Tag Archives: Pre-departure

Arivaderci America, Ciao Roma!

As I sit here in JFK Airport anxiously awaiting my 7:30 pm departure time, my mind is just racing. What’s Rome going to be like? What are the kids in my program going to be like? How am I going to adapt to the culture? Am I at the right terminal? It is feeling I have not felt in a long time, but one I am extremely grateful to be experiencing. I am about to embark on the biggest journey I have yet to face in my life – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is with this mindset that has led me to take a moment and think about what I wish to achieve while studying abroad.

My first goal is related to personal growth and adaptation. Studying abroad is about as intense as it gets in terms of veering outside your comfort zone. You are essentially thrust into a foreign country without knowing the language, culture, or any other people – a daunting task to say the least. Either you can give in to the cultural shock that you are sure to experience or you can adapt. I plan on choosing the latter. I want to grow and become a person who thrives in uncomfortable situations. I want to be skilled at making an unfamiliar place feel familiar. Ways of accomplishing these goals is by embracing the culture that I am being thrust into by adapting their ways of living. Most importantly, I plan to explore the city and the country with every opportunity I get. Whether its taking a walk to the Spanish Steps, jogging by the Vatican, or relaxing in the numerous piazzas, I plan to fully integrate myself into the Roman way of life.

My second goal is primarily regarding social situations and relationships. I believe the hardest change that I will be facing is not knowing anyone else in this program. It is with that in mind that will ultimately compel me to be engaging and outgoing with other individuals; to be friendly and kind. I know that, even as a senior, I am going to have to embrace my freshman year tactics of getting to know my peers. It starts with my four roommates whom I am very curious to meet. After that, there are over 100 students in Rome with me this semester that I have to chance to form a relationship. Not to mention the millions of people in Rome. If I am able to say I have managed to make at least one friend as a result of studying abroad, I will have done my job.

My last goal is all about embracing the Italian culture that I will be joining. After taking an Italian class informing me about all the differences between American and Italian culture, I believe that I am ready to experience it. Notable differences include dressing nicely more frequently, later meal times, and different diets. Most importantly, life moves slower in Italy. I believe that these cultural aspects with ultimately have a positive impact on my life moving forward. From allowing me to slow down in regards to the American lifestyle as well as embracing fresher, healthier foods, I am excited to see the type of person I become after spending four months exposed to Italian culture.

I am now an hour within departing for Europe. It is on this note that I conclude my first entry. After this, there is no going back. When I am back in America in April, I do not know what I will be like. But I know for a fact that I cannot wait to find out. Until next week, ciao!

Location: John F. Kennedy International Airport

Auf Wiedersehen USA – The Schlussel to Germany

My name is Maya Jankowska and I’m a sophomore in biomedical engineering. I’m studying abroad this spring in Freiburg, Germany on the University College Freiburg Exchange Program! My departure is just around the corner and I will be writing and updating a blog throughout my entire experience. As this is my first post, I want to start from the beginning:

Why I’m Studying Abroad

I stood in the hotel lobby with my family. “Oh, wir brauchen den Schlussel!”, I replied with an excited tone even though I had nervously rehearsed the phrase about 10 times right before saying it. Did I say it right? Did she understand me? She turned to grab the key for our room and we were set.

Asking for a key to a hotel room two years ago with my family isn’t a big deal and not the reason I’m going to Germany for the semester. Speaking in the hotel lobby, I felt just a little uncomfortable. As we traveled more on our trip, I chimed in with locals continuing to get that subtle nervousness. But somehow, I liked the feeling and kept looking for more. I wanted to be thrown into an unknown surrounding again and learn to make a new home. Now, I want to struggle with my German with the cashier at the local supermarket and make a friend along the way. I want to take initiative of traveling and organizing the trips I want to go on. Plus, I want to take care of myself. I want to sort out my own affairs and take the “college experience” a step further (over the Atlantic Ocean). I’m ready to learn, adapt, immerse, and become independent in Europe.

Secondly as an engineer, gaining global experience will help me in all of my career paths. Country borders are coming down and career opportunities will place us anywhere in the world. It’s important to understand other cultures and adjust to new surroundings allowing us to network with the world. It shows initiative, resourcefulness, and adaptability to different environments. Ultimately, my new friend Rick Steves summarized why I think a global experience is important:

” Americans who want our next generation to be hands-on with the world — grappling constructively with international partners against daunting challenges that ignore political borders, working competitively in a globalized economy, and having enthusiasm rather than anxiety about other cultures and approaches to persistent problems — can get on board with the movement to help our students get a globalized education.” (Full article)

My blog will ultimately reflect on my travels but also the details and experiences advisors and students don’t tell you. (ie. How to plan 4 year graduation with study abroad, conversations with locals, etc.). The roadblocks/issues, unique facts, and food and drink (yes, the beer too). There will be ups and downs, but through it all I want to end up with life lessons from my experiences.

T-Minus 1 Day Until I Fly Out

“Are you excited to go?” The first question I get. Yes, I am ecstatic! It still seems pretty surreal that I am leaving but I know once I am on the plane and in the apartment, it’ll officially set in. Although it’s new now, I don’t want to forget why I am going abroad, which easily can get lost in the midst of becoming familiar with my new home.

TIP: I’ll keep a notecard that I want to read every morning reminding me why I am here. I want to keep myself safe but “uncomfortable” with new challenges. Here’s my little mantra:

So, tomorrow’s the flight and I’m packed (I think). Here comes the first week (wooooo) and I’ll be posting an update once I’m officially settled in, we’ll see what the week brings…

Until then, auf wiedersehen and see you in Germany,

Maya

Location: Philadelphia

And away we go.

Hi, guys! My name is Elizabeth Coddington (everyone calls me Liddy) and I am beyond excited to be studying abroad in Barcelona for Spring 2015! I’m a junior public relations major working towards a Spanish minor. I’m hoping that spending four months in Spain will improve my language skills. I am a food enthusiast and I plan on posting pictures of all the delicious things that I eat, so brace yourselves. Cheese and wine galore, people!

This blog is going to be updated weekly, maybe more depending on what exactly happens along the way. I’m in the IES Barcelona Liberal Arts and Business program, which I will be happy to provide as much information on as needed. If anyone has any questions for me, feel free to reach out to me over social media, email, or leave a comment below!

I leave for Barcelona in 4 days and as excited as I am to go, my mind will not stop racing. I visited the city during spring break of my senior year and I can remember standing at the port and thinking that I definitely had to go back at some point in my life.

Studying abroad is the biggest thing I’ve done in my 20 years and I cannot believe that it’s happening so soon, which is apparent by the emptiness of my suitcase. At this point I have not started packing, thought about packing or done anything to even prepare for the pre-packing. But I’m starting tomorrow… I swear. And with every item that I check off my list I know that more and more excitement will begin to replace the anxiety that I feel.

Just a little rundown of what’s going through my mind:

How many shoes can I bring?
What do the dorms look like?
I hope the other students don’t make fun of my Spanish too much.
Everyone says not to overpack but how can I not…
What if I run out of breath when trying to blow up my inflatable headrest on the plane? (I’m serious.)
What if I get stopped at customs and they just don’t let me go at all?
- Side note: My student visa somehow says my name is Elizabeth Laureen. With two E’s. It is not. It is Elizabeth Lauren. The Spanish Consulate said all should be fine so, ya know, nothing I can really do about that.
How am I going to visit all of the places that I want to go?
So many photo opps.
So many crêpes.

That’s just a little sample. I think you get the idea. If you’re reading my post at this point I assume that you are interested in studying abroad in Barcelona (great choice) and you want to know about the “true student experience.” I can promise you that I will be as candid as possible and write everything that I think you need to know. It’s going to be an amazing time and I can’t wait until I have updates for you all.

Despite all the stress and anxiety that comes with pre departure… it’s Europe. It’s Spain. It’s BARCELONA. It’s going to be amazing. Oh, and I’m traveling with my best friend Lauren and I can assure you that reading this blog will be extremely entertaining. There will be pictures, embarrassing stories, videos… I’ll have it all. So, cheers to an amazing semester abroad.

¡Bienvenido a la República Dominicana!

¡Hola!

Thank you taking the time to read this blog. My name is Kyle Gerardi and I will be studying in the Dominican Republic for the next few months. I am a junior business major with a possible Spanish minor. If you are reading because you are interested in studying abroad, I hope to give you good insight and an honest viewpoint about my experiences. If you are a friend or family member, I hope you will enjoy the ride as much as I will. If I do not explain something well, please do not hesitate to comment below, and I will try my best to get back to you.

I have been out of the country many times before, including a four month trip to Switzerland a few years ago and a seven week trip to Scandinavia last summer. I have kept a journal on each of my trips, and will do the same for this one. I always write an entry before I arrive, as well as an entry on my flight back home. My first post usually contains what I am feeling, or what I am nervous about. I also include expectations about where I am going and what I will experience. It sounds a bit corny, but the best part about the writing that I do is looking back on it months or years later. It is quite literally a window to your own past and you can see exactly how you used to think. Writing is just as good if not better for documenting the specific details of a trip as photos. However, looking at pictures can ignite memories that may have been forgotten.

One would think that pre-departure nerves decrease with each trip, but the exact opposite seemed to happen this time. This is my first trip where I am expected to use Spanish on a daily basis. Spanish is my second language, and I have only studied it for two years. I am very excited about this opportunity because I have many friends at Penn State who can speak more than one language. I always thought it was fascinating, and am finally able to try it out for myself.

Thanks again for taking the time to read this! See you soon!

Location: Santiago, Dominican Republic

‘Twas the Night Before Pasta

‘Twas the Night Before Pasta, when Kerry sat anxiously writing this post

Dreaming about what in Italy she would love the most

After collecting all necessary papers, cards, and euros

She asked herself, have I packed? The answer was no.

Pre-departure

Hello to anyone and everyone kind enough to read my blog! My name is Kerry Woods and I am a junior Psychology (B.S.) Neuroscience major at the Pennsylvania State University hopefully applying to medical school this spring. I am studying abroad this Spring 2015 semester in Perugia, Italy at the Umbra Institute. I have never been to Europe and am so very excited to not only be able to travel there, but stay until May! It is all starting to hit me at once now, especially when printing out my flight confirmation number and boarding pass to leave tomorrow.

I am almost 100% Irish and am probably one of the palest people you will ever meet. And with that, I only know about 5 words in Italian. It’s safe to say I am going to stick out like sore thumb. Which is all fine and good! As you probably already know and will soon find out I’m not shy or quiet, at all. So along this journey I will be exploring Europe for the first time, main destination Italy. I am hopeful that I will be able to travel to other countries such as Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, and the UK.

I chose to study abroad in Italy because it has all my favorite things: pasta, art, wine, beaches, and cathedrals. Even though I am a science major, I am extremely interested in art. Almost anything really – paintings, sculpture, architecture. You name it, I probably enjoy it. I went to Catholic school for 12 years of my life, and therefore really appreciate historic churches. I love stained glass windows and paintings, by whom I consider geniuses, such as those in the Sistine Chapel. Therefore, I will absolutely share my experiences regarding the famous food and beverage in Italy; but I will also sneak in a bit about churches as a heads up.

As an author of this blog, Penn State requires me to post something on a weekly basis. So I will try to keep up with that timeline as much as possible. I also love when I am able to visually see places and things someone tells me about, therefore I will try to attach several pictures with each blog post. The best way to communicate with me abroad is to send me a Facebook message. I am purchasing an Italian phone and number while abroad, and will only be using my current cell phone in areas with WIFI. Thank you so very much for taking the time to follow me on my journey this semester, I really appreciate it!

My resolution this year is to be a better listener, so come back and experience all that I am able to see and more importantly, hear.

Location: Wilmington, DE 19803 United States

Thoughts on Leaving, Feelings of Doubt

Recently I have been thinking about how strange and different life will soon be for me. As the number of days left at work dwindle and the final packages of *essentials* arrive in the mail, I am at once exuberant and doubtful. Part of me (and I’ll admit, it is an overwhelming part) is ready to chuck it all and hightail it out of here, as fast as that big ‘ole plane can fly! Another part of me is reluctant to make such a big step, especially one that has seemed little more than a pipe dream for so many years. Perhaps it is the concerned “You’re leaving?!” expressions from patrons and employees at work, with the connotation that I’m being “let go” or maybe it’s the “Oh, we’ll miss you!”, which whilst sweet and heartwarming is likely not the culprit. Rather, I believe it comes from the well meaning but vaguely belittling “…and leave this all behind!” and “…but you’re so good at baking!”. Oh, and let’s not forget “Oh! You’re going to school? This whole time? For what? My goodness?”. Silly rabbit.

I know I am good at what I do. With no formal training I can whip out lovey little confections and decorate them to the nines.

The problem lies not with the job itself. I think other people who dream of being pastry chefs–not that I really consider myself on that level–and go out and do it are great. Really, anytime you can do something you choose is quite an accomplishment. And therein lies the issue: I didn’t choose this line of work. It was simply one short-term job decision, in a long line of short-term, short-sighted, I-need-to-pay-my-rent, decisions. Yes, I enjoy it. Yes, I consider myself talented at it. But it does not bring me joy, not that pervasive, I don’t care about all this other BS that’s going on around me, I can’t wait to go to work today joy. Most days I’m lucky if I can rise above the prickly annoyance I feel for customers who think fifty cents is too much for a muffin or that $1.50 is an outrageous price for a handmade, from scratch pastry. Demoralizing. Maybe I’ve tricked myself in to believing this feeling actually exists in relation to a job. Maybe I’ll never find it. But I have to try.

When I would tell people that I am studying abroad or even for what I am studying abroad (psychology/neuroscience) I get the most shocked expressions. At first I felt extremely insulted, as if these people through their slacked jaws and bulging eyes were judging me unfit for my chosen area of study. I would forcefully haul back the indignation and anger that would spring up out the highly sensitive reaches of my inherently defensive mind.

Then I realized just how defensive I had become…to everything. It was like I was constantly building this arsenal of defensive comebacks just in case someone had an errant comment on why I was in the bathroom or why I dare deign to actually sit down and eat lunch or why I didn’t leap across the counter, floury hands and butter stained knuckles, to help them with that fifty cent muffin. Choice is paramount to my life. And choice of career a very basic need–no, requirement to my life. I am the type of person who cannot separate what I do with who I am. It is not something I like about myself, or my mode of thinking, but I cannot unravel the two. So it follows that if I cannot take pride in or derive more than merely a modicum of pleasure from what I do, then it won’t matter how talented I am it, how easily it comes to me, how quickly I pick it up, or how much I excel at it, regardless of the amount of external praise. I guess what I’m saying is that my defensiveness is merely a result of feeling not in control of my life, my career, my decisions, my choices. And helplessness is an ugly bedfellow.

Life is about Choice. You make the choices that define your life. If you feel like flotsam and jetsam simply being tossed across the sea, then perhaps you must examine your choices or look to where you failed to choose, only to be swept away with the waves always threatening to drown you. If I drown now, and I very well might, at least I’ll go down knowing that I made a Choice, one that is focused on life in its long, winding, glorious beauty and in which I have set the short-sighted ones aside for paths undiscovered, far from the only roads I’ve ever known.

Location: Lancaster, PA

Awaiting my trip to India

Hey guys,

My name is Carolyn Vilardi and I am a student of Sociology and Human Geography at Penn State University. I have many passions and interests like human and environmental justice, vegetarian cooking, yoga, writing, and a bunch more; and I know that my study abroad experience will awaken new passions and enrich my journey as a student and global citizen.

I will be studying in Delhi, India for Fall 2012, beginning my junior year in mid-July. I am especially excited to experience a new culture and lifestyle, and although I have a few ideas and expectations regarding my trip, I realize that I will encounter many surprises.

I can’t wait to share more about myself and my encounters in India as I travel, study and interact in a new place. I hope my reflections evoke a new understanding and enthusiasm for our world. I am so eager to explore India; I already started packing!

Location: Home; Brooklyn, New York

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Exactly one month from today I will be heading to Sydney, Australia, to study at the University of New South Wales. I have just finished applying for my visa, this month I hear back regarding where I will be living in Sydney (either by Coogee or Bondi Beach), and also have received information on some of the events which international students can participate in while in Sydney. Needless to say, the pre-departure period has been quite hectic, even more-so while taking a few Summer classes, and I can not wait to board my plane.

There are events I am not looking forward to however, namely saying goodbye to my friends and family, missing my last season of Penn State football (though I know they will continue to dominate), and also being able to go horseback riding at my friend’s farm whenever I feel like it. These experiences are a worthwhile sacrifice though, and I get to spend nearly six months of my life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, by the beach, and have experience events which I would not have been able to do if I did not study abroad.

I am hoping to learn to surf while in Sydney (with two of the nicest beaches in the world why wouldn’t I?), experience Oktoberfest on the campus of UNSW (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uh-Z67e38g), and just experience the culture of a different country and experience all that it has to offer. Needless to say, I have high expectations for what I wish to accomplish while in Sydney and plan to make the most of this experience of a lifetime.

I am excited for all which lays ahead of me on this journey and am truly blessed to get to have this experience in my life. Before this adventure I have been reading the great American novel “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac, so I find it only fitting to end this blog with a passage from the book. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”

Location: University Park, PA

10 Things They Never Tell You About Studying Abroad

Abstract: Read each sub heading

1) It Gets Better… After Getting Worse: When you first arrive, it is exciting and you can’t wait to plunge into things. But then a feeling of “is this it?” may creep its way into your mind. You may feel like you are back in freshman year, having to start all over without any of the friends you have already passed this phase with back home. It may be challenging settling down and many things may frustrate you, from the simple things such as trying to charge your phone while your laptop is charging and realizing you just have one outlet converter to feeling nobody is understanding your sense of humor or sarcasm. No worries! It gets better. Go at your own pace as everybody’s experience differs. Hint at support if you need any. Sometimes just receiving a piece of home in the mail, whether in the form of homemade banana bread or something so common as your favorite hairspray, unavailable abroad is enough to keep you going. It’s the little things…

2) You Get Sick: Homesick, yes, but you also get SICK-physically. I remember being sick about 3 times during the term. A headache, a cough and sore throat come around more often than they did for me back home. Going out a single night without a scarf had me waking myself up with the crackle of my own cough. Moral of the story: dress appropriately and expect to get sick at least once. I am no doctor but I know your body is adapting to a new environment. If you are on any special meds, don’t forget them.

3) The Course Load Can Weigh In Heavy: When people talk about their study abroad experience, they tend to omit the studying and talk about the experience abroad. Although you want to travel and make the most of your experience, remember the primary reason you are there is to study. WATCH OUT for people from other institutions whose work abroad does not factor in towards their overall GPA. The amount of fun they are having can be misleading! Make sure you always get your work done first, just as you would back home. Just because it is abroad makes the work no less serious.

4) You Get Lost: Self-explanatory. Even when in groups, always have a map handy. Personally, I always had 3 but always got lost regardless. Also, leave your location giving yourself twice as much time as googlemaps may claim you need so you are not late to events.

5) People Are People No Matter Where You Go: Don’t think everyone loves Americans, don’t think everyone hates us either. Some are absolutely in love with our accents and culture while others think we have no culture and find our accents repulsive and flat. There are different kinds of people in different races and different countries, so don’t think one persons actions are a reflection of a nation of people. Every country has the good the bad and the ugly. Even outside America, there are the nice ones, weird ones and the douche bags. And just like back home, you won’t get along with everyone, so don’t worry about it.

6) There Are Expenditures Beyond Tuition: The tuition may seem like the main study abroad obstacle, but you will spend money on trips, groceries, books, and remember the conversion rate. The conversion rate KILLED my pockets in the UK! Before leaving, be sure to call your bank and inquire about the international charges or if they have a branch abroad. If you are there for less than 6 months, they generally don’t let you create a bank account in you host country, so spend wisely. Withdraw enough to sustain you for the week to avoid constant ATM charges. Also, remember to check your bank statement EVERY evening. I got a miscellaneous $80 charged on my account that I am still in the process of figuring out. Since you are abroad, unfamiliar acronyms appear on your statement and at the end of the day your purchases are still fresh on your mind.

7) You will meet a lot of people, but won’t know as many: In the midst of everything, remember to meet people and get to know a few of them. Take time to build a relationship with people so that they are more than a familiar face on campus or on facebook. I remember meeting a guy (turn friend, turn college husband) at a speed meeting event one day and another day staying up talking with him till 2am. After my program ended, I visited his family in Southampton and now we chat whenever we get a chance. Another friend of mine and I met on the very first day and then I didn’t see her in weeks. One day I ran into her, we went to hall together, went partying together and one night, she and I walked all the way to Dominos to put our coupons to use as we nonchalantly looked out for Emma Watson. While there are many who I can barely put a name to a face without the help of facebook, there are a good few whom I know as people and share memories with. Don’t try to hang out with everyone at once and do not let the only place you hang out with people be at the club or at the movies, because it is difficult to get to know them in such environments. I personally liked stopping by peoples’ rooms or grabbing a meal with them.

8) Life back home goes on: Here’s the sad truth. You’ll miss birthdays, MLK Day, Thanksgiving, anniversaries, historical events, etc. It is hard to catch up, especially with the difference in time zones. Upon your return, you may have to re-socialize into your previous social groups, but that is ok. Do yourself a favor: Don’t sit behind your laptop feeling nostalgic as you click through people back homes’ pictures on facebook. Chances are they wish they were in your shoes so live in the moment and try your best to enjoy the here and now. I remember it killed me the morning I heard Joe Pa was fired. I heard it over chattering at breakfast and it took everything in me not to log on to facebook (shamefully my primary source of news after twitter) as I had an essay due in 4 hours. I knew even though I loved Joe Pa, he was not going to type this essay and even though I cared about the safety of everyone in the midst of the riots, the essay was not going to write itself. I had to put aside all my thoughts of my Alma Mater, concentrate on what was important and accept the harsh fact that I could not be there to support my university. (Then again, when you think about it, what could I actually do even if I were there.)

Another point under this heading is that you should remember to keep in touch with your academic advisor. As I mentioned, life continues, therefore do not forget to schedule your courses for the next semester, to settle any housing contracts you plan on signing for the next semester and to ensure that upon your return, your academic standing enables you to graduate on time. Also inquire what you will need to do to be sure of timely grade conversion. Remain in the center of your academic business.

9) You Can’t do it all: I am the queen of telling people to get involved and meet people and do stuff and travel etc etc but I think even more important is to remember that you can’t do it all. I remember saying I was going to attend every single activity listed for fresher’s week but there comes a point when you are physically and mentally drained of meeting new people and making a melody out of the recitation of who you are, where you are from and what you are studying. When that point comes, it is vital that you eliminate any form of guilt of “missing out” on anything and respect your body enough to give it time to rejuvenate. If you fail to do so, well you may find yourself on a slippery slope where you physically begin to fall ill, your grades begin to slip, you therefore will be a cranky socializer then you will start feeling homesick, and end up having a horrible study abroad experience and wishing you had stayed home. All this to say: Slow down! 🙂

10) You WILL have a good time*: (They tell you this, but let me reiterate) When things get rough, you may begin to second-guess everything. Maybe you chose the wrong program? The wrong country? Maybe you aren’t going to have that life-changing experience? Maybe you should have saved more money? The answer: oh well. It is what it is, so make the most of it and once you stop worrying and start living, before you know it, the best experience of you college career will be over and you will wish you could start over.

I wish you nothing but the best. I had an AMAZING time abroad (The highlights of my experience are coming up in my next entry) and I sincerely hope that the only negatives you are bringing back from your trip are those from your old school camera or none at all. I wish every student could experience studying abroad, but if you can’t, at least Geobloggers are there for you to live vicariously through us. Safe travels to all studying abroad in the Spring.

*This excludes the negative Nates and Nancies who complain about the weather, the workload, the food and the people and spend extended periods of time in their rooms skyping all their friends at home, while not participating in life around them. Sorry, can’t guarantee happiness for you. Actually, I can’t guarantee this for anyone.

Location: Oxford, England

Let the countdown begin!

The countdown began months ago when I first applied to this program, and now there’s only two days left. Insanity!

My packing has begun, but nothing is in the suitcase yet. I’m trying to get an idea of what I’ll actually need, and then see if I have room for a few little extras. How am I supposed to fit four and half months of clothes into one suitcase?! Not to mention, it has to be under 50 lbs. Guess it’s a good thing I don’t live in the times of metal armor and chain mail shirts! I don’t think I’d be allowed through an airport in this getup:

To be honest, I have no idea what the people of Montpellier wear, so this could potentially be � la mode there! (Let’s hope it isn’t.)

Goodbyes have been the hardest, and I have to say I’m not getting any better at them. But as I always say, it’s not a “goodbye” it’s a “see you later.” Saying goodbye to my family will be particularly hard because I am so close to them. Here’s a picture of us before Joe Paterno’s 400th win!

So with my less than 48 hours remaining in the country, I am probably going to procrastinate packing a little more!

A bient�t,

Kelsey

Location: Wayland, MA

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