Continued Musings

Study abroad…changes people. Just like any other big change in life: leaving for college, entering the workplace, getting married, having your first child. I only know the half of it for now, but they all doubtless have a profound effect on self-identity. I love the idea of being able to totally remake oneself every few years, re-evaluating and recreating yourself until you get it right.

But back to study abroad. Do I feel changed myself yet? Not really. I feel older and more responsible, but I also feel a LOT older than the rest of this group, because I worry and fret and try to organise and manage a lot more than I feel like the average person on this program does. But the constant need to monitor the rubbish bins and go out and buy groceries, not to mention keeping track of whether you need to top up your cell phone and pay off your Oyster Card--it all adds years to your life! But that's all superficial stuff, no real fundamental changes to my character. I hope I learn something from the British and the other Europeans I meet, but outside my work mates and two Swedes from classes, I don't have much in the way of local friends--we had a promising start but haven't talked to many of the people we met since the night we met them (mainly the Imperial social early on when we pub-hopped with a bunch of laid back medic guys).

Meanwhile, I am a bit envious of people in the intensive language programs. Now that I know that English 2600 style German grammar work exists, I have some hope for the future of my German language skills. Factor in what I learned from the state department guys in Belgium, who went from no foreign tongues to about 3 or 4 through their training, and I am particularly encouraged. Anyway, those that are in those programs--BRAVO! And between perusing the blogs of my friends R and T, in Spain and China respectively, I notice this amazing awakening going on, as they blossom into new and beautiful people, far more worldly and culturally-aware than ever before. Those that aren't as in touch or posting are harder to follow, but there's definitely a strong degree of truth in the "L'Auberge Espagnole" effect of foreign study. It's a truly beautiful thing. I hope at the end of this time here in London that more of me than my resume receives a refurbishment and true improvement.