At this time I am already 2 months into my study aboard experience. While time has gone by fast I sometimes still feel like I am missing home. Looking back and comparing my state of mind to “the U-curve of cultural Adjustment” from orientation I feel as though what I am experiencing is normal. while being in Italy and traveling Europe I have learned so much about not only other cultures but also my own. Prior to my departure, like other students, I attempted to well informed about the type of culture I was about to be living amongst. (i.e. the way people dress, communicate, eat, and in all live life). However, learning about a way of life compared to actually living it is much different. During my time I have definitely find myself experiencing moments of cultural conformation. Just about a month ago I had found myself missing parts of home after traveling to Menorca, Spain. traveling around Europe during off season can be a bit challenging at times. Since the countries economies are very much influenced on tourism, at times it can be difficult. For example, restaurants, stores, and other companies close or change their hours often not informing visitors. As some would say people often ‘live on island time’. Being in Rome I have only run into the problem a hand full of times. Not until traveling to Spain has it been such a shock to me. Restaurants, grocery stores, Bars, and pretty much everything was closed. Places had looked as though they were untouched. I found myself without anywhere to go for food or any other things that I may need. It was at this point that I was missing home and the easy accessibility that we have all the time. Something that at the time I took for granted for. while, after a couple days I had found my way around and learned the off season hours, it had never accord to me that communities would be based on tourist. And while at the time I felt frustrated my the way in which this community was living, looking back I now can have a laugh. all due to my misunderstanding of the culture, I found myself without the ability to eat at normal hours.
While this experience was stressful and made me miss the easiness and convince of home I did learn from it. Being with friends was my main de-stresser. Traveling and studying abroad is a journey i am doing alone but I often have to remind myself that so is everyone else. During my time abroad my roommates have become a giant pillow of comfort. So, in this situation, and many others like it, at least we are not doing it all alone. Managing crazy situations has certainly been hard but while looking back the memories and the growth I have seen in my self is all worth it.
Menorca, Spain:
