When I mention that I’m from Kansas to people as study abroad in Scotland and travel throughout England, I have received the typical Wizard of Oz stereotype numerous times. However, I no longer have to click my ruby slippers three times to feel right at home! Scotland is already feeling like my home away from home, except for the sheep farms here.
Adjusting to the time change and Scottish culture has been easier than I expected. At the beginning of this enriching experience I immediately felt like the minority, but having another gal from KU by my side while traveling made the world feel a lot smaller. While traveling and living in Scotland I have been trying my best to keep an open mind and to be spontaneous. This has been and will be extremely helpful for me since I never know when I will be living in another country again. Also, I took the initiative to decorate my room to make it feel more like home. Seeing familiar faces in the pictures I brought with me on my wall has made this transition loads easier, and I get to show off my amazing friends and family back at home to my new friends! If you are considering studying abroad or planning your journey now, then I would recommend to find a travel buddy and to keep an open mind.
When attending KU my “Jayhawk Family” and my sorority sisters already surround me. So, while keeping an open mind, I also have to make new friends all over again. I was actually expecting this to be a harder task but everyone is extremely friendly around here! It has also been helpful having five fabulous flatmates who are also in the same boat being international students as well. Another suggestion while studying abroad is to put yourself out there more than usual, because you never know when you will meet your next travel buddy or a potential life-long friend!
Best of luck to my fellow Jayhawks this semester and cheer a little bit louder just for me at football and basketball games!
Cheers (Friendly Goodbye),
Ashley Hrabe, Class of 2015