IES Abroad, the study abroad group I am traveling with, currently has the theme “Your world [redefined].” It is completely true that in studying abroad, I have been given the opportunity to redefine my life. Not so much because it is in another country or because everything is so different, but just because it is a new start. I’m living in a city where I can decide to go to bars every night or dance at milongas. I can decide to stay out until 6 in the morning or I can immerse myself in my work. In a way, this was the cause of my biggest fear before studying abroad. I was afraid I would forget who I was, forget what I truly cared for at home, and come back as someone no one would recognize. I was willing to change in small ways, to learn and live in a new country, but not to change who I was completely.
I’m so happy that now I can truly say I don’t think I had anything to worry about. I still get more pleasure from church community and good discussions than I do from any attempt at staying up late I might make. I have learned to immerse myself in books, growing my desire to learn that has existed from before my study abroad. I still find immense joy in dancing, even though my opportunities to dance may have turned out very different than I had thought they would be. My convictions that I had before studying abroad still stand, with a little added knowledge of Spanish and another country. If anything, my convictions have been tested and strengthened. I am blessed to have had this chance to reaffirm my values.
For this reason, I can finally say that I think study abroad was a good decision for me. At the beginning of my trip, I was having a hard time adjusting, missing home, and having a hard time justifying this trip. Don’t get me wrong, I still miss the people at home and, in some ways, can’t wait to be home. But at the same time, I can see some of the value of my study abroad, knowing that I’ve grown in so many ways. I know even more will be revealed to me after I’m home, and I still have a little less than 4 weeks in this country to get all that I can out of this experience. While this is in no way the end of my trip, I still feel like time is winding down and I am in the position now where I can start looking back at how I’ve changed. Or not changed.
Location: Libertad, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hi, Rachel. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on studying abroad. You said it perfectly — while sometimes challenging, totally worth it in the end! (I’m an Education Abroad Adviser, for full disclosure). Also, I know your brother Chris. Chris, if you’re reading this — hi!
So good to read your thinking, learning and reflecting as you go..thanks for sharing.