Improvising Abroad

Study Abroad Series
Improvising Abroad

“Have you ever wondered what it’s like to study abroad?

Studying at Berklee College of Music’s Valencia Campus has been one of the best decisions of my life. Over the past four months, the experience has been incredibly formative, pushing me to draw on skills I’ve built over the years while challenging me to grow in new ways.

From making lifelong friends and performing in marching bands to navigating life on a tight budget, this journey has been both eye-opening and inspiring.

Through my series, I want to share the realities of studying abroad alongside the highlights.

📍 Hover over the pins to uncover the stories! 👆 Tap a city to uncover the stories!
Travel Map
London

London, UK

Although the USD to GBP conversion rate proved brutal, London proved to be one of the most eventful cities.

Pisa

Pisa, Italy

Making new friends from Belgium and the Netherlands at a hostel here opened my mind to a whole new world.

Assisi

Assisi, Italy

The hospitality of Filipinos is affirmed here; however, another occurrence forces me to reflect on my identity as a Filipino-American…

Rome

Rome, Italy

Spending Holy Week here during the Jubilee Year was one of the most blessed experiences of my life.

Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain

Challenged by high prices and ticket reservations, I learned the ultimate lesson in choice and patience.

Valencia

Valencia, Spain

For four months, this place became my home base — the location of Berklee, the meeting ground for Fallas.

Madrid

Madrid, Spain

My first city to visit abroad after Valencia, and the first true test of my tourism skills.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh, Morocco

Behind the cheapest Get Your Guide excursions were hidden costs waiting somewhere else…

Improvising Abroad

My Current Blog Posts

Coming Soon
A Home Away From Home

A Home Away From Home

Coming to terms with my Filipino identity in Spain, the UK, and Italy.

Coming Soon
Fourth of July on Steroids

Fourth of July on Steroids

Marching in a local band as Valencia unleashes endless fireworks and music.

Coming Soon
Signal? Never Heard of Her.

Signal? Never Heard of Her.

Navigating all of Europe with NO eSIM. The consequences are endless.

Coming Soon
Security!

Security!

Knowing Spanish would have been useful. Lessons learned the hard way.

Coming Soon
Berklee's Hidden Gem

Berklee’s Hidden Gem

How I utilized the Valencia campus to the absolute best of my ability.

Coming Soon
Marching in a Foreign Country

Marching in a Foreign Country

The ultimate test on every skill I built throughout high school.

Coming Soon

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