What was I doing last semester? Oh you know, no big deal, just traveling the world. That has been the craziest conversation that I have continually shared with people since being back on campus. Through the study abroad program I was able to live in another country, travel to places like Budapest, Prague, Athens, and Paris, learn another language, and become immersed in another culture. And the crazy thing was, I was able to do all of this in a matter of 4 months.
Studying abroad in Leipzig, Germany was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. During my first semester at ACU, I became interested in the idea of studying abroad in Germany. Several of my friends convinced me to apply to the Fall 2019 semester of Leipzig, Germany. For months, leading up to the trip I was nervous that I had made the wrong decision, but when I landed in Berlin that evening, I felt an unspeakable peace that I was in the right place. Part of the reason I was so afraid to go, was because I was missing pledging season. Ever since I visited ACU for the first time in high school, I loved the clubs at ACU. So the idea of missing pledging was something I struggled with. There were multiple times I considered dropping the trip. But think about it: what are the kinds of experiences are you looking for when joining a club? Friendships that last a lifetime, community, and bonding experiences. But when you think about it, you gain all those experiences through studying abroad. My friends I made in Leipzig, are friends that will last a lifetime. The girls are like my sisters, people I can do anything and share anything with. There were so many nights we would make tea and talk in the kitchen ‘till 2 AM. The community in the Leipzig Villa was irreplaceable. When we flew out of DFW in August, nobody knew each other. We were awkward and nervous. But in just a few short weeks, we became a family. It is a community that I felt safe, loved, and appreciated. And finally, the experiences created while studying abroad are unlike any experiences you can ever create. Living in a country where the language is unknown, and the culture is unfamiliar makes you rely on each other. So the longer I was there, the more I realized that I was not missing out on club because I was gaining those experiences in Germany.
This trip was obviously compiled of numerous trips through all of Europe, but if that’s all you think studying abroad is, you are largely mistaken. I learned complete independence. There was no one else to make those decisions for me. I learned that other cultures and people aren’t as different from me as I thought. You are only as separated from them as you make yourself. And finally, I fell in love with Leipzig. Leipzig is the perfect blend of big city and small-town vibes. People are friendly (by German standards), it’s clean and beautiful. Do not close yourself to the idea of living somewhere new and unfamiliar. You’re limiting yourself from a possible version of yourself that might be the best version of yourself. Not that you’re asking, but do yourself a favor and sign up for study abroad.
