globaled – Page 65

The “buddy system” has been drilled into our brains since we were in preschool, but how relevant is the concept when you’re studying abroad? From my experience last fall in Glasgow, Scotland, sticking with a friend is not always the best policy. Although there are undeniable benefits to consistently exploring with a companion, it is almost equally important to fly solo occasionally.

Wandering around your unfamiliar city by yourself might seem incredibly intimidating, but it is simply the best way to get know your new home. My first day in Glasgow was spent meandering the cobblestone streets, walking in and out of little shops, exploring the university’s campus and getting lost at various points throughout the day. I was so busy taking in the sights and snapping pictures that I never once felt lonely. After making a few friends that week, a group of us walked around together, exploring just as I had by myself the first day. With five us exploring together, it was less about where I wanted to go and more about where the majority of us agreed upon going. Maybe I am just selfish, but aside from the fact that I enjoyed everyone’s company, I found myself annoyed that I was skipping places I was truly interested in visiting, just for the sake of the group as a whole.

Mikaela photo — Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum (less than a 5-minute walk from my flat!)

Throughout the rest of the semester, I made a promise to myself that I would not forgo visiting any sight or shop simply because I could not find a buddy to join me – and it was the best decision ever! Don’t get me wrong, I made some of the best friends of my life and certainly spent a lot of time exploring with them. But when I wanted to go the museum just down the street from my flat and no one else seemed interested in joining, I put on my raincoat and Wellies and toiled through the rain, happily alone.

From my perspective, exploring Glasgow (or any city) is best done through a combination of the buddy system and independence. There is no question about the importance of making friends and spending time touring your host city with them. But if you do your own thing from time to time, you will learn some invaluable skills, gain confidence and get to know yourself better in the process!

Tips for Safety:

*While it is perfectly fine to explore alone during the day, it’s not recommended to do so after dark.

*Make sure a friend knows where you are going and when you expect to be back.

*Be aware of your surroundings and look out for “red flags”

*Always bring your cell phone and a city map along in case you get lost!

Mikaela Gibson, DU Study Abroad Alum, University of Glasgow ‘11

Staring out at the rain-pattered window, I sat anxiously on a crowded bus, headed for Moscow. My train for Saratov was set to leave in an hour, whether I was on it or not. We had been driving for nearly four hours, when our bus grinded to a halt, nowhere near tour destination. I had only 40 minutes left to navigate the enormous and inevitably congested train station, in hopes of making my train by 12:01. While pondering how on earth this would be possible, the bus driver announced that this would be as far as he was going, due to the traffic; we would have to walk the rest of the way. Great! I not only have no idea where I am going, but its pouring rain and I have to lug all of my stuff there in about 20 minutes. And that’s what I did. I jumped off the bus, grabbed my bags and started running. The bus driver pointed me in the right direction and off I went, asking every person I happened to run into “where is the train station?” And you know what, I made it. I stepped onto the train and seconds later, I was on my way to family and friends.

It was that bus ride and subsequent train ride that made me realize so much about myself. As I sat listening to music and soft trickle of the rain, I understood that my parents did the very best job they could in raising me. I understood that though they have made choices that I don’t agree with, it’s not a reflection on me; I can let it go, forgive and be free. I understood that I was alone, travelling in Russia and never once doubted myself, never once thought that I couldn’t do it and never once looked back. I understood that in those few hours, I became a woman, a better human being and truly began to live a life of my choosing. I understood that the only one who stood in my way was me, and when I removed my self-imposed limitations, the opportunities were endless.

For me, Russia was an escape from the chaos, but through its bureaucratic serenity, I found what I was looking for. I was set free, reinvigorated and ready to return to my mom, my dad, my brother, and my amazing life. Russia reminded me just how precious life is and that you can’t let it slip away from you. This lesson is one that I will never forget.

Kelsey Guyette, OIE Peer Advisor

Tag: globaled

Defying the Buddy System

A Look Back: A Year Later and a Year Wiser