Studying Abroad: Goals, Agenda, and Maximizing Experience

Something that scares me more than anything is that in less than three months I will be in a different country where I don't know anyone and they speak a different language. Beginning this pre-departure course forced me to realize just how soon I will be in the Czech Republic.

You may be asking: why does she want to study abroad? Hasn't Brinley studied abroad before?

My freshman year of college, I was given the opportunity to study abroad for three weeks in the United Kingdom and Ireland. I very much enjoyed my time abroad in the U.K. and that small experience caused me to want to study abroad again. I have always wanted to go to Central Europe and this program will give me the chance to live in Central Europe for two months and to learn more about the history of the area as well. I wouldn't say the trip was a pilgrimage. Dictonary.com defines pilgrimage as "a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion." I wouldn't say my connection to Central Europe is because of religion. In fact, I don't consider myself to be very religious at all. For me, I have always been fascinated with the history of Europe and that's what drew me to this program. Something else that drew me to this program was that if you look at my family tree a lot of my family is descended from people in Central and Eastern Europe.

Fears and Expectations 

Honestly, I have no expectations whatsoever. I have never been to mainland Europe as I mentioned before. I am super excited to experience mainland Europe for the first time. Something that worries me is that I have no real experience traveling in a country where I do not know the language or anyone in the country.

What do I want to learn? How will I maximize my experience?

While I am in the Czech Republic,  I hope I will learn about the history of Europe. I hope I will also learn how to navigate a country that I don't speak the language in and how to build relationships with my coworkers and peers.

Maximizing My Experience

1. Confidence is Key
Before I arrive, I plan on researching the area I will be living in to search for bus routes, grocery stores, and other places I may need to go. This way when I arrive, I can feel confident in navigating the city.

2. Forget The Comfort Zone
I am hoping to spend my time exploring the city and other places in the area.

3. Build Relationships
I am hoping to build relationships with my fellow peers and coworkers. I hope that I'll leave the program with friends and connections that will last for a long time.

In conclusion, I am excited and nervous about studying abroad. I am hoping that I will leave the program with confidence, connections, and some sort of idea about what I want to do in the future.

-Brinley Knowles

Pictured above: me in London in a Telephone Box made out of Legos