MODA's Declassified Study Abroad Survival Guide

March 30, 2018

Thinking of traveling soon or studying abroad next year? Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time and money abroad, while still making some incredible memories along the way!

✅ Master public transport early on

You can save yourself a lot of money by buying monthly or longer term passes for the metro, tram or bus. Most European cities have entirely integrated transportation systems, so take the time to invest in an actual card or pass that grants you access to all manners of public transport. It can never hurt to carry an actual transport map around with you either (most transport stations will have free, compact ones lying around), and Google Maps can be a serious lifesaver if you're trying to get from point A to point B in an unfamiliar environment. And don't forget to do your research beforehand–a handful of countries don't have ride-shares like Uber or Lyft and public transport may not run 24/7.

Regardless of where you are, but especially on public transport, beware of pickpockets in crowded places. Stash important documents, cards, money and belongings in multiple places so that in the event you are pick-pocketed, you don't lose everything in one go!

✅ Check for student deals on ticket prices and transport ahead of time

For certain museums and attractions, students can actually visit for free on certain days or for a reduced fare, so always carry your student ID with you! You can also cop cheaper tickets from certain transportation companies depending on your age, so always take the time to filter through all the age/occupation options when booking tickets for your next flight or train ride.

For booking the cheapest transport tickets, be sure to check out sites like skyscanner, which can find you tickets to "everywhere" if you're ever at a loss on deciding your next travel destination. The feature will generate a list of the cheapest cities you can fly to and makes for easy travel planning. It can actually be cheaper sometimes to fly to certain cities and take local transport to neighboring cities and villages rather than booking a direct flight. And never forget to read the fine print! For certain companies like Eurostar, for example, you are expected to show up for security check-ins and border control at least thirty minutes prior to your departure time.

✅ Share Airbnb codes with friends

Oftentimes, splitting the price of an Airbnb amongst five friends is cheaper than booking a bed in a hostel–you can also skip the anxiety of sleeping in a room with nine other strangers. Be sure to consult a map so you don't rent a place that's actually in the middle of nowhere, and save money off your next rental by sharing discount codes with friends who are new to the service.

✅ Pack lightly

For impromptu weekend excursions and day trips, I would definitely recommend sacrificing style for comfort and mobility by cramming only the essentials into a small backpack or duffle. Even a carryon suitcase can become a hassle when you're frequently on-the-go. If you're only going to be visiting a city for a couple of days, you really only need to bring the essentials. If you don't have to check bags, then by all means don't! I've heard plenty of nightmare stories about luggage being stolen from buses, planes and the like. For more packing tips, check out our article here for all of our recommendations!

✅ Don't be afraid to cook for yourself

Dining out all the time will get tiring and expensive pretty early on in your travels. Familiarize yourself with all the local grocery stores and stock up on quick and easy breakfasts and fool proof dinner staples. You'll save a ton of spending money for lunches and weekend culinary adventures in the process and cooking dinner with friends can become a fun break from homework (which you will still have even during study abroad).

✅ Befriend locals for the best insights

Strike up conversations with your local barista, doorman or bus driver for the best shopping and dining recommendations. Locals really do know best and I've gotten some of the best tips from friendly people who have lived in the city for years and had the time to curate their list of favorite coffeeshops, bars and neighborhood sights in the process. Some of my most memorable meals and nights out have occurred at hole-in-the-wall joints and speakeasies tucked behind the most unassuming facades.

Feature image via

Study Abroad Files: Paris

January 4, 2018

Paris, je t'aime! It's easy falling for a city as beautiful and engaging as Paris. From flapper-era speakeasies that still lure local crowds to top-notch boutique shopping, world-class museums, pastries that dissolve in your mouth and fresh made gelato around every corner, it's hard to go hungry or get bored in this city. Keep reading for our favorite spots in Paris for dining, drinking, dancing and more!

Dining

The Marais is home to everything you could ever want, from boutique shopping to chic bars, galleries and hole-in-the-wall falafel shops. Lizard Lounge is a really fun bar with good music, tasty sandwiches and a ton of fun drinks. Order "Lizard Juice" (spiked fruit punch) for the table if you come with friends! For mouthwatering Neapolitan style pizza, swing by Da Vito a couple blocks away (then head through the back of the shop for the Moonshiner speakeasy). If you ever tire of bread and cheese, Au Petit Thai has some of the best Thai food in the city and is tucked away on an adorable street corner. Nearby is local favorite Le Loir dans La Théière, which offers a range of delicious, house-made quiches and pies, and a menu that changes daily.

While Paris is known for its pastries, crepes and bread, the city boasts a handful of incredible small-batch gelato shops. Personal favorites include Pozzetto, Amorino (a chain you can find almost anywhere) or Berthillon (the best gelato I've ever tasted). If you're craving bubble tea, the O Bubble "bubble tea bar" has tons of delicious flavors, located right in the heart of Montmartre (and definitely gives Joy Yee a run for its money).

The open-air Marché des Enfants Rouges is a fun trip if you're in the mood for super fresh food. The food and flower market sells everything from fruits and vegetables, to cured meats, fine wines and aged cheeses. There are also a handful of restaurants scattered throughout the market, whether you're in the mood for falafel and pita, fresh made pasta or seafood.

Falafel at Marché des Enfants Rouges; image via

For a great boulanger chain you can find throughout most of the city, stop inside an Eric Kayser for afternoon tea or coffee with any one of their delicious pastries, tarts or tiny cakes. For the complete Parisian experience, munch on macarons at the beautifully ornate Ladurée on the Champs-Elysees. Chocolate connoisseurs should also pay a visit to one of Patrick Roger's chocolate boutiques. Roger, "a chocolate sculptor", currently holds the title of Meilleur ouvrier de France, an award that distinguishes him as the best chocolatier in the country.

Sightseeing

Montmartre is fairly touristy but definitely worth the trip. From outdoor markets, some of the best street art in Paris, and the Salvador Dalí museum, to the beautiful Sacre Cœur, Moulin Rouge and Wall of Love, the neighborhood offers breathtaking views of the city, leafy parks and quintessential Parisian bistros pulled straight from the scenes of Amélie.

Grab a bottle of wine, some speakers and head over to Pont Neuf with friends to picnic and people-watch along the Seine. Nearby are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements, home to must-see attractions like the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Musée de l'Orangerie, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Musée D'Orsay, Place des Vosges, Centre Pompidou as well as countless cafés and boutique shopping. For lesser known museums that still house some of the best collections of art, design and fashion in the world, check out Fondation Louis Vuitton located just outside Paris, Musée Galliera for fashion and Musée Rodin, a beautiful mansion and sculpture garden. Check museum websites in advance for days when tickets are discounted or free!

The Jardin du Luxembourg is incredibly lovely and full of locals on any given day. Bring a book to read under the shade and you'll feel straight out of a French Impressionist painting. Nearby are the popular Catacombs of Paris. Booking tickets in advance is more expensive, so come prepared to wait in line for over an hour to see this popular site! Arrive before 5pm for guaranteed entry.

For an escape from city life, the Père Lachaise cemetery is the largest (and arguably the most beautiful) cemetery in Paris and houses several famous historical figures like Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Frédéric Chopin and Marcel Proust, among others. The Promenade Plantée is essentially Paris' answer to the popular High Line in New York City. The elevated park offers picturesque views of the city and is full of beautiful flowers and greenery. A short walk away is the colorful and oft-photographed rue Crémieux, a side street home to adorable townhouses painted in shades of lavender, sky blue and hot pink.

Shopping

For the best shopping in Paris you have to go to the Marais. From better known chains like COS or Zara, to local boutiques, vintage stores and exclusively Parisian brands, you're bound to happen upon something you like.

The 1st and 2nd arrondissements are populated by high fashion, couture and expensive shopping. Colette is a must-see for fashion lovers with its bespoke couture, jewelry and artwork for sale. On the ground floor it also offers some more affordable options, like art books, tech accessories and postcards you pick up on your way out. Rue Cambon, home to the Chanel flagship store, is also fun to ogle over. For beautiful rooftop views of Paris, head over to the Printemps Haussmann department store and venture up to the 9th floor.

Shakespeare and Co. bookstore; image via

The beloved Shakespeare and Company bookstore along the Left Bank is a must-see for book lovers or anyone who loves history. Founded by George Whitman in 1951, the quaint shop is seeped in nostalgia and still serves as an important literary institution for readers and writers. For antique shopping, vintage clothing, jewelry and miscellanea, spend a few hours exploring the Marché aux Puces on the outskirts of the city.

Nightlife

If you're looking for nightclubs or discotheques, Le Duplex offers multiple floors with different music, from latin, to hiphop, R&B and top 40 hits. Located along the Seine, Wanderlust hosts an outdoor terrace in addition to several dance floors to choose from. Cafe Oz (go to the Denfert Rochereau location) is also a popular bar and gathering place among international crowds that transforms into a dance club and concert venue at night.

For a more laid-back vibe, Moonshiner is a popular speakeasy with incredible cocktails. The venue is tight, so head out with a small group and get ready to mingle and meet locals at the bar or in the smoke room. For great dancing and music, Le Comptoir Général has an undeniably cool atmosphere and lets you lounge on sofas as you sip on fun (albeit overpriced) drinks. For an endless list of drink options that feature everything from lychee to blueberry and apple champagne, Le Crocodile is perfect for several rounds of drinks. The best part? They slip a crocodile shaped gummy into every drink for you to enjoy afterwards.

For live music venues, the intimate, speakeasy style Chez Papa Jazz Club is world renowned, but food and drinks are (understandably) pricey. Little Red Door is also known as one of the best cocktail bars in the world and definitely worth treating yourself to!

Feature image via

Study Abroad Files: Kraków

November 2, 2017

This summer I was incredibly lucky to have been in Kraków for six weeks studying Polish as a foreign language at Jagiellonian University. The University, which was founded over 650 years ago, is the oldest in Poland, so it's only fitting that it's located in Kraków—Poland's oldest major city.

Founded around the 7th Century, Kraków is unique in that the majority of its original city still stands. During WWII, the Nazis did not bomb Kraków as extensively as other Polish metropolises, so almost all the old buildings you see today are genuine, as opposed to cities like Warsaw which were completely destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in their former image.

Despite Kraków's Stone-Age origins, it's a youthful and exciting city to live and study in. I loved almost everything about my stay there, from good friends to good food. So, if you haven't already thought about visiting Poland you should now, and you should start with the beautiful Kraków!

Stare Miasto

Stare Miasto—the Old Town—is the heart of Kraków. To the south of the Miasto lies Wawel castle. The fortress which overlooks the Wisła river from atop a hill was the political hub of Poland's former capital for over 800 years, but is now a renowned museum. To the north stands the Barbican and the Floriańska Gate: the last remnants of Kraków's ancient city walls. Outlining Stare Miasto's distinctive "lightbulb" shape is the Planty — a flower-filled park that grows where the city walls and turrets once stood. And right in the middle is the gem of the Miasto — the Old Square.

The Old Square, or the Rynek in Polish, is centred around the Sukiennice, which once was a cloth trading hall. Today it is filled with souvenir stalls that most acknowledge are overpriced but, as a true tourist, I loved anyway. You can scale the old clock tower and glimpse views of the entire city, or sip coffee outside at one of the many cafes (including Starbucks, much to my basic, basic delight). Stick around to hear the trumpeter in St. Mary's Basilica: every hour on the hour the musician plays the same traditional tune, cut off abruptly as an homage to a trumpeter of yore who was struck down by an arrow mid-tune. In the summer you'll frequently see markets in the Rynek too, which are especially fun at night.

Clockwise from left: trying on traditional Polish flower crowns in the main market square; Wawel castle; view of St. Mary's Basillica from the Clock Tower; my friend Jen in front of the Sukiennice.

In the Miasto

Albertina Restaurant

I have fond memories of Albertina, as it's where I celebrated my 21st birthday this summer. Albertina is by all means a fine dining establishment. Not only is the food delicious, but the decor is beautiful and the service is impeccable. We were all pleasantly surprised to hear our waiter speak perfect English—a plus for a lot of my friends who had just started to learn Polish. My favourite dish of the night was the grilled lobster (pictured above), but other favourites included the foie gras and pork cheek. Top it off with a glass of champagne and some cake, and you're golden.

Albertina is expensive, but given the favourable currency conversion you end up paying about half the price of what you'd expect from a similar calibre restaurant in the States, which makes it a win for me. Also of note is that tip is not expected in Poland, and will often be included in your final bill. If not, 10-15% is considered the polite amount.

Collegium Maius

Nestled into the side-streets of the Miasto you'll find Collegium Maius. It was the Jagiellonian University's first building, and held its library, classrooms, dining hall, and professorial bedrooms. However, the history of the red-brick building doesn't start there: before the University's founding in the 14th Century, Collegium Maius was the central building in Kraków's old Jewish quarter. Upon Collegium Maius' acquisition, Kraków's Jewish population moved to nearby neighbourhood Kazimierz, which has remained the hub of Kraków's Jewish diaspora.

Nowadays no classes are taught in Collegium Maius as it's a full time museum, showcasing art and artefacts from the 14th Century onwards. Some of the most famous pieces include maps drawn by Jagiellonian University alumnus Nicholaus Copernicus, and an Oscar award donated by legendary Polish director Andrzej Waida. Like in the Rynek, you're going to want to stick around for the turn of the hour. At every odd hour, there is a magnificent display: a carousel of statuettes of the University's original benefactors circles the clock face.

Below is a video of Collegium Maius' main quadrangle:

Lokal, Teatro Cubano, and Pub Crawl

The walk from Teatro Cubano to Lokal. You can take the tram to the Teatr Bagatela stop — the same as to Collegium Maius. The pub crawl meets at the Adam Mickiewicz statue between the Sukiennice (centre) and Lokal.

Kraków's cultural significance is all well and good, but let's go back to how I said this city has GREAT nightlife. The amazing thing about Kraków is that you so rarely need to leave the Miasto or even the Rynek to have an amazing time. In fact, two of my three favourite spots to go out are located right on the square. (And, if you want to know, the third one doesn't count because it was the seedy pub in our dorm. Yes, you read that right. There was a bar in our dorm.)

I went to Teatro Cubano my first weekend in Kraków and was not disappointed. What seems like a regular bar in the front becomes a massive multi-level dance floor in the back. The line can be long and the bar can be crowded, but dancing to Spanish and Latin music while trying to keep down a vodka shot that tastes like pure rubbing alcohol is a unique and actually extremely enjoyable experience.

I'm not kidding about the vodka shots by the way. Call me weak and a bad Slav if you may, but cheap, room temperature vodka never goes down well. If you're looking for a good vodka experience, you should check out the subtly named Wódka Cafe-Bar, also in the Miasto on Mikołajska Street. You can get a 6 flavour degustation tray for around 30zł (~$9) depending on which flavours you order.

Another fun experience if you're a tourist (and miss people who speak your native language) is to do a bar crawl. There are a lot of different ones but they all have the same premise: pay 50zł (~$15) for a power hour of free drinks; from there, make your way through four more bars and — if you can — wind up at Lokal at the end of the night. It's no easy feat, but it's definitely possible. The power hour really catches up to you.

Lokal is hot. There's always a huge line and as the night goes on the cover charge keeps rising (though for the record, the highest I've heard it reach is 40zł for guys, which is only about $10). There's great music and a better atmosphere — inside has cave-like stone walls and moody purple lighting, as well as multiple bars throughout the small chamber rooms. There are a lot of those chamber rooms which theoretically should be easy to navigate, but are super confusing a few drinks in. It's all part of the experience though. Just roll with it.

The best way to end your night (if you're still going on after Lokal) is to grab a kebab and some shisha. Our regular place was Faroan. It's a chain, and you'll see a few around the Miasto, but we liked the location on Grodzka Street best. If you go, say "hi" to Mohammed for me. You won't miss him—he works the bar.

Outside the Miasto

Good Lood

While you're in Kraków you can't skip the neighbourhood of Kazimierz. The old Jewish quarter has small and chic restaurants and bars that are always guaranteed to delight. For me though, my favourite place to go is Good Lood, aka the best ice cream I've ever had. There's not much I need to say about it—I mean, ice cream basically sells itself. And unlike what many (including myself) expect, Kraków gets really hot over the summer. There's nothing better than enjoying a cool, fresh ice cream in the shade. Single scoop is good. Double scoop is better. Triple scoop is a bit too ambitious—I've yet to meet someone to finish it. The flavours change depending on fruit availability and season, but my recommendations are dark chocolate and Polish strawberry. Sit by the fountain across the road in Plac Wolnica—Freedom Square—and enjoy a few moments of peace.

Left: a double scoop of Polish strawberry sorbet and dark chocolate ice cream at Good Lood. Right: my friends enjoying their triple and single scoops.

Zalew Zakrzówek

Directions to Zalew Zkrzówek from the Norymberska tram stop.

Want the Mediterranean experience on a budget? Well, Kraków may actually be able to provide something akin to that, at least for the 'gram. Zalew Zkrzówek is a flooded limestone quarry across the river from the Miasto, just a quick tram ride away. For a 5zł (~$1.50) entry fee you get unlimited access to this amazing lake. There are a few distinct pool areas cordoned off near the shore, but if you're feeling adventurous you should scale some of the shorter cliffs and jump off.

It's really beautiful.

You can see in the pictures that a lot of people actually bring pool floaties and just hang out on the water. What's amazing about Zalew Zkrzówek is that it's mostly populated by locals, in part because it's a bit of a liability to promote cliff jumping to tourists. You need to be really safe and know what you can handle, and always go with friends. It's a big lake and it's pretty deep, so recklessness is not something you'd want to risk.

But don't let that deter you. I saved Zalew Zkrzówek for last because it was my favourite place in Kraków. The lake is so calm and the atmosphere around you is full of joy and excitement. You can tell everyone there is having fun, and honestly isn't that the point of a European getaway? When I'm next in Kraków over the summer, you can bet that's the first place I'm returning to.

I have so much more I want to say about Kraków, yet I can't quite put it into words. Even then, I've written so much that the sentiment may get lost.

For me, my time in Kraków was more than a special experience, but rather a way for me to connect to my roots on my own terms. It's undeniable that I carry a lot of sentiment towards my time there. I hope you visit, even if you have no connection to Poland whatsoever. These were just a few of the magic moments and places I experienced. Plus, the exchange rate is really, really good. Like so, so good.

Not to end with something of far less emotional significance, but it's true. Poland is great AND it's cheap. Good food, good drinks, and most importantly, Good Lood. Kraków really does have it all.

Feature image via; all other images courtesy of Emilia McLennan and Jennifer Bajorek

Study Abroad Files: The First Few Weeks

September 25, 2017

At the end of last winter quarter I packed up my room, moved out of housing, and boarded a plane to Europe. Coming straight from finals, adjusting to the pace of life in another country, dorm, and program was so jarring–nothing could have prepared me for the lifestyle and culture shock I was to experience.

It was hard adjusting to navigating a new cityscape and transit system, and getting used to a new schedule–9:30am daily classes and loads of walking around the city. Vienna completely shuts down on Sundays, and that means all stores are closed (it's the Austrian law), so grocery planning for the week had to be thought out in advance. Hardest still was figuring out a financial plan, as I had to balance discovering new restaurants and cafes with the constraints of a college student's budget.

One of my favorite cafes next to my German course - Jonas Reindl!

Here are some helpful tips based on what I have learned from my study abroad experience in Europe.

European supermarkets have almost everything you could need, from razor blades to disposable cameras, but if you are in need of something incredibly specific, either make sure to bring it from the US or prepare to explain with the help of Google translator exactly what you’re looking for! Most grocery stores or pharmacies won't stock your go-to products, so either prepare to experiment with European brands, or bring your skincare and makeup with you!
In that vein, don’t go out of your way to buy things before you leave! I splurged on black high waisted jeans before I left (my favorite wardrobe staple) but I could've found the same style of pant for a much cheaper price in Europe.
Only pack the clothes you love. I ended up packing t-shirts I didn’t adore, and now that I’ve bought stuff from Vienna markets, I don’t wear them. Now they’ll just take up space in my luggage on the way back to the US, and looking back, I definitely wish I didn’t pack them!
Pack for all weather scenarios. Spring time Vienna was forecasted from 40º F to 70º F. In the second week it reached 72º F, but one week hovered around 35º F and lightly snowed! I completely neglected to bring any leather or rain-proof shoes. My converse were soaked and my feet were perpetually cold (but that’s better than ruining my suede ankle boots).
It's hard figuring out what to eat. Eating out got tiring (and expensive) after a while, but our dorm kitchen had no oven and had awful pans that stick to everything. I've eaten a lot of cheese and crackers, carrots, celery and peanut butter, bananas, cereal and milk, yogurt, nuts–things that don't require any cooking. Viennese supermarkets don't sell cooked grilled chicken, something I learned after going to three different supermarkets and asking in mangled German, and other American grocery staples (such as black beans).
Find the library and study spaces before you desperately need them! I realized too late in the game that I needed to work in a library for a few hours, and had to figure out where it was and how to get access to it with limited time. Finding a quiet cafe can also be a struggle, as cafes around the university are very social and chatty spots. Fortunately, the coffee shop culture lets you linger after ordering–waiters won't come and rush you with a check, but will only bring it if you request, and there's no assumption that you'll leave after a certain amount of time.

The University of Vienna, or Universität Wien, where I was finally able to find a quiet (and gorgeous) library to cram for a quiz. — The University of Vienna, or Universität Wien, where I was finally able to find a quiet (and gorgeous) library to cram for a quiz.

Most likely, your study abroad experience will go by in a flash. I had to remind myself to take a minute to breathe, walk around the city, and truly appreciate studying in an entirely different country!

Study Abroad Files: Thessaloniki

September 11, 2017

Thessaloniki is a mid-sized Greek city with plenty of history and coast to easily explore in a weekend. The city is laid-back, moving at a slower pace of life than in some other European cities, and filled with native Greeks and European students on holiday.