Exchange

So I had one of those moments when you dip your toe into the water and then you lose your balance and fall in and then you're underwater and soaked and totally into it.

I've never really considered study abroad before. One of my good friends always planned to do it but I always just thought 'okay, good for you, not my thing' but I don't know, something changed. And now I want it super badly and I'm definitely going to do it. I've taken steps towards accomplishing it too. I have until August to actually hand in my application but there is a lot to consider until that point, like which Uni (even what country to an extent), what subjects, which subjects match up with my course, what semester would I be there, what subjects run at that time, would it be better to go in Spring which would align with their year starting or would I prefer to do my Autumn semester and backpack over their summer? Questions questions.

Then there are so many other considerations, like how much money I'd need, would it set back my degree, would I be able to make friends, is it worth losing my jobs, is it worth all the money? Could I really backpack across countries where I don't know the language solo? I mean, I think the answer is yes, but they are big questions.

I am very excited by the idea though, which is so surprising because I never considered it before. I was impressed by the randoms on my facebook that did it, and of course loved it, but as an introverted, shy person, I didn't think I could do it.

But what I am, is adventurous, willing to be spontaneous, not fussy about cleanliness or plans, I'm not focused on the little details, I'm willing to try new things and get involved, I just lack confidence in a) myself, in such things as booking hostels/flights, finding where to go, and in general, in decision making, I prefer group feedback where the group chooses what I thought to begin with, thereby validating my reasoning and decision making. I'm intelligent, and I have to hope that I can counteract my lack of assertiveness and outgoingness. I know I will have to make friends, I know I will have to join in with people, and use these people for company on trips in whatever country I'm in, and make friends. I will be on a solo trip, but I don't expect at all that that means all the solo parts will be done with me by myself.

However, I'm getting way ahead of myself. Study Abroad will just be travelling on the weekends, again, hopefully with the friends I make there. That would be about taking advantage of every opportunity living in a country would give me, with having a permanent residence on campus to return to. Not to mention studying, relaxing, joining clubs, making friends etc.

This could be so cool.

I am excited.