Ciao!!

The first day of orientation began on a Monday, which was fitting since I was feeling the Monday Blues in the form of jetlag and anxiety about the next four months. I felt more at ease after moving into my apartment and meeting my roommates—a fellow IES Abroad student and one of the Resident Assistants. Our apartment has a stunning view of the Basilica of San Domenico that could rival that of any 5-star hotel, and it’s accompanied by my window’s clothesline, which gently reminds me that I’m not visiting Siena, but living in Siena.

I’m four weeks into my program in Dublin, and I’m having a blast! I have so many fun trips planned in the next couple of months, and I’m starting to settle into a routine during the week that’s helping Dublin feel a lot more like home. 

But even though I’m having a great time, there are a few things I wish I had known before I arrived so I could have adjusted my expectations and made my transition a little easier. 

1. Studying abroad is not a four-month vacation. There will be bad days… 

Right now, I am writing to you from my balcony in Balduina, the area of Rome where my apartment is! Some IES Abroad students and I have had to learn transit quickly since the IES Abroad center is about a 45-minute walk. While I do plan to try it sometime, the train has been easy to navigate and much nicer than any public transit in the U.S. that I’ve known. Plus, our roomy apartment and distance make for a quieter and peaceful version of Rome.

As an international student in the U.S.A, I’d thought that I was at a significant advantage when it came to preparing for my study abroad experience in Spain. I know how to pack efficiently and effectively; I know how flight requirements have adjusted due to the pandemic; I know what surprises to look out for and how to keep an open mind when thrown into an environment that is completely different to what I’m used to. So, when it came to getting ready to study abroad, I was expecting a smooth, easy transition.

Editor's note: IES Abroad is committed to keeping your emotional and psychological well-being a priority throughout your study abroad experience. Prior to departure, we encourage you to talk with our Chicago-based Dean of Students Office about any concerns and needs you anticipate.

Today marks three weeks of arriving in Dublin, but I already feel like I’ve been here for months while at the same time like I got here yesterday. The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind in the best way possible. With this, I have been adjusting to the everyday life of a Dubliner. So, here are some thoughts on what I’ve been up to so far:

Classes

            After returning to the States, it’s been surreal. Christmas break was an in-between time for how much of my responsibilities came back. Part of it covered in the pain of the flu as I didn’t have enough time after coming back to get the flu shot that I missed while abroad, and the rest was shining in the embrace of loved ones. There were several things I missed while abroad like all my cozy blankets and my family and friends.

When people asked me if I was nervous before coming to London, I always confidently answered, “No, of course not!” Although this was partially true, there was definitely a big part of me in denial about some of the anxiety I had before arriving. I consider myself to be a very independent person, so I was never concerned about navigating the city or finding things to do when I wasn’t doing schoolwork. I was, however, worried about adjusting to classes, making friends in my program, budgeting, and making travel plans for my time abroad.

Just two hours outside of Salamanca sits the fairytale city of Segovia, Spain. Built on a hill, Segovia is a real life Disney World—the castle is even said to be part of Walt Disney's inspiration for Cinderella's castle. The vast cathedral is one of the last in Europe built in the gothic style, and the famous Roman aqueduct spans 794 meters. Fun fact: there was no cement used to build the aqueduct. Instead, stones were stacked one on top of the other.