When y’all think of me and my Aussie activities, you’re probably picturing a just as carefree, but slightly more tan version of US Claire swimming in Sydney’s seas by day, and drinking too many mojitos by night. Because it’s an unwritten (or sometimes hilariously written) rule that study abroad programs are blow-offs, right? WRONG, FOLKS.
Istanbul taught me many things. I arrived excited at the prospect of discovering how the East and the West converged, and left with the understanding that what has emerged in Istanbul has been unique to its own historical development. I've learned that categories like the "Middle East" are often heterogeneous rather than homogeneous, and this has encouraged me to broadly rethink how I perceive and engage with groups and theoretical concepts.
Since leaving Berlin I have continued to have a fairly busy summer. Immediately after departure I met up with my girlfriend in Ireland. We stayed there for a week and it was quite wonderful! We went to horse races, the Giant’s Causeway, a couple of plays, and for a birthday present I got to fly some falcons! Dublin was a pretty cool city, but it certainly was no Berlin. For starters, they only had one method of public transportation in the city as opposed to 4!
I’ve been home for over a week now, and the fact that I’m actually home is now officially setting in. At first, the excitement of being home, seeing my family and friends, and my jetlag clouded my acknowledgement of the ending of my abroad experience. My dog and I had a glorious, glorious reunion, and we have been inseparable ever since. Then reality set in. I’m not in Milan anymore. My summer that consisted of gallivanting around Europe has come to an end.
Looking at my certificate from the University of Salamanca, my time there has already begun to feel like a dream. Still in touch with many of my classmates, social media allows me to reach cross the world and stay connected to everyone that has made my time there so special. I still follow the IES program on Facebook and looking at the photos of the second summer session makes me want to jump on a plane and fly back there. Now approaching my final year of college, I feel much less stressed about completing my Spanish major.
I don’t think there was anything I could have done that could possibly get me ready for what I’ve experienced thus far in New Zealand. My expectations have been surpassed in every amazing way possible. Here I thought, “I’m going to feel lonely” or “I’m going to be lost” all the time, except that is the exact opposite of what truly happened. There are a few lessons that I have learned fairly quickly while adventuring through New Zealand: