My Life | My Study Abroad Year in Review

If you're reading this, then I'm safely back in the comforts of my own home in the UK. However I'm writing this post with two weeks left to go in Arizona and I can't help but smile when I think about the last 9 months. I really cannot believe it's almost over and that it will by the time you read this. There are really no words to describe this experience. My Study Abroad year has been everything I've wanted it to be and more.

I should start by saying how proud of myself I am for doing this. I'm such a home-body. I will never even spend the night and someone's house (apart from my boyfriend's) so the fact I've spent the best part of a year 5290 miles away from home is incredible in itself.

I have grown so much as a person. I was always mature and responsible and those are definitely traits that have helped me here. But I've also learned to be more spontaneous, more patient and I've learned what it really means to take care of myself and put myself first and that there's definitely a balance to be had with that. I've also always been quite a shy person when it comes to meeting new people, so coming out to Arizona and knowing no-one was definitely a push outside of my comfort zone. I'm so glad it was because I've learned to be more outgoing and open to making new friends!

I've made some incredible friends at ASU, some of the closest friends I think I will ever have. The thing that I know I will miss the most back in Tempe is the people I have met.

I have cooked, cleaned and budgeted my way through the two semesters I've spent at ASU - and that was new to me too! I always cooked and cleaned a little bit at home but here it's all been me! Having that extra responsibility has also been a learning experience and I absolutely appreciate how much work my parents do around the house more now. I'm also really looking forward to someone else making me a coffee that I haven't paid for ;)

The whole point of this journey was to experience American culture and immerse myself in an American University. For me, Arizona State was absolutely the right place to do this. I have had so much fun attending football games, guest lectures and throwing myself in to the Sun Devil way of life. University pride in the US is unlike anything I've ever experienced in the UK and I'm more than certain I will carry my part-Devil side with me forever. Some of my best memories from this year are at Sun Devil Stadium watching the Devils play football, I'm sure I will keep up with the team next year.

With Sparky at ASU vs. Stanford, October

I've also had the opportunity to travel whilst I've been out here and what an incredible experience that has been. There are blog posts for each trip under the Travel heading so I won't go in to too much detail but after having visited LA, Waikiki, New York, Orange County and Denver, I can only say how grateful I am for these experiences. Being able to experience so many places in the US, and places I have wanted to visit for what feels like a lifetime was a blessing. 

Of course, the major reason for coming out to the US was to study. Whilst I've found classes here much, much easier than back in the UK, I'm taking away really valuable lessons from them and I've found myself to be much more culturally competent than I was before. I've really learned not to expect the expected and that is one of the major themes I will take away from this experience. I am so excited to say that I'm on track to finish with all A's. The fact I have succeeded and done so well whilst at ASU makes me immensely proud. 

From London to Phoenix, what a journey! 

Looking back on what an incredible experience this has been makes me really emotional. It feels like it's over just as quickly as it started. My Study Abroad year has changed my life in so many ways and my advice to anyone looking in to studying abroad would be to do it! I will remember this journey for the rest of my life with nothing but amazing memories. 

One of my biggest motivators whilst I have been in Arizona has been to make everyone at home proud. Their support has been invaluable and I want to take this time to say a huge and irrevocable thank you to my parents, grandparents, my sister, Aaron, Sue, Tina, Soph and Steph. You've all helped me more than you can ever know - so thank you and I love you all. Now is also the right time to say a thank you to Stephanie and Elle. Without your support on the other side of the pond I don't what I would have done. You are both truly incredible friends. Thank you! 

To see more pictures from my time in Arizona, search the hashtag #GeorgiasYearAbroad on Instagram. 

Now for life to resume back in the UK! Where do I begin? 

Love Always, Go Devils!

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | Email