“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
Words. For years in school, that’s all that Europe was to me. A bunch of words about important people who did important things that didn’t seem to have any effect on me today. I’d seen pictures of the Eiffel Tower, learned about the ancient Romans and Greeks with their great architecture, and memorized important dates and battles.
It took awhile to realize that these were actual places, not just words on a page. And when I did, I was ecstatic to be able to go to these places I’d heard so much about. Who wouldn’t want the chance to make those pictures and words a reality?
So far, I’ve traveled to six different countries. I’ve traveled by train, plane, bus, taxi, boat, cruise ship, and bicycle. I have seen hundreds of things, taken thousands of pictures, and shared experiences with people that I will not soon forget. But I want more.
When I traveled before, I saw a small portion of the world in two weeks. That’s a nice glimpse of the world, but it’s not reality. It’s not how people live.
I wanted to study abroad because I would be able to completely immerse myself in a culture that’s different from my own. I’d be able to have new eyes, to gain new experiences. I find that when I travel, I have a greater appreciation for the things that I take for granted here in America.
Don’t get me wrong, I still want to see all the sites. I love the history in Europe, and there are so many exciting places to see. But I also want to participate in the culture I’m seeing. I want to become a part of something bigger than myself. I want to see the world through new eyes, and appreciate the differences in culture.
I can’t even describe how thrilled I am to be studying abroad, and I can’t wait to go. I can’t wait to see the things I’ve always been taught come to life. It will be a once in a lifetime experience, and I can’t wait.
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