Istanbul
Hello world! I would consider myself pretty well-traveled for a 21-year-old, because, well, I suppose I should start from the beginning…
As an American college student with a multicultural background, my fascination with travel and cultures, languages and food had already led to many international excursions. But simply visiting different places wasn’t enough for me.
In addition to studying magazine journalism, I also spent my first two years advancing in my comprehension of Spanish and beginning to delve into French. With fluency in two languages just over the horizon, I took a leap of faith and signed up for an entire year, two academic semesters, or 340 days studying abroad.
During that time I lived with three different host families, attended multiple universities, became close friends with Ecuadorians, Chileans, and many French, while also bonding with fellow foreigners. Not to mention that I found three distinct and wonderful homes away from home.
And, if that weren’t enough for me, I’ve also had multiple opportunities to travel, to get a taste of other South American and European cities and countries, and explore places I had only yet dreamed about going.
I accomplished more than I thought possible on my trip of a lifetime, having lived and traveled abroad; I have gained an intermediate fluency in Spanish and French, I have found my place is various cultures, I have tasted some of the most delicious, and oftentimes, healthful foods that the world has to offer. And since being back, I have done my fair share of travel-reading as well. You know, gotta feed the travel bug somehow.
Now that I’m home again, changed forever, I’m in the process of finishing up my college degree, figuring out what the future hold for me career-wise, and finding my place again in the U S of A. I am so honored to be one of Dave’s first contributors and share my past and present experiences with like minded, travel-enthused individuals. Maybe doing so will be able to help us both find our next destination.
Until next time!
About the Author:
Danielle E. Alvarez is the author of 37 posts on Go Backpacking.
Danielle is a globetrotter with a healthy appetite. In addition to writing about her travel and foodie experiences, she enjoys reading, indulging in the arts, and channeling her inner-yogi. Read more from Danielle at her blog, Danielle Abroad.
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Categories: Post-trip
Post tags: languages, study abroad, university
4 Comments
Wecome Danielle! Can't wait to read your entries and to check out your blog. Sounds like you HAVE accomplished a lot for only being 21. CONGRATS!!! :)
Thank you so much! I look forward to writing more!
Thank you so much! I look forward to writing more!
4 Comments