Alumni Voices: Tenzin from University of Wisconsin-Madison on Studying Abroad in London!

by Tenzin Khangkar

I’m back… almost! I’m currently sitting on a flight back home to New York City. It seems surreal that I just spent the past three months studying abroad in London. It has been the best experience of my life! I’ve always desired to travel and explore new cultures, new people, and new experiences. Initially, I wasn’t even sure if, as a science major, I would be able to study abroad, but with the push of a friend, I decided to go for it. No doubt, this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In a new country, it’s hard to fit right into the culture. However, I was lucky to be travelling with three people I already knew, and even luckier to have met people from all around the world. When going to a place for only three months, you don’t really expect to make life-lasting friends, but before you know it, connections form with people of similar passions.

This past semester has felt like a dream… or someone else’s life! It was a much-needed break from the regular cycle of school, practice, work, sleep and repeat. I sincerely felt that I was living and enjoying every single day rather than dreading work.

Like many young souls, I wanted to break from my usual lifestyle and learn to view the world differently. I was able to travel to so many different places this semester, and whether I travelled alone or with friends, I felt refreshed and reenergized every new day. However, I didn’t have a plan when I went abroad to London. So many of my friends had already planned what they wanted to see and do for their time in Europe. Initially, I was a bit nervous because I had absolutely no plans – just my luggage, my passport and myself – but I couldn’t have planned it any better. I found a weird happiness in the unknown.

With no plans, every day brought a new mystery and spontaneity (although, maybe this spontaneity wasn’t the best for my wallet!). I would highly advise everyone to consider studying abroad. It really brings a new light and dimension into your life. More importantly, it highlights the power of independence. I was able to discover and embrace a previously unknown independence! However, I should also add that studying abroad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Many have a challenging experience being on their own away from home for the first time. But if you are into exploring and you need time to discover yourself, you definitely should consider this opportunity. It’s like killing two birds with one stone: you are travelling and fulfilling your academic requirements simultaneously!

 

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