Reflections: "Studying abroad" 15 years later

Fifteen years ago I spent the Fall semester of my sophomore year of college studying abroad in Regensburg, Germany. I often refer to it as my favorite semester at Murray State. I learned so many things, made great friends, and saw so many new things. I've thought a lot about that semester while I've been here, and even more so after my return trip to Regensburg this week. Here are some thoughts:


1. Studying abroad in a place where English is not the official language is very different than in a country where it is the official language. As much as I love London, I wonder if the students are missing out a bit on something by having that convenience. I think it takes a little away from the whole experience.


2. Running while abroad is amazing! I'm so sad I wasn't a runner back in the day. I got to see so many parts of the world by going for a run that I know I wouldn't have seen if I wasn't needing to get a run in. I'd say some of my favorite experiences while abroad have been some of those runs. So, kids...take up running at an early age. Or go for long walks. Not really something I did as a 19 year old. I went for a run in Regensburg this week and was loving the beautiful trees and running paths. Total new parts of the city that I didn't see before.


3. Living abroad when you have money is different than when you don't. :) There's really nothing a student can do about this. That's part of the student experience (hostels, noodles for every meal, etc.). I guess it's just a note that one should "study abroad" again later in life when he/she has money. :)


4. Being connected today is so different than 15 years ago! 15 years ago, I occasionally checked my email and sent my parents a message. I'd talk to my parents on a pay phone about once every couple of weeks. This time I had my T-mobile free international data/texting, my ooma box, and internet at the house and at work. I don't think I was ever disconnected. It was nice to be able to stay in touch w/ people back home, but again as a student I don't think that's probably best. It's good to be disconnected. These students certainly were not. But, I guess that's a sign of the times. 


5. I miss things much more this time. At the age of 19, one doesn't own a lot of things. Also, a lot of my college friends studied abroad with me, so I didn't miss too many people back home. I was excited to see my family, but that's true any time I go see them. Now, I own nice things. A home. A nice car. A cat. Lots of clothes. A Keurig. I miss these things. I also miss my friends. So, I am excited to get back and see all of those people/things. 


6. Weight gain/loss. In Regensburg, I gained about 10 pounds. So much so that my parents didn’t recognize me when I got off the plane. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost about 5 pounds while in London. Maybe it’s all the running. Maybe it’s all the walking. Maybe it’s that there is less meat/potatoes in London. Just an interesting observation.