I am so fortunate to have been able to spend a good portion of 2015 abroad in Europe. After my study abroad program ended, I met up with two sorority sisters and traveled to five more countries and eight cities. At times it felt like my time away would never end, and sometimes it felt like I was putting one foot in front of the other just to make it to the next day. As I prepare to go back to America, I can’t help but to reflect on the biggest things I learned from my months abroad.
- The world is only big and scary if that’s how you look at it. Traveling seems intimidating. And sometimes, it really is, but once you get out there it’s surprising how many small connections you have. For example, I was lying in my hostel bed in Munich, Germany when I realized that the girl one bed over was sorority sisters with a girl I studied abroad with during the semester. What are the odds of that?
- People are really, really nice. This one goes out to the receptionist in the hotel in Athens, Greece who witnessed my breakdown after 10 minutes of wandering around looking for my hostel. Most of the time, people really want you to succeed. It’s hard when you’re traveling to wrap your brain around trusting people, but people are nice and it works out 95% of the time.
- America isn’t the best place in the world. I love the USA. I’m proud to call myself an American. But after living abroad and experiencing how other countries work, it’s wrong to say that America is the best. America is up there, don’t get me wrong, but to say it’s the “best country in the world” is an overstatement.
- I’m capable of more than I think I am. I’m capable of planning an entire two weeklong trip. I’m capable of navigating foreign countries that speak languages that don’t even really look like languages. I’m capable of entertaining myself when I’m on a 6 hour train ride. Most of all, I’m capable of calming myself down when things don’t go as planned.
- "Those who don’t travel read only one page.” As St. Augustine put it, “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” I have met people from Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and so many more places. I’ve learned phrases in their language and about their food and their customs, not to mention added more places to my travel bucket list.
I know I’ve said this before, but going abroad was the best decision that I have ever made. If you ever get the chance, don’t think, just go!
