What is/are your major(s)? Strategic Communications & Theatre What is/are your minor(s)? Political Science What is the name of your study abroad program? University of Westminster In what city & country is your study abroad program… More
Introducing Nico Clapp
What is/are your major(s)?
Psychology
What is/are your minor(s)?
Studio Art & Business Administration
What is the name of your study abroad program?
In what city & country is your study abroad program located?
Cork, Ireland
What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?
I’m an introverted person, so if you’re looking for what the social life is here, that’s probably the area that will be most lacking in information. That being said, I’m very academically rigorous, and enjoy exploring nature and historical/culture sites, so I’ll have a lot to say about that.
What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?
I’m very excited to be able to learn about Ireland while inside it, it’s a beautiful country with a rich history and culture.
Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?
I’m a massive homebody who likes everything to stay the same as possible, and I could tell how much that was robbing me of new experiences I would enjoy. Studying abroad is a good way to push myself out of my comfort zone with the structure of school and systems to support me stopping it from being too much of a push.
A Re-Introduction and New Goals
After two weeks of holiday break, I was ready to return to Rennes, France and its cold and dark climate. I missed to cobblestone streets, the historical buildings, and canal that runs through the city. I also, funnily enough, missed my local Intermarché and regular cafe, Maison Bécam.
However, this semester, I need to make some changes to how I am navigating my next five months here in France. Not only do I need to do more in my social life, but I also need to be more academically challenged. The first thing I did was change my academic schedule and added two Thursday classes. However, in order to have some idea of how to change other parts of my life, I have made a few goals for myself to complete throughout the rest of my time.
- Volunteer consistently
- Run three times a week
- Attend at least one workout class a week
- Travel to Switzerland to meet up with an old friend
- Cook more
- Visit cities outside of France
- Read at least 1 book every 2 weeks
This list is subject to change, however, I hope that these goals allow for me to stay grounded and will help me grow more than I did last semester. I know they aren’t lofty goals either, but I want them to remind me that I am able to stay stable in a new semester where everything has changed except for the city I am in.
Although I will miss my family at home and my friends who have all gone back to their universities, I am excited to meet new people, see new places, and experience new things. I hope that this semester is more exciting and fulfilling than the last.
