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FernandaMolina

Study Abroad Experiences and Advice from Fernanda Molina

Tanner C. Knorr conducted an interview with Fernanda Molina on 13 January, 2016. Fernanda is studying linguistics, with an emphasis in ESL teaching, at San Diego State University. She moved to the United States when she was 18 and, since then, her life has been full of wonderful opportunities. She’s had the chance to live in other countries and learn everything that comes with that experience: the language, the culture, the people, etc. She has been forever changed by it and cannot wait for her next international experience. Read more about her study abroad experiences.

Expat Life: Tips to Integrate in a New Culture

Moving to a new country can surface a range of emotions: the bubbling excitement in the wake of a new adventure; the five senses acutely stimulated, anxiously ready to explore the new environment; the anticipation of new experiences and meeting new friends. Relocating can also instill fear or dread, walking into the unknown and unsure of what to expect. It can be daunting to start over from scratch, having to relearn even the simplest of things like the location of the nearest grocery store. Expat life has so many complex facets.

Last week’s #CultureTrav topic with founder Nicolette and our guest host Cherrie led me to reflect on my own life as an expat. In February 2011, I moved to the Netherlands and have been living in the country ever since. We lived in Utrecht for a year and in Amsterdam now for three. Over the last four years, I’ve experienced a range of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade my time abroad for anything. This Blog outlines three tips I’ve learned along the way to help expats integrate into a new culture.

10 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

Mark-Anthony Villaflor of 365TravelDates discusses why it is important to learn a foreign language and what it adds to the overall travel experience. This topic actually ties in perfectly with our upcoming #CultureTrav this week on languages, “Lost in Translation.” Read what Mark has to say.