Kelly Lindenau

I’m not the type of girl who usually takes big chances or goes for things that require major changes.  I’m set in my ways and I like my routine.  Therefore, when the idea of studying abroad floated into my head freshman year after Facebook stalking a friend who had just returned from Prague, I dismissed it pretty quickly.  However, it stayed in the back of my mind and kept nagging me until I finally decided to make an appointment with the Center for International Education on my campus, if nothing more than to just say I explored it as an option.  

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Fast forward a year and a half later, and I found myself boarding an airplane to Rome.  I went with nothing more than a suitcase, carry-on, a backpack, and a girl from my school (whom I had only met a couple months prior).  I was terrified.  But it turned out to be the most amazing four months of my life.  Not only did I see changes in myself as a person, but it also opened my eyes and introduced me to a completely new lifestyle.

For one, I learned not to take things for granted.  One of the biggest differences between America and Europe is their age.  America is a relatively young country; therefore our history is not as prominent, and our architecture is more modern.  Europe, however, is so rich with history and centuries old architecture that it makes it difficult for buildings to have modern amenities.  After every load of laundry, I found myself hanging my soaking wet clothing over a clothes table on my balcony, praying that I didn’t cut it too close to my morning classes so that they’d be dry by then.  It made me realize that the little things are not so little.  

Things that we normally take for granted, such as driving, are not as expendable as we’d like to think they are.  Most programs don’t allow their study abroad students to rent cars, and to be honest, driving in Europe looks pretty intimidating, and that’s coming from a Jersey girl who’s not afraid to drive through snowstorms, hurricanes, or the parkway on a Friday during summer.  Cell phones are another part of life that most people think they can’t live without, but believe me when I tell you it’s more than possible.  I was only able to use my phone when I was in my apartment or when I was linked to free Wi-Fi, which was actually a blessing in disguise because I didn’t end up being that girl who spent her time in Europe with her head buried in her phone.  After all, not everyone gets to visit the Trevi Fountain on a daily basis.

Studying abroad gave me a newfound appreciation for things that I'd previously taken for granted, and even taught me that you don’t need them.  Now, I barely check my phone unless I have something important to talk about, and I hesitate to use my car when I know something’s within walking distance.  I learned to be more open-minded when dealing with someone who’s just beginning to learn the English language.  It’s extremely difficult to learn a new language, and English is one of the hardest.  I have just a beginner’s knowledge of Italian, and that’s after four months of living there and taking an Italian class everyday… and even at that, ‘beginner’ is a nice way of saying I know hello/goodbye, bottle of the house red, and directions to my apartment.

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Not only did I see changes in myself as a person, studying abroad opened my eyes and introduced me to a completely new lifestyle.

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In terms of organization, I came back a totally new person.  I was much more independent, no longer shying away from taking charge of a situation and not being afraid to assert myself when necessary.  I was traveling every weekend, booking my own flights, buses, trains, and hostels.  I had to compare prices to find the best deal and keep my information organized.  The responsibility that comes along with travel is now second-nature to me, which is helpful in remembering simple everyday stuff such as my wallet and keys.  I also had the opportunity to interact with not only other Americans, but people from other countries as well, and it helped me learn how to treat each person as an individual, ignore the stereotypes, and embrace people beyond face value.  I’m a much more open-minded person because of that.

The bottom line is that the ability to study abroad, and actually doing it, is nothing but a blessing.  You get to live in a country you’ve always dreamed of visiting, and you get to see things that most people will never get to see.  You learn to appreciate your surroundings; you teach yourself not to take things for granted, and you’re no longer scared or nervous to assume responsibility for yourself or your actions.  I came back a totally changed woman, and it was all for the better.  My one piece of advice to everyone is to do whatever it takes to make sure that you can study abroad.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s one that you’ll never forget and never regret.  And hey, it's pretty cool to be able to tell your future kids about that one time you went on a pizza eating date at the Colosseum.

 

Kelly Lindenau is going into her senior year at Rider University, pursuing a degree in History and English Writing. After just coming back from spending a semester in Europe, she’s back in America and resuming her normal routine of running, writing, and binge-watching One Tree Hill.

 

Comments (1)

  1. Meagan Hooper

I've got the travel bug!!!

 
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