An Open Letter To My Study-Abroad Friends
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

An Open Letter To My Study-Abroad Friends

Thank you for a great six weeks in London.

54
An Open Letter To My Study-Abroad Friends
Fine Young Gentleman

To my study-abroad mates,

The cliché goes, “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.” As much as I like to believe that, it is scary to think our parting at Heathrow airport could actually be “goodbye.” Though six weeks is a painfully short amount of time to fully experience an international city like London, it is astonishing to think how fast of friends we have become. I have found a sense of safety and security in your company.

In such a large, culturally rich, diverse urban center, it is easy to get lost in the history of countless English kings named Edward, to be caught up in rush-hour traffic on the Tube, and to feel lonely and homesick. We see each other at our worst—crammed into a small flat, tired and hot without a fan or A/C, distressed about our internship supervisors’ expectations— but experiencing the mutual struggles of adapting to a different culture— learning British terms and navigating the District, Piccadilly, and Circle lines—has brought us together. Like Londoners, we have come to appreciate our different backgrounds and interests and can move beyond our university ties and fields of study.

Upon arriving in the U.K., I knew no one. I had followed a few lost-looking, student-aged Americans that were on my flight, eavesdropping on their conversations in the currency exchange line and tapping into my Holmes-like detective skills (rudimentary, at best) to see if we were in the same program. Better to ask, I had thought, and it turns out they were. We traveled together to our respective flats but embarked on separate journeys.

Seeking companionship is in our very nature. We want a squad, groupies, friendships that will last longer than water poured onto a hot skillet. I found a group in you dozen lovely humans. You brought laughter to my life and helped me enjoy and experience all the city has to offer. Our paths have once again parted after this brief convergence, but our inside jokes, memories and connections will not be forgotten.

There is a lot of talk about “globalization” in today’s world. Political decisions are being made to isolate our countries from one another—and in doing so, isolate people like ourselves. I have taken for granted the privilege to study abroad.

To me, it is a beautiful example of globalization, bringing American students together to meet foreigners, immerse ourselves in a different culture, and learn to respect and value diversity. The idea that this right to travel and form international friendships could be jeopardized in the future deeply saddens and scares me. The current political climate makes me that much more grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you all and share our time in London.

Thank you for being my study-abroad chums. Thank you for an incredible six weeks. I hope to see you one day hopping off the Tube at Earl’s Court Station. I can only hope this will not be “goodbye.”

All my love,

Meredith

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58380
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?

37606
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
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959219
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193511
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments