Deciding to Study Abroad | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Deciding to Study Abroad

Hoping to aspire others to study abroad, this is my story.

14
Deciding to Study Abroad
Ashleigh Lemeliin

It’s such a surreal feeling to be leaving the country. Nothing can prepare me for what I’m about to experience the next 4 months. I’m excited, scared, nervous and sometimes confused. These emotions are normal of course as well as others along the way, such as homesickness. Going abroad is not necessarily an easy decision, unlike most people may assume. So much thought and effort goes into going abroad. Homesickness is a big deal for some people and it is not easy to get past. Once you make the decision to go abroad you will find a way to get through it and bond with others.

For the longest time, I have dreamed of studying abroad. Since the beginning of my college search 3 or 4 years ago, that was a major factor in my college choice. I needed to pick a college that had a decent study abroad program. For someone that had never been out of the United States that was a big deal. I’m not sure what spiked my love for other countries. Maybe the fact that I had studied a language for 5 years of my life, or took a class where I learned all there was to know about Latin America had some impact on it. Regardless, I initially went out of the country with my sister to China for a High school trip. It wasn’t considered studying abroad but it was an eye-opening experience that fueled my fire for more. I couldn’t stop just there. I had to see it all, I had to make it my life goal to see all that I could.

With China checked off my list, I found myself in line for another opportunity to go abroad. My community college offered two different programs the year after I returned from China. I ended up choosing to go to Japan because the price was just right, I was there for longer, and I stayed with a host family instead of in a hotel. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think of staying with a host family. I mean, I don’t even know the people. How can I trust someone I don’t know to take care of me? I had many concerns about my trip but pushed myself to go. I was beyond nervous when I first arrived but ended up having the most amazing experience. Not only do I still talk to my host families and friends but I also plan to return some day. Studying abroad forms bonds that you could not imagine.

When I chose to go to Siena College, I knew I was still interested in studying abroad. I had conquered two countries in two years and didn’t want to stop my streak just yet. I am a Spanish minor in college and always felt I didn’t learn very well sitting in a classroom setting and just writing papers. I was always too afraid to speak in class. While my writing skills in Spanish were flourishing, my speaking suffered. I felt strongly that I could not obtain a degree in a language in which I never learned where it is spoken. I went to the study abroad office and got my top five best programs for what I wanted to do with school. I made my decision on a location rather quickly. I have always loved Latin America. Between taking a Latin American class and growing up seeing my father’s friend that traveled to Latin America often, my love for a continent I had never been to had continued to grow. After clearing it with my family that they would be okay with me so far away, I was ready to fill out the applications. After all was said and done, I was accepted and swiftly on my way to filling out piles of paperwork. From emergency contacts to insurance information and visa applications, I was too far in to back out (Not that I would have wanted to). Leading up to the trip I had my doubts that I would be able to do it. I feared that I would chicken out and not want to leave my loved ones behind. The thing I never realized was that I was doing something that so rarely others have the opportunity to do. My family and friends are able to live vicariously through me as a result. I never realized this until one night sitting in my room in the United States. I was upset about how quickly the trip was approaching and how much I would miss everyone. My Roommate and I were texting and I’ll never forget what she said. She said “you’re only going away for a semester. And Honestly, I wish I had the experience to study abroad, don’t get wrapped up in the anxiety because you never get the same experience twice. You’re 20 years old and leaving the country, breathe and think about all the amazing things that will happen. This time is for you, take advantage of it.” While I was so caught up in the stress and anxiety I forgot to realize how lucky I was. Some people never get to leave the country, some for financial reasons, some for fear. Either way, I am able to provide others my knowledge and experiences and allow them to see the world. I love that about travel, that it can unite so many people. That is exactly what I plan to do. I hope that all will follow my journey as I attend classes and experience life as an Ecuadorian for the next 4 months.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190279
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14943
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457899
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26653
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments