As the days become shorter and the weather grows colder, it signifies the end of the fall semester. It also means the final days of my semester abroad have arrived.
After spending over three months away from home in the pursuit of a more global education, I’m left with much to reflect upon my time in Scotland.
This semester has been spent building new relationships, becoming immersed in a different culture and ultimately creating a life for myself away from everything I’ve ever known previously. As I move away from this second home and into a transition period, I’m unsure how the effects of uprooting my life will impact me going forward.
That being said, there’s a comfort in knowing others are experiencing the same period of change. The turning of the seasons paired with a new year on the horizon often signifies endings, but for many it also serves as a time for new beginnings.
While this chapter of my life will have a conclusive closing – moving back home after spending months living in a new country by myself – I’m choosing to look at it as a fresh start rather than a bittersweet conclusion. As I integrate back into my former life, I intend on bringing with me renewed goals and fresh perspectives, which is a mindset that has the potential to change my days.
Studying abroad has further opened my eyes to my surroundings. Not only has the time away deepened my passion for travel and my fields of study, but it has also pushed me to learn more about the person I’m becoming.
What I’ve gained from this experience, though not tangible, is priceless in a way I cannot begin to describe.
The takeaways I’ll bring home with me, however, will lead to an intriguing hurdle, as I must merge the two lives I’ve established for myself. The routine I’m accustomed to in Idaho will be both challenged and complimented by the one I’ve created in Scotland.
I remind myself frequently that the conclusion of this experience doesn’t have to be met with bittersweet grievances. Time will continue to pass no matter the circumstances, and though I will miss what this country has given me, I get to move forward with memories that will last a lifetime.
For this reason and many more, I would without a doubt recommend a study abroad experience to anyone.
A semester spent in a foreign country pushes personal boundaries in ways one would never expect while providing a safe environment with which to experience the unfiltered world through.
Though every study abroad student encounters their time differently, all go home having gained something beneficial. Whether it’s developing a sense of personal empowerment, establishing lifelong relationships or even finding a second home in the world, there is a takeaway waiting for everyone who studies abroad.
In the past three months, I have built the life I’ve been dreaming of since I was a child; I’ve fulfilled aspirations I’ve held tight to for years, and this experience is one I will carry with me through the rest of my days.
Each challenge faced along the way has been worth it, as they’ve contributed to moments of growth which have enriched my life immensely.
As I pack my bags and prepare for the journey home, I know I’ll be returning with a newfound appreciation of life, and the knowledge that every day is an adventure if only you make it that.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].