Abroad Growth- (Blog 14)

When I first arrived in Budapest, Hungary on February 12, I was very overwhelmed. After a very long flight of not sleeping and just jumping right into meeting everybody in my group. It was super nice meeting everyone the first day we got here as everyone was nervous but also excited for this experience. The second day I was here and it was my 21st birthday and when I woke up I realized because of the 6-hour time difference that I wouldn't talk to my family for another 6 hours. The first 24 hours I was defiantly emotional just processing that I was really in Hungary. 

As the first few weeks went on, I was so excited and eager to see the whole city. There are 12 people in my group and everybody was so nice and easy to talk to. I began learning to take the metro by myself and going out to buy groceries while reading things in Hungarian. I was super intimidated by the Hungarian language. When I first had to take the metro by myself I was terrified that if I got lost that I would have so much trouble getting back. I quickly learned that this was not the case.

Grocery shopping was also a very daunting task for me originally as a lot of the grocery stores have self-checkout but I was unaware that you could change the language settings. This being said, for the first week I struggled trying to figure out how to check out at the grocery store. I was always asking my friends to go to the grocery store so I wasn't as scared or if I was confused I could ask them for help. At home, I would consider myself independent but when I came to Budapest, I was definitely scared to do a lot of things alone while at home I wouldn't have thought twice. 

Fast forward, I have a little over a month left in Budapest and I have learned a lot about myself and have grown in ways that I never would have thought. I have learned that to grow you have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I have been challenged in ways that I never have before. I have had to be vulnerable and understand that some days may be harder than others. I live in a single room here and prior to this trip, I really didn't like being alone with myself. 

Living alone I have had to learn how to be comfortable with my own company. I have learned to go on walks, shop, and even get meals by myself. For many, this may be normal but I am definitely a social person and I prefer being with others. I have really learned to appreciate doing things by myself and some days I even enjoy it more. Every weekend I try to go on walks at Margaret Island alone and it has been one of my favorite activities. I have learned to give myself alone time to reflect and do what I want. 

I have gained confidence in the metro and in taking public transportation in general. Some days I even allow myself to get lost so that I have to find my way back. I have loved being independent going to the grocery store and learning to cook on my own. The first few weeks I would go out to a restaurant instead of buying groceries because it was just easier. I like trying new foods and cooking new meals. I really never cooked at home as my parents were never huge fans so I just never really had an interest to make my own food.

My original thoughts when I arrived in Budapest was that many people on the metro kept to themselves and even out in public people talk much quieter. I am someone who smiles at others and will say hi and little things like that. At first, I was intimidated by this as my first impression was that people weren't super friendly and I was very much wrong. I have met so many people just by making conversation or responding to a question in Hungarian. 

I have learned to be accountable for my schoolwork. The classes have been super different than what I am used to at home. I haven't got much homework so when I take tests, I have had to stay on top of the class content. I have learned to manage my time better as well. Many skills that I have learned here I am eager to bring them back to the States with me. 

Prior to coming to Budapest, I admit that I really didn't know anything about the country. There is so much history to the country that should be shared with people at home. I feel that living in a country has opened my eyes to a lot more than I could have ever imagined. Growing up in New Jersey/ New York life is very fast pace and it has taught me to become impatient in many situations. After living in Europe, I have learned to slow down and focus on things that make me happy. I have learned going out to restaurants you don't have to be impatient and it is actually nice to slow down and appreciate being with others. 

I can confidently say that my time abroad has really taught me a lot about myself and others. I have grown in so many ways, some which are indescribable. I am going to miss the challenges and the beautiful culture of Hungary but I am eager to share everything that I have learned in my time here with people at home. It truly has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can't get without challenging yourself and being comfortable with the uncomfortable.