Tension of Opposites

Where it was chasing a cliché - Part 2 | Erasmus Series

My first semester can be easily described as delirious, confusing... Revelatory for sure, but fundamentally uncool. This episode is a love letter to whoever is lost in the very idealistic clichés as well as the very real stress surrounding one of the most fabulous cities on earth.Not really what you think of when you think of Erasmus but that's what we're here for, right? Debunking fantasies one hour at a time 

Where it was chasing a cliché - Part 1 | Erasmus Series

We are opening a brand new series today! Continuing our journey through the journeys, our second stop comes about the second year of university. Just as we did last time, it's always interesting to recap: how did we get here? Welcome to my unfailingly confusing beginning to an very well-known exchange program: the Erasmus series.

Host families, extended families with Jason | HSY Abroad Series

As our first series comes to an end, you've listened to my experience as the exchange student, but what about the host families? Join me as I discuss all things year abroad (and the revelations that came along with it) with my first and long-awaited guest: my host dad. Here's Jason.

Where it all began - Part 4 | HSY Abroad Series

We did it! So far I've been doing an episode per phase, but I've decided to come full circle by discussing ALL of it. In this episode I go through Recovery, Adaptation, and everything in between. Spring break, prom, graduation, last goodbyes.. We're closing the HSY Abroad Series, 5 months in one go. Buckle up, friends. This is a big one ✨

Where it all began - Part 3 | HSY Abroad Series

Okay okay... It was all fun, friends and trips over the span of the first three months. But what happens once the novelty starts to wear off? That moment in time in which you were off the radar. A mix of uneasiness, confusion, and doubt. The Culture Shock not only challenges you on a daily with the outside world, but it forces to face yourself in a way you had never done before. It's Crisis time.

Where it all began - Part 2 | HSY Abroad Series

Ahhh, the infamous curve! This is the chart they show you at the beginning of your experience abroad - a first glimpse of what your high school year will look like. In this episode, I go back to the first stage, the one that holds the most beautiful memories all at once: welcome to my Honeymoon period.

Where it all began - Part 1 | HSY Abroad Series

You might know of people who have done an exchange year in high school. You might have been an exchange student yourself. But have you ever shared the full story behind the pretty pictures? I stepped into this unaware of how deeply it would impact my life. In this first part, I recount the unglamorous yet unforgettable start to my Senior Year in the United States - the beginning of everything.

Intro

Hi, my name is Elena and I speak more than one language. Join me as I use past and present experiences as an excuse to bring around people I've met in different places and in different lanuages. This is a space to discuss whatever and whoever shaped our views on the world.. All while standing somewhere in the middle.