"Then: You heard from older friends that study abroad was amazing because of the travel, partying, easy classes, etc.
Now: You know that what you have experienced in MUCH deeper than those superficial things but it's hard to articulate to someone who hasn't experienced it yet."Before coming to Italy, I always heard about what a great experience studying abroad is and how the vast majority of people are changed by their time abroad. I was told the classes would be easy, the social life/partying scene would be amazing, and best of all, the travel would be endless. Now do not get me wrong, I have experienced these incredible things while being abroad, but those are not all that make the study abroad experience so phenomenal. And although the blog does say how difficult it can be to describe to someone how much deeper the experience is than that, here is my attempt to do so.
For those that know me well, they know that I can be a very shy and reserved person. I like to remain in my comfort zone, and I do not like to have a lot of change in my life. So naturally, deciding to study abroad was a pretty bold step for me. I not only decided to come study somewhere half way across the world, but I decided to do so in a country in which I don't know the language, and I came here not knowing anyone else in my program. I knew before coming that this would be an incredible challenge for me, but I embraced the challenge whole-heartedly, and I am incredibly glad I did.
Throughout my time here, I feel as though I have truly stepped outside my comfort zone and developed an increased sense of self-confidence. Since I did come here not knowing anyone, I knew that I must put myself out there and do my best to meet others, which is definitely not the easiest thing for me to do. But I did it. Although I did feel a bit uncomfortable at first as is natural to feel around people you don't know well, I got over those initial feelings and I have truly developed new friendships here that I am excited about continuing once we return back home. I have realized that it is not as scary as I thought it was to meet new people and make friends, and I do feel as though I have developed more confidence through this experience.
Now this increase in confidence is not just limited to situations in which I meet new people, but I am now also not as afraid to try new things and I am more accepting of change. I have found that I am comfortable enough with myself that I know that whatever situation I am put in, I know I can adapt. I realize that I no longer need to be so afraid of new situations and the unknown that lies ahead of me. Rather, I now find myself throwing myself into situations and going places completely out of my comfort zone...and loving it.
So, as great as the easy classes, party scene, and travels are, there really is much more to the study abroad experience than just those things. And although I only mentioned my increased sense of confidence in myself, there are many other things as well that contribute to how incredible this semester has been. I know I will be devastated when it comes time to leave all these new experiences behind, but I know it does not all end here. I am excited to go back home, to bring these memories with me, and to see where these changes take me in the future.
