Howdy!
It is now August and I have been back in the States since May 29th. It is definitely bittersweet being back at home. I absolutely loved my time abroad, and did not want to come back; however, I did miss my family, friends, and how easy things are being here at home. My first meal when I got home was a massive cheeseburger, with fries, and all the toppings you could possible think of. It was GREAT! I never once ordered a burger abroad just because I knew I would be disappointed, and I didn?t want to have false hope of great American food. The first few weeks I was home I was really happy to be back. I got to see my parents, and most importantly my dog! It is really nice not having to worry about bus schedules, and meals. Having a car and my mom cook for me were definitely a perk of being home again. I had a good time catching up with friends again, and hearing about all the things that had happened while I was gone.
The things that made it hard being back home at first was coming back to a normal life. When I was abroad everyday was new and exciting and there was always something different to see, or somewhere to travel to. It was great! Being back in Texas, most cities are further away from my house than some countries were from my apartment in France. I missed the friends I had made abroad and it was difficult to keep in contact with them due to all the time differences. I missed the culture and all the adventures I had the opportunity to go on.
Now that it has been a few months I have adjusted to being back at home and am happy to be back at A&M. I am excited to say I still keep in close contact with a few of the people I met abroad, and at least talk to most people in the program once a month. I was the only American in my exchange program and that definitely kept things interesting. I am excited to say that the other exchange students and I have made plans to travel in Europe again next summer. We planned to go to October Fest in Munich, but due to test schedule I am unable to go. I am looking forward for them to come visit me after Christmas, and then travel back to Europe to see them next summer.
Going abroad was the best decision I have ever made. I recommend it to every student. The experience I had is one that is hard to describe in words. The friendships and connections I made with people in foreign countries are ones that will help me not only in my career, but are ones that I am glad I had the opportunity to make. The amount of culture and adventures I got to experience are ones that I will never forget.
