Since I started studying at university, it has always been important for me to study abroad and make improvements on the languages that I am learning. All of my future goals revolve around living abroad and using different languages. When I finally got the opportunity to study in Georgia, it felt unreal, as my dreams were coming true! However, in the back of my mind, I was nervous that I would enter the country and reconsider my whole entire future.
During my 8 weeks in Georgia, I will be intensively studying Russian, living with a homestay family, and participating in cultural excursions. Even with the 2 classes per week of Russian at the University of Pittsburgh, my brain gets tired. Even though sometimes, I should be working on a project or presentation, I choose to hang out with my friends instead. Thus, when all of my classes are in Russian and I am using Russian on the street and in the home, I will expect my brain will get tired. Thus, I must learn how to balance this exhaustion from learning and speaking with my everyday life. I believe I will grow personally and academically because I will start to think more in another language and normalize myself with speaking Russian more colloquially.
On the professional side, I believe that I will be able to figure out more concretely what I want to do with my life. I have always had the intention of working and travelling with some sector of the government, but if I can’t make it through 2 months in Georgia, I may have to reconsider. What will be important for me is to develop a routine and see what life really is like abroad. Can I picture myself living in a different country for an extended amount of time? Can I assimilate and identify with new cultures? Do I want to be involved with a certain country’s government?
While I study abroad, I must think about these questions. I have already proven my independence living in the United States and at university, but my independence will really be tested in a whole new country. I am excited to grow as a person and hope that I can answer these questions in 2 months!