Reflection by Nick Hobar

Since my study abroad experience has come to a natural end this Spring 2023 semester and I am heading back to Charleston next semester for classes, looking back and reflecting on everything is something that I have done a lot of these past couple of days. A lot of the things I have been thinking about were some things I would do differently or the same before going on this study abroad adventure. Some things I would do differently are; bringing currency from the countries I would visit, those ATM fees add up quickly, secondly I would learn to live with the bear-necessities while traveling, you cannot pack your entire room into one or two suitcases, and thirdly I wish I had brushed up on any and all of the languages used in the countries I had visited english will only get you so far, especially if you go beyond the highly urbanized cities.

Also after finishing up this semester abroad and heading home I have been thinking a lot about what this experience has meant to me and taught me about myself and others, specifically what these experiences have shown me and given me while away from the College of Charleston. I have learned that despite the size of the Earth, the panet is quite a small place and you can connect with almost anyone about anything and everything even if you weren’t expecting to find those connections in certain places. Alongside that, I have truly learned to look at the little things in life with a greater appreciation than I ever did before, because if you’re so focused on the big picture and moving fast and forward in life you might miss the little joys that truly make a memory special.

All in all, everything that I have learned from leaving the US for education this semester and exploring the world I have come to realize that it is not an easy thing to do by any means; but it is a rewarding journey that I would love to pick back up someday and continue either through further study abroad opportunities or through a career somewhere that allows me to live and work in new places.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *