Leaving study abroad has created a mixture of complicated feelings for me. I’ve felt excited to see my family and friends and hopeful about my upcoming senior year plans waiting for me at CofC. I’m also sad about leaving behind new friends and my host family that I’ve made unforgettable memories with. I’m also jealous of students who are headed into a new semester of study abroad experiences, and longing to maintain the routine and life I built over four months in my new favorite place. I’m also excited to share my experiences with loved ones at home but have recognized the “reverse culture shock” waiting for me in the States and also realize that not everyone will see the overflowing value of my time abroad as I might.
Despite these conflicting feelings, reflecting on the last four months only brings a smile to my face! I added a new continent to my list when I traveled to Marrakech, Morocco, I visited Portugal for the first time, and France, Italy, and Switzerland for the second. I traveled all throughout Spain and saw many of its architectural wonders, as well as Pompeii in Italy like I’ve always wanted to. I’m finishing up these adventures by visiting cities like Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam, and Dublin before heading back home.
During my time abroad I reevaluated small priorities in my life, as well as how I view myself in the world. My assumptions about people changed, and I pushed my physical and mental limits while traveling. I grew to understand that I can handle almost anything when surrounded by the right people and became extra thankful for my existing and new relationships with special people along the way.
In a professional setting, I hope to leverage this experience by emphasizing my overall adaptability. Making the most of studying abroad requires patience, understanding with yourself and others, as well as a willingness to remain flexible and optimistic. I believe I’ve honed these qualities each day of living and studying in a new country, and feel they will serve me well in a professional environment.
I would love to remain involved in study abroad whether that is through my affiliate program, AIFS, the CofC CIE, or a Master’s program abroad. I am looking forward to promoting the College to prospective students as a campus tour guide, as an opportunity to pursue an international education. I aspire to contribute to a study abroad scholarship fund for students one day so that others can have the life-changing opportunity that I did.
