Arrivederci America, Ciao Italia!

My Study abroad will bring about and out different strengths and weaknesses in me.

Weaknesses:

1)      Learning to be more go with the flow.

2)      I need to work on being more flexible

3)      I will have trouble leaving my family

4)      I will have to adapt to the high or low context being a slightly low context person.

Which I am working more everyday on the learning to go with the flow aspect of life.  The flexible part is going to be the hard one since I have OCD and need to have a schedule and everything wrote down and planned out.  Leaving my family will be extremely hard, but I will still get to see them through technology and talk to them I will be said, but I need the experience of independence such as this study abroad.  My context will hurt me depending on where Italy falls on the low or high context side.

Strengths:

1)      Being mostly independent

2)      Being mostly open

3)      Having the capability to want to adapt for the culture

4)      Being a Low range Low Context Person

Being for the most part independent has given me the ability to work and learn on my own that I can do anything if I try and attempt to succeed.  Being open will help me immerse myself into the culture faster and hopefully open me up to talking a little more about myself in the process.  I want to change in some ways to help me adapt into their culture, so I have the willingness to adapt.  Yet again the low or high context can effect which way I will go being a slightly low context person.

My American Culture:

I want to bring my culture in the ways of Patriotic (as a part of a military family, but not overly so), the southern style foods we love, The way I talk or the language I use,  What sports I watch, How I dress, How I act, Traditions, and more.  Most importantly I just want to be me and adapt into their culture while sharing mine.

The never ending journey that never began (at least not yet)

Its almost as if I have embarked on a never ending journey; Except... I haven't even left yet. The question at hand is WHERE WILL I EVEN STUDY?! yes question mark, exclamation mark. It seems as though as of yesterday, nothing is certain or guaranteed or permanent or any other word that fits that description.

More than anything I wish I knew where I was going but i'm attempting to cope with the fear of the unknown (which isn't easy i might add.) 

Since my options went from 3, to 2 to back to 2 and now at almost 9, ill be happy to just write about the general experience.

hmmm.... the never ending, recurring question: "Why do I want to study abroad?" Besides that fact that it is required, i almost consider it required for my life. My ultimate goal of this whole experience would be to come back fluent in Spanish. Spanish, both the culture and language, is a big part of my life. Both of my grandparents and mother are fluent in the language and adding a fourth to that clan would finally make all copasetic in my immediate family's world.

This past summer I made my religious pilgrimage to the Vatican, as the devout Catholic that I am. This spring I hope to make my pilgrimage SOMEWHERE in Latin America. I feel that it is my duty and a requirement of my grandmother that I do this; basically part of the life contract that she signed me up for.

Studying Abroad comes with many perks, and many down falls. I wish to experience both. I wish to be placed in a place that will challenge my learning abilities and make me think on my feet. I wish to be able to think in spanish, and communicate more quickly than i can now in my english based surroundings.

I experienced a sort of international financial crisis this summer while in Italy. lesson learned: MONICA THE EURO/ EXCHANGE RATE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND. That is why i have chosen to go elsewhere( Latin America) and hopefully get the most bang for my buck while traveling and studying, and being a 21 year in a different country for 15+ weeks. I want to learn a new way of life, and hopefully carry those practices over to my life in America. (preferably the siesta part).

I like to consider my self a generally fearless person given the fact that i signed my life away on my 18th birthday to jump out of a perfectly working airplane at 10,000 feet for pure enjoyment? But SPANISH SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME. Communicating my english thoughts into spanish and regurgitating them to a person who probably doesn't really understand what i'm saying is a SCARY thought.

I knew college was hard, and finding the right college for you is even harder. The studying abroad process falls into its own category and quite possibly one of the circles of hell in Dante's Inferno.

Chile? Costa Rica? Argentina? Puerto Rico? Colombia? Where will it be? Where in the world will Monica be?

To be continued...

Looking Forward to a Sweet Experience in Sweden

Goals While Abroad

• Most importantly, I want to ensure that I actually get out and see the country and its people while I'm there. I have a unfortunate tendency of frequently staying inside and refraining from accomplishing anything productive, and I intend to do everything in my power to amend this while I am in Sweden.
• Ever since the wonderful time I spent in France and Italy while I was in high school, I've heavily considered moving to another country permanently. As one might surmise, Sweden is one of my prime candidates for a home, but I need to evaluate each place I consider in person before making such a drastic change.
• Despite my previous travels to Europe, I've never actually been able to experience living somewhere other than where I was born for any meaningful amount of time. My extended time in Sweden will hopefully give me some perspective on what it's like living in a foreign environment.

What I Want to Learn

• As cliche of an answer as it might be, I look forward to honing my skills at speaking a foreign language. I've spent a decent amount of time teaching myself the basics of Swedish, and I want to both test and improve my ability to use it in a genuine Swedish locale.
• I definitely want to learn more about Swedish history. I've only had a small taste so far from the readings I've done, but it was more than enough to awaken an insatiable hunger for more within me.
• Once I've returned, I hope I will have adopted an entirely new, expanded way of viewing the world. This would not only make me a more well-rounded person, but also allow me new venues of interaction with other people I didn't previously possess.

How I Will Maximize My Experience

• As previously mentioned, I intend to travel within Sweden as much as possible while I'm there, and perhaps even to other Nordic countries if circumstances allow.
• I will try my level best to accomplish all that is required of me by my instructors in a timely manner, not only to maintain/improve my grades and to be a positive representative of my own country, but to ensure I have the free time necessary to make the most of my extra-curricular experience as well.
• Finally, I will constantly compare Sweden to the United States, to determine which aspects I do and don't prefer about it.

Roses Abroad-Red In A Sea Of Black&White

The image of my studying abroad is steadily gaining Color.

My aspirations & Personal vendetta:

Among many things I hope to break through my limited scope of how the world really looks and try to widen my horizons  in terms of what I can accomplish personally with my independent mind and my strong willed perseverance. I would like to experience building new comforts zones and the joy of learning to surpass them.

• I want to learn how to navigate alone in a foreign country
• Learn more about opportunities that can be had when living in another country (internships)
• Gain perspective in how market life works into social culture.

The Feels (*.*)/:

 I am currently FREAKING out but Inside.

Everyone's starting to get placed and I'm sure I'll be the one being placed soon but Holy crap is it nerve racking.  We had our first meeting a few days ago and I can still feel the anxiety from my last meeting.

》The uncertainty is making me feel on edge, like if someone was holding me suspended from about two inches of a freezing pool of water. Yet I feel like that very fact of me freaking out is going to make everything that much sweeter in the end. 

◆My biggest fear emotionally is not feeling that anything was accomplished while abroad.  I know it's really cheesy but I'm all about fulfillment.  I have to know that what I do, or at least feel that what I do has purpose in the greater scheme of my life. 

◆After my general pre-travel anxiety has passed I'm sure a new panic will emerge when I start to examine the fact that I have to really leave the comfort of what my security in the United States means to me.

■NUMBER ONE CONCERN: FAMILY

I already live far away

It's about to go to a whole new level.

■NUMÉRO DOS: FRIENDS
Missing my peepes at home and making new homies.

Taking my experience to the max:

★To really jump into the culture I will join in to local festivities as much as possible.

☆join school clubs,  I know I'd want others to join my club at home.

★Try to not just travel around having fun but I'm going to try to leave something behind too,  I want to represent myself as more than just a school rep.

Pre-departure Study Abroad blog assignment 1

Danielle Taylor
Sept. 10, 2014
Kirsten Sheppard
OVS203

          From a young age I have wanted to travel.  My wanderlust was matched only by my adoration for the past, and it seemed only natural that I carry that thirst for knowledge over into my dreams of traveling across continents.  I wanted to be able to absorb the history of countries I visited like a sponge soaking up water, and I finally have the chance to start that process by studying abroad in Germany during the spring semester of 2015.

          First and foremost, my ultimate goal from this trip is to understand what I'm learning about.  It would be pointless to travel abroad and begin learning about a foreign country without fully comprehending the information being presented to me.  I hope to understand not only the historical context of Germany's past, but also better comprehend their cultural practices, their values, and what makes them German.  A secondary goal, though still important to me, is to gather a firmer understanding of the world around me.  I have never been out of the country, and as such I am still incredibly naive of how other countries and people operate.  Reading only can bring so much light to one's understanding of foreign regions, and the only true way to stay afloat when submerging oneself is to keep an open mind!

          So far, the real excitement has yet to settle in for me, and instead I'm truly paralyzed about being away from home for long, let alone in another country.  My pessimistic nature tends to get in the way of logos, so I have already run through a million scenarios of what could go wrong (losing my passport/money, not understanding my classes, not being able to make friends, having trouble adapting to the culture, etc.), but I'm also excited to be able to challenge myself to overcome any of these situations that might arise.

          Three things I intend to do while I'm there are have as many conversations in German as I possibly can, further my comprehension of the German language and culture, and make friends that are not only from Germany, but that are also from other countries and are just as nervous, terrified, and ready to blossom into respectful ambassadors of our schools and countries as I am.

Goals for the trip: OVS Assignment 1

Goals to accomplish:

So recently I received my acceptance letter from ISEP saying that I will be attending the university in Gissen, Germany. I'm super excited because this means that I will be in the heart of one of the biggest World War II information centers. So while I'm there, I hope that I'll be able to get some really good primary sources on the issue or, if I'm lucky, an survivor of the time or two. Frankfurt will only be a short ride away as will the capital, Berlin, so I'll be in a central location that's rich with history and information. One of my goals is to be able to work on my thesis material, or at the very least be able to get some good information and notes about my topic. Another goal I have is to be able to work on my language and communication skills. I really want to be able to understand and communicate in German since I want to live there later on in my life. Another goal would be to be able to fully immerse myself in this other culture and widen my understanding and experience with things, such as food, music, politics, issues, anything culture related, that is outside of my comfort zone. After all where's the fun in going to another place and expecting it to be exactly like home? If I wanted have everything exactly like the place I just left then I would have just stayed at home~

Pre-Trip Feelings:
Right now I'm feeling very anxious. I know the trip still isn't for several months, but there is so much I need to do and get ready before then. I'm also feeling anxious because I'm really excited about this. I received the email and I swear I was spazzing over it for at least an hour. This is my dream, and I'm just so ready to get over there. I'm starting to look into the issues and things that are going on in the area in preparation and that only furthers my excitement. Something else I'm feeling would be nervousness. I'm usually a pretty shy person, and the thought of going over to a place where I'm going to have to get out there and make the first step is causing some anxiety.

Three things I want to do:
One thing I definitely want to do is get to the more Eastern side of Germany and see how it's changed since the pictures my dad took. My adviser, Dr. Astor, has shown me some of it and talked about how colorful and great east Berlin is now so I'm just dying to see it for my own eyes.
Another thing would be to get close enough to a friend or classmate that I can practice my written German and make a pen pal. It would be a great experience, and I don't want to come back not getting close to anyone by sticking in my comfort zone.
The last of the set would be wanting to actually learn about German history. I know that we're taught some of the 'important parts' of history, but in actuality they could be just a blip or a blurb of how things actually were and are. I want to see the age and the tiny little things that have been here for hundreds of years since we're only used to things that have been around for just over 200 years. It's mind boggling to think of how young the US is as a country, and I want to see some of that old age in Germany.

I'll probably think of more things later and also change my mind at least four more times, but so far these things have been pretty true for me~ Hopefully I'll still be excited about this later on in the future!

Tranquil Thoughts and Timid Treading

Tranquil Thoughts and Timid Tread

When and ability to travel knocked on my doorstep, it was something that I would be unable to refuse, no amount of classes or f would leave me high and furious  dry or tear me from a life goal that I had-ultimately-been planning since the beginning of my conception as a young adult. Money was something that my family didn't have the luxury of as a child. So my hopes of traveling to places where people walked with cows, where people jabbered excitedly in other languages, where cultures clashed and churned effortlessly was very slim. But that didn't change my desire to stand with those people let my frame of reference get torn from my hands to open my mind for explorations untold.

Languages, cultures, people always fascinated me. It twined seamlessly into my excitement for writing and my drive to create. So when I had the ability to choose--thanks to the wonderful staff at Maryville College--the opportunities started to unfold before my eyes, beckoning with their untouched pages and waiting stories; all they needed was a writer. Excitedly scanning over the pages of the ISEP book, I had circled many of the schools and decided that all of them would be worth my time as long as I could force myself to just choose one.

It wasn't until my desire to understand Indigenous Peoples and their culture came up that it had narrowed my search down for me. Again--maybe it might be a little less them, and a lot to do with my professors and my boyfriend, but lets toy with personification shall we--I was wrought with excitement, knowing that I had two choices withing my grasp: Canada and Australia. Canada had an interesting path that I wanted to delve deeper in, and Australia was as untouched as one could come, bulging with crazy critters and dangerous dingoes.

My final decision has left me anxiously awaiting my letter of placement somewhere in Canada, my first choice being Brock University, in St. Catharines Canada while my friends jump for joy with theirs in hand. It's only a matter of time, I feel it in my bones.

I, in turn, hope with my acceptance to Brock, that I gain the opportunity to work directly in the Indigenous population, and gain insight on the Indian Residential schools that plagued the Canadian people for many hears. I hope to meet new friends and gain a respect of the Canadian culture for what it is, outside of the Maple Syrup and Tim Hortons (but really, Tim Hortons is my addiction and I don't even live there). I want to understand other government standings, and regimes other than our own by experiencing a  parliament not learning about it. I want to eat all of the Canadian cuisine and learn to prepare it for when I come home. I want to have the opportunity to be comfortable within my own language, while having the ability to find a Provence and learn French just a small drive away. I want to feel independent. I want to learn myself. I want to fly.

With this I fear somewhat about the change in school size. Going from a school that has professors that know your name, and care for you, to a school that has maybe fifty thousand students does give a different overall emotional feel to the class. I worry that this may effect how I learn, but I am confident in my desire to pull and learn from the coming experiences that those large classes. I worry that choosing a place so close to home it won't exactly feel like I am going abroad, while at the same time I have a conflicting feeling about leaving home to be so far away. The jitters of taking that big leap without knowing what is on the other side is clinging at the pit of my stomach, ready to let go as soon as I make that step.

Excitement hit me the day I realized I get to go abroad, and it hasn't left me since. My constant planning will only further that buzzing feeling and tingles in my toes. Seeing my boyfriend with more frequency will always be on that list. Denying it is denying something that is such an paramount part of my life that I would also be lying to my-self. But with my bonner background, and my desire to work within the community drives my desire become a better person while--in the best scenario--help the community that I leave as well.

While I don't know what is heading my direction, I know that somewhere inside of me a little hedgehog huffs in excitement, ready for the world to com, ready to write the story, ready to claim those pages and publish that novel of my travels; for the world to see.

Are you ready?

How Will I Make These Mountains Move? Blog 1 for OVS

Study abroad. I have been in the process of preparing for this opportunity since I decided to attend Maryville College, and yet now that the date of my departure inches closer and closer, I cannot help but to be overwhelmed by a mix of sensations. Part of me is ready to go; excited to get on a plan and not come back for months. The rest of me is cowering in terror as I realize that I am going to get on a plan and NOT COME BACK FOR MONTHS!

While this debate is ensuing in my body, I cannot help but to constantly think about the trip. I do not know where I will be going yet but that detail is almost unimportant to me. I have set my mind on the experience and the physical act of spending a semester abroad that the smaller details are ones that I know will fall into place on their own.

Every good traveler must have aspirations about their trip. Mine involve personal growth, forming lasting relationships, and learning about a city, a country, a people, and a way of life through experiencing even just a fraction of it.

It’s one thing to set these goals as I sit here in the library at Maryville College, thousands of miles and an ocean away from any of my possible locations, but it will be another for me to actively pursue these goals as I settle into a new way of life for four months.

In order to make these goals a reality, there are a few things I need to remember to be conscious of while I am abroad:

1.      Don’t stress about having every second of every day planned, go with the flow, let new experiences find me and don’t be afraid to allow for changes in my daily routine.

2.      As a follow up to the above, set some goals, make some plans for things I really want to do and see, and finally, follow through with them.

3.      Have the strength to represent myself, my country and my way of life here in a respectful and respectable manner.

I strongly believe that I can do these things and that they will have the power to make my experience the best that it can be. Each of those points will have their difficulties, but life is full of difficulties and as my girl Miley says… “It’s the Climb”.

???

     It's hard to state my exact goals for studying abroad right now, as its still unknown where I will be placed. My top two choices for next spring are the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, Australia and Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, and my experience with these two areas is completely different. Most of my family lives on the east coast of Australia, so I've stayed near and visited Toowoomba multiple times. I have friends and family a short drive away and already know the cultural nuances living in Queensland, where as Scotland will be completely new to me. Both have cultures similar to the United States, but vary significantly geographically and historically. This being said, I have area specific goals and expectations. 

University of Southern Queensland

     USQ would be wonderful for me to attend because as an Australian citizen, working in Australia later on in life is a strong possibility and networking while studying here would be invaluable for my future. I would be on my own, but in a somewhat familiar environment with family near by as a safety net. I already know that I love the area and would also love living here for six months or so.

• I will not depend too strongly on surrounding family, but have them as a support system when needed.
• I will enroll in engineering, field-specific classes not available at Maryville College.
• I will join the local rugby union football club in order meet people outside of university.
• I'm not one who usually enjoys school programs and clubs, but I will strongly consider maybe joining a few.
• I will enjoy not only local culture, but also push myself to explore the beautiful landscape.
• I WILL take many trips to the beach and hopefully have one of my cousins teach me to surf.
• I will try my hardest to step out of my comfort zone in order to make friends.

Edinburgh Napier University

   Because I have never visited the area, I would be getting more of the "travel abroad experience" here. I wouldn't have the luxury of near by friends or family, but I have dreamed of living in this area since I was little. Scotland alone is the reason I began thinking about doing a semester abroad. 

• I will explore so much of the Scottish landscape.
• I will meet up with Joni Burrell and we will travel all over together, meaning I will have to save as much money as possible in order to visit the surrounding areas.
• I will take any engineering classes I can fit into my schedule.
• I will educate myself on the history of and become fluent with the news of Edinburgh.
• I will do my best to research my family's history and ties to the area. 
• I will also join local rugby clubs here to better integrate myself.

    

    I will be elated regardless of where I am placed and aim overall to become a more independent, well-rounded person. And while this is the opportunity of a life time I know that I am going to miss my kitties, dog, and my family, more specifically my dad, the most. Unfortunately, I am going to be even more out of the loop with my dad and sister's inside jokes. I have a bit of experience travelling abroad, so I am not too scared of technical travel related bumps to come, but I sure will be homesick . It will be a struggle not being able to head home, let alone talk to my parents whenever, but I know I will only appreciate them more when I return. 

Finding Home- A New Journey

Well, it happened. At 1:29 p.m. I was sitting in Isaac's (not my best choice) and received the email from ISEP saying that they have placed me at the Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics. My Grandmother asked me tonight where that is in China. I figure that if my Grandmother is asking then there are probably other people asking.

There it is. In the Jiangxi province, the University sits in the capital city. I spent a good amount of time combing through pictures trying to find one general picture so people can understand what Nanchang looks like. It's hard trying to capture the essence of such a large city especially combing through Google Images, but I think I found a pretty solid one.

The above picture is one of many that I found of my school, but from what I saw of the pictures of Nanchang this is a pretty standard view of the city. Needless to say I am beyond excited, but I'm also nervous about a few things.

I would like to say I do pretty well away from home. I can't deny the fact though that when I am away from home I tend to miss Momma Lipka a little bit. My Mom has always been a strong combination of biggest supporter and biggest critic at the same time. We have had to go through a lot in the last couple of years, and part of me doesn't fully like being so far.

Can you blame me though?? Just look at that woman. One of my fears is definitely surrounding the distance there, but at the same time I'm afraid of not being fully present in my study abroad placement because that situation is on my mind. I need to try to find the balance between keeping up with my Mom and at the same time intentionally placing myself in this new community.

What does that mean? Intentionally placing myself? Well for me I don't just want to go to China for a couple months. That would be a waste of time. I want to immerse myself in China. To be a sponge to the culture surrounding me and soak up as much as possible. I want to enjoy delicious food, I want to get sick from that delicious food. I want to explore the city that I am going to be in and I want to get lost in that city that I am going to be in. I want to try and learn a little Mandarin, and at the same time get frustrated with myself for not being able to properly communicate. I want to learn, explore, and better myself so that I can in return better those around me.

When I was 18 I went on a journey to New Orleans for a year. During that time I had to maintain a blog that I titled "Finding Home." I titled this post the same thing because I am preparing to go on a journey again. To once again see if I can find home in a new place.

Rachel vs. Deutschland

It's happening, folks. I, Rachel Long, am finally embarking on the trip I have been dreaming about since I was a nerdy little high schooler...Germany. I've taken all of the courses, read all of the books, so you would think I would know everything there is to know about good ol' Deutschland...false. I am now realizing that I really have no idea what I'm doing.

Or where I'm going. 

Who I'm going to meet...what I'll do when I'm not studying...and the most important question of all: what I'll eat. 

As the time for my departure for Germany grows closer, I'm realizing how much I really don't know about, well, anything concerning studying in a foreign country. Oddly enough, I'm thankful for all of this uncertainty, because this is an opportunity to genuinely experience something while I'm away. Traveling away from my comfort zone in the hills of East Tennessee is going to be an eye opener to say the very least! Since I've been such a fanatic of the country for so many years I've had lots of time thinking about what it is I actually want to accomplish abroad...

1. Become (somewhat) fluent in German. I've studied the language for years, but I believe true fluency doesn't happen until you literally place yourself in the middle of the language's culture and just speak it. You can with a tape recording all you want, but things don't get real until you've spoken with a native speaker--I think this also classifies as a fear of mine. Fingers crossed I don't accidentally offend someone by saying the wrong word...

2.  Ride the Autobahn--okay, yes, I know this may be really touristy/stereotypical goal from an   American, but how can you deny something as cool as driving through a foreign country at 100mph?! I mean, it's an obvious want  need. 

3. To go beyond the lederhosen and pretzels...I want to experience the real Germany. Make friends with locals, eat (or at least taste) the food, etc. I want to see the side of German culture that you can't read about in a textbook. There's so much more to this country that I am dying to experience. 

4. Become more independent. This will happen whether I want it to or not...it's honestly inevitable, but a great lesson to learn nonetheless. 

5. Take every opportunity and run with it. I want to travel as much as I can during my semester abroad, so I'm pushing myself to get up and try to do things outside of my comfort zone is the ultimate goal. 

Everything is happening so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was typing up my ISEP application, and I'm thinking about visas? What? 

This past summer I had a lot of time to think about what I will be experiencing in the next few months. Things really hit home when I had to explain to my 9 year old sister that I would be gone for 5 months or more...I honestly didn't expect her to cry, but once I explained to her that Germany lies in Europe and that the possibility that I would be on the same continent as her dream-boy Harry Styles, she was completely cool with the idea. So, no worries there...(But in all seriousness I'm going to miss her...a lot). 

Aside from my family, I'm most definitely going to miss my incredible friends. Although they're extremely supportive of my ventures and this is going to be an incredible time for me to make some new friends, not having the old ones around is 24/7 is going to be a difficult change for me. 

As cliche as it sounds, this is the trip of a lifetime. In order to fully maximize my experience I need to just go. Do things. Step out of my comfort zone and not sit idle emotionally (and physically) while I'm abroad. Instead of just sitting in class silent, I need to make an effort to speak up and try to get to know people. Attend social events. JUST GO AND DO STUFF. I can't stress that simple sentence to myself enough.
It's just me against the world, and I fully intend to take this challenge and run with it. 

  

Where in the World?--To Morocco She Goes

I'm going to Morocco!  As crazy as it sounds, it's (almost) true!  I'm beyond excited (a bit nervous too) to go out and experience an entirely new place, people, food, school, religion, and culture.  

Culture shock is not new to me, but it's still intimidating to think about.  I went to Ghana in January, and I was stared at and called obruni and pointed at and everything else we would consider rude in the United States, but it was normal for them.  I'm hoping that my experience in Ghana will help alleviate some of the culture shock I'm bound to experience in Morocco, but it's a completely different place, so it's a whole new ball game.

I have so many goals and plans that I hope to accomplish while I'm abroad, but I'll just list the main ones.

1. Immerse myself within a culture so different from my own in so many respects.
2. Better understand the relations between the Middle East (including North Africa) and "Western" countries.
3. Travel throughout Morocco as extensively as I can (and maybe include other countries in Africa and Spain).
4. Be comfortable in a foreign place with no friends or family close (in any sense of the word).
5. Challenge myself to make friends and get out of my comfort zone.
6. Know when I can and cannot venture out on my own in a foreign place.
7. Try not to compare Morocco and the people I encounter to Maryville College, the United States, and the people I know back home.

In order to push myself to achieve some of these goals I'm going to force myself outside of my comfort zone as much as possible, take advantage of the opportunities I'm going to have through the institution abroad, and to know my limits and know and be conscious of when I need a break and some me time with a book and some tea.

Morocco seems like such an exciting and beautiful place to travel.  I know that I'm going to make the most out of this experience.  I also know that I'm going to miss my family, my friends, my boyfriend, and my dog (mi perrito).  Some days are going to be really hard, but those are the days when I'm going to have to remember that I'm having an awesome experience and that I can still talk to them and communicate with them, even if it's in small ways like writing on their Facebook walls or something.  I'm also aware that my mother will want to Skype me every day, for at least a little bit, but I'll have to say no because I won't be truly experiencing Morocco and the people I'm encountering if I'm always on my phone with the people back home.

Blog Post 1- My Goals and Personal Agenda- GERMANY

My Goals:

• Make it to Germany without having a break down
• Be accepted and be seen for more than an exchange student
• Put myself out there- meet new people, make friends and connections, and all around grow
• Become more independent
• Don't think like an American all the time
• Be safe, but not too safe (experience things and push myself)
• Have a successful conversation in German, at least once
• Go to a Borussia Dortmund football (soccer) game wearing a jersey
• Travel as much as possible whenever there is free time

My Feelings:

So far it has yet to truly hit me that I will be in another country in just a few months.  I have to keep reminding myself daily by saying it out loud, hoping that will make it seem more realistic.  I know for sure that I am definitely going to miss not only my friends, graduation, but my mom.  She is my rock and she means the world to me.  Just like me, it hasn't hit her quite yet that I will not be in driving distance anymore, or in the same time zone, and it will be hard on both of us when the time comes.  As difficult as it will be to leave, it is something my mom is super supportive of and is really excited for me to have this opportunity.  She knows my love for traveling and new culture and that helps a lot.  Something else I was slightly "ehh" about was missing graduation and senior activities.  When it came down to one day of graduation vs. 6 months in Germany, the winner was no question!

Although it hasn't hit me completely yet, I am incredibly excited, really nervous, but so ready!  I like the idea of being uncomfortable and forced out of my comfort zone, it means I get the chance to grow.  A few things I am worried about is transportation, getting around on my own, and being picked up when I get there.  It will be different riding trains everywhere and making it in time for one!  I am pretty terrified of missing the train and then getting lost in the city.  Pertaining to what I will be doing over there, I am really nervous about student teaching in another country.  I am worried about how far ahead they will be in their education, and if I will be able to adjust.  I am sort of worried also about what qualifications I will have to meet for their student teaching program vs. our program here at Maryville.  I am also curious about where I will be doing my student teaching and the transporting between there and where I live.  So many questions!  One day at a time!

3 Things to Maximize my Experience:

1. Push myself out of my comfort zone
2. Make lasting connections
3. Immerse myself in the culture in every way possible

Blog 1 Why am I going abroad?

Goals/ Personal Agenda

My biggest goals for studying abroad include immersing myself in the culture and getting a different perspective as a student. I want to be able to live the everyday Chilean life. Learn how locals get around, what kind of lifestyle they have, and by staying with a host family I believe the will be able to guide me in the right direction. When I began to research Valparaiso I knew there would never be a dull moment in that city. I really look forward to learning about their art the most, all their streets are covered in colors and I want to learn the meaning behind those pictures. 

On my personal agenda, I want to not only explore Chile, but surrounding countries. If I have the opportunity I would like to visit Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, or even Brazil. I chose a Latin American country not only to perfect my Spanish speaking skills, but to have the opportunity to experience more than one country.

Feelings:

At this moment I am very anxious. I would like to know all the details about where I am going and when I am leaving the U.S. Overall I would say I am scared because although I have traveled outside of the country alone several times it has never been to a place that will be completely new to me. I believe the first few weeks will be the hardest because I will be in a country where I know absolutely nobody. On the flip side I am excited because this opportunity is so amazing, and I want to make the best of the time that I am abroad. I tell myself to think positive because although my support will not be in Chile with me I know my host family and friends I make along the way will be great mentors.

Maximizing my experience:

I will really have to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things to be able to maximize my experience. I would like to possibly do an internship while I am in Chile. I think that would really get me thinking outside the classroom and gain experience. Secondly, I would like to participate in local activities to help immerse myself into the Chilean lifestyle.Lastly, I want to use my time as wisely as possible so that I can learn as much as possible and experience everything there is. By this I go back to traveling around Latin America. I want to learn about other Latin cultures and also educate others on my own.

Not All Who Wonder Are Lost

My Goals for my Study Abroad Experience are:

1)      To make it there Safely

2)      Experience the country as a native and not a tourist

3)      Become a more well-rounded world citizen

4)      To make new friends and friendships that hopefully could last a life-time

5)      Become more independent from my parents and friends (not rely on them as much)

6)      Learn the country’s business ethics and strategies

7)      Adapt to the country’s way of life (night life, trips, experiences)

8)      Attempt to dispel some of the American Stereotypes they may have

9)      Learn the Language of the country (hopefully Italian)

10)  Rediscover my love for traveling.

My Feelings about my Impending Journey:

I would assume that I have the basic or generic concerns for a first time traveler out of the country and over an ocean (what if we crash in the ocean, what if they lose my luggage, what if I miss my connecting flight, what if they mess my tickets up, what if the person meeting me doesn’t show up, etc.) All of the questions that can’t be answered until they happen or they don’t happen.  My other fears consist of the usual what if I get sick or fall deathly ill or something bad happens to me? My parents come running over and save the day anymore.  

I worry about the separation from my Mom because we are so close (I’m a mommy’s Girl). As well as the separation from my dog who is the man of my world (plus he has separation anxiety).  I have the fear that I will not like where I go and not have a good experience.  I have the fear that I will not know any one and will be left out or disliked.  I worry and have the fear that I am going to be judged by the way I look or act or even by the things I say or my personality.  I fear that I might just hate being away from those who I know who love me and I trust with everything.  I want to enjoy the trip and I want to live out my dreams put not at the cost of my sanity so-to-say.  I am excited and nervous about where I may go and where my trip will take me.  I want to experience all I can so it makes me ecstatic to realize my dreams of traveling are within reach. 

Three things I Want to do to Maximize my experience:

1)      I want to join organizations and groups to help me immerse myself in the culture and way of life there.

2)      I want gain friends that could last a life-time and connections for my future career.

3)      I want to live out my dreams, so I want to surpass all of my fears and just live my life to the fullest ability I can.

My "hungers" for this trip are:

1)      To try new foods (my literal hunger)

2)      Experience a new country

3)      Travel as much as possible

4)      Meet new friends

5)      Experience the country’s lifestyle compared to ours here in the U.S.A.