Spring 2023 #5
April 10, 2023
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by SJ Weidner, MUDEC Student Intern
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Bonjour! Welcome to the second to last MUDEC newsletter of the Spring 2023 semester. Where has the time gone?
As the weeks fly by, we find ourselves with only one month left in Luxembourg. I want to reflect on what study abroad has meant to me, as well as share a few of my favorite moments. For most people, moving abroad for a semester is a complex reality to face. I certainly have had my fair share of ups and downs, life skill lessons, and everything in between.
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However, I can honestly say that my semester abroad has been the most eye-opening experience of my life thus far. In this newsletter I wish to share that with a positive mindset, plenty of gratitude, and self-reflection, you can enjoy each and every experience to the fullest.
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Moving halfway across the world from everything you are familiar with can be a very daunting decision to make; at least it was for me. One thing I have discovered about myself is that practicing gratitude has helped me to stay grounded.
Whenever I started to feel a bit of culture shock or homesickness, I turned to common phrases that I would often repeat. The first was to remind myself that living abroad is truly a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. I quickly realized that I have never challenged myself to embrace change and step outside of my comfort zone. I now had the opportunity to visit 14 new countries and travel on an entirely different continent for three and a half months. How cool is that?!
The second would be that I am at MUDEC during this year, this semester, and at this time for a reason. In the beginning, I had no idea what that reason was. Now I know that it was to accomplish exactly what I am writing about in this newsletter: personal growth. I never would have had the same opportunities, crazy stories, or developed the life skills I have now if I had chosen to stay in Oxford.
“Be where your feet are” is another quote that I often relied on. Trying your hardest to live in the moment is key, and it has helped me stay extremely grateful for this opportunity. These are the days I will look back on and think, “Wow, that was pretty amazing.”
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Reflection: A List of Favorites |
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Throughout the course of the semester, I have been updating a Google Sheet with every country, plane ticket, excursion, and restaurant that I experience. Whether you choose a handwritten journal or an online blog, I would highly suggest writing down each and every moment during your time abroad. It has been such a blast to look back and reflect after each unique trip.
Here is my master list of some of my favorite European adventures.
Favorite Destination: This would be a tie between Interlaken, Switzerland, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Both places had breathtaking views in their own right, and the best food. The weather also worked out perfectly in these two places, with snow in Switzerland and beautiful sunshine in Croatia. Both of these trips I will never forget!
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Favorite Moment: Study abroad has been full of little moments of gratitude. However, I would say the one that stands out the most was watching the sunset at the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. Venice was only my second weekend trip; therefore, I was still feeling a little bit of culture shock.
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However, watching this sunset with two of my best friends made me remember how lucky I was to be there. I am a firm believer in taking "mental screenshots" to really lock in core memories, and this one definitely takes the cake.
Favorite Food: My favorite meals were from Dubrovnik. At Restaurant Azur, I had a panko chicken bowl with umami rice and sriracha mayo that I still see in my dreams, and will be trying to recreate when I return home. At Bota Sare Oyster and Sushi Bar, I ordered a dragon and spring roll that was the best sushi I have ever tasted. And then there was the gelato we consumed each night we were there...Incredible.
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Favorite Luxembourgish Activity: My favorite activity in Luxembourg was seeing the “Bootleg Beatles” live in concert at Rockhal in Belval. As the only people in the crowd under the age of 40, let alone the only Americans, we were a little skeptical at first.
However, as the performance progressed, it turned into some of the most fun I have ever had. Singing “Hey Jude” with a group of my best friends is another core memory I will always cherish. The one thing you have to do before you leave Luxembourg is to attend a concert at Rockhal.
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Although I have spoken a lot about reflection and growth, I know that this is just the beginning! We have five more weeks left in the semester, including five new countries for me to visit before my time abroad is completed. There is still so much to learn and so much adventure to unfold. I am incredibly grateful for the people and places that made this semester at MUDEC unforgettable.
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