Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

When I decided to study in the Netherlands, and Europe by extension, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to finally live in a fourth continent. Diving headfirst into the unknown, I could not have imagined how much I was going to learn about myself and the world around me. All of a sudden, I was thrust into a world of travel and reconnecting, and education and work.  

Studying abroad has epitomized my view of the word “exhilarating”. With every weekend holding the promise of visiting a new country, and every country holding the promise of building new connections, life has never felt so exhilarating. The ease of travel within the continent is and continues to be the best gift that an adventurer like myself could have gotten. From the coziness of Bern to the mirthfulness of Barcelona, entering each country is like entering a new dimension of the world. 

Living in Europe has permitted me to reconnect with my UWC and childhood friends alike, after many years. But most importantly, it has gifted me the chance to visit my sister after years of us living apart. In addition to traveling, the Dutch student life involves grocery shopping and biking. Having to cook for myself everyday has been just as humbling as it has been fun, because while I enjoy trying new recipes, I have had a few failed attempts.

In a nutshell, my exchange semester has been an indispensable gift that has changed my view of life and understanding of  adulthood. I am eternally grateful to have had the chance to begin my twenties on the other side of the world, making lifelong friendships, traveling, learning Dutch. 

I would like to thank Lake Forest College’s Global Engagement Office, ISEP, Tilburg University, and for this wonderful gift.