I'm Going Abroad, Again!

Hi! Welcome back. I have life updates again 😊 I will be posting more often now! Stay tuned!

So last spring I heard about this program in Prague, Czech Republic. I applied and was accepted over the summer and spent most of fall semester absorbing everything about Pullman. This spring I am attending a program through IFSA University Butler of which I will be forcing on the Information Technology and Innovation track as well as Global Business and Leadership. This will be my last 12 credits of my undergrad degree. I am immensely grateful to spend them abroad and doing something I had hoped to accomplish in college.

While that is all exciting let’s get back to the reality of study abroad means. A smoothie of emotion. And packing. Bleh. I am going to write a whole other post on packing, because it deserves it.

The program starts the first week of February and ends middle of June. I am 14 days out and it all seems unreal. I bought my plane ticket in October. To me, booking a flight, it was just an item to check off the list, it didn’t make it real. I think, to me, boarding the plane is what makes the whole thing real. Last time the flight was the ticket. Literally and figuratively.

This time is not different. I mean I am excited yes, but it isn’t real yet. I know I am going, and I know it is for five months, but it doesn’t feel real. It is just a thought not an action. I am prepared physically but not mentally. Let’s break down what I predict my mental state will be as i get ready to fly out. Also, so I can look back and either be; ah yes, I know me so well or goddammnit you know nothing Jon Snow.

T-14: Physically - suffering from packing stress but feeling positive| Mentally – Making lists is so much fun falalalatada

T-12: Physically - re-packing the already packed stuff because it all seems wrong and it can be more efficient | Mentally - oh yeah wouldn’t it be cool to fit this in the bag too?

T- 10: Physically - tripping over the suit case and clothes on my bedroom floor that has been there since day 20 | Mentally – If I don’t look at the mess is it really there? Let us ponder this in the living room

T- 8: Physically - closing my bedroom door and hoping I can live without sleep, so I don’t have to deal with the mess of documents and clothes | Mentally - - - What’s for dinner?

T- 6: Physically - double checking all my list with actual packed items and laundry | Mentally - Oh yeah there is that big trip I’m taking soon. Should think about that some…. oh hummus!

T- 4: Physically - giving everyone hugs and making sure there are family dinners because you love them and want to spend time with them | Mentally - CRAP, you forgot socks! Also, where is your passport!?!

T- 3: Physically - eating extra well to hopefully not catch anything on the nine-hour plane ride to Prague! | Mentally – WE ARE GOING ON A PLANE! DO WE EVEN HAVE TICKETS?

T-2: Physically – what is sleep? | Mentally – WE ARE GOING ON A PLLANNEEE

T- 1: Physically – I’m so tired but lots and lots of hugs, love, and coffee | Mentally - CRAP WE ARE ON THE PLANE!

I guess we will see how close I am when I take off. How exciting we can all see how I really break down now! The suspense. Riveting.

Stay tuned I am going to post what I packed soon! I will also post my comprehensive packing list for you to use if you would like to! Keep in mind I am packing for five months and two seasons. Also, I am a chronic over-packer, so pack less than I did.

Thanks for reading 😊

- Cassidy

#Upgrade #2019Travel #Prague