12 Things I Learned from Studying Abroad:

12 Things I learned from studying abroad:

1. It's good to spend time alone

While being abroad, as I've written before, I spent a good amount of time alone. This wasn't because there weren't other things to do, it was simply my time to reflect. When experiencing another culture so intensely it's important to take time to compare and contrast the two lives you've lived/ are living. There's nothing wrong with liking your alone time, and in fact, you might find that this time with yourself is just what you needed. 

2. It's good to spend time with others

The people I met on my study abroad trip were some of the most different than I had met in my life. We were such an interesting mix. We had majors of all kinds, personalities of all kinds, and interests of all kinds. Our group dynamic was constantly influx. We were, to say the least, a quirky bunch, but I wouldn't trade that for the world. Studying abroad gave me the chance to get to know people I otherwise wouldn't have, and from them I learned many lessons and created a new family. 

3. Universal languages do exist

So far in every country I've been to there are three universal language: dancing, laughing, and drinking. Usually, these three always happen together as well. When in doubt, grab a nice cold beer, or a good glass of wine, and let the conversation roll. People are naturally social creatures, and nothing building friendships faster than making some fun memories. 

4. Friendships will sprout in the most unlikely of places

I think one of the greatest lessons I learned while being away was the fact that everyone, yes everyone, is a good person depending on the way you view their personality. Everyone has a story which effects the way they think and behave. I've come to respect everyone I encounter because I finally understand this idea. I know it sounds vague, but the relationships I had made in Granada were of all kinds. Each had taught me different lessons. I'd never expected to grow fond of my favorite barista or to basically date my friend's host brother, but these things just happen. Life brings so many opportunities for meeting new people, and we just have to keep our eyes out for those times. 

5. America is NOT the center of the Universe

This is probably the greatest, and my most favorite, fact I've learned. I've always loved america, but I've never been overly patriotic. I don't LOVE America themed parties, or even Fourth of July. I am proud to be an American, but I never use that as my ethnicity. I think the best part about our country is that it is a "salad bowl" or "melting pot" of different cultures, and the beauty of that is in keeping our separate heritages, but also sharing them with others. I'm not a fan of people who outwardly proclaim that "America is the best country," just because of our international power. I can't imagine growing up anywhere else, and I know I am lucky to live in such a developed, relatively civil, and relatively equal country, but that doesn't mean I'll be living there forever. Leaving the USA and exploring other countries really opened my eyes to the fact that there are s many other places in the world with people who are just as happy, if not happier, than we are. There's nothing wrong with their way of life, and we, as Americans, are in no way, shape, or form superior to anyone else on this planet, and it's high time we acted accordingly. As a country we still have much to learn, and as a citizen, I'm ready for this responsibility. 

6. Materialism is overrated

On a less serious note, after living out of a suitcase for so long I've come to enjoy the fact that I wear the same outfits over and over.  Nobody truly cares about what you look like. Yes, it's obviously better to dress on the nicer side in Europe, but overall if you only own 3 nice outfits, that's completely okay. Honestly, I'm telling you, nobody will notice 

I've grown up really appreciating material things in life, or rather, desiring them. I've always wanted to have the best or newest shoes, the latest technology, blah, blah, blah. I am sure I will continue to love the nicer things in life because of their quality, but not solely based on the fact that they are what everyone else desires. Traveling has made me realize that these commodities are so relative. In one country one bag might be popular, and in another it might be "so seven years ago." I buy what I like when I like it, and I will no longer be impressed by what others possess. Put down the Michael Kors purse, put your Jimmy Choo's in the closet, because I couldn't care less. Yes I think they're lovely products, and it would be nice to own them, but I'd rather talk about books, news, art, your opinions... anything besides relative wealth and materialistic desires 

7. Being ignorant is not bliss

I've always been a person who prefers honesty, even if it hurts. Ignorance and I have never gotten along, especially now. There's truly nothing attractive about being uneducated on the world you live in. There's much happening today, and there's so much to know about history. I'm continuously amazed how people in my generation seem to continuously care less and less about topics that simply require thought in order to obtain an opinion. It's not essential to know everything in this world, but merely being curious and wanting to learn is what I think we should all strive for. For example, I detest politics because I don't understand them. I would love to learn more, and I'm trying to bit by bit figure out my own views. I acknowledge my ignorance, but I know it's not where I want to be. 

8. People are naturally kind

People say that the world is an evil place today, but depending on how you read your history books, it's always been an evil world. Yet, my traveling tells me otherwise. Nearly every person I have met while away has treated me with kindness, as long as I was kind as well. Nobody sets out with poor intentions, if anything miscommunications are created by a lack of understanding. Being open to other people and attempting to comprehend their way of life gives you the tools to truly make connections with people. 

9. The best learning comes from experience

Since leaving Spain, I've been worried about forgetting the knowledge and memories I made along the way. However, when I reflect back the many museums, cathedrals, and monuments, I can recall many details not only about the information but about the places themselves. It's amazing how much more salient knowledge is when you're truly in the midst of history and culture. I'm so grateful to have had the ability to learn in such a new way. 

10. There are many forms of intelligence

Being a student at the University of Michigan has been very humbling to me. Growing up school was always pretty easy, and when I got to college I was a bit overwhelmed by the many people who were so good at science and math. I've always struggled a bit more with science than other things, and I originally came in as a pre med student. This past  year I decided that it wasn't the path for me, and I was a bit insecure for awhile. Saying  I was pre med almost gave me a "get out of jail free card" because I'm also a psychology major, which people frown upon as being "easy" compared to engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology, etc. However, after traveling, I've discovered so many different passions and talents I possess, as well as those in others. I've developed relations with both american and Spanish people who have gone and not gone to college, who are not bilingual, and some who are, who are majoring in sciences or humanities. This battle of accepting the fact that I am intelligent despite what society says has been difficult, but it's one I've finally accepted and learned. I've always thought other people were smart who weren't in "STEM" (science technology engineering and mathematics) careers, but when it came time for me I was lost. It's great to feel confident in my decision to change my career path. 

11. English is commonly spoken, but that's not an excuse 

From a young age, many people in Europe take English, and usually they are very willing to speak it with you, however I've learned that the fact that you can doesn't mean you should. A few days ago I met a boy who spoke FIVE languages. Can you imagine the amount you could learn and do with FIVE languages. It was amazing. He said he started learning when he was young, and knew three languages before he was twelve. That's amazing to me. Yes, the American educational system in this department is lacking, but there are opportunities to really dive into a language learning experience, there's just not as much passion or drive for it. After being in Spain, I've made a commitment to myself to continue learning Spanish for the good of my future but also for cultural ease and respect. 

12. Fear is relative

It's so easy to hide behind fear, if it's fear of food, fear of experience, fear of knowledge. Yet, fear is just something we make up in our heads. There's very little to truly fear on this earth, and this is something I've come to learn. If we approach life with a fearless attitude, there's much more to see that the world holds to offer. Saying "yes" to almost everything is something I tried to do abroad, and I've found that things I had feared before, both physical and mental, don't phase me at all now.