Currently, I am solo traveling in Ireland, and I have not had to integrate back into the United States, but it has been difficult leaving my peers behind. Studying abroad was an amazing experience, and to leave Wales with the knowledge of not being able to have the same experience again was devastating. Going from spending every minute with classmates and teachers to solo-traveling was a hard adjustment.
If someone does plan to solo travel after their study abroad program, I highly recommend planning a day to just rest. Being abroad can make us think that we have to be doing something all the time, when in reality our bodies need a break. If you do not allow yourself time to relax, you will get burnt out fast.
I would say that arriving at my program was a lot more difficult, just because I had never traveled before. Also, the unknown of who I would be spending my time with made me very anxious. After my first day, though, my nerves vanished, and I knew that this would be the best summer of my life.
Since I am a very outgoing person, I was not placed outside of my comfort zone often while studying abroad. I will say that when starting our volunteering at Support Through Court, I felt like an imposter and did not believe I had the capabilities to help real clients. Fortunately, with the help of our supervisor and other staff, once we started with clients, it was easy, and it felt great to be able to help.
In Wales, everyone is so kind. If you stop on the sidewalk, people do not automatically get mad; they ask if you need help. After this program, I am trying to have this type of kindness and try to be a helping hand to those who may need it.
At home, I would describe myself as someone who is codependent. I found that while abroad, although I loved being around my friends, I also learned how to be alone. Being alone was one of my fears, but it turned out to be a new sense of comfort and enjoyment. Being abroad has changed my perspective of myself as a whole in the best way possible. I was so negative about all of what I now find to be my amazing qualities. My confidence has been raised, and I feel like a whole new person returning to the United States.
If I could give anyone going into college one piece of advice, it would be to study abroad. People always said this, but I never understood how important and life-changing studying abroad is. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and has been worth every sacrifice. Never let your fears hold you back, because everyone can do this. This experience has made me fall back in love with life.
Bailey Nicole Neal, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
