Tipping Point of Studying Abroad

Could it be that I tipped a traveling epidemic among my friends? It seems that ever since I went abroad, all my closest friends now have plans to study abroad. There are two going abroad this summer- one to Galway, Ireland and one to Greece and Turkey- and then there are two going abroad next year, one to Paris, France for the Fall and one to London, England for the Spring.

I knew that these people were interested in traveling before, but only one of them mentioned the prospect of studying abroad. Could it be that since they saw that I was able to go abroad for the semester (and survive!) that it gave them the courage to try it too?

These are the people who I spoke to the most while I was abroad. They are the ones that I shared my experiences, the hardships as well as the good times, and they saw that it wasn't that bad. I am more independent that most of them, however, I have no doubt that they will LOVE their time in Europe. Then perhaps I can convince them to come work abroad with me... hmm.. :)

Ps. The picture is of my sister in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Its That Time of Year...

Finals.

You say the word and college students cringe. And yet again, they're here. Its time to freak out.

How is it that no matter how much you try to prepare that they always sneak up on you? In most of my classes I've been keeping up with reading and have started to study for these tests weeks ago... yet when Monday hits I know I'm going to be in trouble.

Could there possibly be a better system? You have tons of papers and small tests throughout the year, which contribute to the stress, but why have every single class you take have a big project or test at the same time? And the silly part of it is that the most emphasis is given to this assessment. Do the faculty really think that you're performing your best when you can't help but think about those other four courses that you've either just taken or are about to take in a couple of day or a couple of hours?

I say no. Down with Finals!