Study Abroad Status:
Study abroad location: Oviedo, Spain
Stress level before departure: 3
Visa experience: None… perks of having an EU passport
What I’m doing to prepare for departure: yoga/ mental efforts/ running
What I really pack: Clothes, shoes, clothes, shoes, a cool Ikea makeup mirror with a light, clothes
What I should be doing: reviewing my Spanish
Time to departure: 3 days
My biggest concern: Will I have sheets and bedding there? CVS? Walgreens? I packed too many pairs of jeans
As everyone moves into their dorms and begins classes at Rollins, I sit and watch the start of the semester pass me by. The feeling is bittersweet. For one, I want to be a part of it, but on the other hand, I am excited to see what awaits me on my study abroad. The possibilities which I face will be the stories which I transfer on.
Thinking about last minute things, I realized that making some goals for this study abroad would resolve my anxiety for what is to come and what I would like to accomplish, respectively. There are only four, so don’t hold your breath.
While being abroad, I would like to visit at least 3 other places that I have not been to before, travel is an important aspect of being abroad, why limit yourself?
The second goal, which I believe will bring me closer to the culture, and the experience of being in Spain, is to make close connections and friendships with locals.
This will lead to my third objective goal, which is to learn Spanish as much as I can. I hope to practice with my host mom, my conversation partner and friends abroad.
The time is almost here, and I know I will miss my family and friends without question. Now it is time to shed a tear, close the suitcase and begin the journey!