Leaving Things Behind, and Finding New Ones

Before college, my understanding of the world was shaped by what I saw in Oklahoma. I didn’t grow up meeting people from different countries or learning much about the wider world. When I arrived at Pomona College—a place that values internationalism and diversity—I began to realize the kind of education I wanted. I’m now studying Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Economics, and I’ve learned that understanding U.S. policy alone isn’t enough. To truly understand as much as I can, I decided I need a global perspective, which is what drew me to study abroad.

I didn’t have a specific location in mind at first, but my advisor suggested the IES Abroad EU Program in Freiburg, Germany, and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. The program's focus on policy, economics, along with a travel component that allows students to see policy in action across Europe, was naturally alluring to me.  I did have doubts—this will be my first time outside the U.S., and living abroad alone for months is daunting. But hearing from older students who had studied abroad reassured me that being nervous is normal and that the growth from stepping out of your comfort zone is worth it. If you’re unsure about going abroad, know that your worries are valid, but you don’t have to navigate them alone—talk to alumni, advisors, or staff, who can guide and support you through the process.

I am writing this from the comfort of my bed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To be completely honest, I am not too fond of this place, but I would be lying if I said I was not at least a little nervous to be going abroad for the first time,  especially alone. I've had a plethora of crazy questions, from how to pay for things abroad to how cell service works. Thankfully, I have had people by my side to help, but there are some things I will have to figure out all on my own. I have been pretty independent outside of my home state, but being independent in a completely different country is a different story. The road ahead is certainly a bumpy one, but I'm sure each moment will contribute to my overall experience abroad.

With about two weeks left before departure, I am trying to take in things I won't have for a while: family, friends, certain restaurants, and Insomnia Cookies. That last one was mostly a joke, but the sentiment still holds: there will be many things I won't get to enjoy when I'm away. This is disappointing, but it allows me to enjoy those things right now more than ever. Besides, I'm sure there will be new things in Germany that'll be hard to leave behind as well. I look forward to finding those special people, places, and things that make it hard to want to leave my new home. But before that, I must endure my first challenge: Trying to catch a train from Frankfurt Airport to Freiburg.