40 days. 40 days until I leave the comforts of home, the familiar faces of my loved ones, the warm summer sunshine, and the beauty of living just a five-minute drive from the beach. In a little over a month’s time, my bags will be packed and I will be trading all this to start my new adventure in the cold, wintry town of Malmö in Sweden.
Excitement and nervousness are just two of the very many emotions to describe how I have been feeling. The very thought of living solo for over half a year daunts me, let alone being halfway across the world from home! I often catch myself thinking ‘you’re crazy Isabela, how can you possibly live by yourself in a FOREIGN country, you’re most advanced meals are two minute noodles!!!’ But I know I am ready to take on my biggest adventure yet, to study in Sweden (!!!), meet new people and experience different cultures.
I don’t really have any idea what to expect when I arrive in Malmo- but I do know that I will be making the most of every day and taking every opportunity that arises! I’m looking forward to the different educational system, and of course, living in university housing and only being 20 minutes away from Denmark- a whole different country… (how crazy is that?!)
Planning and researching definitely multiplies my excitement levels! After I finish my studies in Malmo University, I plan to travel and backpack around Europe. A few friends and I have already booked to go island hopping around the four main Greek Islands for two weeks, so I’m super excited!
I’m also planning to travel around Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. I think the best thing is the fact that I don’t have everything planned and set in stone, so the idea of not knowing which country or city that time will take me is very exciting!!
Time is flying by so quickly, and with so much organising and planning still left to do, I’m not sure how I’ll manage to fit everything in! In a blink of an eye, I’ll be waving goodbye to Adelaide. I’m excited beyond words, and I can’t wait for my biggest adventure yet… bring it on 2017!!!
Isabela Kodhyat, Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary Schooling), Bachelor of Arts, Semester 1 2017 exchange at Malmo University, Sweden