Hello, my name is Esmeralda and I am a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am a double major in Global Studies and Slavic Languages and Literatures. Even though I have always been interested in Russia, it makes sense for me to study abroad there given my two majors. My main goals while I am abroad is to learn about the Russian culture and improve my Russian.
The purpose of this blog is to document my study abroad experience to St. Petersburg this upcoming Fall quarter from pre-departure to post-departure. I wanted to start this blog before I departed because the study abroad experience does not only start when one arrives in a different country. The experience starts when one makes the choice to study abroad and turns in an application.
A little more about me….
Favorite animal: cats (I have so many cats)
Favorite shape: hexagon…I like the way it sounds
Languages: English, Spanish, some Russian
Age: 20
Where I’m from: I grew up in Los Angeles and I love this city.
Least favorite season: Summer. I don’t understand why people look forward to it. I don’t do well in hot weather.
Things I am unable to do: I’m sure there are plenty of things that I cannot do but I cannot ride a bike or swim. I was always afraid to fall of when I was little so I just never learned to ride a bike.
Parents: Both of my parents were born in Mexico and met here in Los Angeles. I love them very much and I am grateful for everything they have done for me.
You sound like a very interesting young lady. My family spent some time in Russia, namely Siberian concentration camps…. They were Lithuanian and unfortunately for them, they were proud of it back in the revolution days. I’ve always wanted to visit Russia, for it’s beautiful architecture and culture. I hope you enjoy your trip to Amsterdam. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and commenting. Enjoy life Sweetheart, reading you are of Mexican decent, I am sure it’s in your blood to soak up the joys of life!
Thank you so much. This put a smile on my face. You should visit Russia. It’s beautiful here and I love the architecture here. Everything feels like it has a story to tell because the buildings are so old.
Like your blog
I LOVE cats; don’t know how to swim or ride a bicycle, either; and also cannot understand what’s so appealing about summer – give me autumn or winter any day!