Tag Archives: nervous before departure

Una Semana: One Week Until Puebla!

Hola! I’m Kelsey, an English/Spanish major here at Penn State, and I cannot believe that in one week I will be in Puebla, Mexico! It is so surreal. I mean, I’ve been intending on studying abroad during college since high school, but it still hasn’t really sunken in yet.

 

Puebla skyline

Skyline of Puebla, Mexico! Photo courtesy of Picture Ninja

 

I’m really looking forward to a lot of things on this trip, though! For one, I can’t wait to majorly improve my Spanish conversation skills! It will be an incredibly valuable skill to have, both academically and practically.

 

Admittedly, I am a little nervous about getting homesick. It’s going to be a long seven weeks without my friends, family, or the comforts of home, but I’m sure I’ll be able to beat any homesickness that may surface and become a more independent person for it. Plus, I’m excited to gain new friends and meet new people. For one, I can’t wait to meet my Mexican family! My host sister contacted me on Facebook a little while back, and she seems really sweet! I have host parents, my host sister and her older brother, and even a Chihuahua named Benny!

 

Also, is it strange that the one thing I’m really not that worried about is safety? When most people hear I’m studying abroad in Mexico, the first thing they tell me is to be really, really careful. However, I’ve been told multiple times that Puebla is a safe and beautiful place, and I truly believe that it will be.

 

I guess I’m simply too excited to immerse myself in Mexican culture and learn about its history. The sites we’re planning to visit seem fantastic, and I am simply cannot wait for that authentic Mexican cuisine! It’s going to be interesting to learn about the Mexican lifestyle. I think it’s important to get outside of the “American bubble”, and I can’t wait to gain knowledge about our southerly neighbor.

 

Well, that’s about it for now. Hopefully I’ll be able to update frequently about my travels and experiences in Mexico! It’s going to be an amazing journey for sure!

 

-Kelsey


Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Pre-trip Jitters

I’m heading to Tanzania in less than a month!  I’ll be staying at the Mang’ula National Park while I create an ecotourism marketing plan (including a new website) to increase tourism in the park.  Although I’m a Marketing major, I’m traveling with the School of Landscape Architecture.  I’m so excited to work with them on community development issues that will be identified in part by face to face interviews with the villagers every morning.  I couldn’t ask for a more authentic experience!

I just received my airfare confirmation in my inbox…it’s official!  I’m really going! The nerves just started to set in now that it’s really happening (and soon).  I can’t wait to see a new continent, a new culture, even a new economic status.  Hopefully this study abroad will stretch my limits and beliefs.  I’m hoping to reevaluate the way I live my life as it relates to the rest of the world.  I’m hoping to come back more thankful for the “streets paved in gold” in the USA as compared to the more simple life in a developing country like Tanzania.

I’m nervous for a lot of reasons.  How will I be perceived there?  Is my help wanted?  Am I imposing or “fixing” a life that isn’t even broken to begin with?  As a white girl, I’ve never been a minority before.  I’m nervous to stick out so blatantly.  I’m nervous about the language barrier.  I’m nervous about offending someone of the Muslim religion by being too bold. I’m nervous about the theft problem in the big cities like Dar es Salaam.  I guess I’m just nervous.  BUT I did ask for an experience that would stretch me, that would make me a more well rounded person who understands the world more completely.  So here is the opportunity staring me in the face.  Here goes… I’ll make the most of it!


Location: University Park, PA