Studying in Budapest has thus far been amazing. I've seen things I've only ever seen in photographs. I've experienced things I've never dreamed I would.
But there's far more to studying abroad than that. I go to class and have at least 5 countries represented at once. I hear at least 4 languages spoken around me each day. I'm learning about other cultures firsthand.
Coming here was probably one of the best decisions I've made.
I feel like more of a world citizen. Back home, it was harder to follow what was going on in the world because much media coverage focused on national issues. It's not that international coverage didn't exist, but not being really close to anywhere but Canada and Mexico kind of is isolating, in a way. But here, I'm bordering more countries than I've even ever been in, and it's hard not to feel connected.
The events happening in the Middle East right now feel a lot closer than they would if I were home right now. It's really interesting, actually, to be so near what is happening, and to actually be studying with people from these countries and witnessing their reactions.
It's easy to feel safe and far away from things like what is currently happening in Libya and Egypt when I'm home, where everyone speaks English and most people I know haven't been anywhere near the Middle East or Africa or even Europe. But here I am, merely hours away from the places I'm reading about in the news, and it's hard to not pay attention to what's happening.
Living here is helping me to be a more informed and aware person. I like it.
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