Hi all,
I hope everyone is having a great start to this wonderful month leading up to Turkey Day! There is lots to be thankful for, and for this little post I thought I could talk about a few of the moments I have cherished and enjoyed thus far! Remember, these are just highlights of the last few months. I have certainly had my share of ups and downs during my time here. Keeping in mind that life is just as turbulent but wonderful abroad is super important if you are considering studying abroad!
- The number one spot definitely has to go to the people I have met abroad. Funnily enough, I have become very close with three students who go to Boston College at home (what a small world!!!) and am so grateful for the opportunity to make such amazing memories with them. I have also met a great community of people through a local spin studio I joined while being abroad! The instructors and other community members are lovely and so supportive.
- My second favorite moment has been visiting Belgium, specifically Brussels!
Flag of Belgium
Canal tour in Bruges!
I went this past weekend and was able to visit a few cities as well as the country of Luxembourg! It made my inner New England feel right at home with the gorgeous autumnal weather and leaves changing colors! I even made a friend who is from Boston but is studying in France for the semester. Aside from sightseeing and tasting (gluten free) waffles, I was also able to snag some last minute concert tickets to see Noah Kahan. For those who may not have listened to his music, I highly recommend it! He is a Vermont native and creates beautiful music that is good for the soul 😆 I will attach some photos of my view of the concert!
Enjoying the Noah Kahan concert!
Noah Kahan in Brussels
- Finally on my little list of favorite moments, the opportunity to learn so so so much has truly refreshed me. It can be really hard to feel inspired and excited about coursework after three years of it. To be honest, burnout is a real challenge (we can talk about that at a later date), but being abroad has felt like a chance for my inner child to come out and just be so curious about everything. Whether it be the variations in slang or the architecture used in most buildings, this unique chance to be abroad and soak up every moment has been unforgettable.
With these incredible snapshots, I have also had to learn how to be brave, resilient and able to take care of myself like never before. It has been hard but it has been worth it. I miss my family, my boyfriend, my dogs, my friends and my home more than I ever thought possible. But at the same time, I feel a sense of comfort in my new surroundings. My new dorm room feels like a safe place even with its heinous purple curtains. All in all, being abroad is awesome, rewarding, and something I am extremely grateful for. You should give it a try! Wink wink 😀
Until next week,
Anna Tutek