Changing Weather Requires Different Clothes
This is a rather obvious or even odd title, but it is the single greatest lesson to come out of my study abroad experience.
This is a rather obvious or even odd title, but it is the single greatest lesson to come out of my study abroad experience.
As I look back and reflect on my time in Milan in the spring of 2019, there’s no way for me to separate my experience abroad with my experience as a black woman. Regardless, it has been by far the most impactful part of my undergraduate career.
I never expected to find myself out to dinner in Athens with friends relaying stories about different countries and how they were handling the onslaught of COVID-19 cases. Being abroad during COVID-19 was unusual, but it left me with much to reflect on and many lessons learned.
Returning from abroad is like going through a breakup. It comes with a wave of emotions, from excitement to frustration. But what if your experience ends early due to crises, like COVID-19? Fortunately, there are several ways to cope and to bring your experience back to life at home.
When I went on my study abroad program to Salamanca last spring, a few landmarks like the Puente Romano helped guide me through the city, experience some of Spain’s extensive history and culture, and unite with all the wonderful friends I made abroad.
Here I am exploring the fun little town of Dijon, France. This was the last excursion our program had in store for us before we had to leave. However, I took full advantage of every second I had!
One of the many lessons I learned while abroad is the power of patience and the ability to go with the flow. In U.S. culture, people are often so focused on the next task that needs to be completed that they lose sight of the present. I learned how important it is to live in the moment and let go of things that are out of your control.
I chose to study abroad because I thought it would be valuable to learn more about International Relations through the lens of different countries. I aimed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of world affairs.
How my courses at DIS opened my eyes to a whole new world of sustainability!
With my interests in STEM and language-learning, I wanted to find a program that merged the two and also explored interdisciplinary coursework in other subjects. I was lucky to find such a program, and it didn’t hurt that my walks to school included Salamanca’s breathtaking attractions, like the Plaza Mayor.