This past summer I studied abroad at Oxford University in Oxford, England. I studied there for six short weeks and experienced so many different things.
Meeting people from everywhere.
During my time abroad, I met people from so many different parts of the world. Australia, Thailand, England, Germany, Spain, basically you name a country and I met someone from there. It is so interesting to see all the different outlooks that are in the world today. Even the people I traveled with, it was like I met all of them all over again. I went with thirty students from St. Bonaventure and I got to know them so well and still talk to all of them. Spending six weeks with someone will change the relationship you have with him or her. Everyone was going through the same thing and experiencing a different world so it made the whole experience better.
Experiencing Different Cultures.
Everyone in America is used to the “American way.” Fast paced, impulsive, and loud are only a few characteristics. In Europe, people are so calm and welcoming that at first, you question them. However, most people are just genuine. The English culture is very different than the American culture. They walk or bike everywhere. Barely anyone has a car and if they do, it is small. The food is cooked different; less portion sizes and no one ever brings left overs home. It’s hard to speak about how different the culture is between two countries because you have to experience it firsthand to get the full gist.
Traveling.
Everyone always says, “Traveling in Europe is so cheap!” What I experienced is the opposite. It is less expensive than traveling from state to state but it still costs a pretty penny to travel to a different country. Nonetheless, Europe is a beautiful place with magnificent countries, people, and most importantly, beaches. I traveled to Barcelona one weekend with my best friend. We stayed in a hotel with a beautiful view of the city and a great pool. Going from England to Spain was a culture shock. People in Spain dressed so colorfully and were so relaxed. Everyone smiled at me! Paella is something everyone should try once in their lives. It is their signature meal and it is fabulous. The base is rice and you can put whatever you want on top of it (seafood vegetables, meat). Moral of the story, when you’re in Europe, save some money and travel everywhere (especially Barcelona).
Freedom.
Traveling abroad means you have freedom without your parents consent. (However it is always a good thing to consult them when you need to make a rational decision). I quickly learned that independence isn’t an option—it is a must. No one is there to hold your hand for anything and that is okay. You learn to grow and literally take upon the world.
Studying abroad is something that changed me as a person and continues to change me. Even if studying abroad isn’t an option for you or you’re scared to do it, then you should definitely try traveling when you get out of college. It is an amazing experience!
Photo Credit: Christina Spezio