I think I must be crazy.....

This sounded like such a good idea last fall when I was still enthusiastic and energetic. I'm thinking now after two semesters I must be crazy! I'm still super excited to be going on this trip and I think it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel, network etc., but I think I'm going to go crazy before I leave! Traveling in the US is one thing but traveling overseas? Every time I think I'm ready to go I think of something else I'm forgetting to do. Oh well. In a few short days I will be on my way to excitement and adventure, and oh yeah, a little education thrown in for good measure. Well all I can think to add to this is, "Look out Europe, here we come!".

A Hop, Skip, and Plane Ride Away!

Well, we leave in just a few days, and I’m still scrambling to get things ready, packed, and planned. In these pre-departure days, I’m feeling a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. I’m excited because I’ve never been to Europe before (and my parents keep telling me how jealous they are that I’m the first in our family to go). Everything seems so fun and historic there. I can’t wait to see all the famous sites, take a zillion cliché pictures, and taste all the delicious foods Europe has to offer!! Personally, I really like learning about history, and I find WWII extremely interesting. So, I’m definitely excited to see this history up close. Since WWII Germany is the only Germany I can picture when I think about the country, I’m anxious to see how totally different it is in 2011 (which I know it will be).

Although I’m so excited to step onto European land, I’ll definitely admit there are a few things that are making me nervous. I’m a little nervous about the language barrier, though I’ve been told by many friends who have gone to Europe that it’s not too difficult to get around since so many people speak English. Also, since this trip is just on the heels of finals, we haven’t had much time to plan where and what we’re doing on our free weekends, though locations have already been decided and tickets purchased. However, since I’m a planner, I’m a little nervous about how it’ll out pan out in terms of time and geography, but I’m doing my best to be more spontaneous and easy going!

Overall, though, the excitement far outweighs the nerves!! Here’s to the trip of a lifetime!!

Going to Germany!

Germany is only a few days away and I am getting very excited.  I have only been to Europe once, Paris my sophomore year in high school so I am very excited to go back.  I am a little nervous about the train systems and getting around especially on our free weekends, but I have been assured that they aren't as intimidating as they seem.  I have been waiting for this trip since orientation weekend and its finally here, one long plane ride and we will be there!  The group I am traveling with on our free weekends have come up with some wonderful ideas and it looks like this is going to be an exciting 4 weeks, not to mention what the program has in store.  I'm not sure what to expect with the language barrier and the differences in culture but that is just one more fun and new experience, I'm hoping I can pick up on some of the language even if it is just reading the signs and being able to say hi to someone!  Well I'm not a really good blog writer but I'm sure I will have more to say soon!

Pre-Departure Thoughts

This is my first post on blog since I've been in high school, and I must admit it feels kind of surreal. Now that I think about it... this is also my first post on a blog as a 2VM! Whoop!

So I'm sitting here with my leg in a cast wondering how the Germany trip will go. I read some previous posts in attempts to gain some perspective on their experiences. I realize that even though our group may be participating in some of the same events, it will most likely be an entirely different trip. The attendees are different. Countries change. I am responsible for how my trip goes, both by attitude and by planning. I just hope that my fibula has mended well enough to not have to walk around Europe with a boot on my foot. I have never been disabled in Europe and I imagine that it would be an awful way to travel. For now, I'm trying to stay optimistic. But what will be, will be... and I'll have to work around whatever comes up regarding my injury. I guess this just reinforces the fact that you can't plan everything (which is both exciting and scary at the same time!)

I have been to Europe before, but I have never gone on a study abroad. Usually I am not a fan of traveling in groups, but I feel like this time will be different. We are veterinary students, united in our interests to learn and flourish as professionals. I am going into this trip hoping that we do not become exclusionary, and that group dynamics remain amiable.

Although I do not have my weekends all worked out, I am sure that things will fall into place. Part of the fun of traveling is not knowing what to expect, and then learning from your mistakes (or lack thereof). I am going to try prepare a bit differently for this trip as opposed to the others I've taken: I will pack practically, take a journal, and attempt to communicate better with those around me.

As far as my expectations go... I am looking forward to learning from my German host student, as well as from my fellow Aggie vet students. This will be a great opportunity to bond with, and learn more about, my peers! I am also excited for the planned activities, such as the behind-the-scenes zoo tours and the animal version of the Bodyworlds exhibit. Additionally, I am interested in finding out how I manage in instances where I travel alone. This will be a good opportunity to see how I do with my own navigations.

I cannot wait for all of our adventures!

So, an unexpected side effect of going on the Europe trip this summer is that now, when I see emails about the program next summer, I am sad that I can't go!

Oh! Me too: A quick but thoughtful Reflection--

A quick but thoughtful Reflection--
Well obviously some time has past since Europe and
Actually, my life has gone through some major changes since being abroad...
So my reflections have become passive appreciations for experiences abroad with
the program that are often overshadow by the "now" of many new experiences in my life
(such as owning a home/ renovating - exhausting, btw-, planning and having a wedding,
gaining a husband.....yata yata yata).
In spite of these changes, passive thoughts remind me of the invaluable experiences in Europe… &
The once in life-time adventure that I so thankfully had the honor of taking part in.
Rather it be dart blowing at animal-like cardboards, "kicking it" with veterinary students- and unmasking
Culture differences, or making a number of culture faux pas... I truly believe my horizons have
been expanded to become more sensitive to culture differences of those a sea away & that
my veterinary career has also become more mature- because the way we do things in USA isn't the
way they do it everywhere- and there is always opportunity to learn where there are differences
of such are involved- and many of these differences I was able to key in on.. and perhaps one day
this will enable me to "think outside the box" ... and gain a greater perspective... Lastly, this experience
has definitely convinced me even more-so that I am in one of the most dynamic careers in the world
... filled with endless career choices- if only I take the reigns...

To those considering going... ask for another week to be involved in the program = less schnelling
so you can be more awake for the cool, cool things you do and see... and definitely, just go.

Sorry for the ramblings.

Brittany

So I forgot to write my last post...

but it's ok, because I actually just ordered all my pictures from the trip so I got to re-live all the memories. Looking back I am SO HAPPY that I got to go on this trip. Not only did I get to experience a new country (or three), I got an exercise in group dynamics and the hazzards of financial aid.

In all seriousness though, the experience was one of a kind. I was constantly fascinated by how veterinary students are taught in Europe; there were some things I thought we could really learn from (Utrecht's study lab anyone?). I also became a little bit more grateful for some of the things we have in the USA, such as strict course structure and motivation to finish in a timely fashion. I loved my host students, and it made me a lot more interested in being the one hosting for next time someone needs a place to stay.

Am I a different person? Probably not. Am I a more educated, thoughtful version of myself? Of course. Gaining a new perspective on how things can be done will do that. Every time I travel abroad I become a bit more thoughtful and considerate of the fact that there are many ways to approach the same topic. I can't wait to get my pictures in the mail, so I can look at them yet again and show everyone just how awesome it can be to leap outside your comfort zone and experience life in a new way.