Give us a little intro!
Caitlin: I am a Theatre and Drama major at Indiana University. I am from Bloomington, Indiana. I love traveling, dogs, and singing at the top of my lungs with my friends in the car.
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Caitlin: I wish someone had told me that it will take a few days to adjust. I was expecting to be having the time of my life from the moment I landed, but between being in a completely new place on my own, the jet lag, and cultural adjustment, it took a few days to feel comfortable.
I never contemplated coming home, but I almost felt guilty, like I should be having a great time immediately. After I got over the jet lag and made some friends however,I started to have an amazing time. It will take a few days, but the adventure will be worth it!
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Caitlin: DO IT. It is without a doubt the most exciting thing you can do during your college and will change your life. Pick the place that you are drawn to and go.
Take chances while you are abroad. Talk to people and get to know them. Ask for ideas where to go. Don't be afraid to look like a tourist- go to the touristy places and take the touristy pictures.
Also go where the locals go. Find your "spot" that isn't in the guide books and that you can take people to. Don't be afraid to go places on your own. There were times I went to shows, museums, events, and more by myself, and I still had a great time. Going places with friends is great, but it's also nice to be able to explore places on your own time by yourself as well.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Caitlin: Everything pretty much! But a particular experience was going to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. I was fortunate to go with my best friend and parents who were visiting. Winter Wonderland is an event in Hyde Park that takes up a huge portion of the park from late November through early January.
It has carnival rides, like roller coasters and a giant ferris wheel, booths with all types of food and drink, and a ton of Christmas market stalls. There was such a wonderful Christmas spirit and all types of people. It was such a fun evening, and nothing like that exists in America.
What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?
Caitlin: This trip was the best four months of my life. I had so many amazing experiences and made memories that I will never forget.
Being in a theatre studies program, this trip renewed my love of performing and made me so excited to start my future after I graduate. I got so many wonderful experiences and met so many people that taught me so much, both on a professional and personal level.
This trip made me extremely interested in performing in London someday and potentially living there part time. It also awakened my love for traveling.
This trip made me much more comfortable, both in transportation (it helped me get over my fear of flying) and just going to a completely new country that I know little about and don't speak the language. I now aspire to see the world.