Katie Fisher / Staff Photographer

Oh, well. There went San Diego State’s chances at a national title game. That’s a joke. But it’s not funny.

Entering this season, the San Diego State volleyball team thought its starting setter would be returning. But then Lauren Van Orden transferred to UCLA.

Some might say that studying abroad is a great opportunity to party and travel. Others might tell you it is an amazing opportunity to learn. Last semester I studied abroad, and I can tell you, it is something you cannot fully understand until you experience it.

So you’re about to go abroad, maybe for a semester, maybe for a year. You can read all you want in the travel guides about where to eat, drink and what to do, but to get the real experience, talking to locals is the way to go. After studying in Madrid, Spain for a year, I compiled a journal full of business cards from hostels and restaurants from the cities where I traveled. I have selected a few of my favorites to share with you from some of the most memorable places in Europe. I wish you all a pleasant and safe journey and I hope you enjoy some of these secret gems.

While traveling in Europe throughout the last six months, I visited one place that will stick with me forever. Here, you get free food with your beer, everyone is expected to take daily afternoon naps and you can explore one of the wonders of the world.

All of my reasons for leaving the U.S. for Madrid, Spain can be traced back to a guard booth in Orange County. I spent my summer after freshman year in a swivel chair waving in cars, looking out a window at trains passing every hour on the hour.

To prepare for this article outlining some of the quirky laws in other countries, many came across as odd, some were crazy and others were just plain hilarious.

For students who think San Diego State isn’t far enough from home, they may choose a tour of the Mediterranean Sea before walking by the campus Mediterranean Garden. Those who feel the urge to study abroad have many places to choose from, but with so many options, it can be difficult to pinpoint the ideal destination. Sure, London, Paris and Barcelona are interesting places to experience, but there is a broad range of other countries that can provide just as much of a rewarding educational and cultural experience.

It’s been a long time since the San Diego State volleyball team beat USD.

Editor’s note: Each week, The Daily Aztec will pick the winners of every Mountain West Conference game.