I first imagined studying abroad when I was in elementary school. I wasn’t sure where I would go, but I knew I wanted to learn firsthand how life overseas differs from life in the United States. Now, years later, I have been lucky enough to study abroad in three different international cities.
From these experiences, I have grown to appreciate the aspects of daily life that make every culture interesting. In Tokyo, for example, the subway is always packed but very quiet. In Paris, two-hour dinners are a regular occurrence. In Edinburgh, university students aren't usually graded on participation. Back in America, the opposite of all of these random observations is often true. These differences are neither good nor bad, but rather, they are part of what makes each of these cultures unique.
3. Seek Out New Experiences.
While choosing to study abroad is an adventurous choice in itself, it is important that the adventure does not end there. During my experiences abroad, I noticed how easy it would be to stay in the safety of my room or to stick with the comforts of familiar foods. I soon realized that it is impossible to fully appreciate studying abroad without seeking out new experiences. From nibbling on haggis to dipping my face in River Sligachan, my unique experiences in Edinburgh are now some of my favorite memories from this term abroad. New experiences can be scary, but they are a big part of what make studying abroad so valuable.
Thank you for keeping up with my journey over these past three months. Reflecting on my experiences with you all has been a highlight of my time in Scotland, and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my adventures. One day, I hope to read all about your own adventures abroad!
