There are many things I am excited about when it comes to this trip. Time really flew between me getting the initial email inviting everyone to apply, filling out the application, weighing the financial logistics, clicking the "commit to this program" button, and now being mere days away from boarding my flight. It was always my dream to go on a study abroad program. It was even one of many reasons that I decided to come to Texas A&M, since we send more students abroad than any other institution in Texas. As a senior, this Summer 2025 term will be my last as a student, so I am excited to make the most out of the time I have left before becoming an alumni. I am excited about getting to immerse myself in another culture in a way I had never been able to and picking up some German in the process. This will be my first time ever flying overseas, and I can't wait to try all the food, see all the beautiful sights, and see how medical history and practice compares to that found in the United States. That being said, I know that there will be many challenges throughout my time there. I will be retaking the MCAT for a better score upon coming back in August, so I will have to sacrifice some of my free time abroad to study and finalize my med school applications. I am really bad at saying no to outings and hangouts, but I know I'll have to be harder on myself to stay on track and do everything I need to, as well as say no to fun things (I'll still be a little sad, though). I am also a bit scared of feeling homesick and not having access to food or my family like I usually do. The time difference might make it harder for me to communicate constantly with my friends and family. Coincidentally, one of my close cousins will be moving to Hungary at around the same time that I'll be over there so we'll get to see each other and maybe I'll get to introduce him to my host family!
I can't know until I get there, but I know I need to be ready to receive awkward comments or be stereotyped due to my living and attending school in the US. I am not too nervous about that; I had to go through similar situations when I first moved to the United States and my English wasn't the best. I've learned to not take things too personally when it comes to that, since most people are coming from a place of curiosity. I hope that that remains the case once I get to Germany. Other than excitement and trepidation, I am feeling a little pride in myself for deciding to go through with this program. I initially did not want to go because of financial reasons, but somehow I made it work in the end even though I doubted I could many times. I am proud about doing this for myself before I graduate and life changes or gets busier as I prepare for the next step.
I hope that by going through this program I'll receive a little more insight into how other countries and cultures experience health, illness, and treatment, as well as gain cultural context for these practices. I'm wondering how healthcare differs in other parts of the world, and whether there are certain things I could implement / keep in mind when the time comes for me to treat patients of different backgrounds in the future. I hope to form meaningful connections with my fellow students and explore, mess up, and learn together. I truly think that we will all grow as individuals and come back different people (in a good way, of course). Looking forward to seeing everyone in Bonn!
Howdy Michelle!
ReplyDeleteThis whole process leading up to the trip really has felt like an adventure. I still remember reading the email and thinking, “This is meant for me.” I truly hope you get to enjoy every moment of this experience and that I get to share it with you while tagging along with MCAT studying!
We’ve been talking about this trip for weeks now, so just making it there will already feel like a dream come true. I hope having a friend with you helps ease any homesickness and brings a little piece of home with you. As for food, I’d love to cook together and share our culture with our host family; it sounds like such a special way to connect.
Wishing you all the best on this journey!
Hey Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI think you are in good company when it comes to the MCAT. I know many people on this trip have taken it and understand how hard of an endeavor that is. As for myself, I have experience with retaking my MCAT and I know how scary that lead up to the test can be. I hope that despite it all, you will be able to enjoy your time abroad and then later BTHO the MCAT.
Furthermore, I think it is so cool that you will get to see your cousin while oversees. I feel like getting to see a familiar face after weeks of new experiences will help rid of burnout and rejuvenate your passion for the trip once we get to those final days. Maybe we will get to meet him too!
The unique way that you desire to share culture with others through cooking is very cool. Small activities like that will help draw others to you and your host family will be very blessed to have someone so engaged with them. I'm excited to do this study abroad together and can't wait to all be together in Germany!
Hey Michelle!
ReplyDeleteI can so relate on feeling like time really flew by before this trip, and I also get how it feels wanting to enjoy your last summer before post-grad life. It's bittersweet to me how my time at A&M is coming to an end and I'll be focusing on applying to pharmacy cool during this fall semester instead of putting off that worry for the future. I know both this study abroad and this next semester will fly by, so I'm going to try my hardest to soak it all in!
I would say this is the perfect trip for your first time flying overseas, although I know it can be extremely daunting flying by yourself to a new place for the first time! It's nice to hear that your cousin will be nearby if you feel too homesick though, what are the odds you got to take this trip and he's moving there!
I'm looking forward to spending time with everyone and experiencing the culture through both a social and health perspective. See you soon in Bonn!