A half-packed suitcase in the corner of my room, a new email about my summer job, a final invite to dinner: these marked the end of my semester abroad. My recent flight back to the U.S. was one filled with mixed emotions. There was the excitement of going home, but there was also the sadness at what I was leaving behind. Now, as I sit 4,419 miles away from Edinburgh, I want to share some of my findings from the last five months.
- “Table for one” is a phrase I’m capable of saying.
Traveling is a great way to connect with new people, and it’s certainly important to take advantage of this. However, I would also encourage anyone who studies abroad to enjoy some solo time in their new city. With class schedules and people visiting, your friends might not always have downtime when you do. During my first few weeks in Edinburgh, I was afraid to go anywhere without a friend. But as I became more comfortable in the city, I really began to enjoy small outings by myself.
- I don’t like driving as much as I thought I did.
When I’m home, I drive a lot: to the store, to campus, to my friends’ houses. Needless to say, I was a little hesitant to part with my car when I went abroad. But, I quickly began to love how walkable Edinburgh, and other cities I visited, was. Something as simple as walking to get groceries can be a great way to discover new spots (and get your steps in).
- Home is what you make it.
Homesickness is almost inevitable when traveling. No matter how much I liked the cities I visited, I always found myself craving something from home. Five months may sound like a lot when you’re missing the familiar, but the reality is that this time speeds by. Try to embrace aspects of the local culture that are different from your own. As being home has made me realize, you’ll miss those things when you’re gone.
