A week ago today, I embarked on a four-month journey to study abroad in England. So much has happened since my arrival at the airport (including a cancelled flight with 65 of my classmates), and I have come to learn a few things in my short time abroad. Adjusting isn't easy, and culture shock is real. Making the transition from the cornfields of Nebraska all the way across the pond has been a journey in and of itself.
1. Eight hour plane rides aren't fun.
Even with the complimentary dinner and breakfast flying for eight hours over night isn't as easy as it seems. The time difference makes you believe it's not yet time to go to sleep, but even when the clock does hit midnight, finding a comfortable position in a small chair with a thin pillow is rather difficult. The plane is freezing once you reach the highest altitude and the paper-thin blanket they provide you with isn't exactly warming. The descent may just be the worst part, the sudden decrease in altitude making your stomach churn.
2. Making new friends isn't that hard.
I was one of the few students coming into this study abroad program not knowing anyone. Although I was never really worried about making friends, it came much easier than I anticipated. It's a new environment for everyone, and we're all in the same boat. Other people were looking to make friends just as I was. Besides that, I believe that having your flight cancelled and stressing about rebooking really brings people together.
3. Driving on the left side of the road is something I may just never get used to.
Like the Americans we are, when we arrived at the airport in London we all foolishly headed to the right side of our bus to enter, but that is where the driver sits. It was very odd to watch the cars pass us on our right, and not go into the far lane when making a left-hand turn. Even with the amount of car riding I have done since my arrival, I still can't get used to how backwards everything seems.
4. There is so much to do.
I've come to realize that it's nearly impossible to be bored here. At the manor I'm living in, we have an on-campus bistro that serves alcoholic drinks open every night. We also have a game room, a movie room, numerous common rooms, and plenty of study space with incredible views. It's only a short fifteen or so minute drive into the nearest town where there are shops, pubs, restaurants, etc. Besides all that, there is a whole world out there to explore! If you aren't spending your weekend traveling, you aren't studying abroad right.
5. Not missing your family is normal.
It's okay to not feel homesick the first week. As I said before, there's always something to do. I've kept busy enough that I haven't really had time to think about missing my family, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm sure the time will come when the homesickness settles in, but for now I am focusing on my adventure!
6. Try new things.
It's only been a week and I've already tried many new foods and drinks. However, trying new things isn't limited to what you eat. I went to a pub for the first time this past weekend. I rode in a "lift" with metal doors that you have to open and shut on your own. I called a taxi from a bright red phone booth. I used pounds to buy something at "Poundland". I slept on the top of a bunk bed for the first time. This is only the start of the amazing new things I will experience.
7. Be open-minded.
There is a whole world out there to explore. I've learned to not be afraid to take risks. I don't want to spend four months here in Europe and go home with any regrets. I want to have the time of my life.
