BES 9: Reflection

BES

Assignment 9

Reflection on your time in the UK

            Before coming to London I really didn’t know what to expect. I had heard only wonderful things about the program from previous students but ultimately decided that if I wanted to gain my own understanding and experience of life abroad then I would have to go myself. I have never really been a “home body” and I really enjoy exploring new places and being independent so I was very excited about coming to London. When I got here everything was amazing and I wanted to do everything right away. Eventually some of the excitement wore off and I realized that this isn’t just a vacation this is real life… abroad. As soon as I made that connection I was in love. I love everything about London. When I travel to other countries on weekends I find myself excited to go home… and then I realize that I always refer to home as London rather than the states. Although I do miss many people from home, I’m honestly not ready to leave London. Previous students had told me I would feel this way, but I thought I would totally be ready. I was wrong I never want to leave which goes to show how much my perspectives have changed since arriving.

            One of the most important things I have learned while being abroad is too let go. Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back from having the best semester of your life. Not everything always goes as planned and that’s okay. You won’t get to travel everywhere you want to, you’re going to come home broke, you may miss a few trains, you may have to sleep in dodgy hostels, or even live off granola bars all weekend but ultimately it’s the experience that makes it all worth it!  I have also learned how to emerge myself into a foreign culture. One of the best feelings is getting asked directions or being mistaken to be English. I have also learned some new skills while in London, some could most likely fall under the attempts category too such as cooking…I am really proud of my new navigation skills. I’m usual just okay with direction, but I feel like I can get almost anywhere in London now if I have a map, which will make my dad proud. I have also learned how to bargain, which is a very valuable skill to have if you are a shopper like me! Back to the cooking…I have made some pretty successful meals with the help of my roommates, otherwise I still to eggs, yogurt, and salad really anything that doesn’t require much work however, I plan on being the best cook this summer! I am going to make a really good attempt at it!

            With the experience I have had thus far I hope that it is something I will remember for the rest of my life. All the amazing places I have been and people I have met along the way has really been eye opening and life changing. I have gained new skills and experiences that would have never been discovered otherwise. I have always wanted to move around America from various places before settling down or never settling down who knows? After this experience I really want to live in another country for awhile or forever? It’s really sad to think that too many people never get to experience life outside of their country, particularly the Unites States. It’s so big, but not really that diverse. I could be wrong, those are just my thoughts. There is so much more to the world and I hope to keep traveling! Recently I have been inspired by an old man we met in Sicilia. I do not know his name, but we talked to him for a good half hour. He is originally from New Jersey, but has lived in China for the past 20 years! Which is incredible! He told us he just packed up and left and likes it. He has been to over 90 countries and is currently on a 4 month cruise around the world! I hope to do something like that someday. He gave us some really good advice too… he said the best way to experience the culture is to meet someone on the street and go home with them and find out how they live their life. Of course you would have to be smart about it, but he’s right. You can’t figure out or experience the culture by just taking pictures of buildings. My advice to future students is to study abroad! It will be the best decision you have ever made and even if the first few weeks, maybe month is shaking and you don’t feel like you fit in just give it time and don’t give up because by the end I promise you will be in love!