I am writing this just before my flight to Prague. I have had months to start, so why now? As I am on the eve of my study abroad, I’ve had time to reflect on this question. The biggest reason is that I am unprepared. I’m unprepared in what to expect. Unprepared in my packing. Unprepared in my own organization. These all seem like negatives, but this has been the calmest I have been in my life. I’m ready to be unprepared. I have been to Europe numerous times in different circumstances, both with family as well as with friends. When I was with them, it was similar to an army boot camp. Do you have your passport? Your Phone? All of your clothes? Do you know where you are staying? Etc. Etc. All of these are valid questions that one should keep in mind, but I think I am ready to ask those questions of myself on my own time.
This is why I think living on your own in a new country is so valuable to your growth as a person. I would argue that I am sufficient at caring for myself in a U.S-centric setting, yet I have no idea what my personal standards and what I care about will be like in Prague. Questioning the routines that I have experienced at home and how they will change is what makes studying abroad more than just a vacation. Instead of my usual Dunkin’ coffee, I’m ready to wake up unprepared and try to find something new. Am I going to become a regular at a small cafe? Or am I going to try and go to a new place every day? These small decisions are what’s going to dictate my experience and create something unforgettable.
What I’m most excited for is meeting new people that I can share my experiences with. My last time in Prague was filled with memories as my friends and I explored the touristy side as well as the nightlife. I want to be able to revisit the places that have been ingrained in my mind while also creating new memories with new people that are studying abroad for the same reasons as me. I think that’s why I want to be unprepared- by being in that state of mind, I will be more open to new people and experiences.
Let’s see how it goes!
DU Abroad 