Growing up, I always dreamed of spending a semester abroad. There was something so captivating about the idea of living in a foreign place, experiencing a new culture, and exploring the unknown.
I was determined this was something I would one day achieve, and that dream finally came true last year. I packed my bags and set off on my six-month journey to London, changing my life forever.
There was a lot of travelling, meeting new people, and making lifetime memories, but also learning, overcoming obstacles and self-discovery.
In honour of possibly the best time of my life, here are five valuable lessons I learned along the way.
1. The world has so much to offer
Along with London, I was fortunate enough to explore countless countries, cultures, and cities during my semester abroad. While travelling across nine countries and 24 cities, I was amazed to discover how much of the world there is to see outside of our own suburbs.
Having lived in Toronto for most of my life, I had only experienced the world through photographs or by living vicariously through influencers’ Instagram stories. When I was ultimately able to do so on my own, I was in awe of all its beauty.
It was then that it dawned on me that even though Canada was my present, it didn’t necessarily have to be my future. With the vastness and infinite possibilities around the globe, I began seriously considering taking a chance and one day leaving my entire life behind.
It’s fascinating how travelling abroad allows you to consider all the different possibilities of how your life can unfold. One minute, you envision yourself as a football mom in London and the next, you get a glimpse of your life as a charming Parisian coffeehouse owner.
The world is your oyster, calling for you to roam it, and the journey begins with a simple question: what if?
What if you take a chance and take the plunge? What if you open yourself up to the possibility of a different life? What if you embrace the uncertainty of the unknown?
It’s all in your hands.
2. If you never ask, the answer is always no
The application process for my semester abroad wasn’t as smooth sailing as one would expect.
Right before the deadline, an academic advisor told me I wouldn’t be able to participate. So, over the next few months, I merely watched from the sidelines as my classmates received their acceptances and celebrated.
I was super bummed out, but I started to notice some discrepancies in the story when speaking to other students. I realized that there was a possibility I had been given false information. But with the deadline long gone and virtually no chance of good news, I hesitated to do anything about it. Eventually, a couple of friends were able to convince me to check with the new academic advisor to cover my bases.
You never know, I thought. Who knows what could happen?
With the new advisor on the line, I was prepared for the confirmation that I wouldn’t be able to attend. It would’ve been a hard pill to swallow, but at least I’d have some peace of mind. The call, however, turned out to be completely different from what I expected. In a whirlwind of events, I was told that there was a possibility my semester abroad could somehow work out.
Several months later, the school opened a second round of applications (which they never did), and I immediately applied. By the end of the summer, I had completed all of my requirements and received official confirmation for London on Aug. 22, 2022.
Despite how cliche it sounds, this incident taught me the importance of perseverance and advocating for yourself. Had it not been for my friends and the nagging “what if?” relentlessly reverberating in my head, I never would have taken the leap of faith. Because truly, what’s the worst that could happen?
Sure, sometimes you don’t get your way, but at least you have the comfort of knowing you tried. Knock on every door, explore every possibility, and welcome serendipity into your life.
3. Become your own best friend
I have always been someone who struggled with independence, and oftentimes still do. Even though I enjoy my alone time occasionally, the idea of going out on my own doesn’t really appeal to me.
Being around other people simply sparks my passion, gets me excited, and allows me to share my experience with someone. There are times, though, when you have no choice but to be on your own. When moving to a new city, you don’t always have someone you can rely on; you have to become your own best friend.
Since my time abroad, I’ve become more content with being alone, and it’s helped me get out of my comfort zone. This newfound independence has been liberating, and it’s allowed me to find my own way. I now feel more independent, confident, and in control of my life. I went from not even going to the mall on my own to travelling and completing bucket list items on my own.
I’m a huge football fan so going to games while abroad was one of my top priorities. The more games I could attend, the better. Unfortunately, I didn’t know anyone who was willing to come with me. I had never gone to a football game in my life, so I was worried about what to expect, but I decided to just go for it. It was daunting at first, but there was no way I was missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity just because… what, I was a little nervous? No way.
When else would I get the chance to be in Europe, the heartbeat of the football world, and watch the athletes I grew up with? I had promised myself I would make the most of my time abroad, and more importantly, I owed it to the 10-year-old version of myself who first fell in love with the sport.
From the moment I watched my first solo game, I was hooked. This led to a string of other matches I watched on my own, travelling by planes or overnight buses to some of them. I was obsessed with being able to experience all the sights and sounds of football ringing throughout the continent and watching my favourite teams play in the biggest stadiums.
Every single time, I was in awe of the atmosphere and the energy of the crowd. I will never forget the feeling of being part of something greater than myself. It was then that I realized that I was never really on my own, even when I went to games by myself.
It was a beautiful, passionate, welcoming community that I would have never known if not for my willingness to try new things and find peace in my lonesome. Despite being on my own most of the time, the football games I attended while on my trip were honestly some of my fondest memories.
My motto has always been that regret is more haunting than embarrassment. Just do you and don’t worry what other people think. Put everything aside and focus on yourself.
If it hadn’t been for this way of thinking, I would have never gotten to see my childhood club, Real Madrid, my all-time idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, or even the magic of Messi grace the football pitch.
I learned to live my life to the fullest and to view myself as the main character. I decided life was way too short to wait on others and live in remorse. I lived by my own rules, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and embraced spontaneity.
4. Communities can be created anywhere
The idea of building community is one of the most daunting aspects of studying abroad. Are you gonna fit in? Can you adapt to the local culture? Will you be able to find a group of friends?
With my family at home over 5,000 kilometres away, I was concerned about my new surroundings and who would fill that void. I was worried about establishing relationships abroad and forming those human connections.
However, the warmth of London locals helped me find a home away from home. Whether it was at school, my apartment building, or the streets of London, there was always a new community to embrace me with open arms.
It was Muqadas and her family who immediately welcomed me to the city, providing me with home-cooked meals and introducing me to their community. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, they took great care of me.
With other students studying abroad, such as Sania and Mariam, we explored the streets of London, supporting each other through the ups and downs of our experience.
Malaika and her family became my second family, providing constant support, unforgettable memories, and lasting friendships. From the head of the household to the youngest of the family, I cultivated relationships with every member of the family as if they were my own.
At school, Ayna, Ali, Aasif, and Muhsin were my go-to crew. Along with hitting the books, we hung out, tried local food, and made lifelong memories.
When I would return to my apartment every day, my receptionists, Ruben, Mo, and Rich, would be waiting for me with a warm welcome. We would spend hours upon hours talking about everything under the sun.
I also got the chance to catch up with old pals like Olivia, whom I’d only known virtually from years back. Meeting her in person for the first time was surreal. We marvelled at how our paths intertwined and chitchatted about our future plans — a full-circle moment that I’ll always cherish.
Friendships can happen anywhere and when you least expect it. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and talk to strangers around you; you never know who you might meet.
5. The grass is greener where you water it
My life in London was admittedly far more interesting than the life I lead in Toronto. It was one of the best times in my life, and I yearn for the day when I’ll be able to go back. But what exactly was it about London that captivated me?
I discovered that London was only incredible because I wanted it to be and because I made it out to be. I once thought my life in London was so much better, and indeed, it was. But only because I took the plunge, because I dared to embrace the unknown and knew it would only be a matter of time before I had to leave.
London was a place where I lived more freely, continuously explored new ideas, ventured into exciting situations and connected with different people. It was a place where I actually put in effort.
When I’m in Toronto, I admittedly don’t do much. I tell myself that the city will be here forever, and I’ll have plenty of time to explore. However, coming back from London has taught me to always live life to the fullest.
While Toronto will always be here, I might not always be in Toronto. It’s time I start treating Toronto with the same admiration, respect and excitement that foreign cities bring me. I won’t let the city pass me by without making the most of it and pursuing the lessons that my semester abroad has taught me.