I get it: we all build up our study abroad trips in our heads as perfect,
flawless adventures. However, in reality, there will be bumps along the way
just like any other day.
This was definitely true for me. On the plane ride over, I couldn’t sleep
the entire seven hours, and once we arrived at Heathrow airport to delayed
luggage and a hot and crowded terminal, I was more than a little ill. It did
not help that when we arrived to the beautiful Worcester College, I realized my
dorm was separated from the majority of my classmates.
I was so scared that I would feel isolated. I might have even teared up a
little. Then I became even angrier with myself.
“Jolie!” I told myself. “Get it together. You are in one of
the most beautiful cities in the world. You’re in Europe! Stop crying!”
After a call with my parents, though, I realized it was okay for me to be
feeling these emotions. Not only was I jet-lagged, but I was in a new place
with new people. Anyone is bound to be stressed when so much is foreign.
So, I took a breather, let myself feel my emotions, and then I got back to
the group. After a tour of the city, a visit to the local pub with my
classmates, and an amazing night of sleep, I woke up feeling so much better.
I am happy to report that my dorm is probably the best thing for me in the
long run. I have my own bathroom and plenty of room, and my newly-made friends
have made sure that I don’t get excluded.
Learn from my mistakes and realize that everything really does happen for a
reason, but it is also healthy to feel your emotions without self-insulting. While
your time abroad is going to be amazing, it will not be perfect, and that is
okay! Accept things that you cannot control and enjoy your time abroad.
I was so scared that I would feel isolated. I might have even teared up a
little. Then I became even angrier with myself.
“Jolie!” I told myself. “Get it together. You are in one of
the most beautiful cities in the world. You’re in Europe! Stop crying!”
After a call with my parents, though, I realized it was okay for me to be
feeling these emotions. Not only was I jet-lagged, but I was in a new place
with new people. Anyone is bound to be stressed when so much is foreign.
So, I took a breather, let myself feel my emotions, and then I got back to
the group. After a tour of the city, a visit to the local pub with my
classmates, and an amazing night of sleep, I woke up feeling so much better.
I am happy to report that my dorm is probably the best thing for me in the
long run. I have my own bathroom and plenty of room, and my newly-made friends
have made sure that I don’t get excluded.
Learn from my mistakes and realize that everything really does happen for a
reason, but it is also healthy to feel your emotions without self-insulting. While
your time abroad is going to be amazing, it will not be perfect, and that is
okay! Accept things that you cannot control and enjoy your time abroad.
