Currently sitting at the airport, I find myself in a reflective place while waiting to board my international flight to Spain. It feels so surreal to have just finished my studies in Florence, at Lorenzo de Medici, a mere two weeks ago. I was so glad to be home for the holidays, with family, friends and in a familiar environment. But time flew by, and I found myself juggling trying to see everyone, working, and finding free time. I scrambled to pack the night before leaving, and to prepare myself for a new culture, people, and life living abroad.
Everything has been moving so fast it has been hard to slow down and process. Even at the airport now, the prospect of going abroad again feels so surreal. If I’m going to be completely honest, it has been an emotional roller coaster over the past two months. From applying to study abroad in Barcelona, while still in Florence, to having second thoughts, and being again, emotions have been all over the place. Each week has brought a new feeling towards going abroad again.
It’s been my goal to study abroad in two different countries for as long as I can remember, and to return to Spain. So I cannot wait to be back in Spain, practice my Spanish, learn Catalan and about the Catalonian culture. I must say, having a connection to the country you are going abroad in, whether its through speaking the language, or having travelled there before, is a great way to connect with a culture on a deeper level. Being able to immerse yourself in another lifestyle is such an amazing opportunity for growth in so many ways.
After embarking on many solo travels in Italy, and around Europe, dealing with train strikes, travel mishaps and also the rush of traveling alone, facing so many uncertain factors, I am ready to spend a lot of time in Spain, and explore the country as much as possible.
Mostly, I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to study abroad again, and live in another country for an extended period of time. Especially while having such a great support system and exchange program through DU. Planning trips and travels alone can take so much time and energy, its nice to have things planned for you sometimes, and just enjoy the ride!
Follow along on my time abroad: https://www.instagram.com/pranaphotos_/
DU Abroad 