Saturday, January 31, 2015

I have arrived in Breda

When you talk about studying abroad, there are a million things that run through your mind. Positive things. Like all the places you will go, all the friends you will make, and all the amazing things that you will see. What you don't think about, is what you don't want to think about.

This is what I mean.

So after my short layover in Philly, I was in Amsterdam. I couldn't believe it. There were windmills in the ocean, clear blue water, the whole country seems to be green, flat, and full of life. After I got off the plane, I had to deal with just about everything written in Dutch. Because an American girl like me can get around like that!

When I got my bags, I forgot how heavy they were, and what a pain in the ass to carry around! But I managed to buy a train ticket to Breda, and get on the train. After the hour train ride, I met my Dutch friend Eline at the station, where we took the bus to her apartment. Turns out she lives just a short walk from where I will be living!

Okay, so now I am here. But I am sweaty, I smell, I feel gross, and I am beyond exhausted. So the first thing I did was shower! That's the problem with traveling so much like that. You get off and set your bags down, and realize that you are feeling and looking like a bum.

But that's not it. Eline and I walked around the city centre and she showed me around. It is beautiful! Even after walking around, I swear it doesn't feel like I am in Europe. So, many chills and foot blisters later, we got back to her place. And this is where I am having trouble.

Of course everyone knew that I was in Breda, because I told them, but the more we talked, the harder it is to hold back my tears. I have the greatest urge to cry. When Alex told me that he was going back to Flagstaff, it really made me miss home! And then i'm talking with dad and mom and Tyler (my little brother), and I can't forget Katelyn (childhood friend).

These are the things I don't want to think about too much. I think it is because I am so far away, and things are different, that I get so emotional. Like, it makes me think of how I miss them already.

Right now, I don't feel good, I feel like I want to break out in tears, and I feel out of place. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to be here, but it is weird. Like Eline has been so kind to let me stay with her, but I just feel weird.

I keep telling myself that I will feel better when I meet everyone else for NHTV orientation on 2 Feb. I just hope that's the case. Because I am missing home, and I need to get my mind on something else.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Leaving is HARD

Okay, so this goes out to anyone who has ever though about, thinking about, committed to go, or getting ready to go study abroad in another country. It is hard. Like terrifying actually. This morning my dad and I sat in a ton of traffic in Los Angeles (go figure), and by the time I was at the airport, I couldn't believe it.

Rewind. Last night, I got NO sleep. It sucked. It's one of those things where you know you are going to be so jet lagged by the time you get to your final destination, that getting plenty of sleep before you go is crucial. Well, unfortunately I know how I am, and sleep isn't a thing before traveling somewhere like the Netherlands.

So, here I am at LAX. After a ton of traffic, struggling to find parking spot so my dad could walk me in, the airport seemed dead! There was no line to check my bag, and it took like two seconds. Well really more like two minutes. But after I checked my bag, that's when I had a hard time. Saying goodbye to my dad, my best friend, was so difficult. I cried, not going to lie. But it is one of those things where you just say, "okay, I will see you in April!" Because he is visiting in April.

After the tough goodbye, I put on my big girl pants, and walked to security. After zipping through security like nobody's business, my gate was right there. And an empty black seat was calling my name.

My whole life I have traveled with my parents. After their divorce back in 2010, I began to do things on my own, like flying to Flagstaff and Los Angeles by myself. It didn't seem like a big problem.

But when you think about it, when you go to college, you are so used to living with your parents until you are 17 or 18 years old. By the time you move out to go to college, you are more than excited to go out, explore what it's like, learn new things, meet new people, and so on.

For me, I got stuck in this everyday routine. I was living with Alex, going to school, my career path is on point, and then it came to a screeching halt! So, it is hard, i'm not going to lie. But for me, I am a very independent person; so of course it is hard for me to leave, but it is something I have always wanted to do.

So, for those of you who are planning on, wanting to, or getting ready to go study abroad, just remember, your home will always be there. It might not be a 7 hour drive, but it's there. Your family is only a Skype call or Facebook message away.

As I am writing this long, sloppy piece of work, I keep thinking how I wouldn't change going to study in Breda for the world. So, do it. And you can't look back. Put on your big girl, or boy pants, and do it.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Goin' Back To Cali

So on Sunday, I moved out of my apartment. It was difficult no lie! I was emotional, tired, and a total mess. Not only was I saying good bye to my first apartment that I shared with Alex, but I was saying good bye to Alex!

Packing was a challenge in itself. I mean, it took long enough for me to finally get around to it, and when I did, it was Sunday morning at 6:30 a.m. before I left. I honestly don't know how my dad, Alex and I were able to fit everything in my car! Somehow though, it all fit.

So, after the car was packed, I looked around for anything that I left behind, and then cried my eyes out saying good bye to Alex. So I guess I can say this to anyone who is planning on studying abroad; if you have a significant other that you have been with for a long time (2 years for Alex and I), then you will really feel the pain of leaving one another.

I think what is really hard for me is this. When you grow up, you live with your parents until you leave for college. When you leave for college, it's not so bad because you want to move away! But, when you are with someone for a long time, and you get into this routine that you enjoy, and then you get up and walk away from it, it's hard.

Moving away from Alex is hard. Especially knowing that I won't see him until hopefully May.

On the drive back to California, I was talking with Sierra via Skype, and when we were talking, I noticed how happy she was. It looked and sounded like she totally forgot all about me, Flagstaff, and the United States. So I keep telling myself, "if Sierra can do it, so can I."

Day's left in America: 4

Am I nervous? Hell yeah.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Moving Out of my Apartment

So this weekend is my last weekend in Flagstaff! It is kind of bitter sweet. It honestly doesn't seem like I am actually getting ready to leave the country. It's weird.

Since I am moving, I have to get all of my things out of my apartment by Sunday (when I'm writing this it's Friday). Not only am I moving out, but Alex is as well. It seems weird because in July we moved into this place, and time went by so fast that we are already moving out! I will say that I will miss this apartment like no other. Definitely one of my favorite places I have lived, outside of Morton Hall with Sierra.

As I am leaving Sunday morning to drive back with my dad to California, Alex is moving to Phoenix. He kind of got a job there. All I know is he will be working the Super Bowl, and will be busy doing some stuff in March.

Anyways, I have started packing my things, but it actually is a lot harder than I thought. I think my biggest challenge is the fact that I am leaving. It hasn't quite hit me yet that I will be moving to another country! And packing just to leave my apartment makes me realize that I have a lot of crap. Like, more that two suitcases full. More like a car full of stuff.

When you think about leaving home to go to college, you know that there is going to be everything you need at the local Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or Safeway. But when you are going somewhere you have never been before, these things start to settle in.

I am bringing a number of items with me, including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, face wash, lotions and so fourth. The reason why I am bringing a lot of it is because I am afraid when I get there, and after I run out, what happens if they don't have what I use, or they don't have the item in general! I mean, six months doesn't seem like a long time, but it really is, especially when you have a ton of toiletries to worry about.

If I was going there for a year or more, then I think I wouldn't be so worried about having all of my "American" items. One thing that I know I will need to get there is a hair straightener. I have heard from a number of people that my CHI will catch o fire. So, for anyone reading this and interested in traveling Europe, don't bring your CHI! Trust me, I am pretty sad too.

But the saddest thing I will be doing, is leaving Flagstaff. I was talking with Sierra via Facebook message, and we were talking about visiting each other. So, I think that since I won't be entirely alone (even though we are in two totally different countries), it helps a little bit knowing that someone is waiting for me. Well, kind of.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Everyone is gone...except me!

So, I have ten days left here in America, and it's kind of crazy to think that I will be leaving so soon! This past Sunday, Sierra left for Limerick. Her first stop was in London, and then she flew to Shannon. I was so excited for her, but nervous as well since she hasn't had much experience with flying; especially out of the country. After I finally was able to get in contact with her, she was telling me all about her time so far in Limerick, and how she moved into her dorm but none of the roommates were there yet. She was also talking about the weather, how beautiful it is, and how she was going to visit Bunratty Castle! The amount of jealousy is kind of ridiculous, but then again, I will be in Europe so soon!

Taking things back a bit to December, I attended NAU's pre-departure orientation meeting. When I was in the meeting for students going to the Netherlands, I met an HRM (Hotel Restaurant Mgmt.) major, Drew. Not only was she the only other student going to Breda, and NHTV, but she seemed totally cool, and it turned out that we had a number of mutual friends. Drew and I exchanged numbers, and we have been in contact since.

Drew actually left the same day as Sierra did, so I felt like everyone was gone the same time! Now that Drew has been in Breda, all she has told me is that everyone is so nice, it is a gorgeous city, and it has been raining. Go figure.

Just thinking about how I will be there so soon makes the butterflies in my stomach go crazy! Ten days, well after tonight, it will be nine.

One thing that I can say going into this, is that there are mixed feelings. Yeah, going to college was one thing, but moving to another country is something like no other. Thinking about all the places I will see, all the people I will meet, and all the crazy things I will do really makes college even more worth while.

Nine more days!!

Friday, January 16, 2015

Less than a MONTH away!

When I got that acceptance letter back in October, it seemed more like an idea, and something real. It is January of 2015 already, and I am getting ready to leave! I never really felt this feeling before. I am real nervous, but anxious, and so excited to explore the world, all at the same time.

My friend Sierra that I have talked about in previous posts, is leaving on Sunday Jan. 18. We said our goodbyes on Thursday Jan. 15 right before I went on air for the news. It was crazy. We were getting ready to do a run-through when I heard, "Sister! I am leaving!" I wanted to cry. We took a picture, hugged it out, and promised that we will meet up again in February when I go visit her, or when she comes to visit me.

Needless to say, it wasn't the best run-through I had before a show because I was so sad about her leaving! I mean, here I am sitting on my couch writing this, knowing that she is just 30 minutes away. She is spending time with her mom and dad before they part ways on Sunday.

I have a lot of mixed feelings. One minute I will be totally stoked, thinking about all the places I will travel, and all the people I will meet, and all the cool things I will be able to do. And then the next minute I am sobbing because I know that I will not only miss living in my apartment here in Flagstaff, but I will miss Alex (my boyfriend of 2 years), like crazy!

Alex told me that he would try his hardest to come and visit me in the Netherlands. Now, he doesn't think he will. It makes me feel heart broken knowing that I won't see him for 6 months. He still needs to get his passport, and I keep telling him to go get one already! It is pretty annoying.

Outside of the passport issue, Alex will be moving to Phoenix when I leave, to work with who knows what. At this point, all I know is he is working the Super Bowl, and will be busy with filming and such in March. So, I understand that he needs to save up money, and worry about him, but I think any girl would be in the same shoes as me when it comes to being sad about this.

Anyways, I leave in two weeks. In two weeks from when I am writing this, I will be on the plane to Philly (my first stop), and then make way to Amsterdam. I guess the last week I spend in my apartment, I eat all the enchiladas, cheeseburgers, and ice cream sandwiches I can, before I am cut off from them for a while!

I'm Accepted! Before You?

So I applied for NHTV Breda in October. To my surprise, I was accepted almost right away. I got a letter saying that I was in! Now, the only thing that was in my mind, was that Sierra applied way in advance, and hadn’t heard back. In about a week or two, she heard back from Limerick telling her that she was in! It was like Christmas for us. Knowing that we will be studying in another country for 6 months, it seemed un-real. The biggest issue though, came after the acceptance letter. That is when it seemed like all hell broke lose.

You would think that it would be all daisies and sunshine. Nope. Anyone to think that, MUST be crazy! 

After that acceptance letter, and a number of Facebook likes late, I had to find somewhere to live, get a Visa, get set up for classes, get a flight, cancel my lease for my apartment, and figure out classes for when I get back to Flagstaff. 

The stress of studying abroad hit me pretty darn hard. I was so stressed about how I was going to pay for everything, and I just started to feel convinced that it wasn't going to work out. My dad kept telling me, "don't worry about the money. I won't let you struggle." Well I guess there is a reason why he is my best friend! He has been helping me through this crazy journey.

I'm Packing My Things, and Moving to the Netherlands

My name is Kaleigh Emery. I am a senior at Northern Arizona University. I major in Broadcast Journalism, and have a minor in Electronic Media and Film. I came to NAU because I want to be a sideline reporter for the NHL. Now, from this information, you would probably be thinking, “why in the world would she be studying abroad in the Netherlands, if she wants to cover Hockey!” Well, I’ll tell you why. 

My whole life, I have always wanted to travel. I wanted to see the world, see what things were out there, and see different cultures. When I was still in High School, I wanted to plan a trip to Europe, but money was my number one problem. After coming to college, I still wanted to study abroad, but it was looking like Australia was my only option. Totally not opposed to going there. I soon realized that when working for the local news station, by life became non-stop. I was working all the time, and I never had time to slow down. The idea of wanting to study abroad, slowly came to a halt.

Freshman year, I met this girl in my Theatre 101 class. She just so happened to work at the same news station as I did. Sure enough, we became like sisters.

So we skip a year or two, when she is a junior and I am a senior. We are best friends, used to live together and all that jazz. I go over to her dorm one night, when she tells me that she has the opportunity to study abroad in Limerick, Ireland. My first response was something like, “I don’t think that is a good idea because you have things going so good for you right now, you are on the right path, blah blah blah.” It seemed to be one excuse after the other as of why she shouldn’t go.

It comes time to around September, close to October. Sierra applies for the University of Limerick. Plenty of fights later, I understand where she is coming from.

Well, one day after class, one of my friends Alexa told me that she was going to study abroad in the Netherlands. My first thought is, “well that’s cool.” It was cool. She told me something that I will never forget. She said, “Dude, if you don’t go, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Go. You will never have an opportunity like this.”

So, me being me, I went home, got on the computer and did some research. Ten minutes later, I am on the phone with an advisor asking if I can come over to talk about studying abroad.

About an hour after that phone call, I was texting my boyfriend Alex about it. He was shocked to say the least. I kept thinking about what Alexa told me, and how important those words really are. Still to this day, I think about what she said, and know how true it is. 

Time flew so fast, that before I knew it, I was applying for NHTV in Breda, Netherlands.