Plans don't always go as planned.

Before coming abroad, I had many academic goals and personal expectations. I knew it would be hard to accomplish everything and that obstacles would come across. However, I underestimated the level of difficulty. My academic goal consisted of a big research project in France. I'm interested in learning more about immigration and how it affects the country whether it is good or bad. I wanted to get insight into the lives of immigrants. I had originally planned on interviewing people and learn from their struggles. I was able to get feedback from a few people. But mostly, I was disappointed by how many people rejected the idea of my interview. I knew immigration is a topic that stresses the government all over the world. You would think people might want to talk about it and discuss their beliefs. Truth is, many don't want to. I made my way to Strasbourg and Paris where I wanted to focus my research. I did receive feedback from both cities, however, I wish I had received more. Overall, I learned more through observing and by how people reacted towards my attempt to talk about immigration. In addition, I practiced my French speaking skills with native French speakers which was the best part. Because I was able to ask questions and have a conversation. My plans didn't go as planned, but I did achieve part of my academic goal.


On the other hand, my personal goals were exceded. I accomplished and learned so much about myself. I'm stronger than what I look. I'm more efficient and smarter as well. I was able to take care of myself for five months in a different country. I pulled through every obstacle. I had optimism always present in me. Even when things got hard. I had different struggles come up, like for example, when I thought I couldn't figure out a class schedule because of my level of proficiency in French, when my wallet got stolen in Barcelona, when I had to get my wisdom teeth out and had to recover without the help of my family, when I had to plan and travel on my own for 5 days to Paris in order to accomplish my academic goal. I thought I knew myself well, but truth is that by being abroad I learned more aspects of me. My mistakes have taught me lessons I wouldn't have learned if I didn't have this experience. In addition, I had fun making these mistakes and learning from them. I am now able to say I've lived, traveled and experience Europe as much as I could possibly have.

8 countries, 19 cities.

Italy

Pisa 

Milán

  Venice  

  Rome 

Germany  

Berlin  

Mannheim  

Frankfurt

Moselle

Heidelberg 

Spain 

Barcelona  

Palma Mallorca 

France  

Parisx5 

Strasbourgx2  

Metz 

Switzerland  

Zurich 

Lucerne

United Kingdom 

Englad

London 

Ireland 

Dublin 

Scotland

Edinburgh