Of course, not everything was roses and peaches. Any international student (including my friends who studied abroad as well, in different places) can attest that studying abroad is a challenge. I was frustrated by how foreign everything was at first (how silly of me, to travel to another country and feel that way!). By this I mean, things I took for granted in the U.S. (like constant sunlight, good Mexican food, certain groceries like black and pinto beans) were not so easily accessible in the UK. Meeting people from different cultures can result in clashing, despite your best efforts. But once I opened myself up to these differences, instead of being frustrated by them, it pushed me to broaden my idea of normality and get creative. I started shopping at smaller markets other than Tesco that carried the groceries I craved; I got outside more when the sun was out to take advantage of it before it disappeared at 4:30 (yes, this will be a reality for people in the UK during the winter); I tried harder to be more perceptive to people and their cultural norms. Things are going to be hard and different and sometimes downright troubling; you just got to roll with the punches to the best of your abilities.
I urge everyone, no matter where you are staying, to get to know your host city and country. These places can become second homes, as Edinburgh became for me. My last days in the city were spent in my favorite places with my favorite people, who I had come to know and love through this study abroad experience. We strolled through the Meadows, the very place I fell in love with the city for the first time. It was evening and there
were people sunbathing and having picnics in the park. I remember standing still and looking at the city the same way I had my first morning in Scotland. It was spring, and the trees were in full bloom, the petals dusting the pathways and the grass that lovely bright green. I was breathless again but this time because I was so heartbroken to leave behind my home, the people I had met, my new community. This place, and all the memories I had made in it (both good and bad) had shaped me in ways I had not expected, at least not so seriously. In the golden light of the evening, I gave one last look at Edinburgh, at the Meadows, before we turned and walked back home.
Any international student can attest that studying abroad is a challenge. I was frustrated by how different everything was and surprised by the things I took for granted in the US. Once I opened myself up, instead of being frustrated by differences I was pushed to broaden my idea of routine and get creative. I tried harder to be more perceptive to people and their cultural norms. This place, and all the memories I made in it, shaped me in ways I had not expected.