The Morgan you know and love

Hello everyone,

This is going to be a quick, yet substantial blog...I have to walk to choir practice in 12 minutes.

My blog is a bit deceiving. I've have only posted the positives of my experience; the truth is these first few weeks have been extremely difficult for me. I was not happy of my choice in study abroad location. I am in a big city with very limited natural scenery. I am in a building on a side street that is two stories tall—not university. Also, as most of you know I was looking forward to a bigger university experience, what I got was 46 American students—I am not the international student I wanted to be. I am an American in an American program submerged (more like awkwardly placed) in a Spanish culture. Admittedly, I did not do enough research on this program. I know this now. Also, I’ve realized I prefer the Latin American culture to the Spanish culture. In my opinion, the LA culture is much more inviting and hospitable, while the Spanish culture is more formal and slightly detached (in regards to communities).

Those who know me know that I am not one to settle, nor am I one to focus on the negatives (although, I have been doing that quite a bit). What have I done to change this experience into something that I will be happy with: sulked, complained, and cried for a while, then took action. I tried transferring to a different program—this was eliminated as an option because the other programs already started and the refund of my tuition would NOT be in my favor. Then I talked to the director of the program here, and she helped me out a bit.

I want immersion, which I am not getting from my peers, so I joined a community choir. I am going to travel to Austria with them in December! It has always been a dream of mine to perform in Europe…so there’s one thing to cross off my bucket list. Also, I’m going to be meeting with a Spanish student every week for casual conversation, so that I can improve my Spanish. I hope to be making some Spanish friends soon through the choir. Also, I’m going to try to join a dance class at the Universidad Catolica (the same university that offers the choir)—ultimate goal: make Spanish friends and learn Spanish!

So here is the BIG news. I’ve decided to come back to Wisconsin for next semester. In other words, I am not studying abroad for two consecutive semesters. I’ve done a lot of thinking…I feel that for the first time in my life I am making a well thought out decision, rather than always going and going without stop. During the semester at Norbs I want to make time to explore my career options. The truth is I have so many interests that I need to hone in on what makes me happy (not to mention what helps the bank account a little). I feel that if I rush off to study abroad again I could ruin an important experience by not doing sufficient self reflection beforehand. Also, I made the decision because I am taking charge of my finances. I have been so lucky to always have my mother and brother to help me with finances; however, with the economy the way that it is, their help has been limited. I would feel much better to save some money and pay some bills before having to spend all of my funds again on a second semester in Spain.

My decision to remain at St. Norbert next semester does NOT mean I will not be going abroad again. I always can go Fall Semester of 2011—I’ve already talked to my counselors about that J Also, I am happy to have had this lapse in composure because it got me thinking in what other ways I could get an “abroad” experience. I love the idea of an international internship—something with Spanish would be preferred, but anywhere in the world would be amazing. Also, I’ve already learned what I can bring back to St. Norbert. I would love to start a program with the international students at Norbs where I would plan weekend and long break outings for them. I realized here that it is sometimes difficult, time consuming, and expensive to plan your own trips. I want to make their experience a little more comfortable and be there native friend J

Despite the rocky start, I am forging my own smooth path.