I am studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and I have now been here for about a week. When I tell you that two days before departure I freaked out and wanted to stay home, I really mean that. I got assigned random roommates a couple weeks prior, and they all knew each other previously from their home university. My friends at Alabama were not too interested in studying abroad, but it is something I always knew I wanted to experience. However, coming alone terrified me. In preparation, I reached out to a few other girls on my program hoping that I could meet a few people before departure day. With a slight push from my family, and a few tears, I packed up and got on the plane all by myself. It was one of the best decisions I could have made.
Students study abroad because they want to try new things. They want to step out of their comfort zone and they want to meet new people. I truly believe that if this was not true, they simply would not have done it. Upon arrival, SAI Programs made it easy to connect with my peers. My roommates and I clicked immediately, and we have already made lifelong memories in the short time I have been here. I can not wait to continue my educational and cultural journey with my new friends.
For anybody who is hesitant to study abroad out of fear of coming alone, I urge you to give it a try. If you have a good attitude and go in with an open mind, you will meet amazing people. I am sure of it.
