By Kathleen Bromelow
Elm Staff Writer
As this academic year comes to a close, I just want to take a moment to reflect on my study abroad experience for this past year.
This year has been filled with adventure and a lot of interesting experiences to say the least. I would be lying if I said that everything worked out exactly the way that I expected, but I am hard pressed to name any specific horrendous events that have occurred during my study abroad experience. I think in that regard, I’m lucky.
This year was an amazing experience. I don’t think that I would have been able to meet such a diverse group of students if it weren’t for the International Student Association at Hull. Personally, living abroad for a year has really helped me to understand a different society and different viewpoints.
Granted, when you think of England, you probably imagine London and how Americanized it has become. But as you get away from the major cities, you see historic castles, out-of-the way pubs, and local shops that are off the beaten trail, and things that are fascinating and historical. These things are so unlike anything that I have seen before.
As I study for final exams, it feels a little weird to think that I will be going home. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to be stateside again, but part of me just wants to stay here. May 22 seems so far away and yet too close.
I have to say that studying abroad was an excellent decision, and as you can probably tell from this article, I highly recommend it. I hope that you enjoyed my ramblings in this Elm column and that it has made you think about doing a little traveling—be it studying abroad or exploring a place near you. I say go ahead and explore and enjoy life. You only live once, so make it count.