Friendships Abroad – Fall 21

This August, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a full semester in Oxford, England. It is very difficult to describe in words what an astounding experience it has been, but nevertheless, I will try. Before this trip, I had been on study abroad with my family, so I had some idea of what it would be like. Even though I have had this past experience, actually getting to be there on my own as a student has been one of the most rewarding times in my life.

From our first day in Oxford, I began forming relationships with these amazing people that I have gotten to share this experience with. Living and thriving amongst such a unique group has helped me grow in confidence that I will be able to take back with me to Abilene. Being enveloped in a different culture together allowed for long-lasting bonds to form that I know will continue and mature more over time. When we had our first week-long excursion most of the group decided to travel to Scotland together. We were thrown into yet another new and exciting culture that had us enraptured at every turn. Watching locals play bagpipes in the pouring rain, visiting historical landmarks, and touring the Scottish highlands were made better by the group that I traveled with.

When we returned to Oxford we continued sharing these experiences and growing together. We would walk through the city center together, visit Gloucester Green Market, struggle through an hour of punting and make Tesco runs for groceries. So many of my highlights from Oxford have been in the little moments that I have had with everyone in our group. When we got to visit the Lakes District together we hiked up Helm Crag, visited a beautiful waterfall, read poetry in Wordsworth’s garden, visited York Minster, and of course got to see how the famous Wensleydale cheese is made. We shared laughs and happiness throughout this trip as we got to explore the beautiful scenery of one of England’s most iconic national parks. We got to share meals and play games in our hostels while looking forward to what the next day would bring. Later on in the semester, we got to see one of England’s unique holidays; Guy Fawkes Night. Walking through a field to the scorching hot bonfire and laying in the grass enjoying the fireworks will be one of my favorite memories from the later part of the semester.

After so many group trips that we spent together, we finally decided to split up to travel over Thanksgiving break. Five of us decided to go to Italy where the culture surrounded us and led to a truly unique experience. We ate more pizza than I would like to admit and had a few mishaps throughout, but we all struggled through together. I learned so much from this trip in particular since there were fewer people to rely on and fall back upon. It became one of my favorite trips due to the further connections I made with every other person that came with me to Italy. Even though I had such a great time I was excited to return to Oxford to see my other friends. Traveling back to Abilene does not seem to be a reality. This is not just because I am departing from such a wonderful place but I am also leaving some of the best people I have met in this life-changing experience. 

Scottish Highlands Tour