As a Hofstra student who has probably been on more airplanes than the average business traveler, I pretty much know the drill when it comes to traveling. However, that’s only within the boundaries of the good ol’ U.S. I’ve been all over the country, but I have yet to cross the Atlantic or Pacific. Enter: Study Abroad.
There is a program at Hofstra where 12 students and two professors travel all over Europe and Morocco for 10 weeks. I found out about the opportunity through my roommate and decided I need to skip the classrooms for a semester and learn in an unconventional way. Starting in less than two weeks, we will be visiting France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Morocco and more… and the stress is starting to sink in.
If I were the average college student, I would be worrying about tests, professors and dorm life. Instead, my thoughts are filled with luggage, passports and Euros. I had no idea about the preparations I would have to face in order to go away for two and a half months. I need to think about worst and best case scenarios in order to pack exactly what I need. In addition to preparing for my travels, I’ve been working more than usual, so I can put up a good fight against European exchange rates.
While all my friends are well into their Spring semester, I’m playing the waiting game. When they went back to school a month ago, I soon realized I was not the type that can just sit around and do nothing. Saying “See you later” to friends and loved ones has been extremely tough, but I cannot wait to begin my journey.
So join me in my adventures (and misadventures) as I travel throughout Europe and Morocco for the first time. If you’ve been abroad, reminisce with me. If you have never been able to taste genuine Italian food or visit a castle that wasn’t surrounded by Disney characters, learn with me. After all, Europe is only a hop, skip, drive, plane ride, taxi and a jump away.