I have definitely thought about how excited I am and all of the amazing places I hope to visit, but I actually haven't given much thought into anything else. I guess I was kind of expecting that stuff to just fall into place once I arrive. I know that sounds a little silly, but its true. I imagine I will spend my time a lot like I do now. Go to class. Do homework. Hangout with friends. Etc...
I actually find the whole living like a local part to be quite intimidating. Does this mean I will have a whole new life while abroad? Am I going to be lonely? Will things feel natural? Those are just a few questions that pop into my head when thinking about living like a local. I think it is going to be tough for me to completely experience life in South Africa mainly because I will only be there for a short 6 weeks. Although I hope during my stay, I experience as much as one can.
So far my plan is to find somewhere I can do volunteer work. I would love to be able to work with local people through community service. I am a Bonner Scholar so volunteering is like second nature to me. In fact, it has became a part of who I am. I love doing it. I no longer think of it as work or something that is morally right. It actually is something I do for myself. In my opinion community service is the easiest/quickest way to immerse myself into a new way of life.
I also hope to be an active student on campus. I want to attend as many events as possible. I think that will be a great way to meet new people, local and other international students like myself. I'm not exactly sure if I will be able to participate as much as I would like since I am only going to be there for 6 weeks, but I intend to give it my very best shot. I guess all I can do is wait and hope for the best at this point. Let the waiting game begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment