Studying Abroad while Studying Abroad
As a Swede studying in the U.S, it felt a bit strange to apply for a study abroad program, considering I am already studying abroad. I have currently finished my freshman year, a year filled with various types of experiences. I am currently writing this blog entry in my hometown in Sweden. To be here, back home with all my childhood friends, is truly amazing after one hectic first year at Northeastern. However, it is clear that a lot of things have not changed here. Everything here is still the same as when I left almost 9 months ago, which is of course nice; but it is also makes me feel like something is missing.
A couple of weeks before I was about to embark upon my summer break (4 months long!), I realized I needed to do something during the summer. The quality and the sincere dedication from Northeastern to strive for a global perspective is incredible, which made me decide to consider yet another abroad experience during the summer. I started to browse different alternatives on the GEO website, and I was truly amazed with the different choices and destinations you could go to. Since I am quite familiar with the European continent, and currently residing in the U.S, I decided; why not try something completely different? Why not go somewhere you have not been before, a country far, far away? This mindset is what made me apply for the summer program at the University of Sydney.
Previously in my life, I have had the opportunity to travel already without a “safety net”, also known as my parents. However, during that particular experience, I have always had the company of a friend or an acquaintance. Since I have not been properly introduced to every student attending this summer program, it almost feels like I am traveling alone. Do not get me wrong, I am so excited to meet everyone attending this program, and I hope I will make long-lasting friendships. I believe traveling to a foreign country, far away from my hometown, will be an incredible experience. I will get an incredible experience of living in a country I have never been in before, without someone to catch me with the “safety net”.
I enjoy the relationship I have between myself and my student advisor at the University of Sydney. My advisor has helped me tremendously with all my questions, as well as providing me with information about social events and other suggestions. I hope to attend as many social events as I can in order to meet as many people as possible. Everything is much more fun when you can share the experience with other people! I wish to explore and to absorb as much as I can from my visit to Australia, and I hope I will find many friends to tag along with me.
Of course, traveling all by myself for the first time to a country on the other side of the world (literally from Sweden), it is a bit scary. It would be a lie if I was not a bit worried and scared about what is waiting for me in the Land Down Under. There are so many things that are different from what I am used to in my home country. Thankfully, I have many friends that have traveled to Australia and to other places in that part of the world, and I have tried to get as prepared as possible through them. Being prepared helps one to get lucky, and I believe with the help of my friends, I will be able to overcome all the obstacles that might appear.
Considering everything that awaits me on the other side of the world, I would say to explore the country and try to absorb their culture, their way of life, is the most exciting part of this journey. Trying to view everything from an Aussie’s point of view is something I want to experience, as I know it will broaden the horizon for me. I realize I am already studying abroad in the U.S, however, I do not want my global experience to end there. That is why I am so thankful for Northeastern’s global expertise, as they help their students to explore new areas of the world.
I cannot wait to get started. I will see you again in Sydney!
