Here and there and everywhere

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I will be the first to say that I love studying abroad. Being in other countries has taught me so much and I have had experiences of a lifetime. I was able to take a solo trip to Scotland and London where I saw so many new places. I was able to visit a number of different cities in France which helped me to further understand the French language. In Switzerland, I take weekend trips to whatever city I want because the public transport system is free. All of these things are opportunities I wouldn’t have if not for coming here in the first place. 

Even so, being away from home can be hard, especially when you start feeling homesick or something happens back home. This has been the case for me recently and it has been hard for me. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that studying abroad is always sunshine and rainbows. The harsh reality is that you will feel homesick at some point or in the worst-case scenario something happens back home and you aren’t able to get home. 

I would love more than anything to be able to take a quick trip home and be with my family but alas I have been in Brussels and Paris for the past week on a study trip for my program. I want to be here and learn and see everything I possibly can, but I also want to be there with my family but unfortunately, I can’t be everywhere at once. The important thing to remember is that I am where I am meant to be and I can still support my family from here. 

Even more important though is to remember that it’s ok to feel the way that you are. Whether you are upset over something going on at home or because you simply feel homesick. Any and all emotions are ok and just because you are studying abroad and ‘having the time of your life’ doesn’t make you less human. It is so hard to be away from family, friends, home, your routine, etc and you are allowed to still be upset or mad or sad even if you’re staring up at the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles. 

Mental health is important and someone is always there to support you if you need it! 

Profite bien de mes amis et passe une bonne semaine!!

  • A vibrant market stall filled with a variety of fresh fruits and juices. At the front, there are numerous clear plastic cups filled with colorful fruit salads, each with a wooden stick. Behind them, there are neatly arranged bunches of grapes in different colors—green, red, and black—alongside small oranges. To the left, bottles of fruit juices in various colors are displayed, with labels visible. In the background, there are crates filled with apples and other fruits, surrounded by decorative flowers and greenery, adding a lively and fresh atmosphere to the scene.
  • Two young women are posing for a selfie. The woman on the left has light brown hair tied back and is wearing a dark leather jacket with a white shearling collar. She has multiple earrings in her left ear and is smiling slightly. The woman on the right has long, wavy, light brown hair and is wearing a navy blue sweatshirt with white letters partially visible. She is smiling broadly.
  • A room filled with an array of ornate, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The chandeliers vary in design, with some featuring gold accents and others entirely clear. The ceiling is painted black, and there are several spotlights illuminating the chandeliers, enhancing their sparkle. Below the chandeliers, there are mannequins dressed in colorful, elaborate outfits, adding to the opulent atmosphere of the space.
  • A serene lakeside scene during sunset or sunrise. The calm water reflects the sky's soft colors, with hues of blue and orange. In the background, snow-capped mountains are visible under a partly cloudy sky. On the right side, there are buildings along the shore, including a few houses and possibly a hotel or restaurant. A tree with bare branches extends into the frame from the top, adding a natural element. In the foreground, there is a stone walkway along the water's edge, and a small dock with a sign and a few posts extends into the lake.
  • A grand, ornate Gothic-style building with a tall, intricate spire and multiple smaller turrets. The facade is richly decorated with arches and numerous windows. Two flags are visible on the building, one blue and one yellow. The sky is clear and blue, and there are people walking in front of the building, some wearing coats, suggesting a cool day.
  • A street artist is displaying a collection of paintings in a historic European square. The paintings depict various architectural scenes, likely of the surrounding area, featuring grand buildings with intricate details. The artist, wearing a blue patterned headscarf and a green jacket, is seated on the left side, arranging or working on the paintings. The background showcases a row of ornate, historic buildings with elaborate facades and gilded decorations, typical of European architecture. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day, and there are people walking around the square, adding to the lively atmosphere.
  • Interior of a grand cathedral with a high, vaulted ceiling. The focal point is a large, ornate stained glass window depicting various religious scenes and figures in vibrant colors. The window is set within a pointed arch, typical of Gothic architecture. Below the window, there are several decorative plaques or banners mounted on the stone wall. The architecture features tall, slender columns and intricate stonework, adding to the majestic and reverent atmosphere of the space.
  • Aerial view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower prominently visible in the center of the image. The cityscape is filled with classic Parisian buildings and streets, leading towards the tower. The sky is clear and blue, with a few wispy clouds, suggesting a bright and sunny day.

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