Souvenirs | Spring 2018 by Souvenirs

SPRING 2018

SOUVENIRS STAFF Contributing Writers Julia Chini Cassandra Duernberger Mason Hakes Melanie Kohls Claire VanValkenburg

Editor in Chief Sophia Dramm Art Director Mac Bryant Assistant Art Director Genevieve Vahl

Contributing Photographers Yicong Chen Aida Farrokh Ebrahimi Katie Hackbart Marissa Haegele Saja Abu Hakmeh Katie Lorenz Akshay Mishra Claire Krieger Kendall Repetti Josie Sajbel Mark Strayer Sara Warden Morgan Winston

Digital Media Manager Abbigail Friday Editors Isaac Buttke Megan Janssen Laura McGlynn Samantha Mintz-Agnello Rachel Pope Paige Strigel Staff Writers Ella Guo Emma Liverseed Diana Powers Allison Streckenbach

On the Covers Moriah Ziman

WUD Publications Committee Director L. Malik Anderson WUD Publications Committee Advisor Jim Rogers Wisconsin Union President Iffat Bhuiyan

A special thank you goes out to our supportive advertisers, Babette Travel, Middle East Studies Program, The University Book Store and WUD Global Connections Committee.

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@SouvenirsMadison

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VISIT SOUVENIRSMADISON.COM

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR To anyone abroad,

As I put together this magazine of extraordinary stories, photographs and experiences, I thought about you a lot. Although, I couldn’t think about you without getting jealous. I imagined all the things you are doing, and it was difficult to think about your adventures - which seem so incredibly wonderful - without wishing I could do them with you. It pained me to think about it. Since I returned home one year ago from spending four months abroad, all I have felt is pain. Pain of longing to go back. My time abroad revealed to me a part of the huge, amazing world of which I barely got a taste. Now, I crave for more, for the rest of the world. It feels like being hungry but there is no food to eat. Sometimes I wonder if it was worth this ache to have traveled. If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have been exposed to all that the world holds. I wouldn’t have been exposed to the rush of stepping into a city for the first time, the excitement of learning something new, the exhilaration of making memories - all experiences that I now constantly crave; the craving that causes the pains. The craving that I know will never, ever be satisfied. But if I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have experienced the cultures and differences of places that open your eyes and teach you lessons. I wouldn’t have found a new passion. I wouldn’t have become a better person. I wouldn’t have had the best four months imaginable... Maybe the pain is worth it. So while you’re abroad, I hope you’re making the very most of everything you do, treasuring every single moment, taking nothing for granted and doing things that will leave people like me wanting to do them with you. Then I hope you share your experiences, like the contributors of this magazine did, to inspire others to travel and to discover the world for themselves.

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IN THIS ISSUE 4

Spontaneity

Conscious Tourism

Puzzle Piece

Fulfillment

Dealing With Injuries While Traveling

Maintaining Relationships Abroad

Star Soup

Falling For Exploration

I Flew Home For The Winter

What’s In My Carry-On?

A Drifter’s Home

The Dive

Between Flights

Dear Ecuador

Why Study Abroad?

Getting Over The Fear Of Study Abroad

What You Gain Along The Way

“Home”

6 11 30 34 SPRING 2018

SPONTANEITY ALLISON STRECKENBACH

ome of the best souvenirs are simply stories. Keychains break, memories fade and even photographs get lost in a sea of Facebook albums. But having those stories that stick with you forever serve as concrete souvenirs of your travels. For an avid storyteller like myself, I collect stories while traveling how others may collect shot glasses. It keeps me on my toes, because I have a tendency to feel anxious in different social situations, spending above my means and balancing school while planning my travels. It becomes too easy for me to dismiss invitations based on these factors, so I’ve had to teach myself that it is okay to be spontaneous. As a natural worrier and planner, figuring out how to let myself become spontaneous was a problem. When a

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good friend invited me to a weekend in Prague, I immediately started listing reasons in my head of why it wasn’t a good idea. I looked at my calendar and realized that the dates she meant were the next weekend. I looked up flight prices. I looked at my agenda and all the schoolwork I needed to complete. I looked at my overflowing laundry hamper, and I told her I would sleep on it. In the middle of the night, I woke up and realized that I was being crazy. I worked tirelessly in school and at work so that I could spend a semester in Europe chasing my love for travel, history and cultural studies - so why would I get all the way here just to let little things stop me? My 3 a.m. epiphany that I no longer wanted to inhibit myself from a fulfilling semester of travel and learning both in and

out of the classroom prompted me to book my flight and hostel stay immediately. My main battle was how does a shy girl who doesn’t typically take risks get the courage to go out and see the world, try new things and meet new people? There really is no recipe for things like this, no special remedy that would make it easier for exchange students feeling the pressure to take a step back to instead just dive in. I found that self-reflection helped me to realize exactly what I want to get out of this experience and how I want to view my time afterwards. I know spontaneous moments are not always spectacular, and sometimes they are even downright disappointing or bad. But, I think of how fondly I look back on times that are now my

rewards from letting yourself breathe and following a dream. In Prague, I ate some of the best food ever and discovered a hidden gem of an underground pub. In Dublin, I made a best friend that inspired me to continue living my life to the fullest by booking a road trip for the following day to explore the Irish countryside. Letting go of your worries long enough to make something special happen is one of the most intimidat-

ing things I can think of, and there is no guide on how to go about doing so. You have to find your own way of allowing yourself to enjoy the risks you take. Things wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always go the way you plan them anyways, so why not leave a little wiggle room and see what happens? That always makes for the best stories.

MORGAN WINSTON, ENGLAND

best stories when spontaneity turned into something amazing. I love that feeling, and knowing that I wanted to chase it fuels me. It is a feeling that slowly builds, with the capacity for spontaneity-building each time you step outside of your comfort zone until you find yourself booking a random weekend in Dublin with a local student organization, knowing nothing about Ireland nor the people going. But, sometimes you can get the best

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CONSCIOUS TOURISM YICONG CHEN, UNITED STATES

GENEVIEVE VAHL

raveling is a way to see the world, experience different cultures and learn about yourself. However, traveling has major effects on our vacation destinations. As visitors, it is our responsibility to be aware that tourism has both positive and negative impacts on local communities and environments, and it is important to know how to treat them with respect. Some of the positive effects of tourism include job creation and increased revenue coming into local areas. Tourists’ dollars can be used to protect natural landscapes and aid impoverished areas. Shopping at local markets or smaller restaurants and paying park entrance fees ensures that money goes directly to local businesses instead of larger corporations. Respectfully taking part in traditional customs, like Flamenco dancing or cooking classes to

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learn how to make local dishes, helps keep traditions alive and build a better cultural understanding. Unfortunately, tourism can also cause various problems for local communities. Tourism-related jobs are often

seasonal and poorly-paid, and much of the money goes to large travel or resort companies. A large influx of tourists damages the natural environment with litter, footpath erosion or habitat

destroyed for lodging. Tourism can also drive out locals due to overcrowding or a higher cost of living from the money visitors bring in. In some parts of the world, animal tourism is problematic as well, with animals being drugged or taken from the wild for tourists’ amusement. To help combat some of these effects, do your research before traveling. For example, if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, check how you can minimize environmental damage, such as not using certain bug sprays or sunscreens in protected areas. Or if you’re going to a country with elephants, find an elephant sanctuary that does not offer riding. The best experiences come from keeping an open mind and being respectful of local people and their cultures and traditions.

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YICONG CHEN, UNITED STATES

ELLA GUO, SOUTH KOREA

SAJA ABU HAKMEH 10

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CLAIRE KRIEGER

LAURA MCGLYNN

AKSHAY MISHRA

DIANA POWERS

KENDALL REPETTI

JOSIE SAJBEL SPRING 2018

PUZZLE PIECE CLAIRE VANVALKENBURG

A land that mirrors my own soul in its ripped-up edges but still-willing-to-love insides. It calls to me, this country of sheep and peace, like I was a missing puzzle piece under the couch that only recently found its place. Now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m snuggled among the well-worn pieces that were patiently waiting my arrival. I found my place here, as a part of an ongoing puzzle 166 years strong. Driving along the coast an overwhelming sense of finality and satisfaction buzzes from my fingertips to my toes, as I slip into my family lineage like I was always meant to belong.

ALLISON STRECKENBACH, ENGLAND

riving along the coast of Ireland I am overwhelmed with a sense of ancestral belonging. As if the ancient, frayed rope that has pulled me back here has finally gotten enough satisfaction to go slack. It runs deep within the hearts of the women in my family, linking us together. A rope so barren and weak it was nearly forgotten. Yet somehow, it did not break when I tied to it the full weight of my trust, and it has taken me here. To this desolate, rocky landâ&#x20AC;Ś so forlorn yet teeming with life; resilient.

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FULFILLMENT PAIGE STRIGEL

brink of leaving for my baby solo trip, a week-long hostel-hopping jaunt around Scotland. It will be the first week of hopefully many spent this way. As soon as I finish class for the week, I’ll board a bus to Chicago then fly to Edinburgh alone. Independent. Free. It’s not just the mountains, ancient castles and misty isles of Scotland. It’s all that, yes, but it’s so much more. It’s the freedom of knowing that I’ll wake up each morning surrounded by strangers that could become friends, that I’ll wander unknown city streets holding all that I need on my back and that the anonymity of my solo journey will bring the elusive freedom of identity.

I grew up with my nose in a book. I struggled to pull myself away, to live my own life. I lived vicariously through characters who were brave, adventurous and daring. Finally, at age 20, I’m walking off the page to become one of these characters. I hope I’ve become someone that 8-year-old me would look up to - I like to think I have.

KATIE HACKBART, GERMANY

ike so many other things in my life, it began with a book. Harry Potter went to London, so I wanted to go to London. And then London wasn’t enough. I wanted to see the rest of Europe. I wanted to see it with nothing more than my ambition and a backpack on my shoulders. I’ve had this dream since I was 8 years old. Somewhere, there’s a memory book from the year I finished eighth grade and in response to the question, “Ten years from now, what will you be doing?” I said, “Backpacking across Europe.” It’s one of those things you put off something that lives in the back of your mind in your long-term to-do list, but you never get closer to the actually doing it. Last summer, it dawned on me one instant that I was a 19-year-old with a steady income and very few responsibilities. Then, I was texting my mom for her blessing. She gave it, probably thinking that this was another “vaguely in the future” plan. But it wasn’t. It was me, sick of waiting to do and be all the things that 8-year-old me forever hoped would happen. Now, half a year later, I’m on the

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DEALING WITH INJURIES WHILE TRAVELING ELLA GUO

hile it’s unlikely that you’ll have major problems abroad, traveling isn’t always perfect. Some things on the road are uncontrollable and unforeseen accidents may happen. Here are four things you should keep for staying safe and healthy if you encounter injuries and illnesses abroad.

1. Pack a basic first aid kit If you have room, bring a basic first aid kit and medications. Painkillers, antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids and Ace bandages are simple but cover a lot of small injuries, are helpful in emergency situations too and are generally easy to pack.

3. Save documentations and receipts of treatment Most health insurances cover emergency doctor visits, but you will first have to pay the hospital and then get reimbursed from your provider. If you get prescribed any medications, you will have to pay for those separately at a pharmacy. Save all documentations from these treatments, as 2. Go to the local hospital sooner your insurance will require proof of them rather than later to reimburse you. If you end up with a serious injury or illness, visiting a local hospital before it gets worse is a good idea. In many countries, the 4. Stay positive! process is similar to that in the U.S., but reDealing with injuries and illness can be search what to expect ahead of time. If you’re frustrating and overwhelming especially in a in a non-English speaking country, use Goo- different country, but try to see it as another gle Translate to write up a short description unique experience. Take a day or two off of what’s wrong. A friend along for support to get some extra rest, follow your doctor’s is always comforting. Most importantly, orders and take all prescribed medications, make sure you have resources to pay for any then get back to your travels. Your trip is treatment, as many hospitals require you to too short to let problems trouble the rest of pay the full amount up front. your time!

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AIDA FARROKH EBRAHIMI, SENEGAL

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MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS ABROAD ISAAC BUTTKE

hile getting into a solid relationship was hard enough for me, nothing tested the bond between my girlfriend and I quite like our time separated while I was in Germany this year. Thankfully, we made it through those four long months with our relationship intact and stronger than ever, but not without a little work. Here are some of my tips for maintaining a long-distance relationship while you’re abroad. Communication is key It was vital for our relationship that we communicated consistently, despite the seven-hour time difference between Germany and Wisconsin. Unfortunately, this meant that I sometimes had to stay up until 2 or 3 a.m., but it was definitely worth it to share conversation with each other. This is a great depiction of how sometimes sacrifices have to be made in order to maintain a relationship.

LAURA MCGLYNN, THAILAND

Keep it personal The method of communication is also important. While texting is a convenient way of keeping in touch, it lacks the personality that other methods have. Video chatting was easily my favorite way to talk with my girlfriend, as it gave me the opportunity to see her face (albeit digitally). This kept our relationship strong because it made it feel like I was actually able to spend time with her despite being an ocean away. Opt for the old ways Another great way to stay in touch is an old-fashioned, hand-written letter. It may seem archaic, but there’s a charm to receiving a physical letter in the mail, not to mention the fun of anticipating a letter you know is on its way. I definitely recommend this thoughtful form of communication, especially if you’re going abroad for longer than a semester. Love is a gift Want to go beyond simple communication channels? Try surprising your significant other with a gift! I’ll never forget when my girlfriend sent her first package to me; I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of just a letter, and was surprised to find a small package with assorted candies (along with the letter!) enclosed. That made my day so much brighter. Whether you’re abroad or stateside, a small surprise can be just the thing to make someone’s day. SPRING 2018

STAR SOUP EMMA LIVERSEED RUM POINT, CAYMAN ISLANDS I could stay here all nightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a dark cove, hips sunk low

glowing warm & blue in my palms. I ache to share their luminescence,

& in this moment I think my body must be the seam where the ocean

in a sea kayak, drifting in darkness while the waves hold their breath.

to earn an ounce of brightness, no matter how temporary.

meets the sky, stars clinging to my skin like a new form of night.

Tiny stars blossom across the surface like a microscopic Milky Way

A fish slides through the black. Its movements make fireworks

as I float in a realm of cyan-celled constellations who speckle the ocean

SARA WARDEN, NORWAY

with pockets of radiance. Every touch creates a galaxy of flickering phytoplankton,

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FALLING FOR EXPLORATION

DIANA POWERS, UNITED STATES

DIANA POWERS

oorly planned. That was my thought as I drained the last drops from my water bottle, only halfway through the seven-mile hike to Yosemite Falls. My sister and I hadn’t planned to hike the Yosemite Falls trails, but it called our name as soon as we saw its short description in the national park’s pamphlet. Without hesitation, we set out to reach the top and, hopefully, find adventure along the way. We started at a quick pace, passing couples and families along the crowded trail. Soon we reached an outlook and paused to take in the mountains. We didn’t talk much, just appreciating nature, like the way the trees grew so magnificently on the side of the cliffs. We climbed higher and headed deeper

into the forest as the trail became steeper. We passed through a tributary of the waterfall that flows through the trail and I stepped in the water, completely soaking my shoes. The number of families diminished and all we could hear was the faint sound of gushing water from the waterfall above. My sister and I got into a rhythm: three switchbacks, then break for water and repeat. However, we were running out of water and it seemed like the trail still stretched ahead of us forever. Determined to make it, we climbed on and finally, finally reached the top. Never before had I felt so relieved to sit out on a rock and drink the last droplets of water. There was a sense of calm and accomplishment that hung in the air at the top. A sense of community

formed between those of us who had trekked all the way up to see the view. As I gazed out over the mountains, I wondered if I had ever missed an opportunity for another experience like this. It’s so easy to forget where spontaneity can lead and why exploration builds the soul, until I’m watching something as incredible as Yosemite Falls pour down the mountainside when I didn’t even imagine I’d be here just a few hours earlier. While we may have run out of water on that hike, my sister and I returned home with adventurous spirits and a renewed sense of curiosity and exploration.

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I FLEW NORTH FOR THE WINTER MASON HAKES

I flew north for the winter to regain the tranquility that had been torn from my spirit. To forsake the comforts of home and steal my resilience while softening my soul to new experiences. I stepped off the plane and found, at once, antiquated grandeur shoulder-to-shoulder with majestically slow decay, striking modernism aside brutalist architecture. I searched through the alien urbanism so far departed from the beloved lakes and forests of my home, and after hours of frigid struggle I had finally found my hearth. The hostel’s modest design was energized by the vibrancy of the many friends I found within, each of us searching for something and finding more in our paradise in the snow. While my breath froze from biting temperatures 146 years in the making, the companionship of new friends kindled warmth in my heart. We laid bold tracks in freshly fallen snow, ascended Mont-Royal on our feet and descended sliding on our backs, tested our palates on experimental cuisine and danced our way through apartments, clubs, bars and streets to the heavy, syncopating rhythms of a city seized by eternal innovation. When the nascent, cold rays of dawn rose revealed themselves, I had lost another friend and thus it continued for the entirety of my journey. Every cycle of the sun, I opened the door for despair, sat with solitude, walked with wonder, supped with serendipity and laid to bed with the laughter of my compatriots. Each cold day and every heady evening was a photograph in and of itself. I had a knowledge that each memory had no sequel, no continuation, and as much as I wished for omniscience, I took solace in the faith that our experience together was chronicled as a joyful boon in their life stories, even if it was but a single sentence that terminated with a period instead of an ellipsis. In my paradise, I felt as if I had fervently scaled every cathartic peak of rapture and trudged sullenly through the unprecedented troughs of my own emotion I had never suffered my soul to see. Montréal, mon cœur, I found myself in you. I flew north for the winter . . .

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MELANIE KOHLS, FRANCE

WHAT’S IN MY CARRY-ON?

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our carry-on bag is an important piece of luggage. If your checked bag gets lost, your carry-on is all you have to keep you alive on your trip for who knows how long. That’s why it’s critical to pack it well. Pack everything you couldn’t live without if something happens to your checked bag, and make sure to include things to stay entertained, refreshed and prepared for your adventure.

on Meds

Pain Kil le

Cr ea m

Headphones

ipti

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Healthy Snacks

Your Passport SPRING 2018

D C es it ti y na M t ap io n

Cozy Blanket Scarf

las

e W ipe

Fa c

Gum

a kp

p Balm Portable Phone Charger

Tra v e l J ournal & A Good Book

Lapt

op o r Ta b let

R W eu at se er ab b o le tt le

Wallet, IDs & Cash

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A DRIFTER’S HOME LAURA MCGLYNN

or a drifter, home is a fluid concept. When I’m travelling, I tend to think of “home” as wherever I am on that particular day - maybe a hostel or a local park - any place I can be comfortable and happy. In the hustle and bustle of Old City Chiang Mai, Thailand, home was a tiny cafe. I arrived in Chiang Mai mid-morning, exhausted from long overnight flights and looking forward to taking a nap as soon as I got to my hostel. I was a bit

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overwhelmed, as it was my first time in Southeast Asia, but I managed to successfully catch a taxi at the airport. The driver took me into the city and dropped me off along the side of a road, pointing down a short street towards where my hostel apparently was. Backpack already weighing heavy on my tired shoulders, I set out along the road but it quickly split, twisting off into a maze of narrow streets. There was no sign of my hostel. I showed several

Thai, but I could tell she knew exactly what I needed. It turned out that my hostel was just around the corner, and during my next few days in Chiang Mai, I went to that little cafe every morning for breakfast. I would stay awhile, drinking coffee, writing and playing with the kitten. The owner recognized me, and I could tell that she, like many of the Thai people I met who ran their own tiny businesses, was proud that I loved her cafe enough to come back. It had become my home.

I left Chiang Mai for a week in the mountains but came back for one more night before heading south. The following morning, I went back to her cafe one last time. I had my backpack with me, and she knew I was leaving for good. As I left, she told me in broken English to have safe travels. This time, I said thank you and goodbye in Thai, and set off to find another place to call home, even if for a little while.

SARA WARDEN, NORWAY

locals the address but each pointed in a different direction. An hour later, there was no hostel nor even a street sign, and I was walking in circles. Giving up, I stopped at a tiny openair cafe in hopes of better directions, something to eat and maybe Wi-Fi. I shrugged off my backpack and sat down, then took a full breath for the first time since I stepped off the airplane. Soft music played, a gentle fan cooled the humid air and a scrawny kitten tumbled around, batting at my feet. An elderly Thai lady with kind eyes, who turned out to be the owner of the cafe, offered me a coffee and a menu of fresh fruit. She barely spoke English and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pronounce a single word in

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LAURA MCGLYNN, BELIZE

THE DIVE SAMANTHA MINTZ-AGNELLO

cuba diving offers the rare experience of being immersed with the life that exists under the sea. My recent travels had me diving in the Great Barrier Reef and small islands in Savusavu, Fiji. After diving four times in the past month, I have gained new insight to share about getting the most out of a dive.

The descent My dives typically begin by jumping off a boat into the wide, vast ocean that will become my escape for the next half hour. Upon hitting the water, you are weightless, almost forgetting that the gear weighing heavily on your back carries your sole source of air. Before long, you press your button and begin to drop down into the deep sea. The ocean It is hard to believe how much life and color exists beneath us in the ocean. In the Great Barrier Reef, your inner child comes alive when seeing every fish in Finding Nemo, from clownfish to Moorish idols to blue tang fish and more. While the Great Barrier Reef is probably the most famous scuba site, it was no match for what I saw in Fiji. There, I visited Turtle Island. Sadly, no, I did not encounter any turtles, but I saw reef sharks and magic coral, which changes from pink to icy white upon touch. The fright While I like the silence that comes with scuba diving, it is sometimes unnerving. It is just you, your group and a never-ending body of water. While there is so much for you to see, it is nerve-wracking to be such an outsider. You 26

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don’t always know what is safe to touch or what aquatic life could hurt you. Then, there are the nerves of simply being underwater for an extended amount of time. However, you must remind yourself that scuba diving, while an extreme sport, is safe and you won’t just run out of oxygen. The afterthoughts It is always bittersweet ending a dive. I am usually drained afterwards, but sad to see it end nonetheless. As I begin to equalize on my way up, I say my own silent goodbye to the dive site. Sitting on the boat, feeling exhausted yet energized, I reflect on my time below. Being immersed with marine life forces me to think about the impact humans have on the oceans. Unfortunately, in the last few years, there has been evidence that humans caused the Great Barrier Reef to become extinct in some areas. If we don’t work to protect marine life, these beautiful areas will disappear before our very eyes. Consequently, the animals who live here will either be left homeless or become extinct themselves. It is imperative that we take responsibility in protecting ocean life, as the ocean is not “ours” to destroy.

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MARISSA HAEGELE, SPAIN

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LAURA MCGLYNN, UNITED STATES

OZ LAURA MCGLYNN

have never been very good at doing things the way I’m supposed to, which is why one gray December morning in Wisconsin, I decided to drop out of my study abroad program, take a semester off of school and buy a one-way ticket to Sydney, Australia. Three weeks later I stepped out of the airport into a hot Australian summer full of possibilities. I stayed in a hostel until I found a cheap apartment just a few blocks from the Sydney Opera House. It had two bedrooms, nine roommates and a hundred cockroaches, but it held a certain charm. One of my roommates, Vladi, and I became the best of friends. Together we got through the worst parts of being broke backpackers in one of the most expensive cities in the world, from working terrible hours at poorly

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paid jobs to dealing with some of our strangest roommates. Through Vladi, I met a spectacular group of friends and soon Sydney felt like home. After three months in Sydney, I bid a tearful goodbye to my friends and set off to see the East Coast. Starting in Melbourne, I spent the next couple of months backpacking north, staying in hostels and at campsites, catching rides with strangers or backpackers and taking the occasional bus. I lived off of food left behind in hostel kitchens supplemented with so, so many carrots and potatoes, trying to save my dwindling cash for adventures. And adventures I had. I hiked and camped on the largest all-sand island in the world and kayaked in rivers with bull sharks. I learned to surf and saw kangaroos, koalas, dingos and little blue crabs that buried themselves in sand and then nibbled at my toes. I stayed on sailboats and snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, got lost on small islands and found hidden waterfalls cascading over cliffs. I was never lonely in hostels, as strangers become friends in a matter of minutes. Every place I went, I met so

many wonderful, strange, beautiful people. We laughed until we cried over the dumbest jokes, and I picked up a handful of random skills, from meditation and skateboarding to fire twirling. When I reached Cairns, my Australian debit card was declined when I tried to buy a $2 bag of carrots, so I took it as a sign to continue my adventure elsewhere. I hopped on a plane back to Sydney to see my friends one last time before I continued my travels in Asia. My friends took me out to dinner at Bondi Beach and then all the way to the farthest gate they could enter the airport. It was the most bittersweet goodbye I’ve ever had, for I now had a second family whom I didn’t know when I would get to see again. I’ve been stateside longer than I was abroad, but I still have that same relentlessness thirst for adventure. I know it won’t be long until I’m on the road again, maybe living on a shoestring and out of a backpack, but definitely finding another family and embracing the magnificence of the world.

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LAURA MCGLYNN, AUSTRALIA

BETWEEN FLIGHTS MELANIE KOHLS

their babies, each caring about a few very specific things: flight delays, squashed mustard packets. Behind these small concerns lie lifetimes of adventure, of suffering, of stories finished and unfinished, but in our tiny world these stories are stowed safely away like so much luggage in the overhead compartment. Here is another dimension, a removal of the self from time, the “wood between the worlds” dreamed up by C.S. Lewis to separate us from Narnia. I wouldn’t want to live in the tiny world – no chance to finish my story there – but every time I travel I look forward to stopping by awhile.

SAJA ABU HAKMEH, ASIA

y friends hate long layovers, or getting to the airport too early. I don’t. In a way, this is my favorite place, this tiny world. When I am alone in a café in an airport in a city that doesn’t know me, I can be anyone, and so can everyone else. In the food court, I reach for an extra mustard packet and the cashier winks and smiles; the woman sitting to my right rambles pleasantly into her phone; I eat soda bread with too much butter and disappear into my seat. Strangers pace to and fro, the waitstaff push their carts and fathers quiet

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DEAR ECUADOR JULIA CHINI

Of course, there were issues, as I’m sure you know. You have poverty and violence and lots of men that don’t respect young female travelers like myself. There were days I worried about the small children I visited in some of your poorest neighborhoods, those children that didn’t receive enough to eat, let alone the right medical treatment and vaccines. I saw the trash people left in heaps in the middle of the streets, the stray dogs and poorly built houses. I saw how your people worried about earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions as destruction hit from hurricane Irma and the earthquakes in Mexico and Chile.

KATIE LORENZ, PERU

or six weeks, you provided me with new experiences and memories that I will never forget. You showed me your beautiful mountains, charming cities and magical rainforests. You made me feel at home with the warmth of your land and people. When I arrived, I was nervous about my new home, but as soon as I was greeted with hugs and warm tea, I knew there was nothing to worry about. From that very first moment, I was surrounded by the warmth that is so ingrained in your people. They were patient as I struggled to find the words for what I wanted to say. They shared their culture and cuisine with me every day. They were inquisitive and talkative. Whether it was in the home, the clinic, a hostel, a restaurant or on one of many long bus rides, I was always surrounded by kindness of your people, who never made me feel like an outsider.

However, it is hard to focus on these issues when I also saw how much love your people had for their lands, cultures and neighbors. They dress in breathtaking cultural clothing, dance traditional dances in the streets and welcome indigenous culture into the cities. These cultures are diverse and unique to each of your landscapes, and individuals are so proud to announce where they are from. They protect your land through parks and reserves, sharing it with tourists from around the world. From the turquoise water of Quilotoa to the snow on top of Cotopaxi to the vast Amazon rainforest, this beauty is valued and shared with a message of conservation.

Thank you for every moment, Ecuador, from the crazy new experiences like bridge jumping in Baños and hiking in the Amazon, to little things like drinking homemade tequila in the jungle and staying up late dancing with the kind indigenous people of San Virgilio. Every memory will stay with me forever. I promise I’ll be back soon. With much love,

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WHY STUDY ABROAD? RACHEL POPE

t’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone and think that studying abroad isn’t worth the discomfort and fear. Leaving what you know is hard. However, what you gain abroad makes up for every insecurity. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth it. Meet new people Whether it’s new people from your school who are also on your program or students attending the same university as you, you meet so many new people. Each person has a unique story and culture, and you can learn so much just by talking to your classmates. You also meet some incredible people in passing by: the tour bus driver, the museum greeter, the waitress all will end up leaving a special impact. Gain new skills Studying abroad and even traveling require you to hone in on skills to survive. You become great at adapting to situations and environments, being independent, communicating cross-culturally, solving problems and managing budgets - all things that transfer back home and can be used at jobs and in school.

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Claim your independence One thing’s for sure: If you’re ever in trouble while you’re abroad, you can’t just call your parents up to solve your problems. You learn to resolve issues on your own in a real-life setting that teaches you independence and maturity in no better way. Travel Studying abroad is more than just studying, it’s also exploring the area you’re in. Taking weekend getaways to new locations you’ve always dreamed of visiting may become a regular occurence. Going to different cities and trying new food, learning new history and experiencing other cultures is unparalleled to everyday college life. Learn more about yourself It’s hard to go out of your comfort zone for any length of time without learning something new about yourself. You return home with a new perspective about your life, which opens your eyes to the world around you and allows you to grow an incredible amount.

Learn in different ways Going to a foreign university means that you learn different things than you would back home. A lot of learning occurs beyond the classroom: in just about every country, touring cities is walking around history that’s older than America and culture that you’ve never imagined. There’s more to learning about the world than what goes on in lecture halls, and studying abroad really highlights that. Find a second home The unique thing about studying abroad, rather than just traveling, is you get to make a home wherever you are. You learn to love your city as you become familiar with the unique things about it. That place may stand for your personal growth and achievements and will always have a special place in your heart. Make memories for a lifetime It sounds cheesy, but you will never forget your time abroad. It impacts you for the rest of your life in all the best ways.

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MARK STRAYER, UNITED STATES

GETTING OVER THE FEAR ABBIGAIL FRIDAY

tudying abroad is amazing, but traveling to a new country alone can cause a lot of anxiety. When I left to study abroad in London, it was the first time I had ever traveled outside the continental U.S, so I was completely terrified when I arrived at Heathrow International Airport on a dreary January day. I had to find my flat on my own, move in with 10 strangers then somehow make this new place my home all while in an environment totally foreign to me. Looking back at this experience, I realized I took good actions to calm my anxieties upon moving in London. Let these tips help you make your arrival in your new home a little less scary.

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1. Call your parents when you arrive The people who gave you life want to know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re alive after an hours-long flight. Connecting with your family quickly before hailing a cab or finding other transportation from the airport will give you a comfort amid initial shock. My mom gave me a loving pep talk that calmed my fears of getting lost and left me feeling much more confident finding my flat.

OF STUDYING ABROAD

3. Unpack and set up your new home Settling into a new place can really set the tone for the first few weeks of being in a new country. You want to come home to a place that feels comfortable and familiar since you will be

experiencing so many differences as you get used to the your city. Unpack and display the things that you remind you of home, then shop for decorations that add a personal touch. 4. Explore your neighborhood Remember those new roommates you just talked to? Ask if they want to go for a walk to get familiar with your new neighborhood. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have someone to share the special experience of exploring your city for the first time, plus it will be good to have others with you in case you get lost.

5. Eat food The long flight and unpacking in addition to the nervousness can drive a person to want to eat anything in their path. While on your walk with your roommates, stop at a restaurant. My roommates and I shared pizza and a bottle of wine. We talked about our hopes for this trip and our interests, which really helped us bond (food always brings people together). After our meal, I felt much more relaxed and excited for my time in London.

MARISSA HAEGELE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

2. Talk to your roommates immediately Whether you like it or not, you will (most likely) live with others. Introduce yourself when you move in and start getting to know them. Creating new connections will give you a rush of excitement for making friends and will distract you from that fear.

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MORIAH ZIMAN, ITALY

WHAT YOU GAIN ALONG THE WAY MEGAN JANSSEN

spent the latter part of my high school years preparing for the exciting moment when I would finally be able to disassociate myself from my hometown. Moving to Madison, Wisconsin, to spend the next four years continuing my education provided me with an escape from the people I had known since elementary school, from the roads I had driven since I got my permit, from the mall I had hung out at since the age people started hanging out. I thought rightfully for a long time that I was better than my hometown, that I deserved to be in a more glamorous place. I thought I deserved to meet cooler, more worldly people from diverse backgrounds who spoke multiple languages and had great possessions. Graduation came and I finally left my hometown behind that summer, first for three weeks in Europe and then to move into my freshman dorm room. Some time later now and I have visited even more countries, all before I have studied abroad through the university. And if there is one feeling more salient than the rest, it is the humility these experiences have instilled in me: You can travel to far off places (and you should, even if only for a while), but if you do not come away more self-aware of where you come from and how that has shaped you, then you must reflect deeper.

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My values, my beliefs, my thoughts, feelings, friends, family, education, dreams, hopes, fears - those are all a product of the formative years in my hometown. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to lose sight of these things that comprise your character in a new environment like a foreign country, where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now possible to become whomever you so choose. Such is true not just of travel, but of new beginnings like your first year of college. These moments will test your character to its core, which is not said to be dramatic, but as a reminder that it is up to the individual to dictate how their life will play out. I am certain I would not value my friends, family and self the way I do today had I not gone away from the familiar, had I not traveled where I did, when I did. And for this I would be gravely mistaken, as I could very likely still be that same person thinking of herself as better than a place and a people to whom I truly owe everything. I cannot stress how impactful traveling is in our young lives. With each mile that you put between yourself and where you come from, I hope that you will gain the humility and gratitude in your origins that will change your life for the better.

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LAURA MCGLYNN, THAILAND

“HOME” CASSANDRA DUERNBERGER

Quand la neige tombait, j’ai pensé à mon pays, mais au lieu de l’envie je me trouvais satisfait Écoutez :

MORIAH ZIMAN, ITALY

Le sentiment d’appartenance n’est pas limité à une seule place Plutôt, il faut le conserver, et le disperser partout où vous voulez

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LAURA MCGLYNN, AUSTRALIA

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