Sep 7, 2017

YA-27: a stream of consciousness on my Year Abroad

Hey!
I’m back to greeting in English, to mark the end of this amazing year that has been my Year Abroad. I could not sound more cliché but I have had a great year and feel that I’m a changed person, for the better.
I thought I’d have a whole lot to write on this post, but I’ve actually already written my thoughts down on different posts I’ve published throughout the year. I’ll just link them here because I’m lazy to repeat myself:
Things I’ve learnt while on placement abroad
Key points: Make the most of the place. Visit the area you are in. Write down a bucket list. Mingle. Hop onto every opportunity. Get out of your comfort zone. Push yourself. Make memories to last you a life time.
Final thoughts on the Year Abroad
Key points: The Year Abroad is more about improving yourself than improving a language. Self-confidence and greater independence are two of the best things I’ve gained this year. It’s the people you meet along the way that shape your experience of the Year Abroad. Enjoy every moment and grab every opportunity. You’re allowed not to enjoy your Year Abroad. You will learn to value your own country.
I also happened to write a blog post at the end of last year reflecting on my 2016 and on the feeling I get each time I leave a place I’ve grown to feel at home in, in order to embark on a new adventure. I love travelling and discovering new places and new people, but I must admit that shuffling place so often also has its drawbacks. You know you are only there for a limited amount of time, which makes you never really feel at home and the voice at the back of your head keeps reminding you things won’t last.
I do think living in different places and travelling is mostly positive at my age though: it has helped me learn to deal with problems, it has challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally and, overall, made me the person I am today, which is an improved version of the shy little teenager who left her island three years ago. Teen Zoe is still inside me, but the new Zoe is now a stronger woman who teaches Teen Zoe not to be scared and actually enjoy life. I never would have thought I’d be like I am today. Yes, I’m still an introvert and, yes, I’m still anxious at having to meet new people and engage in conversation. But now I have learnt that you only live once so you have to enjoy your time as much as you can, be proactive to accomplish your dreams and just put yourself out there. I’ve travelled on my own many times, I’ve had to push myself to try new things and I’ve had to go up to people and just speak to them (in whatever language it might’ve been). Fake it ‘till you make it, right? I actually believe it works. I slowly became more open during my two years of University, particularly during my second one. Third Year has taught me invaluable life lessons and I hope to keep it up next year – life is all about improvement and walking forward.
On crossing borders and growing up
This post has no real structure, let’s be honest. It’s more like a trail of thought to myself. Who knows, maybe someone can recognize themselves in my words. If not, whatever. It is my own blog and space to air out my thoughts after all.
Anyway, thank-you Year Abroad for the amazing experiences. My French and Italian could have improved a little bit more, not going to lie, but I don’t really mind. You’ve taught me many life lessons and I’ve learnt to love life more, so I think we’re cool. Honestly, everybody should go abroad (or at least away from home) at least once in their life for a couple of months. Independence and freedom is something you can only really understand once you’ve actually experienced them yourself. Go on, have a try and come back a changed person.
Until next time,
(A very brooding)
Zoe

Here are two videos on the amazing time I had. Excuse the music, it got messed up.
Fécamp, France.


Siena, Italy.

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