As the semester comes to an end, I find myself thinking about the journey I have been on for the past nine months. Looking back to August when I left Norway to study in New York feels like a different lifetime. Studying abroad has taught me so much and I am forever grateful for the experiences I’ve had, both the good one and the bad ones that has followed.

Studying abroad has taught me the value of hard work and to work hard. I have never been so committed to my school work as I am now, and I have never enjoyed it as much either. It is challenging at times, but also fun.

Studying abroad has taught me to keep going; no matter how hard it is. My first semester in New York was very difficult and challenging. However, I kept going. I never knew when a break down would appear. I wanted to give up so many times and go home, but I never let myself do it. Even though I had dreamed about New York for so long, I never really imagined myself going here to study. I think I have always looked at myself as someone who would easily give up when things got too difficult. I think this is the most important lesson I have learned from this experience. It has made me realize that I am able to get through anything that I set my mind into.

Studying abroad has taught me how to make a long distance relationship work. My boyfriend lives in Norway and I am here in New York. I think being in a long distance relationship is a great lesson. You have to learn how to work together in a completely different way and it gives you a sort of reality check. You really learn what is important and what’s not, and you truly value your time together when reunited.

Studying abroad has taught me how to handle changes. I have really never been a fan of changes. After coming here, there has been more than one thing that you need to adjust to.

And probably the most important one: studying abroad has taught me that no dream is too big. There are days when I have to remind myself that I am here because I still can’t believe it. Being here seems surreal. And I think that this is the first time in my life I am really proud of myself; for so many reasons. Sometimes I just have to take a step back and remind myself how far I’ve come. I never thought I would be able to come here to New York because I made myself think that I wouldn’t be able to handle it. And even though it hasn’t been easy, I have been able to get through the hard times as well.