I have never been outside of the continental United States. My mom grew up in Wisconsin and my dad grew up in New Jersey and I grew up in California. The only vacations we ever go on are to visit family in other states. Don't get me wrong, Wisconsin summer storms are beautiful and the Jersey shore can be fun, but ever since I was little, I have been dying to travel abroad and explore the world. Now, I finally have that opportunity and I want to be able to take full advantage of the fact that the world's epicenters of culture will be at my doorstep.
In just a few short weeks, I will begin my 6-month adventure of studying abroad at Oxford University, Worcester College. On January 5th, I will fall asleep in the States, and on the 6th, I will wake up in England ready to experience a new way of learning and living. Over the course of my study abroad trip, I will spend two 8-week terms at Oxford and one 6-week break traveling through Europe. Not only will I get to expand my intellect by studying at one of the most august institutions in the world, but I will also be able to become a student of the world as I experience new cultures and immerse myself in each country’s history. Studying abroad means that I get to learn more about myself as a person while I’m learning more about the secrets and history of the world.
I am most looking forward to exploring places in person, which I have only read about in books and heard about in lectures. I want to be able to fly to Madrid one weekend to admire the Arab Wall and take a train to Brussels the next to see where EU policy is made. Visit places like the Bohemian Valley in the Czech Republic and make new friends in cities like Amsterdam. Admire the grandiosity of the Statue of David in Italy, ponder the concept of art at the ARKEN in Copenhagen, and explore literature at the Mafra Palace Library in Portugal.
Specifically, studying at Oxford will allow me to challenge my current view of the American political system and bring back a new perspective to apply to my political future. Also, while abroad, I hope to experience different viewpoints and values. I will broaden my horizons and I will be able to interact with several cultures that I would not have been able to otherwise, thereby making priceless memories and, hopefully, lifelong international friendships. I hope that once I return I will be able to understand more about myself and apply a new perspective to both my final semester of learning and my future career path. By studying abroad, I will be able to conceptualize concepts that were previously abstract and experience them in practice, and this is one of the greatest things that I could bring back with me.
I am ready to be challenged and all I have to do is get out there and explore.
If you’re interested in following my journey, check back soon. I will be posting updates from all corners of Europe whenever I can!
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