It's been 1 month since I've returned from my overseas exchange. I still cannot believe I spent 4.5 months in my dream city, a place i've been dreaming of going since i was 10 or sth. I don't even know the reason why i'm so insistent on going to Rome. However, I do not regret choosing the beautiful place to spend my exchange experience in.
Here's 5 reasons for those who are still contemplating on whether to go for ur dream exchange:
1) You only live once! DUH! There's no better time than to travel while you are young. If you worry about staying in a foreign land for 5mths, it's understandable. I did too but it's a good chance to learn more about yourself and your dreams.
2) Learn about other cultures better and faster than what you learn in books. I learn more about WWII during my 4-day stay in Berlin then what i've learnt throughout my life in school. If you have a question about another culture, simply ask your international friend about it! They're more than happy to share about their country and then, they will ask about yours. :)
3) Whatever awesome pasta/pizza you thought you tasted in Singapore, forget it once you step into the land of pizza (Italy). There is nothing better than tasting the local cuisines in the country itself! I did not know Carbonara was 'dry' until i reached Italy and fell in love with it. There's so much more learn when u're travelling! Don't be satisfied with your life in Singapore. Travel and you will realise there is more to life than grades and results.
4) Get the chance to have the option to choose. Want to bungee jump? Go for it! Want to drink? Go for it! Want to feed the pigeons? Go for it! I may not have the urge to complete all these tasks, but it feels awesome to have the option to do so. I can choose to do it if i want to and no one is going to judge me for it. That could be the moment where you learn to appreciate more for what you have rather than you don't.
5) The thought of being independent. Decide for yourself where you want to go. You will be responsible for your own travels. This could be the only time where you can choose to go wherever you want! If you want to visit another EU country over the weekend, just buy the air/train tix and fly over! This is only possible when you stay in an EU country for a 'long' period of time. It's the best time for you to be reckless(in a gd way) and spontaneous. Of course, managing your expenses may be a chore but trust me, it's worth it. :)
