This year has been everything I could've hoped for and more. I won't sugarcoat it and pretend that everything went well, because it didn't. The first 3 months in Austria were some of the most difficult I have ever experienced in my short 23-years of life. It wasn't easy meeting Austrians, especially since most of my classes were with all Americans or foreign exchange students. It wasn't easy getting used to the culture. Whoever said Germany and Austria are one in the same was lying. But I got through those first few months and then got proactive and met people through the student church group, and I'm so glad I did. I also took advantage of my time abroad and traveled around 8 different countries on 2 continents. I was able to visit so many wonderful German families that I love so very much, and enjoyed visiting friends all over Europe. This year has taught me so much, and I'll be forever grateful for it. It's an experience no one can understand unless you've lived it. I have much more sympathy for what people have to go through when they live in a foreign country. It's not all fun and games. But if you put yourself out there and try and meet people it can help the situation to an extent.
2 weeks from Monday I will be heading back home, carrying with me a knowledge of German and of myself that I simply didn't have in the beginning. Not sure where I will end up next year after finishing my degree, but I am confident what happens will be for the best. A few years ago I would've never expected that I would spend a year abroad in Austria of all places! But it worked out perfectly in the end. I had the support of good friends who were just a train ride away in Bavaria, and was able to meet some great people in Salzburg.
To those of you who helped me during my time here: I appreciate you very much. You are what made this experience a positive one for me.
Love, Molly
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