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    Photo Hasina Foye

    July 07, 2022

    What I Wish I Would Have Known Before Taking This Leap

    Have you ever heard the saying, “There is a whole world out there that is waiting to be explored?” Well, that expression has a whole new meaning for me now that I’ve had the experience of studying abroad in the Netherlands. I was born and raised in Bronx, N.Y., and for a long time I believed that I would always stay in the city. I pictured myself spending the majority of my life in the Big Apple, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, navigating busy streets and enjoying everything the city has to offer. It was a nice image. However, studying abroad completely changed my perspective. I learned that exploring another country can be a life-altering experience. You don’t return from it quite the same. 

     

    Now that my time abroad is coming to an end, I’ve been thinking about the things I wish I’d known before taking this leap.

     

    I discovered is the that it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities that will inevitably be presented to you along the way – and to build connections. Yes, gaps in cultural understanding might make that challenging, but you can adapt and create bridges. Taking the time to get to know other people and places gives you a greater appreciation for what is happening outside of the United States. I learned about the reality of life in countries such as Brazil and Georgia from new classmates in the Netherlands who were also studying abroad and who called those places home. Beyond that, I met numerous Dutch citizens who shared with me their desire to visit the United States. It seems that everyone yearns to see somewhere new, and talking to strangers puts that into perspective.  

     

    I also found that staying where you are – and being surrounded by things that are familiar to you – can be comforting. It’s important to take a chance, though. Do something different. Walk down the streets of a new place. Notice its history. Take the time to awaken your senses to the beauty around you. These are times to remember, and to reflect on later. And when it gets hard, keep your eyes peeled for small pieces of home wherever you go. I know that I took comfort in finding American “staples” like Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks and Goya seasonings. 

     

    It’s scary to leave behind what you know. There may be times of loneliness. That said, learning the value of your own company goes a long way when you’re abroad. You’ll find new skills, interests and hobbies. As someone who has been through this process, I encourage you to do the same. It’s your turn! A new narrative is waiting for you. Embark on what's out there and take this leap. Who knows what you could learn about yourself. 

     

    Hasina Foye ’23 is an aspiring journalist from Bronx, N.Y., who is studying English literature and communications at Le Moyne. Hasina is spending the spring semester of 2022 at Hague University in the Netherlands and will be sharing her reflections on life abroad. Please continue to follow her journey here

     

    Category: Global Dolphins