“So I kinda freaked out when I first got here. I was overwhelmed by being halfway around the world all on my own. I convinced myself that I wasn’t going to make friends and that I would be miserable here. But everything changed once my suite-mate arrived and orientation week started.”
“There are 10 productions Gaiety takes us to throughout the semester as well as any additional 5 that we are to see on our own – I’m so excited to be experiencing so much theatre! “
“When you think about all of the things that you need to get done before you depart it can seem really overwhelming. But if you make a list (for example writing down all the papers I have to collect or what I need to pack) it can seem much more organized and you can start working your way through it. Once I got started with a list like this everything became much more manageable and in the long-term the paperwork and preparation is a momentary (but still important) stress that’s nothing compared to the excitement that I’m going to be able to study in Europe for an entire year.”
“I’m not too nervous about anything yet, other than the plane ride over there. Slightly worried about homesickness but I know I’ll be having fun – This blog and art journal are really going to help me connect to and take in my surroundings and I’m so excited to experience a new place. “
“Besides being scared and nervous, I am just as excited. I am looking forward to finally seeing another part of the world and immersing myself in a different culture. I am excited to meet new people and hear their stories, and of course, I am excited about all the food I am about to eat.”
When I chose to go to Finland, I did so knowing that I was going to a less populated, Western, and English-speaking country. I figured since I was going to study, it would be a good idea to choose somewhere that was relatively easy to get around. Even with this in mind I’m still going halfway around the world on my own for four months. But I’m sure this will help increase my independence and give me the opportunity to meet many new people.”
“Despite the shortness of my time in Lyon, the time I’ve spent here makes it easy to call it home. I love my host family. They have made me feel very welcome and even though I am still struggling with the language barrier, I love talking with them. One of my favorite parts of the day is sitting around the table and continuing to talk long after we’ve finished dinner.”
“Lyon is more wonderful and welcoming than I ever expected. It has the excitement of a big city, the quaintness of a small town, and lacks the touristy kitsch found in Paris. It’s lovely and genuine and I can already tell a month will not be enough!”
