Hey guys,
With the end of the semester, I got crazy busy and decided to wait until break to finish up the secrets. I hope you all have had a good semester and are still considering study abroad. Here are the answers to the rest of the secrets I received.
-I'm afraid I will miss out on the lives of my friends and family back home.
I can absolutely understand this fear, and you're not alone. This is one of the reasons I only went for 2 months. The truth is, the time flies by and you will have so many adventures that you won't think about things back home as often as you expected. When you do get homesick, because of course it is inevitable, Skyping with your family and friends will help a lot. Really though, not a whole lot happens around here and you will not regret your time away no matter what happens. I would, however, suggest avoiding going away when someone in your family is about to get married, have a baby, or other big life events like that which have been planned out ahead of time. Just do some planning and you will be glad you went, I promise.
-My fear are the weird bugs overseas.
In my experience, I had no problem with any strange insects or diseases from them. I also went during the winter in Argentina. You can either plan to go during a time where there will not be a huge risk of bugs, or you can go to places like Germany and other countries in Europe that do not have a problem with disease carrying insects that will infect you. Doing some Google searches will help to alleviate your fears about the insects.
-Not being able to find food that I actually eat.
Just like in the US, other countries have plenty of choices for food. I am a vegetarian and so my choices are even limited here, BUT when you sign up for housing there is a section that asks if you have any special meal preferences and you will be placed accordingly. If you are still worried about finding food that you would like, do some research on what each country typically eats and if there are more "American" foods readily available there. Just choose which one fits your meal preferences the best and you will not be disappointed.
-I'm afraid that I would find myself somewhere where no one speaks English or Spanish and I would be completely lost.
Depending on where you choose, the majority of people will speak English. It has become the most universal language of the world, you just have to do some investigating. An example is that in general countries in Europe are going to speak more English than countries in South America or Africa or places like that. Julie Beall-Marshall has traveled quite a bit and I'm sure she would be happy to tell you which countries are more English-speaking that way you can avoid the whole conflict altogether.
-I'm afraid that I will not fit in with the culture I would be studying.
One of the amazing things about people is that we adapt fairly easily. When you go to another country, the beautiful thing is that you don't have to fit in. As long as you're respectful of others' cultures and practices, they will be respectful of yours. Learning from each other is one of the things that makes studying abroad so very interesting and fun. You will adapt to survive without even knowing you're doing it and you will find abilities you never even knew you had. There will be other American students there and the program directors and professors in the universities are accustomed to American students. They will teach you the first week what is offensive and what is acceptable.
-Handicap accessibility through towns in Europe or other countries.
I have to admit that I have never considered this fear before, but after giving this question careful thought I have decided to tell you not to let this fear get in your way. There are people all over the world that are handicapped, so you have the option of asking for a family that has experience with handicaps. The family will know where you will be able to go and they will assist you in any way you need special attention. They will be understanding and accommodating and they will make sure you have the best experience of your life.
-Bureaucracy, the "red tape" involved in the application process of study abroad frustrates me.
Yes, there are quite a few steps involved with studying abroad. That does not mean the experience is not WORTH it, though. Anything worth doing is not going to be easy, and the majority of the application to study abroad is just filling in your basic information. You will have to pay an application fee and you will have to write a short letter about why you want to study abroad, but all in all once you've checked everything off the list that you need to do, there is nothing like that feeling of preparing for a trip and all the excitement of the weeks right before you leave. Once you get done with the application process, as much of a drag that it is, you will forget all about it and be so excited you won't know what to do with yourself.
-Conflict between China and Taiwan.
As much as I've said it here, I cannot say it enough: host families know how to deal with pretty much any conflict you will experience. These people live there, and they are on your side too! They are there to support you and help you in any way they can. If it were absolutely too dangerous or unstable, study abroad programs would never let American students go there. Rely on your host family and others that live there to deal with the country-specific issues that exist.
Now, fellow students, these are all of the secrets I have received. I have done my best to answer your concerns in accordance with my experience and I hope I have helped some of you. If you have any other questions, PLEASE don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail: allie.white28@gmail.com OR you can leave a comment below and I will answer it. Above all, I'd like you to know that you have all the tools you need to go to a foreign country, you just don't know it yet. If you put yourself out there, I have no doubt that you will have the time of your life and you will come back a new and better person. Good luck to all of you in your endeavors and remember to use your resources. Take care!
Allie
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Post Secret-Study Abroad Edition 1
I have decided that instead of sending 30+ emails addressing all of your fears, I will post them on here. This will help in several ways: 1. You will all be able to see others' fears that maybe you have not thought about and my answers to them. 2. You will be answered quicker, especially since some of the fears were the same. 3. You now know about my blog and can read through it and learn more than I can say in this one blog post.
I have promised you that I would try to answer your concerns to the best of my ability and that I will do. If, for some reason, I cannot answer them, I will direct you to resources and people that can. Deal?
Now let's answer some secrets!
-Being able to pay for study abroad.
This is an extremely common concern, and one that I struggled with myself. Until recently, my mom had been single my entire life and paying for school in general is difficult. What I ended up doing was applying for every scholarship I could find (there are specific ones for study abroad!), working 2 jobs and saving money, and using loans to finance my trip. Scholarships are a fantastic way to finance your study abroad and you can find so much helpful information and links on the study abroad website. Here's a link!
-How to relate it to my major.
My major was Spanish so it was not difficult for me to relate mine, obviously. Without knowing your major it is difficult for me to answer this question. I also am not as well informed on what kinds of classes are offered as the study abroad advisor is. I would love to direct you to Ms. Julie Beall-Marshall who is an absolutely wonderful resource and is full of all kinds of knowledge about study abroad.
-I'm worried about being dropped somewhere that I don't know anyone/ I am scared that I won't meet people that I mesh with quickly enough while abroad.
I was worried too! I am a girl that is scared of meeting new people, going anywhere alone, and especially making friends. I promise you that there are other people in the exact same situation and since no one knows anyone, you become close friends quickly. Some of the best people I've ever met live in Buenos Aires and I am still in contact with them months later and hope to be for the rest of my life. It is absolutely worth it to put yourself out of your comfort zone. You can do it!
-I fear that I may not understand the language and get lost/I'm so afraid I'm going to get lost.
You know what? Even knowing the language, you will get lost. You will get lost and be scared, and then you will realize that you have to suck it up and find your way. You will learn where NOT to go, which turns NOT to take, and you will discover that you are a lot better at navigating than you thought. You will come back with a better sense of confidence than you ever had and you will be thankful that you got lost and proud that you "found" yourself. People are also a lot nicer than you think and they will be happy to help you if you will only just ask.
-What if I get bored? How exactly do I spend my time abroad?
Well first, I can tell you that a lot of your time is spent in school. BUT! The study abroad programs also have fun excursions and events and all kinds of lists of things to do in your free time. The excursions were included in my program fee and I learned a lot from them. It was also nice because they were led by someone who knows the area well so I did not have to worry about finding my way. No matter where you go, there is always a lot to see and places to go and people to meet. Also, I found a park near my house and if I got bored I'd go running, which is not something I generally had time for at home since I work and go to school.
-Not getting to see all I want to see.
This is a very accurate fear and I understand this completely because I was only gone for 2 months. At the beginning I wasn't sure I could even be gone for that long, and now that I came back I wish I had stayed longer. My best advice for this is to go for at least a semester, if not a year. If you do not have room in your schedule for that, you can always go back and visit the friends you made there..which is what I'm going to do.
-The language barrier.
Good news! There are programs in primarily english speaking countries. If languages do not interest you or you have never had time to fit them into your schedule, you don't have to choose an extremely foreign country. There are also many countries that speak english as well as their native language and there will be signs in english. Speak with Julie Beall-Marshall in the study abroad office or click here and follow the links on the right side to learn more.
-Not being able to come back home when I get there.
You will absolutely be able to come back home, the question really is if you will want to. If you end up not wanting to come back, then don't. My personal belief is that if something is supposed to happen and you feel like you are drawn to do it, what is there to stop you except yourself? You can and SHOULD make it happen.
-I'm scared my host family will kill me.
Host families are screened very thoroughly by the programs before they are allowed to take foreigners into their home. My host mom was the most understanding and sweetest person and we got along well. Most everyone I talked to had a very similar experience because the programs do a great job of finding the right fit for you. If you are still afraid, you may opt to stay in a dorm or apartment with other American students.
-I fear that currency rates would make things really expensive.
Depending on where you are wanting to go, this may or may not happen. My best advice is to research several places you'd like to go, look up currency rates, and decide if it is worth it. I opted for Argentina instead of Spain because the exchange rate was better and the daily living costs were less. If you are set on a place that has high currency rates, try to save as much money as you can and try not to buy too many snacks or things you don't need while you're there.
-Are there other SIUe/American students there too?
YES! I met people that were in my program and went to my school from all over the country and really enjoyed comparing our lives in each of our states. There are also faculty led programs that include groups of SIUe students being taught by an SIUe professor. I would point you in the direction of Julie Beall-Marshall in the study abroad office for more information about these programs.
-A civil war will break out and I will be stuck in the country.
There are American Embassies all over the world whose job it is to keep you safe while you are out of the country. If there is ever an issue with the government or an invasion or anything like that, make sure you register that you are going out of the country and give them contact information and they will make sure you get home safely.
-I'm scared I'll be kidnapped like in Taken.
Many students fear for their safety when thinking about going out of the country. The key is that you have to be SMART about your choices, just like you hopefully are here, but more so. If I remember correctly, the girls in Taken randomly met some guy and decided to tell him exactly where they were staying and that they were alone. I feel like these girls were ASKING to be taken. You also have to keep in mind that this is a movie and they are trying to create excitement and anxiety, therefore they exaggerate and make it seem worse than it really is. That being said, you have to be careful where you go and who you go there with. Never invite someone in when you're alone, never go out late at night by yourself, never carry your passport around with you, never wander the streets drunkenly talking to strangers....just use common sense and you will not be taken.
I have promised you that I would try to answer your concerns to the best of my ability and that I will do. If, for some reason, I cannot answer them, I will direct you to resources and people that can. Deal?
Now let's answer some secrets!
-Being able to pay for study abroad.
This is an extremely common concern, and one that I struggled with myself. Until recently, my mom had been single my entire life and paying for school in general is difficult. What I ended up doing was applying for every scholarship I could find (there are specific ones for study abroad!), working 2 jobs and saving money, and using loans to finance my trip. Scholarships are a fantastic way to finance your study abroad and you can find so much helpful information and links on the study abroad website. Here's a link!
-How to relate it to my major.
My major was Spanish so it was not difficult for me to relate mine, obviously. Without knowing your major it is difficult for me to answer this question. I also am not as well informed on what kinds of classes are offered as the study abroad advisor is. I would love to direct you to Ms. Julie Beall-Marshall who is an absolutely wonderful resource and is full of all kinds of knowledge about study abroad.
-I'm worried about being dropped somewhere that I don't know anyone/ I am scared that I won't meet people that I mesh with quickly enough while abroad.
I was worried too! I am a girl that is scared of meeting new people, going anywhere alone, and especially making friends. I promise you that there are other people in the exact same situation and since no one knows anyone, you become close friends quickly. Some of the best people I've ever met live in Buenos Aires and I am still in contact with them months later and hope to be for the rest of my life. It is absolutely worth it to put yourself out of your comfort zone. You can do it!
-I fear that I may not understand the language and get lost/I'm so afraid I'm going to get lost.
You know what? Even knowing the language, you will get lost. You will get lost and be scared, and then you will realize that you have to suck it up and find your way. You will learn where NOT to go, which turns NOT to take, and you will discover that you are a lot better at navigating than you thought. You will come back with a better sense of confidence than you ever had and you will be thankful that you got lost and proud that you "found" yourself. People are also a lot nicer than you think and they will be happy to help you if you will only just ask.
-What if I get bored? How exactly do I spend my time abroad?
Well first, I can tell you that a lot of your time is spent in school. BUT! The study abroad programs also have fun excursions and events and all kinds of lists of things to do in your free time. The excursions were included in my program fee and I learned a lot from them. It was also nice because they were led by someone who knows the area well so I did not have to worry about finding my way. No matter where you go, there is always a lot to see and places to go and people to meet. Also, I found a park near my house and if I got bored I'd go running, which is not something I generally had time for at home since I work and go to school.
-Not getting to see all I want to see.
This is a very accurate fear and I understand this completely because I was only gone for 2 months. At the beginning I wasn't sure I could even be gone for that long, and now that I came back I wish I had stayed longer. My best advice for this is to go for at least a semester, if not a year. If you do not have room in your schedule for that, you can always go back and visit the friends you made there..which is what I'm going to do.
-The language barrier.
Good news! There are programs in primarily english speaking countries. If languages do not interest you or you have never had time to fit them into your schedule, you don't have to choose an extremely foreign country. There are also many countries that speak english as well as their native language and there will be signs in english. Speak with Julie Beall-Marshall in the study abroad office or click here and follow the links on the right side to learn more.
-Not being able to come back home when I get there.
You will absolutely be able to come back home, the question really is if you will want to. If you end up not wanting to come back, then don't. My personal belief is that if something is supposed to happen and you feel like you are drawn to do it, what is there to stop you except yourself? You can and SHOULD make it happen.
-I'm scared my host family will kill me.
Host families are screened very thoroughly by the programs before they are allowed to take foreigners into their home. My host mom was the most understanding and sweetest person and we got along well. Most everyone I talked to had a very similar experience because the programs do a great job of finding the right fit for you. If you are still afraid, you may opt to stay in a dorm or apartment with other American students.
-I fear that currency rates would make things really expensive.
Depending on where you are wanting to go, this may or may not happen. My best advice is to research several places you'd like to go, look up currency rates, and decide if it is worth it. I opted for Argentina instead of Spain because the exchange rate was better and the daily living costs were less. If you are set on a place that has high currency rates, try to save as much money as you can and try not to buy too many snacks or things you don't need while you're there.
-Are there other SIUe/American students there too?
YES! I met people that were in my program and went to my school from all over the country and really enjoyed comparing our lives in each of our states. There are also faculty led programs that include groups of SIUe students being taught by an SIUe professor. I would point you in the direction of Julie Beall-Marshall in the study abroad office for more information about these programs.
-A civil war will break out and I will be stuck in the country.
There are American Embassies all over the world whose job it is to keep you safe while you are out of the country. If there is ever an issue with the government or an invasion or anything like that, make sure you register that you are going out of the country and give them contact information and they will make sure you get home safely.
-I'm scared I'll be kidnapped like in Taken.
Many students fear for their safety when thinking about going out of the country. The key is that you have to be SMART about your choices, just like you hopefully are here, but more so. If I remember correctly, the girls in Taken randomly met some guy and decided to tell him exactly where they were staying and that they were alone. I feel like these girls were ASKING to be taken. You also have to keep in mind that this is a movie and they are trying to create excitement and anxiety, therefore they exaggerate and make it seem worse than it really is. That being said, you have to be careful where you go and who you go there with. Never invite someone in when you're alone, never go out late at night by yourself, never carry your passport around with you, never wander the streets drunkenly talking to strangers....just use common sense and you will not be taken.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Study Abroad Speech
Hey guys! I decided to post another blog because I've realized that my study abroad experience still has not ended even though the trip is over. Today I gave a speech to freshman students in a music 111 class at school about studying abroad. I could not believe how much excitement and interest there was from the students! They genuinely were thinking about studying abroad..which just made me all the more excited about my experience and the study abroad fair that is coming up on Oct 16th. I hope there will be students that come to my booth and make Post Secrets about study abroad. I don't want my service project to be a big flop :/ (That's a hint for anyone reading to come to my booth and make some secrets!)
I miss Argentina and my friends there, I miss speaking Spanish every day, and I even miss all the dog poop that was on the sidewalks because that meant that I could see so many cute little dogs every day. Originally there was a time when I thought, " what if I don't even end up happy that I did this?" Now I just want to laugh at myself for even thinking that. I had an amazing experience and I have changed so much for the better from it. GO STUDY ABROAD!!!! :)
xoxoxo
Allie
I miss Argentina and my friends there, I miss speaking Spanish every day, and I even miss all the dog poop that was on the sidewalks because that meant that I could see so many cute little dogs every day. Originally there was a time when I thought, " what if I don't even end up happy that I did this?" Now I just want to laugh at myself for even thinking that. I had an amazing experience and I have changed so much for the better from it. GO STUDY ABROAD!!!! :)
xoxoxo
Allie
Friday, July 27, 2012
Home?
I have decided to post just one last time to conclude my study abroad blog. This is going to be a blog of reflection and I feel like I should warn you ahead of time that it might get a little mushy.
After many hours of travel, I finally made it back to the states and back to Illinois. I'm not sure what I was expecting..but what I experienced wasn't it. Maybe 2 months isn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, however I feel like a changed person and I guess I expected everyone else to have changed as well.
I found out quickly that people, good or bad, were exactly the same. I also expected things to be so much easier, and they were not. For example, I found myself speaking english, but at the same time thinking random words in spanish and barely catching myself before saying them out loud. So it actually took me longer to speak in english at first since I had to go back and translate the word from spanish to english. So very complicated! Also, I was so excited to drive again..only to get home and find out that my battery in my car had completely died and I will have to pay $160 for a new one if I want to drive again. I looked to public transportation in the meantime, but had no idea where to begin..where the bus stops are, where they take me, how to carry everything from WalMart that I needed to buy again..It was like I had to start all over!
On the other hand, I was very glad to see familiar faces. Andrew gave me the biggest hug ever and it made me feel very welcomed..Dexter went crazy of course..Beef had no idea what to think..and my family gave me sweet hugs as well and were all happy to see me.
Reverse culture shock really does exist..you find yourself comparing everything all over again and wondering if it is you or everything else that has changed. It is confusing and an adventure, but that is part of the fun (and the addiction) of travel.
I will conclude this blog by thanking each and every one of you that have been keeping up with my adventures and misfortunes this summer and for all the encouragement that was sent my way. I could not have done it without you! Hopefully this blog has served some kind of purpose, if not only to help me remember that crazy summer I once spent in Argentina.
Cuidate!--take care!
xoxoxo
Allie
After many hours of travel, I finally made it back to the states and back to Illinois. I'm not sure what I was expecting..but what I experienced wasn't it. Maybe 2 months isn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, however I feel like a changed person and I guess I expected everyone else to have changed as well.
I found out quickly that people, good or bad, were exactly the same. I also expected things to be so much easier, and they were not. For example, I found myself speaking english, but at the same time thinking random words in spanish and barely catching myself before saying them out loud. So it actually took me longer to speak in english at first since I had to go back and translate the word from spanish to english. So very complicated! Also, I was so excited to drive again..only to get home and find out that my battery in my car had completely died and I will have to pay $160 for a new one if I want to drive again. I looked to public transportation in the meantime, but had no idea where to begin..where the bus stops are, where they take me, how to carry everything from WalMart that I needed to buy again..It was like I had to start all over!
On the other hand, I was very glad to see familiar faces. Andrew gave me the biggest hug ever and it made me feel very welcomed..Dexter went crazy of course..Beef had no idea what to think..and my family gave me sweet hugs as well and were all happy to see me.
Reverse culture shock really does exist..you find yourself comparing everything all over again and wondering if it is you or everything else that has changed. It is confusing and an adventure, but that is part of the fun (and the addiction) of travel.
I will conclude this blog by thanking each and every one of you that have been keeping up with my adventures and misfortunes this summer and for all the encouragement that was sent my way. I could not have done it without you! Hopefully this blog has served some kind of purpose, if not only to help me remember that crazy summer I once spent in Argentina.
Cuidate!--take care!
xoxoxo
Allie
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Wow..
Time flies. I thought I knew the meaning of that expression but I definitely didn't. It is now after midnight and although I went out last night and only got like 3 hours of sleep in total, I am still unable to fall asleep. Every day it gets closer to my flight home and every day I want time to slow down. There are still so many things I want to do here and so many people I want to spend more time with. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely can't wait to be home and see my family, friends, and Andrew. I can't wait to drive again and stop being lost all the time, to have my own food in the fridge and do my own laundry. I can't wait to lay out and get tan and go swimming in the heat. I can't wait to straighten my hair again! I even can't wait to go to Walmart and Shop N Save and Old Navy. I can't wait to hug everyone and tell them all about my time here. I can't wait to be back at work again and see all my friends there.
In spite of all of these things I'm excited to do, I still cry when I think about saying goodbye to Beatriz (my mom here), all my friends from class, the random people from all over the world that I've met while going out, the amazing Argentine friends I've made that I only speak spanish with. Even the portero (doorman) that I say hi to every day and who always asks me if I'm cold and laughs when I say no. I'm going to miss seeing thousands of dogs every day and laughing at them pooping on the sidewalk. I'm going to miss having a hard boiled egg and gluten free toast and tea for breakfast every day. I'm going to miss having dinner and wine with Beatriz every night and the crazy amount of pumpkin and dulce de leche I have consumed. I'm even going to miss going out at 11pm and staying out until 2 pm the next day and never EVER getting enough sleep.
My experience here has been absolutely incredible and equally indescribable. I seriously hope I never forget the times I've had here and the people I've met. I know I have to come back and visit someday and I will. This week holds a presentation, tons of homework, a written exam, and an oral exam for me. Then Friday I leave to go home. Wow. That's all I can say.
xoxox
allie
In spite of all of these things I'm excited to do, I still cry when I think about saying goodbye to Beatriz (my mom here), all my friends from class, the random people from all over the world that I've met while going out, the amazing Argentine friends I've made that I only speak spanish with. Even the portero (doorman) that I say hi to every day and who always asks me if I'm cold and laughs when I say no. I'm going to miss seeing thousands of dogs every day and laughing at them pooping on the sidewalk. I'm going to miss having a hard boiled egg and gluten free toast and tea for breakfast every day. I'm going to miss having dinner and wine with Beatriz every night and the crazy amount of pumpkin and dulce de leche I have consumed. I'm even going to miss going out at 11pm and staying out until 2 pm the next day and never EVER getting enough sleep.
My experience here has been absolutely incredible and equally indescribable. I seriously hope I never forget the times I've had here and the people I've met. I know I have to come back and visit someday and I will. This week holds a presentation, tons of homework, a written exam, and an oral exam for me. Then Friday I leave to go home. Wow. That's all I can say.
xoxox
allie
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Less than 2 weeks!
Yesterday marked the month and a half period that I've been here, meaning I officially today have less than 2 weeks left in Buenos. Luckily today was around 50 degrees and sunny, so I went running and doubled my distance. It felt really great!
This past week I celebrated 4th of July with a pub crawl and met a bunch of new people. There were people from here, England, Columbia, the US, and so many more places. It was entertaining because you never know who speaks english and who doesn't, so I just spoke spanish to everyone only to find out 5 minutes into the conversation that the person was from the US. Monday is Argentina's Independence day so we get the day off from school and there's another pub crawl going on. Some people get really drunk and some people don't drink at all but it's a good time meeting people and walking around in a giant group no matter what your level of intoxication :)
Later on today I'll be going to the Recoleta market to check out some interesting touristy things and just to be outside since it is so gorgeous. I have no idea how I'm going to handle the 100+ degree weather back home when I'm so used to wearing jeans, a coat, and scarves but I'm sure I'll be happy to be in the sun again since most days here are so gray and it is a big deal when the sun comes out.
Next week I'm planning on going on a graffiti tour with some friends from school and also to this amazing zoo where you can actually pet lions and tigers..I could not be more excited!! Pictures to come, of course :)
Did anyone get to watch fireworks or were they all cancelled because of the drought? I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you very soon!
chau!
xoxo
Allie
This past week I celebrated 4th of July with a pub crawl and met a bunch of new people. There were people from here, England, Columbia, the US, and so many more places. It was entertaining because you never know who speaks english and who doesn't, so I just spoke spanish to everyone only to find out 5 minutes into the conversation that the person was from the US. Monday is Argentina's Independence day so we get the day off from school and there's another pub crawl going on. Some people get really drunk and some people don't drink at all but it's a good time meeting people and walking around in a giant group no matter what your level of intoxication :)
Later on today I'll be going to the Recoleta market to check out some interesting touristy things and just to be outside since it is so gorgeous. I have no idea how I'm going to handle the 100+ degree weather back home when I'm so used to wearing jeans, a coat, and scarves but I'm sure I'll be happy to be in the sun again since most days here are so gray and it is a big deal when the sun comes out.
Next week I'm planning on going on a graffiti tour with some friends from school and also to this amazing zoo where you can actually pet lions and tigers..I could not be more excited!! Pictures to come, of course :)
Did anyone get to watch fireworks or were they all cancelled because of the drought? I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you very soon!
chau!
xoxo
Allie
Monday, July 2, 2012
La Iglesia
The good news: I finally found a non-catholic church here in Buenos!
The bad news: I only have 2 more Sundays left here.
It is absolutely incredible to pray in another language and to hear people worship in another language and be able to understand it. I mean, you know that God is everywhere always, but it is unbelievable to actually experience it for yourself. Before Sunday, I guess I kind of imagined God was just in my head and heart here and He was everywhere because He was always with me. I was so very wrong and I am so very glad for it. In a country where the clubs don't really get going until 3am, you do not expect to have such an experience as I did yesterday. There were the nicest people singing and praising and I could understand more or less everything that was going on. I even recognized the songs that they sung. If anyone is planning on studying abroad here and would like to attend a protestant church, please let me know! It takes about an hour to get there from my apartment in Belgrano, but that's only because public transportation takes about 5 times longer than normal transportation. However, it is SO worth it :D I'll definitely be going back the next 2 Sundays. It is so powerful.
So lately I've been feeding my spiritual self with prayer and church, my intellectual self with spanish, and my physical self with running. Needless to say, things are going well. I can't believe it's already July and I only have 2 more weeks here. I'm really going to miss this place and all its challenges. Nothing like feeling nostalgic at the end of studying abroad...I'd love to come back and visit my host mom someday though, because she is such a kind soul and I can't imagine never seeing her again. This week I'll be doing homework and studying for my midterm on Friday and hopefully running although today's weather was super cold and completely gray. Let's pray for nice weather my last 2 weeks before I return to the inferno that is Illinois right now!
Happy July!
xoxoxo
Allie
The bad news: I only have 2 more Sundays left here.
It is absolutely incredible to pray in another language and to hear people worship in another language and be able to understand it. I mean, you know that God is everywhere always, but it is unbelievable to actually experience it for yourself. Before Sunday, I guess I kind of imagined God was just in my head and heart here and He was everywhere because He was always with me. I was so very wrong and I am so very glad for it. In a country where the clubs don't really get going until 3am, you do not expect to have such an experience as I did yesterday. There were the nicest people singing and praising and I could understand more or less everything that was going on. I even recognized the songs that they sung. If anyone is planning on studying abroad here and would like to attend a protestant church, please let me know! It takes about an hour to get there from my apartment in Belgrano, but that's only because public transportation takes about 5 times longer than normal transportation. However, it is SO worth it :D I'll definitely be going back the next 2 Sundays. It is so powerful.
So lately I've been feeding my spiritual self with prayer and church, my intellectual self with spanish, and my physical self with running. Needless to say, things are going well. I can't believe it's already July and I only have 2 more weeks here. I'm really going to miss this place and all its challenges. Nothing like feeling nostalgic at the end of studying abroad...I'd love to come back and visit my host mom someday though, because she is such a kind soul and I can't imagine never seeing her again. This week I'll be doing homework and studying for my midterm on Friday and hopefully running although today's weather was super cold and completely gray. Let's pray for nice weather my last 2 weeks before I return to the inferno that is Illinois right now!
Happy July!
xoxoxo
Allie
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