It’s not goodbye, it’s hello to a new beginning

And just like that my spring semester at App State has come to an end. It’s safe to say that over the last few weeks, many many tears have been shed, memories reminisced and friendships have been made stronger than ever. But it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t cry because you’re sad it’s over, you should feel proud that you’ve completed such an experience that no one can prepare you for. You should feel joy as you watch those that you have grown so close to, will now continue their journey and grow and flourish and you can say that you were apart of their life, and them a part of yours. Feel proud of yourself that you have now become one step closer to finding yourself, this journey has no specific end, you write your path each new day you awake and this experience has helped shape you into the person you are today. So be thankful if anything, that this amazing time has finished on such a high note; you grew in ways you never thought possible, met people you didn’t know you needed and experienced such experiences you didn’t know you would need to face. 

For those of you debating whether or not to study aboard. Do it. What have you got to lose? You have more to gain, intellectually and personally above any other factor holding you back.

Preparing For Your Studies Abroad

Applying to study abroad can be a very lengthy process, trust me, I went through it too. One thing that I cannot stress enough is to stay organised and on top of everything! There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out and of course your university choices. When it comes down to making your three choices, I can only suggest that you, of course, chose a place that you'd be happy with living in for five months, as well as making sure that the courses they do are beneficial for you and will help towards your degree.

Once you have finished with your personal statements and selecting your choices and been successful to study abroad, it’s time for the serious stuff. This will be where you apply for your visa, send important information and documentation to your host university and start booking your flights etc. Booking your visa interview can take some time so make sure that you don’t leave this until the last minute otherwise you might not be able to go. Also, in terms of booking flights, the sooner you book them the cheaper they will be!! I would recommend to just book a single flight for the time being unless you are 100% certain that you will be coming straight home and you know the exact date this will be.

After you have completed all of this, it’s now time to start packing. How exciting! This can be very stressful, primarily due to the fact that you’re only limited to one cabin sized suitcase and one big one, unless of course you pay to have extra. My only tip is pack the necessary things. Stuff such as toiletries, stationary and smaller things can always be bought once you’ve arrived. Also, keep in mind what the weather will be like for the whole time while you’re away. If you’ve applied to study abroad during the spring semester then keep in mind that it will get warmer towards the end of your stay, so pack some lighter, summery clothes.

All in all, have an amazing time abroad, it’ll truly be an experience you won’t forget nor regret!!

Weekend to Wilmington

The number of weeks I have left here at App State is slowly decreasing, between trying to get my work done, hang out with friends and explore nearby areas, time is limited. But, nevertheless, the weekend just past, three friends and I went to Wilmington. If you've seen or heard of One Tree Hill, then you will already be familiar with the area.

The drive was five hours long, but once we arrived we went to my friend’s house and visited her family and later grabbed some food and got an early night in preparation for the Azalea Festival that was taking place on Saturday.

The Azalea Festival occurs once a year down in Wilmington, the azalea is the flower of Wilmington hence why they have a whole festival dedicated to it. The festival consisted of a two-hour long parade, which was quite the show, and then firework displays later that night.

We decided to stay for the whole parade as my friend’s sister was taking part in it. After this, we decided to head to the beach. Oh, my how I missed the beach, the only difference despite the water temperature and weather, was the sand; back home in Brighton we only have pebbles. But, a beach is still a beach and we were able to kick back and relax.

After a busy, yet relaxing day in the sun it was now time to head back to App. The weather had taken a slight turn and the rain was pouring non-stop, but this was a blessing in disguise as it helped me sleep for most of the drive home.

Easter Break: Washington

 Four days’ break, a long weekend, time to travel some more! During the Easter break my friends and I took off to Washington D.C. for a short break. These four days were the most fun I have had in a long time. We arrived on the Friday night after an eight-hour drive, that part was not so much fun.

The days started with an 8am wakeup call and breakfast in the lobby. Once this was out of the way we were free to do as we pleased in D.C. On Saturday we decided to head to the Capitol building and walk down to the Washington Monument, then to the Lincoln Memorial. After this, we ventured to the Natural History Museum and after this, we managed to find a few shops, which we were able to have a quick browse in. Later that night we went out for dinner, believe it or not, but there was a Nandos in Washington! Do you even have to ask where we ate that night?

The second day we went to Awesome Con and George Town to see some more shops. If you know me, then you’d know that it is most certainly not like me to go to Comicon, yet here we were. In all honesty, it was quite fun; the majority of the time was spent with my friends laughing at me because I didn't have a clue who anyone was supposed to be. George Town, on the other hand, was definitely more up my street, unfortunately, I didn't buy anything.  

The third and final full day was spent taking a tour of inside the Capitol building, visiting the Air and Space Museum and looking over Washington from the post office tower. This view was something quite spectacular, despite it being cloudy the view was still pretty impressive.

All in all, this was by far one of my favorite weekend breaks away. I would highly recommend that you visit D.C. if you get the chance to while studying in the USA.

Update: Three Months In

I’ve been here at App State for three months now; only two months left, unfortunately so. Since moving here for my semester abroad, I originally arrived with an open mind, no expectations and no pre-planned ideas of how I wanted my time here to play out. I can safely say that this has been everything and more than I could’ve possibly imagined it to be. In all honesty, I don't want to come home. Of course, I miss my friends and family but I have also made friends here and surprisingly met a guy, all of whom I am going to miss when I do return home.

The months I have left here are slowly slipping away and my mood has been impacted by this recently. If you do decide to study abroad, although it most likely will be an amazing and incredible time away for you, just prepare yourself for the crash at the end where reality hits you in the face, and you’re left with the realization that you can’t stay forever. Sorry to sound slightly dramatic, blunt and pessimistic, but it’s true.

Of course, this won’t be the end of the world. It sucks and isn’t ideal but I am positive that the friends I have made here are ones that I will stay in touch with them for many years to come!

It's Normal To Not Miss Home

Since moving to the US as a part of study abroad, how I originally thought I would feel emotionally prior to leaving is not how I’ve found myself to be feeling. I originally thought that I would be missing home and all of my friends and family of whom I had left behind for this set time period, however as bad as it may sound, I haven’t missed home nor the life I had there. If were being honest, I feel as though I am living two completely different lives. Now, I’m not sure if it’s because of the cultural differences or just the new group of people I have immersed myself with, but I have found myself to have grown in confidence, become happier than I thought I originally could be, as well as going out of my comfort zone.

I’m not saying that when you start your adventure when studying abroad that you’re going to be the same as me; I am saying that if you find yourself like me and aren’t missing home or the life you left behind, then just know that it’s normal and you’re not the only one.

SPRING BREAK!!

The time had FINALLY come! It was spring break and this meant one thing; Florida here we come!

This was by far the most amazingly, unforgettable week I’ve ever had! Myself and five friends decided to head down to Florida for spring break. The first three days were spent in Orlando, where we went to Disney World and Universal Studios, the las four days we spent in Miami on the infamous South Beach!

Disney and Universal Studios honestly made me feel like I was a kid again. Both days were spent trying to go on as many rides as possible, not to mention at Disney, of course wearing Mini Mouse ears the whole day.

Arriving in Miami felt like a dream. The sun was shining, the heat was amazing and on every corner was a palm tree. The next four days were spent soaking up the sun, enjoying being by the ocean and exploring the beautiful city. We decided to do the city tour, boat tour of the mansions and famous houses as well as the Everglades where we got to see some large and small alligators.