Pre-departure Expectations
I have always dreamed of traveling to Germany or Austria and perhaps discovering my roots. Today that dream is about to become a reality. I can't say I woke-up feeling a rush of excitement -- it was more of a mix of nerves and fear with a good amount of energy. I know that I am prepared to commit myself to this journey, turning a new page in my life and opening the door for so many more opportunities.
I have a plan for my life, and I'm fortunate that this study abroad will be part of it. When I get there I think I'll find myself enjoying the beauty of the countryside the most. I have been blessed to have been raised in Gainesville where I often find myself enjoying the outdoors, but I have never
been exposed to a countryside like Austria's. Their country is filled with beautiful rivers, mountains, hills and forests. Salzburg seems to have all of this.
Outside of the nature, I believe that the classes will have a huge effect on my pursuit of a Master's of International Business at the University of Florida. I am taking both a class in Cultural Business and Marketing and in Economics and Politics of the European Union. While I don't expect these classes to be as difficult as the classes I study back at my home university, I believe they will give me a new perspective on business abroad. I think that both the culture and the foreign perspectives that the professors will have will give this effect. Study abroad will provide me a firsthand account of cultural business, something that the Master's of International Business program is lacking in.
While I can not wait to be exposed to the European fresh air, my favorite part of the trip will most likely be the perks of weekend travels. One of the first things I plan to do is traveling to the Netherlands to visit a friend I have not seen in a couple of years. Outside of this plan, I have left my weekends free to travel elsewhere (other than the required field trips that we will take as a group). I hope to go visit Eastern Europe, as its less known to me and relatively cheaper compared to its Western counterpart, however I still don't know the exact locations or countries I will see. Being flexible like this will be a challenge for me since I have always been structured at home, but I think the experience of it will be a great benefit for when I get into the business world where meetings, deadlines, and projects are constantly changing. In the end, learning to be flexible will definitely play into my favor.
Ultimately, I will come out of this trip a changed man. Whether the trip lives up to expectations, I know I will savor every moment of it. I will make sure to not let my nerves guide me, and instead rely on instincts and my past experiences. I will take advantage of every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore. I will, in effect, become better than I already am. This morning, I was not sure of this trip, but now, I realize I am ready. Salzburg, here I come.