Tschüss Berlin! My Study Abroad Reflection

And just like that my time studying abroad in Berlin has come to a close, and oh has time flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was saying good bye to my mom as I was boarding the gate at Newark Airport. I have had such an amazing experience and I met some incredible, inspirational people who I’m going to never forget. 

At the beginning of my semester, my program director gave us an aspiration: “I hope you transform from mirror people into window people.” 

At first, I didn’t believe that I would be able to see the world in new perspective in such a short time, however, it ended up being true! I've had transformed into a mirror person. I have been able to integrate myself into a society where I at first didn’t know the language and the culture. As someone who had lived in Connecticut her whole life, studying abroad has been such an eye-opening experience.

Studying abroad has helped me expand my knowledge in ways I didn’t think were possible. Going abroad taught me experiences that being on campus simply can’t. Regardless of what your interest are, going abroad will give insights on different cultures and you will grow to not only love and enjoy new interests, but it also makes you more appreciative of your culture.

Going abroad has given me a new sense of independence I wouldn’t have without the experience. It's less about school work and more about being on your own and finding your own way, whether it be through your career, or literally, through the country you stay in. It's a learning opportunity in more ways than one. There is so much to learn about the world around us and studying abroad helped me see that. 

I would recommend studying abroad in some type of capacity at least once in your life. I just started my 20’s and I’ve already studied abroad twice: in Montpellier, France last summer and now Berlin! Going abroad was one of the best experiences of my life for so many reasons. You get to travel everywhere, try new foods and meet new people. I even got to learn German while I was here, and that’s an asset I can carry with me for the rest of my life. 

I would even recommend going abroad even if you’re hesitant. Put yourself out of your comfort zone! You don’t want to look back on something you wish you did!

Berlin, you have been so good and have blessed me with experiences I will never forget. Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” -Winnie the Pooh

Tschüss!

-Jenna