I'm here. Lithuania.
I look at it almost like graduating early. I so miss my roommates, friends, profs, even just the feel of walking across Taylor's campus. However, simply put - ten years down the road, the regret of not going would be greater than going.
Today marks a week since boarding the plane, and yep, it's difficult. Insert the cliche, "nothing important was ever easy" or something like that - you get it.
Anyways, I'm trying not to look at what I'm missing and instead focus on experiences gained. This list will basically catch you up:
- arrived in the capital, Vilnius, last Tuesday - dropped off luggage and they had us moving with a nonstop tour of the city for the next couple days
- loaded up on a bus Thursday morning, stopped by Lithuania's one and only castle, kept truckin' to Klaipeda (pronounced kind of like clay-pe-da)
- oriented to LCC's campus/student life/rules etc etc etc on Friday
- toured Klaipeda on Saturday, a neighboring town(s) on Sunday
- met roommates from Albania Sunday night
- started classes on Monday
So the schedule has been crazy to this point, but a routine is beginning to settle in and the kick to explore is starting to return.
Before we venture to that, the FAQ:
What language to they speak in Lithuania? Lithuanian, closely followed by Russian. LCC is an international school where English is spoken in the classroom, though the dorms are filled with languages from the 26 countries represented by the students.
Why Lithuania? Complete whim at first. As one of the few programs with easily-transferable business courses, I knew it could be fit into my schedule relatively easily (as a sophomore). The fact that I waited until senior year threw some curveballs, but after some strikeouts I managed first...only a home run until I walk across the stage.
And where is it? See this map. And as long as you're at it, Lithuania has such a rich history. This is a pretty basic overview, but what really interests me is the implications of the Nazi/Soviet occupations. I'm only beginning to get a grasp of their impact.
You're going last semester of senior year. Like I said, 10 years down the road, the regret will be bigger if I don't go than if I do. Easy decision from there.
What classes are you taking? Introduction to Lithuanian, Service Marketing, New Product Development, Introduction to Theology, Cross Cultural, and an online Microeconomics course. The Lithuanian course is primarily language focused, and was chosen based on my opinion that if you're going to live somewhere, you need to learn the language. Microeconomics was one of those curveballs that I thought could be taken care of here, but wasn't offered. Online class it is. The other classes are just those last few TU requirements.
Are you going to travel a lot? Where? At first, this was a big pull to the program. They really encourage traveling and seeing all there is to see. However, the study abroad director from Taylor made a great point: we won't get many opportunities to actually live abroad. So, while we're here, invest in the community. Be a part of it. Live here. Maybe I'll change my mind halfway through, but at this point I'm thinking maybe one or two trips in addition to the study abroad itinerary (St. Petersburg, Moscow, Riga, Tallin). As for where -- wherever is cheapest. There's no way I could pick with so many places so close.
When do you come back? May 22 I land in Chicago. The fambam will pick me up, and we'll go straight to Taylor to walk on the 24th. Talk about a whirlwind.
...
If you get anything from this post, get that I'm excited. Maybe I don't quite sound like it quite yet, but believe me, I am. This is an incredible opportunity to explore not only my surroundings, but who I am outside of the norms I have come to know and rest on over the past few years - so pumped for it to unfold.
Emails are always a treat: sarah.e.davis1@gmail.com and snail mail is great too:
Sarah Davis
LCC International University
Kretingos g. 36
Klaipeda 92307
I just love reading your blog, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
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