Some thoughts.....

Alright so I couldn't tell you how many times I came back to this post, editing it and re-writing it. I'm finding it really hard to write this post for some reason. So let's start with the basics. I'm back home in Canada now. It feels so good to be home. And by "feel" I mean emotionally, not physically. It's disgustingly hot here, thank the gods for AC, that's all I have to say. I'm really excited to be able to hang out with all my friends again--they're just as nuts as when I left them! LMAO I kid.....not really though. As much as I'm glad that I'm back with my old friends, I still miss my new friends. I talk to them, yes, but it's not the same. When you live in a residence together, you end up seeing each other everyday. You become close pretty quickly. And having to say goodbye to them is not an easy task, but unfortunately it has to be done.

If you're considering studying abroad--no matter what the country--do it. Do it now. This is your chance, don't let it pass you by. I couldn't tell you how many times I wanted to back out, tell my parents to forget it all and go on with my life. But I didn't. Thank God I didn't. Only those who have been on exchange know what it's like. It's incredibly difficult, almost impossible, to explain the experience to people who've never done it. It's an enriching experience that only a select few can say they've done and that many can say they wish they did. By going on exchange to a strange country, you're showing courage and perseverance. You're doing something that excites you and terrifies you at the same time. Embrace it. Face it head on and you'll see it was well worth it. You're going to gain a new view on numerous things. You'll appreciate your family and friends more (or less, depending on your situation....). You'll see your home country in a new light. You'll see that everyone in the world isn't as strange and exotic as you thought it was And you'll learn that the world isn't as big, bad and scary as you think it is.

When it comes down to it, I'm really glad I did what I did. I'm glad I didn't chicken out of the exchange program. I'm glad my parents allowed me to go on exchange. I'm glad I met the people I met. And I'm glad I got to travel to so many places. I'll never forget my 5 months abroad.