To Begin…
Navigating an unfamiliar environment and experiencing new situations can be a daunting task when it is outside of your comfort zone. It can seem almost impossible, like you will never understand the space around you. That was how I began my time abroad in Oxford. I was nervous to be without some kind of support, whether it be friend or family, in a place I have never been to.
However, I took to this experience and place quickly, finding a way to make it a home away from home. The way I did that? I slowed down and appreciated what was around me, whether it be historic sights I saw while in England, the friends and connections I made, or even pushing myself out of my comfort zone to experience things that filled me with joy.
Even though I was here for a month, the time passed so quickly that if I hadn’t taken a moments pause every now and then I do not think I would appreciate it as much as I do. Yes, you may want to experience as many things as possible, but if you do not acknowledge their significance then what is the point?
Acknowledging the History
I am obsessed with history of all kinds, looking back into the past and learning about how people used to live or what they believed in is fascinating to me. While on my study abroad, I went to many historic sites such as Stonehenge, Christ Church, and Blenheim Palace. Compared to the States, England has rivers of history woven within the buildings, landscapes, and their culture. One of my favorite sites to see was Stonehenge.
Stonehenge was created about 3500 years ago and was built within four stages. Massive rocks were moved hundreds of miles to be a part of this significant monument of the Neolithic Period. Its use has been lost to time, though most believe it to be a kind of calendar, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England.
I was thrilled to be able to visit the monument and admire what remains of the original formation of stones. It was towards the beginning of my study abroad program, so I was still experiencing the overwhelming feeling of being in a new place and trying to navigate it. Being able to take my time moving around the stones and acknowledge the history helped me slow down and enjoy the moment, rather than rushing through it to the next task.
Being in the presence of such a significant historic monument helped me recognize that, though my time abroad is limited, I should take the time to enjoy it, especially since I enjoy learning about history. It took people hundreds of years to create this monument. They had to be patient when transporting the rocks and setting them into their positions. The fact that it is still standing is a testament to their time and effort, and the significance Stonehenge holds in English culture and history. The least I could do was take my time and acknowledge it.
Feasting with Friends
One of the reasons I was nervous coming on this study abroad was because I wasn’t going with a set group of friends, nor did I know anyone on the trip. However, my worries were eased within the first few days where I found a group of people to attach myself to and I spent most of my time abroad with them.
We spent most of our time together during the lunch break between classes, where we explored the different restaurants or dessert places that Oxford had to offer in Summertown or the City Centre. It was a set time in the day to laugh and talk about our time abroad and everything we were looking forward to. We tried restaurants like Gatineau Artisan Patisserie & Bakery, Ask Italian, and the many restaurants located in the Covered Market. My personal favorite place we tried was a doughnut shop called Crosstown Oxford which we went to for National Doughnut Day.
Having a group of people that you can fall back on and spend time with abroad does make your time abroad more special and significant. Yes, it is important to experience things solo as well, but while you are abroad it isn’t just the place that makes the trip, it’s the people you interact with. Finding a way to spend time with those people is important, as these connections will be some of the most influential parts of your memories while abroad.
In moments of downtime, such as during meals, I allowed myself to take a moment of pause from the chaos of the rest of the day and spend that time with my friends. It was something normal and predictable in an otherwise foreign place. Having a group of people to spend time with while abroad can make the whole experience more impactful, and it gives you an excuse to eat at as many of the delicious restaurants as you can!
Doing Things to be Happy
One of the most memorable moments abroad for me was when I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to go and see the Royal Ballet perform Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It was my first time traveling to London by myself and I was nervous for all of the steps that would take me to get to the ballet. Nevertheless, I succeeded and got to have one of the most memorable nights of my life!
The Royal Ballet has been performing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland since 2011 with incredible dancers, visuals, choreography, and music, it is a ballet that does truly take you to Wonderland. The music speaks for itself, having themes for each of the characters that tells their own story as each of the dancers takes control of the journey through Wonderland. The changing visuals and scenery as Alice explores Wonderland enhances the experience and the dancers play their parts dramatically which, in a the case of the Red Queen, get appreciative laughs and applause from the audience.
Traveling to see the ballet pushed me out of my comfort zone, the long wait until I boarded my train built up butterflies in my stomach. But the more I traveled, the more at ease I became, and it resulted in me being over the moon with happiness from seeing the ballet. Getting to sit back and watch the dancers give it their all on the stage after months of training, getting to experience that, made me appreciate my time left in England even more.
It is important to do what you want on your study abroad. Even if it pushes you out of your comfort zone. That was the reason I did and experienced so many things, like seeing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland be performed at the Royal Ballet and Opera House and getting to stand up and applaud the dancers at the productions close. Slow down in your time abroad, look for something that you would otherwise be unable to experience that would fill you with joy – and go after it.
To Sum Up…
I have made the most of my experience abroad, from visiting historic sights to trying as many restaurants as possible and pushing myself to experience a night in London at the ballet. I have made so many close connections here and have taken away so many fond memories and experiences I will get to look back on. It is so important to give study abroad your all, what you put into your time in a new place is exactly what you get out of it.
I am glad I took my time to understand this new place and experience unforgettable days and nights. If I were to give you some advice, learn about the history and culture you will be spending time in, make friends and have moments of familiarity, like going out to eat with them, and push yourself to experience something unforgettable, even if it makes you nervous. Slow down, step out of your comfort zone, and seize your opportunity to study abroad.
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