As I prepare to embark in my first UA study abroad, I am a little bit overwhelmed with emotions. On the one hand, I am ecstatic to engage in such a community based opportunity where I will have the chance to grow my global perspective while expanding on my personal limitations. As an International Business student at the Capstone, I am particularly excited to gain real-world experience in the International Business field — while also getting to study economics abroad.
I am someone who loves to learn and consume knowledge and I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to learn for the sake of learning through an immersive experience. While there will be traditional assignments and exams, the stakes are low, allowing me to really engage in learning — opposed to memorizing and regurgitating — a common issue I have with the modern school system.
Not only am I being given the opportunity to partake in an immersive experience in International Business, I am also being presented with the opportunity to see personal growth through a dynamic travel experience. I am throughly looking forward I see all that the world has to offer in these locations that I have never visited, thus broadening my personal horizons. As I have recently turned 21 and have began thinking deeply about post-grad life and goals, I am excited to take this opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone as a young adult.
However, excited as I may be, I can not help but feeling a little bit overwhelmed. Going into my senior year, and thinking about the ramifications of my last year of undergrad, I have a variety of concerns regarding a month-long study abroad. As this year was particularly difficult for me both physically and emotionally, I worry that I am ‘wasting’ a month of my summer which could have been spent with my family — whom I look to for comfort during this difficult period of my life. Given the nature of this incredible opportunity, I hate to seem ungrateful, but equally worry about how my personal and emotional health will suffer from another month without seeing my family.
As I think about all of these emotions, I set goals for myself, hoping to effectively manage the internal crossroads I am facing. I hope to push out of my social bounds, not being hesitant to meet new people and spark new relationships. I also hope to really concern myself with learning for the sake of learning, and not being overly focused on grades received through the course. Finally, I hope to feel confident coming out of the trip in future opportunities to travel alone — not only now, but far beyond the time of this Study Abroad.
The chance to study abroad, for many individuals, come few and far between. Although I have personal doubts, they are overtaken by this once in a lifetime opportunity. I look forward to sharing this journey with you guys and can not wait to see what is in store for me!
