It’s been about one year since I embarked on a whirlwind adventure studying abroad at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. From cycling along beautiful canals to travelling numerous European countries my Exchange semester was unforgettable, to say the least. While my exchange was an exciting experience it also taught me a few very valuable lessons. Here’s what I took away from it:
1. To let go
…Of the things that I could not control. I learned how to make the most of each situation even when it was not ideal. I found I enjoyed myself more when I went with the flow and let each day unfold. Things did not always happen the way I hoped they would but by staying positive and being open, many new and exciting adventures arose that may not have otherwise.
2. To stay calm in the face of challenges
I learned that many challenges can be overcome with a little patience and creativity. When new frustrations arose, I learned how to keep calm, and take time to observe the situation before acting. On occasion, I forgot to make a mental note of where I parked my bike in rows of thousands of parked bikes. By overcoming the initial panic and reminding myself that these things happen, I was able to retrace my steps and find my second-hand two-wheeler.
3. To be confident in my abilities
Moving to an unfamiliar city halfway across the world can be pretty intimidating. There were many times before and even after I arrived that I doubted my decision to study abroad but I ended up surprising myself. I was unsure if I would be able to navigate myself around the unfamiliar countries I visited. Although there were a few times that I did get a little lost, that became part of the adventure and eventually, I was able to navigate like a pro. I learned how to be adaptable and have faith in myself.
4. To take risks
I remember trying to decide whether or not to take a semi-last minute bike trip to the outskirts of Amsterdam to visit a small town. The bike trip was quite long, the weather report was shaky and I was still getting to know the friends who invited me. I decided to go and ended up having the best day with people who became some my dearest friends on the exchange. Even though sometimes scary, I’m so glad I took those risks because they gave me some of the most unreal memories. By putting myself out there and being open to new things I was able to fully make the most out of my exchange.
From falling in love with stroopwafel (Dutch caramel waffle), to making international connections, to learning that there are endless types of cheese, exchange provided me with new perspectives and changed the way I view the world and myself in it. For any readers who are thinking about studying abroad, I highly recommend it! You will be challenged and inspired and you’ll surprise yourself in more ways than one.