By: Grace Carballo ‘17

In my experience, the most difficult times abroad, whether for the culture shock or the homesickness, are during holidays back home. If you would like anecdotal proof, last Thanksgiving I was probably going on hour ten or so working in front of my laptop and a fan on my ISP in Nicaragua when I FaceTimed by family during Thanksgiving dinner. Eating a bag of peanuts and raisins from the pulpería while everyone I missed dearly passed the phone around mid-feast, including my new “brother” Kevin (who’s from Nicaragua studying in my home town), was a less than festive experience.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

If you’re looking to de-stress and find your inner balance then this is the studio for you. I love Radha Yoga because it’s proximity to USC and it’s location next to Nature’s Brew, one of my favorite local cafes. The studio is also a place of tranquility with natural lighting from the multiple windows that allows fresh air to breeze on through the studio. It’s a definitely must-try experience even if you are new to yoga…

By: Judy Lee ‘17

We’ve all been there–top ramen and water. If not, are you even in college good for you! However, it’d be nice to save more here and there when budgeting becomes a burden. Personally, I get the drawbacks of that: cutting stuff out of the ads that get shoved into your mailbox just feels a little stodgy, and it becomes too much of a process. Luckily, there are online versions that work perfectly well–if not better! Here are seven:

By: Emily Young MA ‘16

What does Los Angles California and Venice Italy have in common? They both have canals. You can save your money and a very long plane flight by just visiting the canals right here in sunny Los Angeles, Ca.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Last Thursday, I did what any productive exchange student would do in between classes- checked my instagram and ate yesterday’s dinner leftovers from my new tupperware. Such multi-tasking was dangerous and nearly caused me to choke on a spoonful of lentils because within the first few photos alone, I realized my fellow Trojans were with Hillary Rodham Clinton.

By: Grace Carballo ‘17

Last week I went to my first asado, which is essentially what in the U.S. we would call a barbecue. After speaking with the Argentinian students present, apparently this wasn’t a “real asado” because it was more of a meet and greet (or meat and greet if you catch my drift) for the international students than the extensive sit-down affair that asados normally are. Still, I’m counting it as an asado because it had all the makings of one (chorripan, which is sausage on a toasted bun, a parilla, which is the big open-fire grill, and lots of sides and ensaladas, thank goodness.)

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

If you’re going for a vintage theme then Afterlight is your go to app. They have a large selection of adjustable filters to give your photo the perfect vintage touch. If you would like to take your photo to the next level you can also choose from a variety of film quality effects like dusty, light lea , instant film and more…

By: Judy Lee ‘17

Hey there! I’ve decided that while I’m abroad, I might as well document these once-in-a-lifetime memories through a compilation of footage I get while hopping from place to place. So with that, I introduce to you…The Look Up series, by yours truly.

By: Edwin Saucedo ‘18 (Guest Blogger)

Hi there! I am Edwin, and I will be serving you as your 2016-2017 Student Body President. I want to thank you in advance for checking out my blog post and hope I don’t bore you before you reach the end (lol). Over the next year I am looking forward to sharing with you a little bit about Austin and me, the work that our student government is doing, and any thoughts or tips that we may have throughout the year.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

Perhaps you have already dabbled in freelancing or would like to know what’s required to become one. Here are some tips to consider before delving into the world of freelancing.

By: Michael Boyle ‘18

Last Saturday was the Arts in the PAHRC event, and Trojans360 was there to capture all its creative glory.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

You’re rushing to class only once you are re there an annoying stomach grumble reminds you that you forgot to eat breakfast again. We’ve all been there!