Now that I am back home, one of the biggest things on my mind is how truly once-in-a-lifetime this experience was. It feels almost bittersweet, like a wave of nostalgia every time I think about it. I know I will never relive those exact moments again, and that makes them feel even more special. At the same time, I feel incredibly grateful for the lifelong connections I made throughout the trip. I can’t wait to see how those friendships continue to grow as we hang out on campus and experience college life together in a whole new way.
Thinking back to the day I first arrived at the airport, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I didn’t have a set schedule, and I knew I would be away for two months, one month studying abroad and another month of personal travel. The uncertainty was stressful, but it was also thrilling to think about all the new experiences ahead.
While our May/June program didn’t involve staying with a host family or having one specific “host” country, we spent about two weeks studying in Croatia before traveling throughout Europe, particularly Italy. I genuinely miss Croatia because I became familiar with the area, the culture, and the people. Instead of a host family, I got to live with other girls on the trip, which turned out to be such a gift. Through that, I built lifelong friendships and memories that I will always cherish.
I miss the places, the people, and the experiences, but it’s not a sad kind of missing, it’s a warm, nostalgic feeling that reminds me how meaningful the trip was. Studying abroad challenged me, changed me, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever. Coming home feels like closing one chapter, but it also makes me excited to see how this experience continues to shape my life moving forward.
