Going on exchange, in retrospect, was a life lesson in seeing the world through entirely new eyes; a perspective I didn’t know I could inhabit; a complete change in priorities I didn’t know would be so welcome. Being on exchange centered my soul, and made me see human beings, geographic spaces, and cultural structures with an entirely new reverence-one that will sustain, I am certain, for the rest of my days on this planet.
All flowery rhetoric aside, an exchange is simply something to place yourself in, and simply ‘be’. I went about the process on my own learning curve; I never truly forced any sweeping changes in my comfort zones, although these shifts came naturally as the weeks passed. Your way of seeing life slowly begins to augment as you let yourself travel to more remote and interesting places, and as you interact with people who compliment your worldview despite growing up in an entirely different location.
If I can perhaps give a few simple words of advice, it’s be sure to take things at your own pace: if you feel you’re getting a bit stressed with an overabundance of travel, socializing, and school, take some time to yourself and replenish your focus. Also, if possible, keep a journal with you; not something in which you systematically enter words, but a forum for whenever you feel inspired to write all the things going on in your mind at a random point-you’ll be amazed at the kinds of poetry you can create, that will remind you of the tiniest points of inspiration when you return home. Further to this, let yourself unabashedly observe at all times. Look at the sky to notice the difference in its expanse; listen to the foreign conversations around you and wonder what is being said; look into the eyes of those you pass and wonder if they know you’re looking at their home with new eyes. It’s these minute, fleeting moments of awe that make the entire time spent abroad absolutely beautiful.
I hope, if anything, this blog will inspire a remote facsimile of the feeling you will encounter on exchange. It truly is a necessary experience, and there is no doubt in my mind that anyone who embarks upon an exchange will be a better, more whole person for it.
Any questions or comments, feel free to email me.
Kate Davis
MIT V
Lancaster University – England
kaydiddy@gmail.com
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- Beltane Fire Fest in Edinburgh
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- Switzerland
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- Switzerland
