Julia Phelps is a student at the The College of Idaho and is an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Dublin, Ireland.
At the beginning of 2018 I was uncomfortable in big cities, I didn’t like speaking a language that was not my first with people who knew the language better than I did, I got anxious about traveling – especially flying. Seven countries – four of which that I don’t speak that language, three major cities, and twelve flights later, I still have fears. But I also have experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.
In Scotland, I learned how to appreciate the world with new eyes.
In Poland and Germany, I learned that the holocaust is not as long ago as younger generations sometimes feel that it is and that WWII has touched us more than we know.
In Switzerland, I learned that things are really expensive and you should always pack a lunch.
In France, I learned that the mountains in the French Riviera are gorgeous and that I hope to return some day to see more of them.
In England, I learned that I still love the performing arts as much as I did when I was fortunate enough to dance every day and that I always want it to be part of my life.
In Ireland, I learned that even when someone is speaking English, it is possible to not understand anything that they say. More importantly, I learned that people can always go out of their way to be kind to you.
Studying abroad has taught me about the world and it has taught me about myself. It has shown me who I am and who I want to be. It taught me that in order to live, I must first recognize that my fear is real and so is the trust in myself– that I have the power to choose which is bigger and which I want to act on. It taught me that every moment is an opportunity to learn something and that nothing is more valuable than that.
Your Discovery. Our People… The World Awaits.