In The Homestretch

At the end of September, I remember being astonished at how long one month on the other side of the world had felt. I was experiencing culture shock, jet lag, and homesickness all at once: a combination in which there is, unfortunately, no real cure for. Applying for a Spanish identity card, trying to find a house and enrolling in classes was no aid either, especially when the only way to get these done was by speaking Spanish, a language that I had nearly no confidence in at that time. And the cherry on top: I had nine more months ahead of me before I could see Canada again.

As I write this, I'm facing three weeks left in my host country. Saying I'm out of here at the end of May doesn't sound too bad. But saying "three weeks" sounds terrifying.

I visited 16 new countries, made two semesters worth of new friends (many who now feel like family), watched the northern lights in the arctic circle, walked the path of the running of the bulls, skied in the Pyrenees, and even, facing my biggest fear, spoke to Spanish grandmothers about world politics on the bus (in Spanish).

But I've also missed flights, spent several nights on 10 hour long buses, made several trips to the emergency room, cried because I missed home, and quite honestly, paid $10 just for one bag of Jolly Ranchers because I had missed them so much.

At certain points, I really wasn't having fun. I had periods where all I did was search for flights home and spend the rest of the time actually calling home. At these points, I was stressed with not being able to communicate with strangers, losing two months of rent money because of bad roommates and crying (again) because the grocery stores didn't have any of my favourite foods. The month between semesters was particularly difficult, as my friends from the first semester had went home and I was exhausted after five weeks of being on the road, going back to a city where I knew almost no one again.

That's where my support systems came in real handy. My friends from home who picked up every call and let me speak as much as I wanted because I finally enjoyed speaking English again. My family who helped me keep my life organized, sent cards with messages of encouragement and brought me my favourite foods when they came to visit. My new friends here, who had the patience to practice Spanish with me and show me the culture from their perspective, helping me feel comfortable in a place completely different than home. And of course, everyone else I've chatted with in this past year - those from every part of the world who supported and understood the bad times and celebrated the good. You're the reason I'm so thankful for this experience.

I've come to enjoy spending Sundays at the park, when every business in town is closed. I now love many Spanish foods, and practicing Spanish is a fun activity I like to do with my close friends. I've learned the value of keeping family close and appreciated the way families in Spain love and care for each other. I've gained patience and understanding while taking the time to manage a conversation, handle an unfortunate circumstance, or navigate an "English" class that wasn't actually taught in English. Occasionally now, I don't mind being a bit late, if I find I need the extra time to slow down and appreciate the good aspects of life (which, if you know me, is a really big new thing). And most importantly, I've appreciated the time I've had by myself in new situations and environments to reflect on how I've grown and how much better I understand who I am and which direction I'd like my life to take.

Now nine months later, with three weeks left to go, I'm facing the same whirlwind of emotions that I did when I left Canada last Augu
st. Every day I spend some time enjoying life here, and some time planning the upcoming year. I'm so sad to leave what I have behind, but so keen to see what's coming ahead.

It's a bit unfortunate that there's a negative stereotype around those who take study abroad opportunities. Moving to another country was, in the end, an amazing growth experience and one filled with many memories to treasure. Behind all the fun pictures online, it definitely presented many challenges for me and I know others who seemed to have easier transitions and better overall experiences. This is not to say that I had a bad experience. I am so thankful for every part, for having an opportunity that challenged me, gave me first-hand insight into the local life of a new culture and finally, in the end, gave me a feeling of home. Today, I can say that I am content with all that I have done in my study abroad, and am grateful for every person, place and encounter that I've passed by along the way.

The best roller coaster ride of my life (to date).

Until the next post,
Al