Throughout life, people make a wide variety of friends. There’s the friend you sit next to in class, the friend you’ve had since you were little, your absolute best friend, or friends, who know everything about you. Your college friends, your high school friends, your teammates, your parent’s friends’ kids, the list goes on and on. But what about the friends that come into your life for four months and teach you so many new things in the simplest of ways? Now those are some truly special friends. Here is a shout out to the amazing international people I’ve met while studying abroad.
Thank you for teaching me about European geography. Yes, I understand that I fell right into the stereotypical role of the dumb American. But with your help, I now know so much more. For example, I will certainly never be confused on the countries that are classified as part of Scandinavia. Also, I will always correct anyone who is dumb enough to fall for the whole ‘Europe is smaller than the entire state of Texas’ fact. Without your friendship, how would I know that Denmark, Finland and Sweden are the happiest places on earth to live?
Thank you for showing me the world in a new light. Learning about your customs, favorite foods and the random facts about your home countries makes me feel so special. I am so proud to tell my friends and family back home all of the knowledge you have given me. I love that I can now count to five, and sometimes 10, with help, in about five languages. I’m not sure how far that will get me in a crisis, but, hey, at least I can say six in Swedish. Besides numbers, thank you for teaching me random phrases in your language. My favorite foreign phrase will forever be: fredagsmys which translates to Friday cuddles. Thank you for helping me feel almost as linguistically talented as all of you multilinguistic individuals.
Lastly, thank you for being friends with me even though I was just a blissfully unaware, unworldly American. You’ve helped me develop a more educated view of the incredible world we share. Thank you to my fellow American friends who have taught me new things about my own country. And of course, thank you to all the Irish lads whose accents and kindness will forever hold a special place in my heart. Each one of your friendship has made my study abroad experience so special. At the end of this semester, when we must sadly say goodbye, I am so happy that I will be able to say I have friends in countries all over the world.
