Choosing to participate in the University of Alabama’s faculty led study abroad program was a huge decision to make. I love to be home with family and always look forward to spending the summers at home with my parents. When the opportunity came up to be able to spend a few weeks in Europe, I knew that this would be the perfect program for me. It would be an unforgettable experience and a chance of a lifetime.
Preparing to study abroad was a bit challenging for me. I had never traveled outside of the United States, much less traveled anywhere without my family for that amount of time. I was nervous and anxious, but I was also very excited to experience traveling abroad with some of my best friends that I have met at the University of Alabama.
I felt like the trip would never come. The time seemed to pass very slowly towards the end of the semester. After graduation, I had four days to get myself prepared for the trip. Once the time finally came to leave, I felt worried, and had doubts that I would not enjoy the trip. Thankfully, I pushed through, and once my mom left me at the airport, the nervous feelings had went away and it was pure excitement from that point on.
When preparing to travel abroad, it is very common to have feelings of fear, doubts, and anxiety. Especially if it is your first time traveling internationally. Choosing to participate in the study abroad program pushes you out of your comfort zone and allows you to grow as a student and as a person. The feelings of different emotions may cause you to second guess your decision, but try to push through and you will be so thankful that you did.
Thanks for reading,
Mary Patton
