Well, I have officially begun my adventures abroad. The plan for my blog is to share stories, tips, and the things I am learning as I’m gone. So anyone who is reading this, I hope that you’ll come back for updates and the real “fun stuff”!
A Little Bit About Me
As the first entry of this blog, I feel compelled to share a little bit about myself before people start reading about what I am doing for the next 4 months. To say studying abroad has been a lifelong dream would be overselling a bit. It was more like the first time I was introduced to the idea of “study abroad”, I instantly knew that it was for me.
Okay, so why Spain? I have been to Europe before and I loved it. Combine that with a deep desire to learn the Spanish language fluently and you see how I landed on this particular gem of the world. I was also floating a couple of cities around, and a high school Spanish teacher believed that Granada would be my fit. And next thing I know, I apply, am accepted, and the preparations began.
Last thing about me, I LOVE traveling- as hinted by the title of this entry. Even going to Chicago for a weekend is exciting (and I’ve been there about 6 times since being at Valpo). However, traveling for a few days or a week, while fun and exciting, usually leaves me wanting to spend more time in a particular place. To really learn the way people live, understand a different culture, become familiar with a new place and not just be a tourist or vacationer, that’s what I want. And that’s what I’m getting for the next 4 months in Spain!
The Packing Struggles
I will elaborate more on this looking back after the fact. There will be definitely a best/worst packing practices entry later on. How much of anything to bring, what to buy in the US and what to wait to get there, what NOT to bring, an how to fit it all in the limited space?? This was a strange process of packing, repacking, taking things out, adding more. It was impossible to come up with much of a strategy, but you do it and hope you did it right.
Expectations
For the last year, I have imagined what this would be like. Classes, traveling, eating, seeing, living- I’ve pictured all of these things in my head. But I’ve been trying not to expect to much, because I don’t want my idea of what studying abroad should be affect what it actually is. Basically, my expectations and hopes can be summed up like this: I hope that this experience is exactly what it’s supposed to be. And I have no idea what that is, but I have a feeling that in hindsight, I'll know.
Future Entries
I will continue to share each blog entry on Facebook and via email to those who would like it, but to make it easier, subscribe to the blog below and it will email you automatically when I post new things!
Peace and Blessings America, I’ll see you in a few months!
