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People often ask about our experiences abroad, but rarely give us time to paint a whole picture. Instead, we reply with a quick, “Study abroad was amazing!” or “it was life-changing!” But what does that actually look like? Anyone who has spent time in a new environment knows it can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Cultural adjustment is a “roller coaster” that continues for a period of time after we return home, and the reflections often continue throughout our lives.

The Amherst College study away blog, Beyond the Bubble, intends to provide a genuine glimpse into the life of a student abroad and the transformations that take place both during and after the experience—from language barriers, new perspectives, and shifting identities to making friends abroad and reflecting on the meaning of home. Our bloggers will share their journey as Amherst College students and alumni with varied interests and multiple identities, and as people with a curiosity for the world around them.

We invite you to follow along, reflect, and learn with us.

Text on image "GEO Correspondents": Profile of students wearing a backpack and poised with a camera

GEO Correspondents are Amherst students who are writing and reflecting upon their study away experiences, with intentionality, from the start of the planning process through their return to Amherst.

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Text reads "Sustainability": Student sits at the front of a canoe looking over the water

Global Sustainability Correspondents cultivate a broad appreciation of the environmental challenges and sustainability strategies adopted by communities around the world with varying resources, cultures, and relationships with the natural environment. 

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Text reads "Reflections": a student smiles while sitting in front of a photo gallery

A collection of reflections from students after returning to Amherst and having some time to process, reflect, and share what they’ve learned.

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