9 Reasons I Can't Wait To Study Abroad
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

9 Reasons I Can't Wait To Study Abroad

And so, the countdown begins...

76
https://pixabay.com/en/barcelona-spain-facade-tree-street-2088158/
Pixabay

A year from now, I'll be in a foreign country, surrounded by lots of people that I've never met before, learning to adapt to a new culture in a place I've never been. I have so many experiences ahead of me that I cannot wait for.

Here are 9 reasons that I'm counting down the days until I study abroad:

1. A change in routine. 

As a student at Penn State, such a large university, my day to day routine has been almost the same since my freshman year. Wake up, class, homework, go out (if it's a weekend), sleep...do it all again. Going abroad will finally break the mundane pattern.

2. It's my excuse. 

Because I'll be going abroad to learn, no one will ask questions. This is the only time in my life I can drop everything and move to a foreign country for four months with no overwhelming questions-- "it's for school" I can tell them.

3. To see things I've always dreamed of.

I'm ready to see and experience people and places I've only seen in pictures and movies or read about in books.

4. The culture shock.

Is it weird to say that I'm actually excited to experience a culture shock? I've been to foreign countries before, but never for an extended period of time like I will be next Spring. I'm excited to see how such a big cultural change will affect me.

5. Improvement.

Although Spanish is one of my majors, I've never been surrounded by people that speak solely Spanish or very little English. I'm ready to greatly improve the second language I've been studying by immersing myself in it.

6. Personal growth.

Since I've turned 20, I've realized that I want a change. I want to grow mentally, and going abroad can help me achieve this. I hope living so far from all I've known my whole life will allow me to develop as a person and reflect on myself.

7. Meeting new people.

Going to college and meeting new people was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It opened me to new perspectives. With that being said, the new people I met at Penn State are still similar to me in broad ways-- they're mostly from America and practice our cultural norms. Going to another country and meeting native people there will open me to a different outlook and way of life.

8. The food!

Sure, I can get myself some Spanish cuisine in America, but I'm ready to try the real stuff.

9. The homecoming.

After it's all over, coming home and seeing my family, my friends, and my dogs will be so rewarding. Going abroad will be my longest separation from them, and I'm nervous and excited to see how it changes my relationships. Will they become stronger or weaker? Only time will tell.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90669
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62463
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments