Returning Home: Final Semester Thoughts

Alas, the semester has come to an end, and I have safely returned to the same time zone as my friends and family.

Upon returning, with new memories and pictures stored on my phone, I couldn’t help but be nostalgic about the experiences that have characterized the last few months. I must admit, though it has only been a few days, I miss Switzerland already.

Not much is different between the U.S. and Switzerland, which helps for an easy transition back into the swing of life at home. But, there is truth in the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Though much wasn’t different, there were things that differ (culturally, aesthetically, and logistically speaking) between the two countries; two examples being, the absence of obscenely-large snow-capped mountains from my morning window and the best $2 croissants at Migros (the local grocery store).

But though these differences exist, and although I miss the place that I called home for the last few months, I am extremely excited to move forward into my last semester at Hope, with these newfound discoveries, interests, and memories that I made in Switzerland, at hand.

I am super blessed to have had the opportunity to study abroad this semester. These experiences allowed me to explore the world, and my life, in a capacity that was challenging but fruitful and rewarding. In no way, would I have done this semester any differently.

It’s cheesy to say, but studying abroad is truly transformational. Studying abroad enhances your academic, but also your professional and personal pursuits; thus, based on my experience, I encourage anyone who is considering studying abroad to take the leap of faith and go for it.

Thank you to SIT for an incredible experience, thank you to Hope College for allowing me to study abroad, and thank you to YOU, the reader, for following me on my adventures abroad.

See you in January, Hope College!

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Celebrating L’Escalade with horses in Geneva!
Last solo trip in Switzerland: Zweisimmen, Switzerland

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Published by Juliana Struyk

Class of 2023 Political Science Major and French Minor SIT Geneva, Switzerland

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