also due to its controversial history.

Many forget that Spain was ruled under a dictatorship for nearly 40 years. Francisco Franco first

came to power in 1939 after defeating the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War. He continued to rule until 1979, when he died of natural causes. Construction of the basilica and the monument of the valley, however, started immediately in 1940 and was meant to honor and bury those who died in the Civil War. Over 18 years later, in 1959, construction was complete. Today, Franco is buried there alongside the leader of the Spanish Fascist party, José Antonio Primo de Rivera.

The hike itself isn’t difficult, but the site is secluded enough that it’s quite an adventure to get there. Danielle and I decided to check out the monument on one of our days off, and had to catch a bus early in the morning headed towards El Escorial.

Naturally, we missed the stop the first time around since we didn’t know exactly where we were going, so we took a second bus headed back to Madrid from the end destination. Once we arrived at the entrance, the woman at the gate told us we had a 6-km trek ahead of us. Since we were excited to hike, we waved her off and told her that was no problem, and went on our way.

Turns out the entire “hike” is along the side of a road that leads directly to the basilica and the cross. Countless cars passed us by as we wandered by, passing random cemeteries and fauna in the process. When you finally reach the top, the cross and basilica are truly a feat to witness.

Even though the Valley of the Fallen is a constant reminder of Spain under dictatorship, its magnificence is hard to wave off. I’d definitely recommend seeing it for yourself (and maybe considering hitchhiking with a car on the way down to catch the bus…definitely faster than walking down the same highway again!)

Left: Danielle and I next to a sign warning us to keep an eye out for misc. woodland creatures. Right: The cross and basilica from the entrance to the site.

Parque de las Siete Tetas

Another beautiful view with significantly less walking is the cityscape at Parque de las Siete Tetas, a 40-minute metro ride from Sol (the city center). Although it boasts a rather peculiar (yet fitting) name, the park offers great views of the city from any of its seven hills, especially at sunset. A great place to have a picnic and relax with friends after a long day.

Círculo de Bellas Artes

Last but not least, the rooftop at Círculo de Bellas Artes is a more frequented destination by tourists and visitors. While there is often a long line to catch a glimpse of the sunset from the top, I’d recommend entering earlier and scoping out the art exhibits hosted in the building to get the most out of the entry ticket fee. This spot offers panoramic views of the center of the city, and while it is more touristy I still think it’s worth checking out!

Art

Conde Duque Cultural Center

If you’re looking for a diversity of different art forms, Conde Duque Cultural Center has it all. I stumbled upon a really cool interpretive dance performance which focused on themes of human relationships and choices in a super unique way – all six performers had their shoes stuck in

place throughout the performance and were completely silent, relying on live saxophonists to guide them through their story. For only 10 euros, I was able to glimpse into Madrid’s dance scene.

Besides dance, Conde Duque features music, theatre, cinema, and more! With their always-rotating exhibitions, you can definitely come here more than once without getting bored.

Museums

If you’re looking for permanent collections, check out the Prado Museum for more classic art and the Reina Sofía Museum for contemporary pieces. As part of my “Images and Icons” class, we focused heavily on contemporary art and paid around 5 two-hour long visits to Reina Sofía. With such a large permanent collection, it’s impossible to see it all at once. But the good thing is that museums are free for students, so you can go any time you want!

A few pieces found in Museo de Reina Sofía, including “Spectator of Spectators” by Equipo Crónica on the right.

The Sorolla Museum also has an impressive permanent collection from Joaquín Sorolla, a Spanish impressionist painter from Valencia who died in Madrid. While the museum only features his works, it is unique in the fact that the space where the museum lies today is his real home from when he was living in Madrid.

Sarolla Museum

Galleries

I found that the art scene is rather dynamic in Madrid, with many galleries and rotating exhibitions.

Close to the ACCENT Study Center there is a small space called White Lab Gallery that features artists for a few weeks at a time. It’s a nice space to relax and drink a cup of coffee and find new local art! Similarly, in the neighborhood of Lavapiés right across from the Muros (see next), is a café called Swinton & Grant with an exhibition space downstairs.

Left: Paintings at White Lab. Right: A peice featured at Swinton & Grant.

For the highest concentration of murals, head to the Muros at La Tabacalera. This project features 20-30 commissioned murals which rotate every two years, with the most recent installation being in 2016. Right inside the walls of the old tobacco factory you can wander the space and take in the constantly changing murals and tags. On the other half of La Tabacalera, there is a more organized exhibition that also changes every few months.

From left to right: An exhibit in La Tabacalera, murals from the Muros project, non-commissioned mural of Dalí on the inside of space.

The cultural center of La Tabacalera is also a great gathering space for different groups in Madrid. When exploring, keep an eye out for the schedules of many different music, dance, and circus groups, if not more! I got the chance to learn how to climb silks and play around on the trapeze by going to one of these open group sessions, and sometimes I even joined in on the bachata socials held in one of the dance rooms!

Last but not least, there is even an exhibition space in the Madrid City Hall. With nearly four floors of changing exhibitions, the space called Centro Centro features local artists and a diversity of mediums, incorporating audio, video, photo, and more. The exhibitions here are often informative and highlight different movements and cultural events in Madrid’s history.

Lil’ Things (Misc.)

While finding the best views and exploring the art scene are fabulous ways to get to know a city, the best gems are found just by wandering, and sometimes following the crowds.

On Sundays, Madrid hosts its very own public flea market called El Rastro in the La Latina / Lavapiés neighborhoods. It sometimes feels like the entire city is wandering these booths, bargaining for clothes, jewelry, household items, books, and more. The street performers love to capture the crowd during these busy Sundays, so even if you’re not looking to buy anything it’s still entertaining to wander around the block.

Me on a boat in Retiro Park!

Hanging out in El Retiro Park is always a blast. With a park so big, there are so many cool mini-destinations, such as the crystal palace, various sculptures, Retiro’s very own library, and of course, the lake in the middle of the park that is always filled with tourists, young couples, or ambitious youngsters on boats.

There are countless places to enjoy a peaceful, leisurely lunch, and hunting for the most affordable menu del día where you can get two hearty courses with dessert, a drink, and bread for 8 euro is the most rewarding experience for both your wallet and your stomach. 🙂

We once did an activity in Negotiating Identities that was like a self-guided tour of the city. By making up rules to guide this tour such as “at the next plaza, follow the first person you see who is using their cell-phone for 3 minutes, and then walk towards your left for 5 minutes,” for example, you can add spontaneity to your exploration and wander into nooks and crannies of the city that you may not otherwise have seen.

Either way – my main piece of advice for anyone going abroad, especially in a place as easy to travel as Europe: don’t let the excitement of being in Europe take you away from the excitement of your host city. While it’s great to travel outside of the country, there is also so much wonder held right where you choose to study. Three months may seem like a long time at first, but it’ll be over before you know it, so start exploring!

Cuídate,

Nina

Nina Chikanov studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in fall 2017: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/spain/Pages/contemporary_spain_madrid.aspx

UK | Friendship

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By Emma Skinner

To the friends I made while studying abroad: 

Never has saying goodbye been so difficult. When I first walked into Cambridge, I was greeted by friendly faces and beautiful landscapes. When I left, I was met with long hugs and wet eyes. Being with you, I felt I could be the fullest version of myself. I grew as a person, a traveler, a local, and a friend. I have grown into myself and my full capabilities, gaining such faithful friends in the process. How rare is it to feel truly at home? With you there, that was possible. The setting can only do so much, it is the people that are there with you that make an experience so awe-inspiring.  

I’d first like to tell you a bit about who I was before. As a person, I’m quite closed off (you could say it’s the Aquarius in me, but take it as you will). I knew I wanted to study abroad because of my love for travel but I was somewhat hesitant to do it the summer after my second year in college. Ultimately, for no particular reason, I made the leap and applied to the Pembroke-King’s Program at Cambridge University because the school had been a dream of mine to attend. This short chain of events, from my decision to attend to receiving a place at the school, led me into the best summer of my life. 

Seeing as I am more closed off, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at Cambridge. Going to UCLA for college, I was still close to home and even had friends attending who I knew quite well. Never in my life had I been thrown into the opportunity where I knew no one at all. Arriving at Cambridge, I had no idea what was to come. Part of me assumed the worst, that I would get my work done and soon arrive home. Never in my wildest dreams did I know what was to come.

My love for you all came from nowhere. Seeing a group from completely different backgrounds bond so quickly… it was like a movie. You see those groups of friends on the screen and often laugh thinking their relationship seems fake or ingenuine. I won’t laugh at those scenes anymore, but rather be filled with joy knowing exactly how they feel. Because you gave me that experience, one I never knew possible. 

We stayed up way too long, watching too often a sunrise, because even the thought of parting for a short while to sleep seemed gray. We became too addicted to caffeine in order to lengthen our hours together. We laughed and danced and travelled and in the end, we shed a tear. I know we joked often of the saying “how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” but I know we didn’t want to think of the future. Living in the moment with you–being my whole, complete self–I have never felt more lucky to be alive.  

Parting ways was difficult, but I know our reunions will be numerous and our future time together full of infinite possibility. I’d rather not focus on the time apart missing you, but excited for the moments we come together again. Thank you, my loves, for making my heart endlessly full. The moments of pure bliss were incredible, and I am so entirely grateful for you all in my life. 

I didn’t think studying abroad would have the impact it did. How lucky am I? How lucky are we?

Emma Skinner studied in Cambridge, UK in 2018: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/united_kingdom_england/Pages/default.aspx

UK | Best of Cambridge

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By Emma Skinner

Day trip to Cambridge? Looking for a good cup of coffee nearby the colleges? Below I’ve laid out some of my favorite spots in the city center!  

  1. Best cup of coffee: Hot Numbers

Hot Numbers location is fantastic for students because of its centrality to the city center (and to those in the Department of Engineering, School of Architecture and the History of Art, and Judge Business School, it’s right next door). They offer an array of pastries from vegan muffins to gluten free polenta. But their coffee is what puts them apart from the rest. I highly recommend the iced latte with oat milk, but if you order anything here you will not be disappointed. Lastly, if there was a “best matcha pancakes” category, Hot Numbers would definitely win. 

  1. Best cakes: Tom’s Cakes

The variety of options here is what drew me to Tom’s in the first place. After discovering it thanks to a food tour I went on, I immediately knew I needed to go back. The homey atmosphere is perfect for the Cambridge vibe. The large outdoor space in the back is also great for a picnic (and they provide the blanket to sit on)! Their cake flavors change based on the season, so whether you come in the summer or winter, there will be something new to try! 

  1. Best market: The City Center Market

Whether you need a quick bite to eat, pick up groceries for the day, or buy a souvenir, this market is the prime space to visit. The array of station you will find means you can come often and never get bored. Personally, I love the falafel, smoothies, fresh produce, and beautiful flowers.  

  1. Best sightseeing: Castle Mound

Originally the site of a castle, this hill offers a beautiful view of the city. I suggest visiting on a clear evening so you can see the sunset. Even better, try counting the amount of church towers you see (I still haven’t managed to count them all). 

  1. Best park: Coe Fen

Located next to the Mill restaurant and pub, Coe Fen is the perfect spot for a picnic. The wildlife runs free here, so expect to be greeted by the friendly cow. This is also a fantastic place to run along the river on the many different paths that go through the park.  

  1. Best late-night snack: Uncle Frank’s Food Truck

Up late studying and need some more fuel to get you through the night? Check out Uncle Frank’s food truck in the city center to get a quick, and cheap, bite to eat. I highly recommend the fries (or chips as the locals say). The truck offers a variety of yummy toppings or go classic and try them plain like me! 

  1. Best bakery: Maison Clement

Don’t have time to make it over to Paris? Looking for yummy fresh bread? This is definitely the place to check out! This cute shop immediately caught my eye from the street. The amount of bread here is endless and the pastries are also delicious. 

  1. Best live music: The Tram Depot

This pub offers great live jazz throughout the week. The large space creates a great environment where plenty of friends can sit and enjoy the music. The outdoor space is also quite inviting. 

  1. Best gelato: Jack’s Gelato

Located right across the street from King’s College, Jack’s offers the best treat on a hot summer day. The gelato here is phenomenal and the flavors are also quite intriguing. They change daily so you will never run out of things to try. They also offer a variety of vegan flavors which are quite delicious! 

Emma Skinner studied in Cambridge, UK in 2018 http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/united_kingdom_england/Pages/default.aspx

UK | Cambridge Formal Hall

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By Emma Skinner

Attending Cambridge and curious as what to wear? Simply wondering what goes on at this event? Check out these photos to get some ideas!

WHAT IT IS: Formal Hall? What’s that you may ask? Well, formal hall is a longstanding tradition across the colleges at Cambridge University. Simply, it is a three-course meal served within the beautiful dining halls at each college. But the tradition lies in the special environment that is staged in the process. For King’s (pictured left) in particular, the evening starts off with a reception outside by the River Cam. This is the perfect time for pictures in your formal wear (see below for ideas of what to wear) or chatting with your professors. By inviting both students, professors, and fellows of the university, the event ensures that the practice of treating student and teacher as peers is exemplified.  After the reception, you will make your way to the dining hall where you can sit amongst your colleagues and enjoy the night. Full of toasts, good food, and incredible architecture, formal hall is one of my favorite things about Cambridge.  

WHAT TO WEAR: Before my study abroad program started, people were constantly wondering how “formal” formal hall really was. With two halls now finished, here are some highlights from the spectacular event: 

Avanti is rocking the neutral tones in this dress! She pairs this beautiful short dress with heels, making for the perfect photo by the River. All lengths of dresses are worn at formal hall and this one was definitely a dress to remember! 

Men’s attire ranges from a button down and slacks to full on tuxes. Here, Daniel (left) and Weinan (right) are representing some of the various styles seen at the dinner. Daniel’s lavender shirt adds the perfect pop of color to his attire and Weinan’s navy blue suit added a twist to the classic black and white! 

Patterned versus plain: Unsure whether to go for something more patterned? Ariel (left) is rocking the busy print but Rachel (right) pulls off the classic solid color look too! At formal hall, anything goes. 

Matt pulls off the James Bond vibe here in the best way possible! Wearing an all -black suit with a bowtie completes the 007 look.  

Dresses aren’t the only way to go! Jules (right) looks stylish in her two-piece jump suit. The Emerald green color makes a statement while still looking very classy. 

Just know, you are looking at a fabulous night that you’ll never want to end. 

Emma Skinner studied in Cambridge, England in 2018http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/united_kingdom_england/Pages/default.aspx

Spain | Hablas Español Bastante Bien, ¿No?

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BY NINA CHIKANOV

One of my main reasons for studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country was to improve my Spanish language proficiency.  

After taking four years of classes in high school, I was highly considering adding a Spanish minor to my degree in college. I wasn’t committed to it, so I didn’t declare the minor right away; unfortunately, with a Computer Science & Engineering curriculum (typically 4 STEM-based classes a quarter), I didn’t think it would be feasible to commit to any other course-load. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do, but for me, I didn’t think the extra stress was worth it. 

So…to make up for the fact that I wouldn’t be taking any language classes at UCLA, I started thinking about going abroad. The Contemporary Spain program in Madrid was perfect for me in this regard, as I could take my core GE classes in English and place into either beginner or intermediate Spanish classes. On top of that, I had the option of staying with a host family (read about my homestay experience here), which gave me more opportunities to fully immerse myself in Spanish language and culture. 

One of my first cafés in Madrid

When I first arrived, I was definitely rusty. The last structured Spanish class I had taken was AP Spanish in my last year of high school (2 years ago at this point – crazy!) I could basically only speak in present and limited past tenses and forgot a lot of other grammatical details about the language. It was enough to get by and order a café con leche (very important), but my mistakes were constant and sometimes prevented others from understanding exactly what I meant. Moreover, I had to think extremely carefully before speaking.

In terms of listening, I think I could better understand what was being said to me than I could successfully relay information to another person. While I didn’t fully grasp everything, if people were speaking at a slightly slower pace than normal, I could pick up on what they meant to say.  

Intermediate Spanish classes helped refresh and build on the grammatical structures I had lost. I was reminded of when to use imperfect instead of indefinite, brushed up on some vocab, learned the tough concepts (subjunctive…yikes) and more. It gave me regular listening, speaking, and writing practice and was definitely necessary to kick me back into functioning Spanish mode. 

My friend Hank and I speaking with some girls on the club soccer team at Universidad Complutense Madrid. This was a part of Spanish-class field trip to learn more about university life in Spain!

My host family mostly helped for in-person real-time situations. If I was struggling to ask a question or phrased something completely wrong, they would correct the phrase or provide the appropriate words. This way, I was able to practice my Spanish outside of a classroom setting where the context was more unexpected. 

Outside of those two sources, I mostly practiced my Spanish in stores or at language exchanges. I also met native Spanish speakers through activities like soccer, Jewish functions (read), during nights out, or even randomly during the day at parks and other social locations.  

Leila, Sophie, and Shivani at a language exchange in Chamberí

Essentially, I tried to speak as much as I could every day. I found Madrid to be the perfect city for improving my speaking fluidity since people will (for the most part) continue speaking with you in Spanish even if they know English well (unless you’re completely lost).  

While not everyone would correct me as openly as my host family, it was still helpful to see the reactions and read the body language of people in real-time conversations. 

…  

 Living in a country where Spanish is the official language is definitely the way to acquire proficiency. It still took a lot of work on my part to improve, and I even know some people who managed to get by in Madrid with very limited Spanish. But I’m glad that living abroad for four months made me more comfortable with Spanish and helped me get over my initial hesitancy to speak a foreign language. To become fully fluent, however, (starting at the level I did, with 4 years of background in high school) would probably take me about a full year of living abroad, if not more.   

For now, I really hope I don’t lose the progress I’ve made. I plan on reading news in Spanish and watching Spanish TV shows when I can (definitely in Spanish with Spanish subtitles), as well as practicing more frequently with my Spanish-speaking friends. 

Abroad definitely gave me more motivation to keep up with a language and showed me the practicality of being bi/tri-lingual, even if learning a new language sometimes resulted in losing some vocab in old ones.  

Hasta pronto,  

Nina 

Nina Chikanov studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in fall 2017: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/spain/Pages/contemporary_spain_madrid.aspx

England | A Trip to Hampton Court Palace

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By Michelle Lin

Last Friday, the ACCENT study abroad program took us to Hampton Court Palace, one of the historic royal palaces of England. This palace was constructed during the Tudor era by Thomas Wolsey, who gifted it to King Henry VIII (yes, the one with 6 wives!).  

Hampton Court Palace is on the outskirts of London, and we took a 30 minute train ride from the Waterloo station. The trains here are super clean, modern, and quiet compared to the Amtrak and Metrolink of California. This ride was a nice break from the bustle and congestion of Central London, as we got to admire the green and quaint nature of the suburbs of London. Hampton Court Palace is located right next to the River Thames, and is about a 10 minute walk from the train station. It was serendipitous to be met with such a beautiful day- the clear blue sky and soft clouds accentuated the picturesque palace with its many different buildings, courtyards, and gates.  

The Inside  

Inside the palace, we saw Henry VIII’s apartment and kitchens, William III’s apartment, and art galleries. The apartments included the grand dining rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms that the royals would use, and artifacts such as old dresses, board games, and hanging deer heads. We saw a replica of King Henry VIII’s crown in all of its gold and pearl splendor, and museum workers who were restoring old dresses and tablecloths. The part that stood out to me the most was the Chapel Royal, Henry VIII’s church inside Hampton Court Palace. Not only was the Chapel Royal beautiful with its elaborate blue and gold vaulted ceiling, but also significant since Henry VIII started the Anglican church after leaving the Roman Catholic Church in order to divorce his wife. 

The Outside  

The outside of the palace is surrounded by many different gardens, including the Great Fountain Garden, the Privy Garden, and the Rose Garden. These gardens are vast in size and overwhelmingly intricate- every aspect is intricately detailed, and you can tell how much effort and time goes into maintaining them.  

Exploring the palace and the gardens made the history nerd in me so happy- it was hard to believe that I was walking in the same halls and staircases as countless monarchs of England. Hampton Court Palace is truly royal inside and out- I spent hours marveling at both the architecture of the building and the preserved artifacts, as well as the well-kept and pristine gardens. I definitely recommend giving yourself around 3 to 4 hours to spend here as a half-day trip from London. This was our first program excursion, and I really enjoyed being able to explore outside of central London and to learn more about the rich culture and history here. 

Michelle Lin studied in London, England in 2018: http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/united_kingdom_england/Pages/default.aspx