In just three short days, I will be embarking on my 10.5 hour flight from LAX to London to begin my study abroad journey in Swansea, Wales. I have been planning this for almost a year and I can not believe the time is finally here! Between applications, interviews, finances and packing, you can say the study abroad process has been quite stressful. I am currently on a roller coaster of emotions, as I am sure most students are before they go abroad! I will try to take a stab at what I am currently feeling.
Relief. I know, it's an odd feeling to have right before flying half way across the world, but I can not explain in words how much of a relief it is that the time for me to leave has finally come. Preparing to go abroad is way more complicated than it seems, especially if your trip will be for the whole school year. I spent nearly a year applying planning for this between actually applying for the program, purchasing plane tickets, applying for a student visa, securing housing and so many more little components that go into studying abroad. For a very long time whenever someone asked me if I was excited, I would usually respond "yes, but I'm too stressed to be excited right now." So, it is a relief to have most of the stress gone.
Excitement. Let's face it, anyone who finds traveling unexciting clearly hasn't traveled before. This is the first time I will leave the country since I was a baby, which is a tad nerve wracking, but way more exciting to go out and see the world. I feel the eagerness I had when I left for my freshman year of college coming back as I prepare for a new school year. I am also excited for my new home, new friends and exploring a culture different from my own.
Nervousness. I wouldn't be human if I wasn't a little bit nervous to move to another country on my own. While I have been trying to keep a positive mind, I am a little worrisome. There are so many traveling horror stories, I just hope my trip goes smoothly! I also don't want to come off as a rude American, nor do I want to accidentally offend someone with cultural differences. While I know I will eventually learn the lay of the land in Swansea, I can't help but be a little nervous about adjusting to my new life.
I could go on for days about all the feelings I have about studying abroad, but I won't. I expect that my time abroad will be one of the greatest times in my life. The endless possibilities and opportunities far outweigh the fear of being alone in a foreign land. I can't wait to be in Swansea and share my experience!
