I went into my study abroad experience expecting to make a few friends, hopefully ones I could travel with. I’ve done a short-term abroad program before and lived with a great group of people that I was able to travel with. I was expecting and looking forward to a similar experience. But the people I met truly blew my expectations out of the water.
My second night in Edinburgh, two of my flatmates, an acquaintance from GW, and I headed to a pub a block away from our flat. We walked into the Tron barely knowing each other.
The Tron became our spot. We played pool, pub quizzes, and so many games of three card and Skyjo. We met people and bonded over our affinity for playing cards.
Our nights at the Tron quickly morphed into weekend trips. We traveled throughout Scotland and spent weekends in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and most recently, The Canary Islands. Our last hoorah, spent adventurously exploring Gran Canaria and relaxing at beaches.
I never imagined how difficult it would be to say goodbye to friends I l met just four months ago. I am so grateful to have found people that make saying goodbye so hard. Luckily, we have an American roadtrip planned this summer. And an Australian roadtrip next year.
Studying abroad has given me so much perspective and confidence in myself. Life is a lot bigger than how it sometimes feels. But most of all, I’ve gained three wonderful friends that just so happen to live on opposite sides of the world.
Ella Krone
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University of Edinburgh
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Environmental Studies & Anthropology Double Major