Greetings from around the world!

Greetings from around the world! While most Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s students are braving the chilly winter weather in South Bend, hundreds of our peers are studying across the globe. Through this “Observer Passport” blog, members of The Observer’s staff will be able to share their experiences exploring new cultures, food and languages.

Studying abroad is an opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones and learn about life outside the United States. We hope you will use this blog to travel with us and get a better idea of what Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s students are experiencing around the world.

Below are the staffers who will share their international experiences over the course of this Spring 2014 semester:

Maddie Daly is a junior from McGlinn Hall majoring in English and French with a minor in business economics. She is studying abroad in Angers, France, where all her classes are taught in French. She looks forward to improving her French language skills and becoming more fluent. You can follow her adventures at http://bonvoyagemadeline.weebly.com/index.html

Brian Hartnett is a junior from Carroll Hall majoring in marketing with a minor in journalism, ethics and democracy. He is currently studying in London, England, and is looking forward to exploring many European countries. He hopes to meet a member of the royal family, figure out why football (soccer) is more popular than American football and become a regular at a London pub. You can follow his study-abroad adventures at http://london2014blogdotcom.wordpress.com

Colby Hoyer is a junior from Pangborn Hall majoring in anthropology and film, television and theatre. She is excited for this new opportunity to study in London, England, for the semester. With Europe at her doorstep, she can easily be in a different country every weekend. She is excited to travel freely, even if it may break her bank account. If you would like to follow all the trials and triumphs of her life abroad, check out her blog at http://colbyhoyer.tumblr.com

Kiera Johnsen is a sophomore from Regina Hall majoring in political science and communications. This semester, she is studying in Maynooth, Ireland, and is excited to live outside of her comfort zone and grow as an individual through different experiences and adventures with people outside the United States. To follow her adventures, visit http://irishstudyabroadadventures.blogspot.ie

Meredith Kelly is a junior from Walsh Hall majoring in political science. This semester, she is studying in Perth, Australia, at the University of Western Australia (UWA). When abroad, she is most excited to — yes, you guessed it — travel. She plans to travel throughout Australia, as well as to neighboring countries, such as Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore and possibly Vietnam. Kelly is also excited to immerse herself in the Australian culture through living at UWA’s dorm with local Australian students and other international students from around the world.