One year ago, I spent a semester abroad. In early February, I got on a plane to London and traveled by train to Bath, a city in the south western region of England, where I lived for the next four months. I didn’t really know what to expect – all I knew was that I was equal parts excited, nervous, and ready to make the most of it.
Studying abroad is one of those experiences in life where you hear a lot about it before you go. It has a reputation, so to speak. People tell you that it’s “life-changing” and it’ll be “the best time of your life.” Add those impressive statements with the fact that studying abroad was something I had always wanted to do, and you can definitely say that I went into this process with high expectations. When I look back on my experience from last year, taking into account each and every moment, I can easily say (as cheesy as this sounds!) that what everyone claims about studying abroad is absolutely true.
I gained so much from this experience. And honestly, I think that’s what made it so awesome. I felt independent like I never had before. Studying abroad allowed me to do things I never imagined myself doing. I existed in this sort of “why not/YOLO” bubble that allowed me to be open to experiences that may have scared me or seemed like something I wouldn’t enjoy. I learned a lot about myself, and that’s ultimately why I would recommend going abroad – you come back with such a strong sense of who you are and what you’re capable of.
And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Mandi Work, who works in the study abroad office on campus, says that studying abroad is important because it “allows students to step outside their comfort zone and take a chance.” She states that many of the students whom she helps anticipate the ‘culture shock’ that can occur when going abroad. “What seems to be surprising to students,” she says, “is what they learn about themselves… students often return from programs with a new sense of self.”
Emily Alexander, a 20-year-old junior majoring in English who went to Salzburg, Austria in the spring of 2014, agrees. She asserts that she gained “independence, self-worth, (and) a better outlook on life” thanks to her experience. 20-year-old Kristen Morris, a junior majoring in Biology and History, can also attest to the great impact of studying abroad. “I got a lot of thoughts on my career – it kind of changed the direction I thought I was going to go,” she says about her experience working with the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, Africa. Tracey Blankemeyer, a 21-year-old junior Social Work major, also found her abroad experience in Barcelona, Spain during the 2014 spring semester life-changing. “I learned more about myself in that semester than I had the previous two years,” she states. She explained, “I learned that people are beautiful in many different aspects and I can appreciate the differences around me… I am much more capable of things than I thought.”
In terms of recommending it? “Yes!” Alexander says, “It will change you for the better!” Morris also believes so. “I think everyone should get out of the country, and college is a good time to do it.” Blankemeyer also stresses the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, stating, “You’ll never know what’s out there until you take a leap of faith and just do it.”
For those who are interested but don’t know quite where to start, Mandi Work advises that, “it is important for the student to think about what is important to them,” and to keep in mind their goals for studying abroad. “Luckily we have a lot of options available to CNU students,” Ms. Work says, and the study abroad office is there to help every step of the way.
Studying abroad definitely seems to have a reputation, but it appears to be one of those experiences that lives up to all the hype. It’s a chance to simultaneously learn more about another culture and yourself, all while forming incredible friendships and making lasting memories. To quote Pixar’s “Up,” “Adventure is out there!” Study abroad and find your own!
Pictures:
1. View of Bath, England from a local park
2. Roman Baths
3. Clare Cahill (author) at the cliffs of Moher, Ireland