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.

Finlandia: The Beginning of an Adventure

Wow wow wow!

I mean seriously, what else can I say than wow?

Well, I mean of course I can say more than that, but it's all about finding the beginning I guess.  So, I'll start where anyone else would, departure:

To put it simply, the flight from TYS to Chicago O'Hare was nothing, very enjoyable, it wasn't until I got to Stockholm that all hell broke loose. I knew I had a 14hr layover, but you don't really know a 14hr layover until you've experienced it.

You get in to the airport tired and bleary, you have to go through customs and get your new flight ticket, you try to figure out the general direction your flight might be leaving from, and then you wander aimlessly finding a nice spot to either sit or lay down. Have to go to the bathroom? Don't forget to drag your 30lbs worth of luggage with you (not your under the plane luggage even) and god forbid you take your eyes off your luggage for even a second because the man over the intercom is constantly reminding you that there are thieves, thieves everywhere! Most importantly, make sure you know the currency for all the places you are stopping at!

I knew that Finland used the Euro, as many countries around here do, but I totally forgot that Sweden doesn't use the Euro, they use the Krona. Mind you, the Krona will make no sense to you at all if you are from the USA.

So, take for instance the idea that you have €15, about $20, (I'm using €15 because the wonderful woman at the currency exchange counter told me if you convert €15 or under you don't have to pay a fee) and you want to get some SEK, which are Swedish Krona. When I did that exact thing I got back 133 Krona. I still look at the little coins I have left over mystified! You know why? Because, even though I had 133 Krona, which sounds like an awful lot, a simple ham and cheese sandwich cost me 68 Krona! I'm not even surprised about the fact that that's a lot of money, it's an airport after all, what I'm surprised about is the fact that 133 Krona sounds like an awful lot, but it really isn't a lot at all when you look at the price of Swedish items.

Anyways, I took the short 45min flight from Stockholm to Tampere and was greeted by a teeny tiny little airport with no one there. I mean, maybe the departure gates are bigger or something, maybe it was because I arrived at night, maybe it was even because I was dead tired, but it looked even smaller than TYS!

I left for my hotel, and trust me, if you ever need a hotel in Scandinavia I totally suggest Omena hotels! It was a little pricey, €77.90 (really not that bad when you think of it), but you really got your money's worth. Two comfy beds pushed together with the ability to fold out two more beds, tea, coffee, a shower and bathroom to yourself, a television, and all the space! I mean seriously, it was so spacious! Don't expect a good view or anything of course, but who cares when it really comes down to it?

Anyways, that was all last night and today has been all about getting myself ready for the school year.  After forgetting to grab my passport and acceptance letter I rode the bus by myself back to my dorm before I picked up my kitchen starter kit (pan, cups, forks, knives, spoons, etc), got a few groceries (forgot an umbrella twice and still don't have one), a new 10meter internet cable (the internet cable connector box is practically on the ceiling on the other side of the room, who does that?!), and dealt with things like my student ID and Student Union fee.

Now as I lay here typing this I'm exhausted. It's only 8pm, but I've done so much and there is still so much to do. I met (actually stopped and talked to, not a passing glance or hello) the guy who lives across the hall from me and his friend who lives upstairs (they're both from Edinburgh, Scotland if you're curious), but unfortunately, as is often the case in my life, I've completely forgotten his name. I remember his friend's name is Michael since I have a friend by the same name who he reminds me of, but for the life of me I can't remember his name and I actually feel kind of bad about that. He's super sweet, and he helped me since I'm not tall enough, even when standing on a chair, to plug in my internet cord. He even invited me to come with him and his friend to the party tonight and a pre-party party he's going to. I was going to go, but when he knocked on my door I backed out. I am just too tired and I had to finish unpacking. Luckily he completely understood and told me he was actually pretty tired too, and if he hadn't already promised he'd show up to the pre-party party to a few people from the same country as him he wouldn't be going at all.

Anyways, I'm going to try to stay up for a little bit longer so I'm not going to bed too early, and tomorrow will be a brand new day~! I'm hoping to go to Ikea (I LOVE IKEA), and generally take some pictures and just relax. There's plenty of time to be busy, I just want to have some time where I'm not rushing or dying from exhaustion haha.

Until then I'll catch you guys later.

Moi Moi~!

Brieana :)