And... I want to say thank you to my readers for following me throughout my journey. I hope you will find/found this blog useful. :)
Again, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at jenninhongkong[at]gmail.com. Sure this post was written in 2013, but I'll still answer you if you email me in 2015... 2020... 2025. I mean my information might be a little outdated by then, but I'll still be around. :)
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If you're wondering if you should study abroad or if you should apply for the Gilman Scholarship, my biggest advice to you is to just do it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that you really shouldn't miss out on.
You might say... well, I can just travel there later. But, that's not the same as living there, even if it's just for a short period of time. Living there allows you to fully immerse yourself into the culture. You might have to learn how to quickly adapt to a foreign country that doesn't speak your mother tongue. But, that's just part of the studying abroad experience.
You might be forced out of your comfort zone, but that's how you grow as a person. You might worry about not being able to adapt to your new living situation. You might worry about not making any friends. You might worry about ten million other things... but that's perfectly normal. Trust me--you and 90% of the other students, who are thinking about studying abroad, share the same fears. I mean... I sure did.
But, hey... you will adapt to this foreign country. You will make friends in this foreign country. You will not be alone in this foreign country... How am I so sure of this? Because I adapted... I made friends... I was not alone... I am certain this was true for me... and all the other exchange students that have participated in a study abroad program.
Don't be afraid. Take a leap of faith. Take this opportunity to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Jenn
