The final stretch of my study abroad was muddled with emotions
that maybe differ from what others seem to experience. While others seem to
feel motivated and engaged to do all they can with the little time they have
left, I felt simply and for lack of a better description, burned out.
Before you leave for study abroad they always show the graph
about how you experience the first month of so. It starts out with a big up of
excitement, a down of confusion, and a steady increase in adaptation and
comfort. What they didn’t mention, however, is the graph of the final stretch.
The up in desire for familiarity. The up in cultural irritability. The up in
homesickness.
This is not to say I have not enjoyed the end of my time
abroad. I got to see Verona, and explore Rome a little bit more. A friend of
mine from high school was in town for his study abroad and I got to meet up
with him and his friends. Outside of that, however, I have simply felt like I’m
done with my experience. It may have been attributed to the fact that I’ve been
gone for a month longer than most everyone else. I think recently I came to the
realization that being abroad for extended periods just isn’t for everyone.
I’ve come to appreciate comfort and familiarity, while others may appreciate
the grandeur and excitement of new places and people.
For international business students it proves why this
experience is so vital. The classes may be about the same, but the learning you
do about yourself as a student and future professional is invaluable. I know I
probably won’t work abroad, and I’ve learned in what environments I function
the best. You see how other people live, and you get an incredibly first hand insight into different communities and people. That’s something I would not have gotten in Columbia, and I believe
it will dictate my career in the future. I will always appreciate that. I may
be going home, and I’m happy about that, but I will never regret my time in
Rome.
Verona
