Try something new.

Flying in to Lincoln i was expecting 3 things. New friendships, exceptional adventures in the wild, and a different perspective on the academic world and my profession in particular. And i got all three of them!

Going away for a semester puts you in a brilliant position to test out your personality in a completely fresh environment. It's surprising how much you can actually gain from this if you stay open and positive towards all the challenges you'll meet. Because you will be met with people and situations different from what you are used to. It'll broaden your perspectives and make you grow as a person.

Academically i have to say that i'm rather disappointed. I was prepared for it to be different, but i really only experience it to be unambitious. The structure of the learning environment seems stuck and doesn't leave much room for the students to be part of the forming of the courses. A critical approach from the students is not embraced, which creates a fake form of authority, which can leave the student rather helpless. Poor decisions are being made on a lot of structural levels, but happens in the classroom as well.
Not to say that all of this has not been useful. I've learned a lot about what it'll say to have a healthy study environment, and made me appreciate my university at home even more.

Taking it easy on the studies have left a lot of room for me to explore the country, which i don't think i'll have to explain much further. It's simply magnificent! Buy a cheap car and get out there!