Abbey Schmoll: University of Wales Swansea - UK

Since I’ve returned from my semester abroad in Swansea, Wales, people always ask me “So, how was it?”  And of course I tell them I had one of the best experiences of my life.  But I don’t think most people understand how much I truly cherish my experience, or how much I’ve changed since I left the US to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Most of my changes were subtle, and even my parents can’t recognize them, but I can feel the changes just the same.  I feel a confidence about me that I never noticed before.  I already know I think through situations differently, and even come to different conclusions.  I don’t feel the need to impress every person I meet to such a great extent, just to make them like me.  I can do what I feel is comfortable, what I feel is right, and still be happy with my decision even if no one agrees with me.  Not everything I do ends up being perfect, but I live with what I have and what I receive.  It’s a feeling of contentment about myself, but so much more.  I’m not completely satisfied with myself yet, but I am far from disappointed.

 I’ve also realized there is no use in waiting for the perfect moment.  Any moment is a good time to try something new, to put myself on the line, or just do something that I’ve always wanted to do but have never tried.  I find these “feelings” hard to explain, but I know for sure that if I didn’t study abroad, I would not be the same person I am today.

Change can happen at any moment.  For me, my greatest change came when I was in a different country.  I can’t promise you the same changes will occur during your experience abroad, but I can say that your eyes will be opened from the whole experience.  What do you think you will find?  What will you discover about yourself?